Christian Peacock

"It's All Related" a new venture from me.

2012-01-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

I have been closely involved with the San Francisco flagship Apple store in producing creative speaker events in partnership with the APA photography organization.

I have had a successful career as an advertising photographer. Working on major marketing campaigns for multi-national corporations. The common thread with all my work has been my humanity and ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera. The people at Apple have recognized this ability and have asked me to conduct one-on-one interview series for their stadium stores. So instead of a camera to record the event, I will use a microphone.

To learn more about this new venture please visit my new blog "It's All Related" and find out who will be my upcoming guest. I am very excited about this new opportunity to explore the world around us.

christianpeacockitsallrelated.blogspot.com

A photo of me and Executive Print & Art Producer Jacqueline Fodor at the Apple Store

Photo credit: Rob Prideaux

Mixing and Matching

2012-01-06T17:53:00.000-08:00

I was doing some inspirational research about classic painting techniques, then I recalled some photos I did a while ago for a client. The shots never ran. I decided to play around with them and see what I can come up with running them through my iPhone.

Jody at the SFMOMA

2011-12-24T09:43:00.000-08:00

Jody and I did a day at the museum. We went to see the Francisca Woodman exhibit. A very thought provoking exhibition of self portraits by a young woman exploring and questioning her identity. How can one not be moved and inspired by what is hanging on the walls.

Jody Frost as The Black Widow

2011-12-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Jody and I spent an afternoon in Oakland's historic Mountain View cemetery. We were experimenting with some ideas for my 1960's film icon project. It just stopped raining and the sun came shinning through the dark clouds. That always makes for excellent lighting conditions.

Friendship and Cindy Merrill

2011-12-14T21:32:00.000-08:00

One of the benefits of living a full and rich life is having long time friends. Cindy and I haven’t seen one another in about ten years. To reconnect a friendship is a treasure that only comes with folks who have lived a life. It was a real treat to met up again. We collaborated on a number of very memorable photo shoots in the past when Cindy was a hair & makeup artist. Now she has started a new business venture called Cindy O’Brien Aesthetics a full service skin care studio in Napa. Plus a new product line of anti aging serum called “The Bomb” She is still very much involve in helping woman achieve their own beauty.

http://www.cindyobrienaesthetics.com/

Here are some photos of Cindy just the other day. The biggest difference this time is she is now in front of the camera as oppose to standing behind it. It's really wonderful to see her in all her glory as a beautiful woman. We met up at a fund raiser for the Napa Valley Symphony. There was a fashion show in which Cindy was a model for. Here is a shot of Cindy standing on the runway just about to do her strut. It was so much fun to she her work it.

Here is one of our more memorable photos that she helped me on back when she was doing hair and makeup. Even back then Cindy had a touch of grace and elegance that help each photo transcend the accustomed.

A very nice shot of the two of us. Good friends.

APA "Something Personal" Photo Acceptance

2011-11-18T12:28:00.000-08:00

My "Candace Pulling the Sheets" photograph has been selected to be in this year's APA "Something Personal" exhibition. A nice little note about this photo was that it was shot and imaged with the iPhone.

Nothing Beats the Real Thing

2011-11-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

Last week I was in New York City for the national APA board meeting. One of the main reasons for flying out to the East coast is so everybody gets to meet one another in person. What a difference in relationships it makes when you actually meet a person in the flesh. You can experience their mannerisms, charm and other natural charter traits, that one cannot sense over the telephone of keyboard.

This morning I saw a video that had a short interview with Carlein van der Beek. What a revelation to see her speak and gesture. She became a real person to me at that moment. Something more than a fellow artist who works in the same medium. I knew her work. I have read her text, but all that added up to an impression that has been crafted for me by Carlein. Seeing her live, gave me the opportunity, to experience her in a more organic form. Yes it was a video interview, not as good as being there in person, but a step in the right direction, which made Carlein more real to me.

The attached photo is an excellent example of that great energy that happens when people get together. This was an unplanned event. Eight APA board members jammed into a small elevator. Theresa Raffetto took a fast grab shot with her camera. That one shot captured the spirit and comradeship of people being together. Nothing beats the real thing.

I needed to produce something beautiful

2011-10-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

I needed to produce something beautiful. Life was getting a little too intense with all the upsetting news. Images of dead dictators, angry protestors on both sides. murdered zoo animals and a terrible economy, I needed to go back into my files and pull out some beauty from within me.

Last year I photographed the lovely and talented ballet dancer Sarah Bukowski dancing with a torch. The shoot was part of my match light series. During the shoot I experimented a little with motion and flame. Here is a two-minute clip with a few stills added. Something I put together last night, to help take the edge off.

Click in this link to view the movie in Vimeo.
http://vimeo.com/30880692

Click on screen grab to view
the movie in Vimeo

Erich Loading Film

2011-10-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Yes. It still happens! Every now and then.

David's Beard

2011-10-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

My friend David Weiner grew his mustache & beard in this manner for a role he is playing in a Moliére play.

