Kareem Black - Shoot What You Love - episode 119

Today’s featured guest is Kareem Black

Kareem is a commercial photographer based in New York City. He has worked for companies like McDonalds, Verizon, Pepsi, Maxim, GQ, ESPN, Samsung… the list goes on and on. Kareem’s jobs often include photographing many celebrities and along with his commercial work he continues developing personal projects.

Upon his graduation from the School of Visual Arts, New York-based photographer Kareem Black went straight into shooting for Fader, GQ, Sony Music Entertainment, and Atlantic Records. He was featured as one of Photo District News’ 30 Emerging Photographers – and soon became the go-to lens-man for Reebok, Complex, and Steve Madden. Along with his commercial work, Black keeps busy with a variety of personal projects including Feels Good Let’s Go, a website that depicts the more interesting participants in N.Y.C.’s nightlife. He traveled to Haiti twice (once with Art in Motion and once with Healing Haiti) and mounted shows of his images taken there, with all money going to charity. Kareem has also been a part of Charity missions in Bosnia and Sri Lanka. Black has lectured at SVA, NYU, Pratt, the Fashion Institute of Technology, the Rochester Institute of Technology, The Professional Photographers Association and the PhotoPlus Expo. Client list: Malibu Rum, BBDO, HBO, Brooklyn Brothers, McDonalds, Fuse TV, Adidas, Verizon, Kool Aid, Burger King, Pepsi, W Hotels, Vitamin Water, Arena, Maxim, GQ, Vibe, Sourz, Flaunt, ESPN, Mens Health, Budweiser, Spin, Spike DDB, Sports Illustrated, VH1, MTV, New Era, Popular Science Magazine, People Magazine, Reebok, Atlantic Records, Samsung, Fed Ex, Inc Magazine & Steve Madden. 

Branding Your Business - Monday Message

The importance of branding. Well Photo World I didn't know the first thing about branding a business when I started. I was so considered with everything from my photography studio name to the logo and colors being perfect and the right feel I thought looked good, that I didn't even consider how that fit with my photography or my personality. In life we sometimes hear "it's the little things that matter" and that is never been more true than when Branding a business. Do you have a specific style and does your business' personality mesh well with that style? Who are your ideal clients and are you designing your brand for that niche market? How does your brand feel when mixed with your the artist? Like I said it is the little things that matter. Consider your first encounter with a new potential client... does it matter how you are dressed? Sadly it does matter and it matters a lot. Branding your business starts with branding yourself. Would you rather meet in person or do things over the phone? What colors are in your logo? If there is texted involved what font and size are you considering?

In short Branding is the personality of anything. If you want to better brand your business decide on the personality of your business. Listen to today's episode for my thoughts on the subject and share your branding questions here or on the facebook page.

Happy Shooting!

Perry Hagopian - Learn and Grow then Learn - episode 117

Today’s featured guest is Perry Hagopian

Perry is a Celebrity and Fashion photographer based out of New York City, New York. He has been shaping his career since the age of 19 and Perry’s work has been published in Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Glamour U.K., Town & Country, and People Magazine just to name a few. Let’s find out more about your story and dive into your business.

Rob: I could have talked to Perry for hours! The conversation probably would have gone on but I hand to make many cuts in my usual questions to keep just under 40 minutes. (10 more than my usual interviews) I have the power to edit but there were so many little details that, if I was a newer photographer, would be the career changing words of advice. I just about lost my place when Perry talked about how we should go into each job we have. (if you listen you'll know what I'm talking about) That small bit of advice changed my very next photo job. I was feeling down and wasn't looking forward to it but in one small group of words everything changed. PS... I did awesome and felt great about the job once it was all said and done. Photo World please share with me your favorite piece from this interview with Perry Hagopian.

Photographer Perry Hagopian is best known for his fashion and celebrity pictures, and perfect technical lighting. He grew up in Las Vegas and moved to New York City at 19 to pursue a career behind the camera. He swiftly landed a job assisting Rico Puhlmann: after Puhlmann's death in 1996, Hagopian helped finish his monograph, "Rico Puhlmann: A Fashion Legacy." He later worked under director Gus Van Sant and Mark Abrahams.

