Today’s Post by Joe Farace
Transitions are a time for reflection, and a time for looking forward. —Roy Cooper
When I previously wrote about how I changed my mind from hating how cameras implementing Auto ISO to loving it, albeit reservedly, I admitted to changing my perspective about something I had strong feelings about one way but then went 180 degrees in the other direction.
Maybe it’s because I’m getting older and I’m more open to introspection and changing my mind about many different photographic things. For example, I’m reevaluating a post I wrote about “Switching Camera Systems,” in which I asked, “Would owning a 100-megapixel camera inspire a client to spend more money with me?” I initially doubted it but a talented photographer that I know just bought one of the new big megapixel Hasselblads and used it to shoot an assignment for a longtime client. After he submitted the images, the Art Director called and told him, “I see you’re using the new Hasselblad.” In my professional life I can only remember one time that an AD mentioned the kind of camera I was using. (You can read about that experience in the linked post.)
OK, so now I’ve changed my mind again or maybe am in the process of changing my opinions on this subject. Here’s what’s going on in what could laughingly be called “my mind” when it comes to the genre, if you will, or the kind of photography I’ve done and have been doing for a long time.
The pandemic fundamentally altered the nature of my in-studio model photography. It shut it down to such an extent that I have made the following promise to myself: If I don’t use the studio to photograph, at least, a few models before a certain point in time I am going to knock down all of the lighting and studio equipment, tuck it away and turn that space into…something else. UPDATE: My initial plans were to shit it down on Labor Day, September 4, 2023. BUT during a recent visit from a client, he asked me to hold off until Halloween.
Based on my recent experience in unsuccessfully trying to find Colorado-based models for a client, even paying $200/hour, my client decided to go to Los Angeles and Miami and hire a photographer and models there. I lost a paying gig and some local models lost some fun and profitable shoots. If he can’t find models at $200/hour what chance do I have for the kind of TF shoots that I offer? The answer. I suspect, is also zero.
On the other, If a model does contact me I will happily work with her to create the best possible and most beautiful images for her personal use, portfolio or on-line presence. If that describes you please click CONTACT and let’s talk, I will photograph as many models who are interested in working with me and right now that number is zero,.
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