The Spirit of Anouk Aimée

2011-09-03T16:49:00.001-07:00

Suzan Mikiel and I spent a day in the Hollywood hills capturing the spirit of the French film actress Anouk Aimée. With the wonderful help of makeup artist Astra Ramyead we were able to go back in time create a mood of the 1960’s .

Back Stage with Saraghina

2011-08-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

Capturing the spirit of Fellini was a team effort, which started with a suggestion from Martha Blanchfield of RenegadePR. From there I have shot a number of 1960’s inspired film icons. One of the first projects was a tribute to Federico Fellini characters and vision. Instead of a single image I shot a series of images to tell stories. Here is the oldest story of all – love. How men are fools when in the company of a woman that is more than he can handle. Click on any of the images, and they will take you to my webpage that displays the stories.

I could not have done this project without the fantastic help and contributions of some truly talented and amazing people. There is no one more perfectly cast as the role of Saraghina than Jane Schafgans. Her fabulous hair and outgoing personality was a match made in heaven. My good friend David Weiner as the clown. A role he was destining to play.

Veronica Sjoen from Artist Untied did such an inspired makeup job with her clown face and Saraghina radiance of hair and face. While Heather Sansky, also with Artist Untied, styled the talent with spot on wardrobe and meticulous details. A big thank you has to go to Jon Lucca at Artist Untied for his support and encouragement throughout this project.

http://www.artistuntied.com/

And my very good friend Jody Frost for capturing the spirit of the shoot.

Tuareg Jeweler

2011-08-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

For some crazy reason I did not have a direct posting to my documentary of Elhadji Koumama. Elhadji is the man who inspires me to be true to myself. He often says "For which we do" meaning his tribe of silver artisans who have been making silver jewelry for over a thousand years.

So here is an easy link to the video. Click on the image to view the video.

Thanks,
Christian

Theatrical Themes

2011-08-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

My summer project has been creating theatrical themes with a 1960's film twist. Starting with felliniesque concept of Saraghina and the foolish clown, then onto the black widow checking up on her dead husbands. Too the bongo beatnik party, ala Funny Face. To see more of these photos got to my website.

A new video on Suzan Mikiel

2011-06-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

Suzan Mikiel is a street photographer who recently moved to Los Angeles from New York City. She is another iPhoneographer that I know. She shoots in the more traditional style of street photography and tries to keep her post production stylization to a minimum. In this video she describes what it is like to transition from one city to another in search of new beginnings.

Click on the image to see the movie.

One of my iPhone shots of Suzan during the filming in LA.

http://vimeo.com/25783292

My photo on AOL

2011-06-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

Life on the web is shorter than a fruit fly's life span.
My photo of "Candace Pulling the Sheets" was up for only a couple of hours, but it got some attention because of the teaser tag line AOL used. I guess cheap tricks will work sometimes.

Candace Smoking video

2011-05-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

This was an experiment using the iPhone for capturing both still and motion, then editing it all together in Final Cut. The model and I didn't have anything planned on the day of the shoot. We just kind of knocked around a few ideas. This may be a little rough around the edges, but I think it's worth posting, just to show the creative process. It's short so take a look.

http://vimeo.com/23421719

Baring One's Soul

2011-04-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Just keeping simple and direct, stories come out of the photo. What does the upside down triangle mean?

May 10th. Speaking Engagement

2011-04-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Shoot What You Love and Good Things will Follow.

Another reminder about my up coming speaking engagement sponsored by the Northern California Professional Photographers group.

-------

I will be speaking May 10th before the NCPP
Northern California Professional Photographers group

at the Marriott Hotel
2355 North Main Street
Walnut Creek, CA in the Sacramento Room lower level.

6:15-7:00 Social Hour
7:00-9:00 Speaking Event

Below is the upcoming announcement by the NCPP. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Do What You Love and The Money Will Follow

Our speaker for May 2011 is Christian Peacock, a commercial photographer and renowned lecturer on the subject of photography and how it influences our lives as professionals. Christian will explain to us why he takes photographs, and how his love of photography projects onto his clients. His enthusiasm and energy translates into sales.

“This is which we do”. Christian adopted this expression to explain to people why he takes photographs. “It’s something I have to do - It’s in my DNA.” He captures the human spirit using his camera. His lifelong relationship with photography is compelled by his curiosity to observe and participate.

From his very first photograph at the age of five to a very prolific creative burst of energy today, Christian will talk about the influence photography has on everyone. Using examples of his lifework, he will share commonalities we all have with this medium. Showing examples of his commissioned work from worldwide branding campaigns, as well as personal images, he will explain how the images all have some connection to our lives. He uses all forms of image capture ranging from 4”x5” cameras to iPhones and multi-media to video to achieve his vision and tell the story.

Christian will inspire us with his positive message of “Do what you love and the money will follow.” The enthusiasm in which we approach our photographic endeavors will carry over to our clients, resulting in more income.

Don’t miss this engaging speaker on May 10!

Juene Femme de Reve

2011-04-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

I was asked to produce a movie using the iPhone for the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art exhibition on "Art of the iPhone." Along with four of my photographic prints, I created a 5:58 long piece using my iPhone. I decide to explore the duality of a woman's sensuality/sexuality. These two internal feelings and emotions than garner for attention in one's psyche.

