Finding a photographer? Working with your photographer? Getting the shot you want.

 

RECYCLE White w/Black © 2011
Post consumer recycle plastic
Artist: Harriete Estel Berman
Photo Credit: Aryn Shelander

Deadlines for new opportunities are always on the horizon so there is no time like the present to prepare for future opportunities.

Are you ready with amazing, quality photographic images?

Photo by Roger Schreiber
Glass by Jim Mongrain

Photographer Roger Schreiber says: "Quality sells" and "Remember more people see the photographic image of your work than ever see it in person."

Would you like to know the tips and tricks of professional photographer?

 

Next Tuesday's post on ASK Harriete features
Photography in Flux.  Recorded during the 2011 Professional Development Seminar this SlideShare presentation with audio includes the three Seattle photographers who tell us how to create better photographic images. Stay tuned, put it on your calendar.

 Williams Sonoma Bracelet
  from the California Collection
  Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

Your images need to be spectacular!

Wondering how to find a photographer?
Study the photos in the 500 Lark Books, top quality publications or look on the SNAG web site for a list of photographers. Another idea is to contact local art schools for graduating photo students.

   California Collection  © 2009
   Recycled tin cans
   Artist: Harriete Esetl Berman
   Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

Look for a photographer that takes great shots in your media, and style. You can also use the Professional Guidelines document titled, Guide to Professional Quality Images, to evaluate the photographer's portfolio before you ask them to photograph your work.

  California Collection © 2009
  Recycled tin cans, wood, paper
  Artist: Harriete Estel Berman
  Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

WORK WITH your photographer.
By that I mean, discuss in advance the type of image you want, the angle of the piece, and the side or view that you prefer. Photographer Doug Yaple wrote an excellent handout for the Professional Development Seminar during the SNAG 2011 Conference titled, Guidelines and Tips for Working with Photographers. Download DougYaple

  Fulsome Game
  Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

I often make a sketch of the image that I have in mind for my photographer, Philip Cohen.  He is welcome to experiment with his own ideas, too, but I usually have a good idea of what I want to see in the final image and make every effort to make my expectations clear.

 emiko oye suggests:
"If you aren't a skilled photographer (yet), best to hire a professional studio photographer and ask if you can observe the shoot. Some won't mind if you quietly look on while they shoot your pieces, but it's best to ask."

"Do your homework before your appointment and look at magazines and books for the type of shots that you are attracted to and bring these to the attention of your photographer so they know how to style your shots."

Get the shot you want!
During the PDS, Doug Yaple said, "Don't overlook getting in tight to accent something critical."  Your detail image should be able to stand alone on its own merits AND be a companion image to your full view. Carefully consider the meaning, content, story, or inspiration behind the work and try to capture this in the detail photo. 

The time and money required to produce professional quality images is relatively small in comparison to all the work you put into a finished piece.  It is an investment. The pay off comes from the free publicity, visibility and long term credibility that you can receive when you are included in a exhibition, book or magazine!

ACTION PLAN:

Read GUIDE to PROFESSIONAL QUALITY IMAGES  in the Professional Guidelines. 

Find the photographer for your work.

Plan the photographic image while you make the work.

WORK WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER to get the best shot.

Do you want to learn how to take your own photography?
Next Tuesday's post includes tips and tricks from three professional photographers from the Seattle 2011 Professional Development Seminar. They generously offer advice on how to improve your photography. Stay tuned, put it on your calendar or subscribe to ASK Harriete.

 Harriete
www.harriete-estel-berman.info

Shooting with a model:
Images to the above left show a recent photo shoot for my RECYCLE series. The top photo shows the entire team it takes to get a great model shot. Left is photographer Aryn Shelander. I am holding the reflector (right), but also worked as the stylist for the photo shoot. The model was Jen Ohara.  Both photos by documentary photographer Alyssa Endo. More information soon on important tips for shooting with a model.