Going Pro series pt 5: Pimp the Work You Want to Shoot

posted March 7, 2012 in Photographer Resources

Today, I explore the importance of collaboration in building a body of work, a very important process of in terms of building your network and avoiding long-term burnout . If you are joining us for the first time, catch up with the series since I will build on the knowledge from each previous post. Here are the past posts if you want to tune in:

Part 1: Take the Big Step

Part 2: Delay Instant Gratification

Part 3 : Knowing When to Make the Jump

Part 4: Make Amateur Photography Pay

Ever since our Vintage Shoot inspired by Mad Men, I’m hooked on test shoots. They are a perfect thing to keep the creative juices flowing especially during inside off-season, or while in the Everglades on an airboat watching sunrise.

In commercial photography, a test shoot provides an opportunity to explore a new concepts, trying out a new lighting style, or experimenting with new equipment without money exchanging hands. You work for free, creatively-free, and you are free to show it off.

Test shoots serve as a great start to building a new portfolio, affords the opportunity to collaborating with other creatives, and push possibilities way out of the safe zone to into an arena which you can prove your mettle. Karaoke Night might be good for polishing skills for before Open Mike Night, but when it comes to the Battle of the Bands, it’s game on. Test shoots help to make sure the creative talent is mic’d up, tuned to go, and recording great.

Commercial test shoots can be so, so fun. I highly recommend them if you are moving into a new field and want exposure and experience to pimp.

Here’s a teaser of a Denver shot with one awesome creative team (photo courtesy Scott Stebner).

Flatland: A Wedding, Deconstructed
wpid-flatland_wedding_desconstructed_behind_the_scenes_image-2012-03-7-00-00.jpg

http://youtu.be/gUtbuwfj0eg

Stay tuned for the final set of images, behind the scenes interviews and video, storyboard sketches, lighting diagrams, and tech breakdown.

Photography, Lighting, Styling : Amanda Tipton // Kokoro Photography and R. J. Kern // Kern-Photo
Videography : Brian Martinez // Käntrast Media and Jim Harper // JHP Films
Video Editing : Jim Harper // JHP Films
Venue : Phil Swanson // Citizen Pictures
Hair & Make-up : Samantha Koch // LadyCharm Artistry
Cake: Kelley Prather // Kelly Kakes
Florals: Alicia Schwede // Bella Fiori
Graphic Artist : Matt Steaffens // Mathieu Ryan Photographers
Production Assistant : Scott Stebner // Stebner Photography
Models : Jordan Beston, Alisha Beston, Ryan Otto, Kirsten Sletten