I would like to thank Rachel Abby for her unselfish spirit and opening up her inner being. Keke Vasquez-Tamali'i for transforming Rachel with wonderful makeup and hair artistry. And Jody Frost for her unflappable support and guidance in keeping me inline as to not sway from the core meaning of the story.

Please enjoy.
Christian

http://vimeo.com/22488731

Do What You Love and The Money Will Follow

2011-04-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

I will be speaking May 10th before the NCPP
Northern California Professional Photographers group

at the Marriott Hotel
2355 North Main Street
Walnut Creek, CA in the Sacramento Room lower level.

6:15-7:00 Social Hour
7:00-9:00 Speaking Event

Below is the upcoming announcement by the NCPP. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Do What You Love and The Money Will Follow

Our speaker for May 2011 is Christian Peacock, a commercial photographer and renowned lecturer on the subject of photography and how it influences our lives as professionals. Christian will explain to us why he takes photographs, and how his love of photography projects onto his clients. His enthusiasm and energy translates into sales.

“This is which we do”. Christian adopted this expression to explain to people why he takes photographs. “It’s something I have to do - It’s in my DNA.” He captures the human spirit using his camera. His lifelong relationship with photography is compelled by his curiosity to observe and participate.

From his very first photograph at the age of five to a very prolific creative burst of energy today, Christian will talk about the influence photography has on everyone. Using examples of his lifework, he will share commonalities we all have with this medium. Showing examples of his commissioned work from worldwide branding campaigns, as well as personal images, he will explain how the images all have some connection to our lives. He uses all forms of image capture ranging from 4”x5” cameras to iPhones and multi-media to video to achieve his vision and tell the story.

Christian will inspire us with his positive message of “Do what you love and the money will follow.” The enthusiasm in which we approach our photographic endeavors will carry over to our clients, resulting in more income.

Don’t miss this engaging speaker on May 10!

Smoking a Cigarette

2011-02-20T17:11:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos shot on my Iphone of Candace smoking a cigarette. This was part of an experimental movie shot on the 4G Iphone. In the world of acting, smoking a cigarette is sometimes called business. It's gives them something to do with their hands.

Update time for Apple lecture on Feb 7th.

2011-01-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

Please note the time for the Apple lecture.
It is 6:30 - 7:30

Come and hear Christian discuss how photography has influenced and shaped his life and everyone else’s who has ever taken a photograph. From baby’s first steps, chance snap shots on vacation to memories of loved ones Christian will show samples of his images that will resonate with fellow photographers.

Serenity

2011-01-27T14:54:00.001-08:00

This was shot before the sun broke the horizon down in Big Sur.
This is a most excellent way to start the day of shooting.

Presenting at the San Francisco Apple Store

2011-01-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

Apple has asked me to present my life in photography. On February 7th. 6:30-7:30 I will be giving a multi-media presentation on living the life of a photographer. From age five up to present time. Everything on how it effects how I view life to how it defines the different aspect on everyday living.

Top photo; Elhadji Mohamed, and how he taught me a valuable lesson on accepting what I must do.
Bottom photo; Clockface Musée d'Osay, how a vacation grab shot can open new visions.

Time & date
February 7th. 6:30-7:30 pm
San Francisco Downtown Apple Store
One Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA. 94108

Latest iPhoneography shoot

2010-12-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

Shot and APPed with my new 4G iPhone. It's a little different working this device as to my 4x5 camera. But the way one lights and relate with the subject stays basically the same.

Reminds me of a funny comment I hear once in while, "Nice shot! What did you shoot it with?"
I reply "Nikon" They respond "Thought so. That why it's so good."

Documentary on Jaime Ferreyros

2010-11-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

Click on the image to view my latest documentary on Jaime Ferreyros, iPhoneographer. He speaks about his craft and process of using his iPhone to create stunning images.

A nice mention in Cult of Mac

2010-10-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice little article in Cult of Mac about the San Francisco Apple store event. Thank you Nicole Martinelli for attending this "Art of the Iphone" gathering.

www.cultofmac.com

In this photo Max Berkowitz, Me, Maia Panos, Knox Bronson. and a thank you to William Storage for taking the clean well lit photograph.

Work That Make a Difference

2010-10-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

Last year I did a multi-media video on a Tuareg silversmith named Elhadji Koumama. The video was made for two reasons, I have been involve with Elhadji and his community of artisans and wanted to help tell his story to a wider audience, second I wanted to try my hand at producing multimedia.

I felt if I am going to put the effort into producing a video, it better have a purpose! The results from this project have been fantastic. Canoe magazine from Africa picked up the story and ran a feature and National Geographic just launched a page on its retail store site, with a link to view the movie.

This just helps reconfirm my belief that if one feels strongly about an idea then the commitment of time and resources into a project will eventfully be worth it. For Elhadji and his fellow artisans, it is the support from people from all around the world. For me is the knowledge of knowing that my work matters and can make a difference.