W: perryhagopian.com

Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!

2015 © Take&TalkPics

116 Jamie Mathews - Be Yourself

Today’s featured guest is Jamie Mathews

Jamie is a wife, mother, and owner of her photography business Jamie Lee Creativity based in Deland, Florida. As a portrait photographer Jamie specializes in high school seniors, families, maternity, newborns, and weddings.

Monday Message - Who Moved My Cheese

                It is hard enough to build a business, but when do you stop the building process? Is there a specific time in a company’s growth where one should be content with all they achieved and stay comfortably in that place?

               It is a difficult thing to decide on and in today’s Monday Message I share with you my thoughts on the subject and more so on the ups and downs of change. To justify a bad situation many people will tell you change is good and everything will work out. When it seems like you are stuck in life a change is something we often consider. I talk about how much or how little one should/may want to change and the importance of turning points in a business.

                If you look back to the first Take & Talk Pics interview you can hear how much I have changed as a host and interviewer. The format of the show had seen a few adjustments with adding the Monday Message, then the Fundamental Friday’s, and now I have removed the Fundamental Friday’s.

                Things improve or sometimes falter and weather direct or indirect, change is almost always to blame or thank for such things. They evolve and I talk about a handful of great points on the subject. It doesn’t matter what you do after hearing this episode Photo World but I promise change is coming.

Change is hard and the best thing you can do for growth

Who Moved My Cheese - Book

Happy Shooting!

Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!

Nancy Green - Always Do Your Best

Today’s featured guest is Nancy Green

Nancy is a family and senior portrait photographer based out of Carver Massachusetts. With the long list of accomplishments and professional certificates it is hard to know where to start. Nancy is president of both Professional Photographers of Massachusetts and Professional Photographers of New England. She has her PPA Master of Photography and PPA Craftsman Certificates.

I started way back when in a little town called Hopewell Jct. New York. Yup, really, there IS a town called that. Assisting a terrific photographer (my mentor), Ed Towsley, at his place of business “The Country Studio”.

Went to Rhode Island Photography School for a couple of years of intense training (oh and a whole lot of fun) and after graduating, went to work for Gainsboro Studio in Salem MA. I learned a lot about studio management and “life” and decided to move on and open my own place in Plymouth MA.

Green Photographers opened in Plymouth in 1979 then moved to Carver in 2004. Today the studio is known as “Nancy Green Photography” and is located at 90 A Main Street, Carver MA. The studio has a great layout for beautiful studio portraits with lots of room for large families or products. It’s located close to ponds and beautiful landscaped areas I travel to for the environmental settings. I am just minutes to some great beaches if the shoreline is your desire.

The moment I opened my studio I joined every professional photographic organization I could to learn more and stay educated with a changing profession. After many years I became a president of both Professional Photographers of Massachusetts and Professional Photographers of New England. In 1996 I received the PPA Master of Photography degree and followed in 1997 with my PPA Craftsman. I am a Certified Professional Photographer and a PPA Affiliated Judge. I think it’s clear I am dedicated to the betterment of our profession through the education of myself and others.

I received one of the highest honors given by my peers, the PPA National Award not once (From Massachusetts) but twice (From Vermont).
Image Competition is one of my favorite “sports”. I’ve been blessed to receive many honors such as Kodak Gallery, Fuji Masterpiece, PPAM Court of Honors, PPANE Court of Honors and other various awards for my images. Competition keeps you focused and on your toes in this profession. Competing in the Professional Photographers of America competitions is the best way to know where you stand amongst the crowd. It is the way to have other professionals honor your work or help you find its flaws. It keeps you growing and changing in the ever changing field of photography.

