The video embedded above (if you can’t see it click here) is a pretty good substitute to the title of this post. My “cinematographer” wife and I apparently didn’t quite see eye-to-eye on how best to film the 15 second sequence, so let me help: it’s our former christmas tree plummeting to Earth from three stories up.
I was hoping for it to have made this impressive ‘whooshboom,’ but instead it just kind of went ‘theewphoofh.’ Pretty much the decibel level of a butterfly farting.
Anyways, the results were completely unexpected and not at all like I’d hoped for. In fact, it turned out so much better — kind of like 2011 — which was a beast of a year for me with a ton of life achievements, work goals met and shooting dreams reached.
Among the high points, our now 16 week-old baby girl named Tala Mae, celebrating one year of marriage to Jenna (who’s b’day is today), a slew of editorial and commercial projects AND the honor of receiving a PDN 30 2012 New and Emerging Photographers nomination (last year’s list)!
While I feel like I’ve made a fair amount of headway on things, there’s still so much more one can do. I’m incredibly dedicated to pushing forward since I absolutely love this industry and have a passion for getting my work in front of folks that can appreciate it.
So consider this a warning: I’m coming for you 2012. . .
EPILOGUE
One of my best friends, Dhanraj Emanuel, gave me a little perspective not too long ago as I was worrying about all the logistical challenges of an upcoming job.
He said, “Mike, are you having fun right now?” I said, “well no, I’m anxious as all hell for next week.”
He replied, “Miiike (he’s East Indian), come on maaan?! Shooting is fun. You need to stop worrying. You always over think. Just go and have fun. . . you know how to do all this stuff. You’ve been doing it for years; just go do it!”
Needless to say, I always have fun when I’m shooting. Too much sometimes and have to watch the jokes I tell. . . I do run lighting scenarios and what-if’s over and over in my head to the point where I light the job in my dreams! I guess the point here is to remember why I do what I do.
It’s the act. It’s the imagery. Trust your gut and react to what you can at the moment it pops up. Stay hungry and push yourself vision-wise. Think about that stuff and everything works itself out.
Regardless, I love what I got down in San Francisco on that gig and think it was in large part because I just kind of mantra’d out to “go with the flow dude, just go with the flow. You got this.”
Really can’t wait to see those images drop and share them as it signifies a different, more broad approach for the direction of my work in 2012. And super big bonus: had an amazing sitdown meeting over my portfolios at the offices of Wired Magazine!
Isn’t it an Oprah-Universe-Provides kind of thing that if I write “shoot job or three for Wired Magazine this year in 2012″ then it’ll happen. . . okay, hope so!
More always,
Clinard
PDN Interview – Assistant to Photographer
My interview with PDN magazine is live on their website today.
I had an in-depth conversation with them a couple months back about the steps I took to transition from assistant to photographer, so it’s super humbling to have one’s experience recounted for others to read and learn from.
There’s a lot of information there, but for those making their own march up or the seasoned pro who’s reminiscing, here’s what assisting represents to me:
It is a window of time to practice the business-side of photography on a micro level. In the beginning, you’re going to write horribly verbose email and stammer like crazy on the phone. For six months, no one is going to write you back, or they’re going to say “call me in six months.” You may get discouraged, but if you push through it, you’re going to find that your emails become razor sharp: tactful, witty and to-the-point. After some time, you’re going to make calls and find you’re in and out of it in a minute or two like it was a bank heist — resolve and clarity in your message.
Assisting is also the perfect stomping ground to learn the subtle art of negotiation and relationship building. You might agree to anything in the way of rate in the beginning. With enough time, you’re going to have three or four questions that act as a baseline to determine your value to them and their value to you. Day rates, travel days, and kit rental fees — even referring a colleague — become white poker chips since your actual economy is building and cementing new relationships.
Do that enough times, and you’re ready to make the leap. If you’ve got a killer voice and style to the work, then you’re doubly ready.
Super big thanks to David and Amber at Photo District News for the opportunity. Big shout to Kenny for pointing me toward their tweet.
More always,
Clinard