Link to Canoe Africa
http://www.canoeafrica.com/

Father/daughter project

2010-09-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Natalie is getting close to finishing her schooling at the Cinta Aveda Institute. Soon she will be legal for doing hair. Did you know one needs 1600 hours of schooling before you can take the state exam? Her friend Danielle came over yesterday. Natalie colored and cut her hair, plus did the makeup. She asked me to take some photos. Here are a few samples using different cameras.

My photos to be exhibited at San Francisco Apple store

2010-09-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

Monday September 27th. 6:00-8:00

Apple Store Downtown San Francisco, CA

One Stockton Street,

There will be a special live event featuring art of the iPhone at the downtown Apple store in San Francisco. This exhibition will feature collective works from a worldwide group of artist using the iPhone as a tool for artistic expression.

Come and join me as I discusses my partnership with a group of artist as they explore the creative possibilities using this exciting new media art form.

Iphonegraphy and the Stylized Image

2010-08-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

Photo:Christian Peacock - Image Stylization: Joan Bada

I first became aware of iPhongraphy when Knox Bronson asked me to be a judge for this year’s Oakbook Iphonegraphy exhibition. This was my introduction into the world of dedicated artist and their highly stylized images shot with the iPhone.

Knox is the curator at http://pixelsatanexhibition.com/ I recommend you visit this site to see some very stunning images done with the iPhone.

These submitted images were refreshing and exciting to see. The styles were wide open. The fact that they were produced with an almost ubiquitous piece of equipment is what makes it exciting. There is a feeling that anyone can do this. It’s always in your pocket or handbag, ready at any given moment.

The actual act of snapping the shutter is just momentary, in most cases the real art comes in the great efforts during the post-production aspect of the process. Some call it APPing. An abbreviated term for application, those famous add on’s that has made the iPhone so popular. In the world of Iphonegraphy there are numerous APPs developed to aid the artist in their stylizations of their captured image. Some as simple as lighten a photo or color adjust to very sophisticated as constructing a montage then stressing the image to like something from another genre. It is evident there is great skill and patience in producing the final outcome of the more stunning images. There are some APPs on the market that are gaining notoriety for their ease of use interface. They are like the flavor of the month and soon become oversaturated in usage.

Then there are artist who spends hours working away with their fingertips on a piece of the most modern of technology. Resulting in a personal statement done with the provided resources. I have dabbled in the APPing phase but always seem to lack the time and patience to produce anything truly remarkable. There comes to a point where I wanted try an experiment. What if I photographed a series of photos with my iPhone and have some of the Iphonegraphy artist stylize the images. The photos I would submit would be somewhat different from what most of the work I’ve seen being produced with the iPhone. I was to shoot a session photographing a model. Something pre-visualized and worked through, a set of images that can work as a thematic body of work. The twist being having other people collaborate in the post-production end. Knowing the limitations of camera and lens in the iPhone poses unique challenges in capturing compelling images. Being a photographer my whole life I had to learn to let go of totally controlling every aspect of the technical end. Kind of go with the flow, well almost. With the limited contrast capability of the camera and the tendency for lens flair, I scouted locations that would work best for the iPhone camera. I could also use constant lighting and fill cards if needed. Plus a tripod, always a tripod! That one piece of equipment will make the most dramatic improvement to a photograph.

The actual session is treated the same way as any other photo session I have done through the years. There will be a good edit after the shoot. Then the images are shipped off for the artist to do their magic. After reviewing the results, I have learn quite a bit on what to do the next time I shoot with the iPhone and submit for final stylizations. I can predetermine a certain look and shoot for an effect. I’m excited to delve deeper into this process and my head is swirling with new ideas. I must hurry before the next new generations of APPs hit market.

To view more samples of the Sarah project visit. this page.
http://pixelsatanexhibition.com/people/nudes/the-sarah-remix-project-3/

Christian Peacock August 26, 2010

Kinetic Sculpture

2010-07-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

Check out this link featuring a very cool kinetic sculpture. I love how in real life you can have an almost black & white environment that moves.

http://www.artcom.de/kinetik/

Kashi Good Friends effect on People

2010-05-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I shot the cereal packages of Kashi's Good Friends. This blog post from Amateurgoumet.com came across my path reminded me how some projects have a life of their own. Still to this day when people hear that I shot "Good Friends" they will tell me all about their breakfast eating habits. The art work on the package has changed and I was not part of the new photography, but none the less it's still a good ice breaker at cocktail parties. Please read this post about one woman's experience with all those smiling faces.

"My Cereal Killing Spree"
http://www.amateurgourmet.com/2004/07/my_cereal_killi.html

Remembering Jim Marshall's Photography

2010-03-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.marshallphoto.com/

I first became aware of Jim Marshall's photographs when I was an impressionable young lad growing up in San Francisco. I did not know of his rock & roll exploits or any other of the soon to be made legendary stories. I only knew of his work and his photography was one of the most influential and inspiring body of work that had a lasting impression. His photography captured something deeper and more personal than some of the other work being published at the time. Plus his final prints were so rich and lush. His images of Miles Davis, Ray Charles and Big Mama Thorton showed what it was like to print rich toned dark skin. A gray scale that just runs so deep into the silver of the print. The true definition of "Black Pearl". But not just considering technique, his empathy to capture Johnny Cash's relationship with June Carter was so spot on. His iconic shot of Janis Joplin sitting alone backstage with a bottle of Southern Comfort in her hand. While at the peak of her creative powers she looks slouched and despondent., That one shot packs a more emotional punch, than a hundred Jim Marshall "F" bombs.