David Basher - Marketing Networking and Marketing

Here at Take & Talk Pics I (Rob) want to connect you (Photo World) to other photographer who are going through, have gone trough, or will go through the same kind of day to day business successes and struggles as you. Basically reminding us we are not alone in what we do. Sharing the journey's of these amazing photographers helps all of us become better photographers. With David we really talked about the importance of marketing and networking and David Basher hits it out of the park. There's a reason you see the word "Marketing" twice in today's title. Listen up to the importance of this subject and bring your photography business to the next level. 

Today’s featured guest is David Basher

David is a wedding photographer based out of Orlando, Florida. His company “A Magic Moment” services throughout the entire state from Tampa to Miami and most major cities in between. David is approaching 20 years running his photography and videography studio and Photo World I can’t wait to hear what we can lean.

Orlando photographer, A Magic Moment, has been providing photography and video in Orlando, FL since 1996. Using the most advanced professional equipment and a strong technical excellence is a given at A Magic Moment. Our highly skilled, uniquely talented, and well-schooled photographers are masters in the art of capturing the essence of your day.

It’s said that photography and videography are the art of painting with light. Our proudest moments come when we see the effect our images have on you – when a picture takes your breath away, when you tear-up reliving a precious family event, or embrace an album that will be passed around the family for generations to come. When this happens, and it happens here every day, we know our painted canvas is complete.

Recommended Resource:

Two Bright Lights

W: amagicmoment.com

Blog: amagicmoment.com/blog

Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!

2015 © Take&TalkPics

Monday Message - Secrets and Fear

Photo World the format of today’s episode is a bit different. Listening back it almost sounds like I am complaining about something. Not what I was going for but it may have been the right feeling for the words at the time. I have been having some trouble with what I see in many new photographers; most of whom are still learning and not quite ready to be in business in this industry. I’m not saying they can’t or shouldn’t but I am bothered by the overwhelming sense of entitlement going around. It feels as though we see all of these talent shows on tv, so many young rock stars, and younger still famous actors/actresses; the consensus being that we are all destined for fame and fortune. Now Photo World I fully believe you are destined for all of those great things you want to have happen but there is a clouded idea about how to get there. In today’s episode I speak on the secrets in business and in photography, I transition to fear being a deterrent of success, and share a small non business non photography story about when I learned to get over fear and seek out all the secrets. I have never really thought of myself as someone with all the answers but I have always worked to be the one who knows where to find them. If we (newer photographers) expect to be rewarded for all the little things, then a solid photography business is probably not in the cards. However if we work hard through all the little things, learn the secrets, and face our fears then we will see reward for the stuff that matters.

Keep up the hard work and keep seeking the right people to learn from/alongside.

Happy Shooting!

Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter

Today’s featured guest is Laura Bellamy

Laura’s company Simple Elegance by Laura is based in Central Florida, however she travels throughout the nation capturing weddings and their once in a lifetime moments in a classic and timeless way.

I’ve always been a romantic.  And a total sucker for weddings.  Yes, I’m the one who blubbers at the “I Do’s” and gets giddy seeing a girl sporting a brand-new engagement ring.  Even as a child, I collected wedding magazines by the dozen.  When I started life as a photographer, it took me in a variety of directions, from children’s portraits to photographing national ballroom dance competitions.  But weddings were still what excited me.  I enjoy the unique ways each couple chooses to express and celebrate their love and their stories.  Though based in Central Florida, I have photographed weddings all over the country, from the red rock of southern Utah to the green forestry of Oregon; from the hustle-and-bustle of Washington, DC to the magic and enchantment of Disneyland.  I have become dedicated to capturing those special moments that only happen once, in a classic and timeless way that will last forever.

Recommended Resource:

Creative Live

Best of Wedding Photography

Ryan Carey - Photography Education and Experience

Today’s featured guest is Ryan Carey

It often happens during my interview that we fins a common theme to discuss and this interview with Ryan Carey was no different. Ryan reminds us on the important's of education. She opens it up further with experience being a big part of the education. I find with many who stay or self teach photography get to a point where they are prepared to make it a business. This is one of the hardest things to do and many new photographers fail because they were not fully prepared for the business side of things. Assisting other photographers, reaching out to your local photographers for a cup a coffee and picking their brain, attending workshops and seminars, and taking on free jobs in those early stages to lean more about the true practice of running a photography business.