One of his most remarkable photographs is of Miles Davis sitting on a stool in the corner in a boxing ring. Shirtless and his arms are outstretched, Miles has totally surrendered himself to Jim. What a accomplishment! If you know the personality of Mile Davis, you would know that this image it truly unique in capturing Miles Davis. Normally taciturn and defensive, Miles trusted Jim so much as to let him into this small moment inside the proverbial boxing match of a photo shoot. Go ahead and search the internet and look for a more accessible photo of Miles Davis! I haven't found one yet. That was the genius of Jim Marshall.

Jim's photography was the total package. Great content backed up by excellent technique.

Latest email promo.

2010-02-25T18:38:00.001-08:00

Erich Loading Film

2010-02-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

Yes. It still happens! Every now and then.

The Future of Books

2010-02-15T18:36:00.000-08:00

Last week Miki Johnson Social Media Editor for livebooks.com spoke at the APASF Creative Professional Apple event about the future of books. She covered many different topics and examples of new forms of books appearing on the scene. I was a most intrigued by an interactive book where a viewer can participate alongside President Obama’s career while in office book. All the books she mentioned had some form of connection with social media, which makes sense, that’s Miki’s specialty. She did bring up a very important insight about the anticipated need to own and hold a photography book in one’s hand. Something tangible, something fixed in time.

Almost all photographers would like to see their work published in some kind of book form. It’s a sense of permanence of one’s work. Ink on paper. With the introduction of the Ipad and other electronic base publishing is there any real permanence to a photograph if it is only published in electronic form? Or will our photographs come under the same usage agreement as advertising parlance “Period of use; two years. Seen by millions, then forgotten.”

The other day I was in my garage searching for some odd item when I came across a first edition book published by Aperture The Americas by Robert Frank. My wife bought this book years ago and packed away for safekeeping. What a pleasant surprise. I sat down and went through the book and then went on EBay to figure out it’s worth. Not that I am selling it, but I wanted to know its monetary value. I placed the book along side my other photography books of note. Irving Penn’s Passage, Albert Watson’s Cyclops, John Szarkowski’s Looking at Photographs, to name a few. It’s a comfortable feeling knowing where I can pull inspiration at any time. I do this almost every time I’m about to do a photography shoot of consequence. Spreading out a photography book on my lap and absorbing its contents is one of life’s pleasures. I have friends who have a room full of books just for this reason. I think we call them libraries.

I don’t know what the future may lay for photography books. The newer publishing of book prospects sound exciting, but I hope it is an additive process, where we can still keep the bounded beauty with that smell of paper, varnish and ink. I like books edited with intelligence and a singular voice. There has been a lot of talk about opening up publishing to the masses. Letting them create content and changing it at moments notice. Sounds like blogging to me. Think of the new style of books as blogs. A few will be note worthy, but most will be forgettable. Unfortunately the most relevant topic will be hammered down to the bottom of the page and eventfully delegated to “older post” heading. Will someone be able to accidentally come across it in his or her garage thirty years from now?

Accounting for Photographers

2010-02-15T18:32:00.000-08:00

APA stands for Advertising Photographers of America. Advertising is commerce and commerce means business. Being a member of APA means you made a serious commitment to being a commercial photographer, therefore it is imperative you run your business end of photography with the same integrity as your creative part. Unless you have a business partner who takes care of the money matters, the final responsibility rest on your shoulders. Having a firm grasp on the fundamentals of bookkeeping is important in this business as with any other enterprise. Even more so with commercial photography! Depending on the scale of a photo shoot, a photographer can be responsible with hundreds of thousand of dollars in over a short period of time. Along with general overhead, keeping track of shoot expenses just compounds the importance of good fundamental book keeping practices.

This coming week APASF will be presenting “Navigating Your Finances For Success” photo accounting 101. At 7:00 pm on February 4th at Dogpatch Studios, finance & accounting consultant, Petra Duffoo will be speaking to commercial photographers on setting up fundamental accounting practices for the photographer. Last year’s event was a sold out success that was very informative and a kick in the pants. Last year’s attendees came away with a much better understanding of setting up QuickBooks and the importance of consistency in book keeping. We have asked her back for an encore lecture.

There is no mystery to good book keeping; there is mystery in fear. The fear of revealing the truth on one’s business affairs. I have heard the same concerns from business people in all industries. Knowing the truth on the financial health of their company and facing the decisions on dealing with it. Photographers are no different. I must confess it is easy to rationalize why photographers don’t practice sound business sense. You have heard some of these expressions before.

“It something I love to do, how can I charge for it?”

“I got to bid in low, if not, I won’t get the job.”

“It’s OK, I’m on the computer all the time anyway.”

“This business runs hot and cold, it’s impossible to keep a consistent cash flow.”

“I’m artist! I’m not expected to have good business sense!”

Believe me, I am a much better artist when I don’t have to worry about my bank balance. Knowing where I stand financially helps me make better decisions artistically. Petra Duffoo will present accounting for photographers in a pleasant and easy to understand manner. You won’t feel like you are swallowing medicine, or being brow beaten. You may actually walk away feeling inspired! Having balance in life, both artistically and financially is what we strive for. We photographers do continuing education to keep abreast of the latest trends and technology. It’s just as important to keep current with the latest tax laws. You won’t be a well-balanced person if you are leaning to heavily in one area over the other. Now is the time to invest in a little left-brain activity.

APA "Something Personal" Selection

2009-12-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

This photo was selected for this year's San Francsico APA "Something Personal" photo exhibition. You can see some other selects from this shoot in my "Wellness" section of my website.

Latest email promo.

2009-12-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

This was shot for George Mark Children's House. It's titled "Shared Interaction" It sums up what was happening in the photo.

Tea Time with Elhadji

2009-08-31T10:46:00.001-07:00

During my filming of Elhadji Koumama demonstrating his lost wax jewelry process he would brew up some of his Tuareg style tea. It's a nice little break to take while the coals are drying out the clay pots that hold the wax. The tea is very strong and we all share from the same two glasses he carries in his bag. Being a nomadic person you only carry a few utensils and shares them among his friends and family.

Fire in Yosemite

2009-08-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a weekend in Yosemite and there was was an out of controlled fire burning near the HWY120 entrance. The fire started off as a controll burn then quickly out got out of control. Hummm. Starting a fire in August? Anyhow the smoke from the fire has filled up the valley. From this photo taken from the tunnel road you can see that Half Dome is almost obscured from the smoke. There were a number of helicopters dumping water on the fire. They would fly over the valley and pick up water from the Merced river below.

Everyone has an opinion on editing

2009-08-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

"Editing never ends!" Norman Maslov laments. It's an ongoing process, always a "constant" in the creative life of an artist.

All photographers edit their work, by some means. It can be from the very beginning of raising the camera up to their eye and deciding where to point it, to what to leave out of the frame, when to press the shutter, or even when to stop. It comes down to controlling what you want to say with your photograph. It could be a collaborative process, with an art director, representative, or trusted friend.

Every person edits with his or her own personal agenda. The photographer will edit their take with the personal eye of a photographer. The art director/picture editor will edit with their eye toward the concept or story. A rep will edit from the standpoint of marketing the artist. Everyone looking at the same session, everyone has a different opinion.

Mark Holhtusen mentioned, that with his very complex CGI photography work, it's the models expressions that he first starts to build his multi-layered composites from.

Maslov states, "An emerging photographer needs to edit their work much more tightly. At the beginning of their career, just to get people to look at your work and be remembered, they should have a narrower focus. Either it is style or thematic. This way they can establish themselves for one thing. Then later on when they become better known, they can stretch out in different directions."

Connie Wood, Senior Art Director at Charles Schwab, has worked on a number of library photo shoots, talks about how she goes through the process.

During a shoot we follow a scenario list throughout the day and as we work through the various scenarios we tag all the images shot with a naming convention that maps to the scenario list. Each scenario gets a folder which helps keep all editing contained to the objective of fulfilling on each scenario we set out to capture. Of course throughout the process of editing we always find hidden gems/unexpected moments, which capture a scene or an emotion better than anything we could have possibly staged. These are the shots I look for when I edit and I add them to the final batch of selects and try to sell them to the larger group in the final approval process. Generally many of those shots make it into the final batch.

I do like to see everything from the shoot. I do not expect the photographer to edit the shoot. I do however greatly appreciate it when the photographer recommends a set of selects from the shoot--his/her favorites. Generally I honor these selects and add them to the final set presented for publishing.

Generally my first impressions/instincts are the final published images. Often I can already see the final selects while on set. Seeing these shots as they happen often is the cue to move on to the next scenario.

Most people agree it's advantageous to have another person take a look at the edit. It's amazing what a set of "Fresh Eyes" can pick up sometimes. Plus most creative people agree it's their first impression that still holds up after reviewing the whole lot. I think we have all been in a portfolio presentation with an art director who flips through a book in rapid succession and knows instantly if it is a yes or no. That art director is editing your work right there in front of you. It's their first impression they are judging your work on.

Opinions vary as to what stays and what goes. Maslov remembers one time when one of his photographers, Sue Tallon, shot a personal series called "Ikea Food" a departure from clean classic appetizing food photography. At first Norman didn't think it would be a good fit on his website. Sue posted them on her site and received calls from art directors to shoot similar style work because of the high concept behind the photos. She was hired to photograph subject matter that replicated the look and feel of her images. Norman realized that there are AD's out who will be looking at some food photography from the conceptual point of view.