Ryan is an Orlando based wedding and lifestyle photographer with her business Earth Muse  however she travels around the world working with clients such as Bank of America, Avon, and Tupperware. Ryan has an extensive list of CEO’s and presidents of organizations she has worked with to fill the commercial side of her business.

Ryan studied at Daytona State College of Photography and is in her eleventh year working as a professional photographer. She has documented and photographed for national accounts such as Bank of America, Polaris, Swarovski, Jockey, Tupperware, Avon and Pampered Chef. Ryan has shot and worked closely with the CEO’s and Presidents of these organizations, Patrick Duffy of the hit Television show Dallas, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, General Michael Hayden Former Director of the CIA & NSA, Captain James Lovell of Apollo 13 and the creators of Proactive, to name a few.

Ryan travels around the world shooting weddings, corporate and lifestyle photography. She is passionate about her art and enjoys working with and getting to know each one of her clients.

The story of Kate and Bryan:

Hey Photo World! There is always an opportunity to learn from moments and yes, I believe there is even the possibility of Learning From Every Moment. Learning From Every Moment starts with will power. We usually only see what we want to see; good, bad, success, stress, and every other feeling or emotion possible. This leaves us with the power to change how we view our work, and more importantly, our lives. I am no expert on Learning From Every Moment but I do lean with great depth in the moments that stand out. Before text message, instagram, even email or the internet; before typewriters, hand written letters, and even carving into stone... there were words and language to pass knowledge from one generation to the next, stories to be told and held sacred. I feel if you want the fast track to Learning From Every Moment, then just understand how to tell the story from that particular situation. In today's episode I explore the development of my personality, at least in a small way, and how I can now look back and Learn From this Moment in time. A story of a bride and the wild weather on her wedding day to change my game for the rest of my life. The understanding I now have and ability I will always develop in Learning From Every Moment.

Happy Shooting!

David Kingham - Leave Your 9 to 5

Today’s featured guest is David Kingham

David is a landscape photographer from Fort Collins Colorado. He was burned out from the 9 to 5 cubicle life and wanted more than 3 walls and the same thing every day. David is always seeking something beyond a “pretty picture” he looks to heal the views soul and remind us how precious life is with the short time given to us, and he has mastered this with each photograph he makes.

David Kingham was born in Loveland, Colorado where he spent most of his life exploring the Rocky Mountains. David continues to return to these mountains, but now travels full time in the western US as a nomad in his van. David shares his passion of photography with others leading workshops, and on his blog. He has also published an eBook through Craft and Vision title Nightscape. To see David's work, visit DavidKingham.com and ExploringExposure.com

Recommended Resource:

Photographer’s Ephemeris

W: davidkingham.com

Blog: davidkingham.com/360-project

Workshops: exploringexposure.com/2016-workshops

Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!

2015 © Take&TalkPics

Anna Goins - Business Driven by Faith

Today’s featured guest is Anna Goins

Anna is a wedding and portrait photographer and her business Old Pine Pictorial is based in Orlando, Florida. She has done portraits for Nike, published in PN Magazine as well as Heart of the Bride. Her images have a light and honest quality which hold a moment of something real. Passion, emotion, and love drive her subjects and her subjects drive her work.

I have been studying the art of photography for over 7 years. I trained under Orlando's wedding photographer, Katie Crawford Meehan, for 3 years before I ventured out by myself. Since then I have done photos for Nike, been published in PN Magazine as well as Heart of the Bride, worked alongside Katie Crawford for Fashion Week at Millenia, and have had my art displayed in Austin's Coffee in Orlando, FL.  

Since I was young I knew the significance of a photo, the type of depth it held, and the importance of capturing a candid moment of  true love posed by non other than life. I was taught how to refine my passion and since then I have been blessed with incredible opportunities. My Lord, family, and friends have gotten me where I am. 

W: oldpinepictorial.com