Personally I find it very intriguing to view photographers contact sheets and edit. In the past few years there have been great exhibitions of Diane Arbus and Robert Frank's work at the SFMOMA. At both of those shows, some of their contact sheets where displayed. I was able to see how Diane approached her subjects and get her shot. You can almost see her slow approach and capture of the person. While Robert Frank's contact sheets displayed a shooting style of quick one shot and scram approach. Then Frank would select that one shot from what seems as a random capture. You read their histories and you start to understand their personalities, you then see it in their edits. Imagine if Diane Arbus edited Robert Frank's work and visa versa?

Homage to Avedon & Frank

2009-07-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

I went to the Richard Avedon opening last night at the San Francisco MOMA. Along with the Robert Frank "America's" exhibition I walked away with my creative juices flowing. I try to recall some earlier images I shot that had direct influence from those two photographers.

Here are two shots from some years ago that I positively knew Avedon and Frank had a part in. In the beginning of any artist career they always experiment in other influential artist styles to see how they fit. Evolving from there to hopefully discovering a true personal voice.

Old Glory on a Wing

2009-07-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

I flew to Washington DC over the July 4th weekend on a Virgin America airplane. Outside my window was this view. Old glory on the tip of the wing. I tip my hat to the person who thought up this idea. Great color juxtaposition.

What New Lab Meant to Us

2009-06-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Being the newest managing editor of the San Francisco APA chapter "Advertising Photographers of America" I had to come up with story ideas. This is the first story to be published and it is on the local E6 processing lab "New Lab." They closed their doors in May after 29 years serving the photography community with great service and friendship. I asked a number of photographers to submit their thoughts about New Lab. Below is the artical.

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New Lab closed its doors last month. Its closing marked the end of an era here in the San Francisco photography community. The lab basically processed film, but what it meant to the community was more than that.

When I moved to San Francisco from New York City back in 1989 my experiences with E6 labs were typical of most New York photographers. We had all our film delivered by messengers and our communication was a short direct telephone call to an anonymous voice just giving processing instructions. Arriving in San Francisco I was informed of the two E6 labs in town that the majority of professional photographers patronized: Chromeworks and New Lab. I selected New Lab because they were on Cleveland alley, and closer to my studio at the time.

The local community did not embrace the concept of messengering film like it did in New York, I had to drive to the lab and actually drop it off and pick it up. Slowly, I started reviewing clip tests and asked the advice from some of knowledgeable people behind the desk. They were great.

Then New Lab moved to Bryant Street and had ample parking! More and more photographers and assistants started to linger and chit chat. We all became more familiar with Wendy, Paul, DanO, Lynn, Bill, Hugh, and Brian. New Lab had become the town square for photographers -- a place to unexpectedly bump into an old friend, or an assistant's opportunity to meet a new photographer. And for many years, they New Lab generously provided office space for both the APA and ASMP, in exchange for newsletter ads. They became a regional hub.

My friend Tom McAfee remembers going to the lab being one of the most pleasant parts of his day. "I know going to the lab was the highlight of (my dog) Sam's day -- he would somehow know and actually sulk if I went without him -- but who could argue with being fed treats by the likes of Wendy, etc.? They were always cutting the edge, and willing to share what they knew. A really, really great business model."

For Hector Herrera it was his first job in the photography world. "I really learned about professional photography. It was always an experience to look at the work of the best photographers, not only in the bay area but from all over the country,"

Richard Morgenstein aptly described some typical experiences many photographers have encountered at New Lab.

As I sit here in my digital dungeon, having just spent the past 3 hours retouching corporate portraits (NOT outsourced to India or Peru or Hungary), I am pretty sure that the closing of the New Lab marks the end of a photographic era.

While writing this, I am reminded of how much I miss from the film era. I especially miss the editorial portraiture world prior to the dot com bust. At the time, we knew we were having fun and making money, but only in retrospect is it clear what we have lost.

The death of the New Lab caps this loss. In San Francisco, there were basically two E-6 labs that catered to the professional, and the New Lab is the last to close. To say that they "processed our film" minimizes their importance to the photographic community.

I used both labs at times (remember cross-processing?), but due to the size and the physical layout of the New Lab, it was the easier place to socialize. I do not need to list the professional reasons that we used the New Lab, long considered one of the finest labs in the world. But instead I want to talk about having a place to meet other photographers, to see their work, to get and give advice, and generally to help build a community.

The average editorial shoot could take three trips to the New Lab (drop film for a snip test, come back to check the snips, and make one last trip to edit the film, package it and ship it off via Fed Ex). Since many of us were shooting upwards of 175 assignments a year, there were plenty of people to connect with at any of these stops.

This sense of community led directly to the formation of Editorial Photographers (EP) and its groundbreaking contractual deals with Business Week and Forbes Magazines. Many special circumstances allowed photographers to come together cooperatively in San Francisco, but without the New Lab as a catalyst, these things might never have happened. With the closing of the New Lab, we are reminded of our community's loss in the post-film world.

This is a belated but heartfelt thanks to the New Lab and, its employees and founders. We appreciate all of the support over the years. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

And finally Hunter Freeman felt comfortable enough to show his devilish charm in his remarks about the end of the New Lab era.

They were just the best film lab I've ever dealt with, including my six years in Manhattan.

Wonderful people to work with, always looking for perfection in what they did, and always ready to go the extra mile to help on any project. A hub of the photo community, you could always count on seeing other photographers there.

I played an April Fool's trick on them one time. I told them I was shooting a very important job, with very little time to shoot and test. I sent one sheet over to them for a super rush test, making sure that they would call me to give their opinion on the exposure - I had no time to go see for myself! :-) They called with horrible news, and said that there was "nothing on the film." I was shocked! :-) I asked if there was absolutely nothing on the film at all, "Not even a speck of anything, anywhere?" They dutifully checked again while I was on the phone, and said there was something small in one corner of the 8x10. I said, "Get a loupe and see what it is." That's when they realized what I'd done: In very small white type, in one corner of the 8x10, were the words "April Fool's!" They swore they would get me for that, though they never did get any payback - they were just too nice.

Super people, great service, great processing. New Lab was the best.

Personally, I remember one story about my trust in New Lab: while shooting a catalog in Arizona, a strange man came up to me and offered to process my E6 at a great price. I was suspicious, partly because he was wearing a black leather jacket and loafers in the middle of the dessert, but I just couldn't bear to have anyone else but New Lab touch my film. I simply didn't want to miss the secure feeling of coming home to a safe and friendly place, knowing there were people who cared just as much as we do about our film. New Lab was a community, a shared sense of professionalism; and it didn't have to be barked out loud for the whole world to hear. For those of us who walked though the doors, we knew we were entering a special place.

Iphone photos

2009-06-12T15:19:00.001-07:00

Letting it all hang out in the country.

Always say "Yes"

2009-06-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

My father told me to always say "Yes" when someone asks you to take their photo. One time I was almost ready to shoot a group portrait on location, when a group of Chinese business tourist came along. They asked if I could take their picture. Of coarse! One Polaroid for them and one for me.

What Inspires Us.

2009-06-03T16:51:00.001-07:00

This image of a six-year-old orphan boy from Austria was just handed a pair of shoes by a Red Cross worker. Gerald Walker shot the image. I first saw this photograph in a “Best of Life” publication when I was very young. This image moved me because the little boy’s feelings felt so pure and genuine. His expression of joy on his face showed me the power in the pleasure in the simplest of things. To be handed something so utilitarian as a pair of shoes that it could move someone to joy had a profound effect on me. Still to this day I keep in my memory-bank this photo, to inspire me to shoot something similar.

What has inspired you?

Sample of actual photo journal page.

2009-05-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

This is a sample from one of my photo journals. I used these pages for my template on my email promotions. This actual book is a few years old and is now out of commission. I have moved on to a new book. The color of the pages in the new book do not lend themselves as well for my promotions as this old book did.

Backstage at Flying Pixies

2009-05-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a little ditty of the silks being hung. Watch this Quick time movie.

Flying Pixies!

2009-05-28T05:11:00.000-07:00

Michele Adams, creative director at Dorland Global needed to come up with an ad for BD Biosciences new and improved diagnostic cell sorter machine. “Wow” how many art directors have had to come up with a creative solution to these types of projects? She was determined to do something more creative than the expected shot of equipment. She came up with the idea of a colorful circus aerialist flying through the air to represent colorful performance the new machine offered.

We both wanted to capture the sense of movement and depth, casting a small pixyish aerialist was the added touch to help convey the magic that goes on inside the machine.

From her past working experiences with me she trusted me to help conjure up the ideal aerialist performer. Casting a small pixyish aerialist was an added asset to the photograph. The metaphorical meaning of the photograph took on an added dimension to the ad. She has become the little color fairy inside the machine. For most technical types this would be scoffed at as pure fantasy. For after all they are serious researchers and little color pixies have no place in science, but to most people it still seams a little bit like magic on how these machines work.

On set the talent gave us her all in fantastic feats of strength on the tissues. (Term used for hanging silks by those circus people in the know.) I also shot a number of exposures of the tissue alone for post production use

There was a considerable amount of CGI work done on this shot and it was done in-house. Knowing the final image would have a rainbow of color applied over the tissues I shot the talent in a white unitard while hanging from the white tissues Plus a large quantity of tissue samples where shot to be used later for post-production.

After selecting the main body/expression image; the construction of the flying tissue took place. After many varieties of flying tissue ideas were developed we selected the one that felt the most like flying through the air. Then the process of adding color begun, again with many variations of color palette and blending to consider.

All it took was hard work and careful notes.

Cousin Chuckles

2009-03-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

I met a long lost relative on my wife's side of the family. Cousin Chuckles! What a unique guy. He lives in Tucson AZ. Wherever he goes, he hands out "Chuckles" candy bars. The staff at the restaurant waited in line to receive a complementary "Chuckles" bar from him. His pants pockets are just loaded with "Chuckles".

First entry

2009-03-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

This is a beta test. My first entry. I figure this will be an organic process, slowly building up over time. Adding favorite links and photos and such.