Corporate Head Shots – My Process

I come to you

I come to you and set-up a portable studio at your office/home.  This makes it very convenient for busy professionals who can walk down the hall instead of driving across town for their portrait.  I do not need a large location, most of the time a conference room works nicely.

 

Executive Headshot

 I bring a portable studio

I have a variety of portable studio backgrounds to choose from and I always bring studio lights. If someone claims they can produce quality portraits without lights, they are a “person with a camera”, not a professional.  I don’t need much space since my lighting equipment is powerful but compact. Your location, plus my years of experience combine to produce a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

 

It doesn’t take long

I know the importance of time for the busy executive. I arrive at your office 45 minutes before the photos are scheduled to be taken, set-up my equipment and do a few test shots. After that, most portrait sessions last about 15 minutes per person. Sometimes the lights need to be changed to accommodate each individual, glasses, height, hair, etc. Most people have a smile they have been using for the better part of their adult lives and are happy with it.  When professional hair and/or make-up are required, I have a couple of stylists that I work with that are available at an additional cost.

 

I provide a quick turn-around

I work with new high-resolution digital equipment. This allows the photographs to be downloaded into a laptop and viewed directly after they are created so a pose can be agreed upon before I leave. I then go to my office and work at my computer where I am able to do post production on the images using the latest available software to enhance and finish each image. Delivery time can be arranged to your needs. I would like to have a day or two but can burn a CD on-site after the shoot if you need the photo immediately.

 

What I charge

I charge $150 for the first individual; additional subjects (at the same location/session) are $75.  This includes everything outlined above including the delivery of images. A fee will be added as agreed upon if excess travel is involved.

 

These are just some of the basics as every person’s photo shoot is unique. I am very happy to be flexible in arranging yours. Please call me to discuss your needs and give me the chance to answer any further questions you might have.

 

Professional Photography – The Art of Photographing the Arts

Carl St. Clair Conducts The Pacific Symphony

Orange County, California had for many years the reputation of being the lesser sibling to our larger neighbor to the north named Los Angeles; especially when it came to the arts and culture. That changed in 1986 when the 3,000-seat Orange County Performing Arts Center opened on what was a lima bean field just months before. The 500 seat Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall designed and built for the Pacific Symphony is the latest addition to the center.

 Photographing concerts there is often a treat but comes with unique responsibilities. Patrons of the arts privileged to enjoy the work of world-renowned musicians don’t appreciate the sound of a camera in a concert hall designed to resonate the softer sounds of a Stradivarius violin.

A plastic box lined with foam called a “blimp” is used in such situations. About half the size of a shoebox, it encapsulates the camera helping to muffle the cameras sound. One drawback of the blimp is that it does restrict access to the camera controls and this can be a bit unnerving when you don’t want to miss the shot.  While the blimp does a good job of muffling sound, I have learned to wait and only photograph when the full orchestra is in performance or I will draw disapproving glairs from disturbed patrons.  It is also important to minimize movement as movement on my part is not part of the program and an unwelcome distraction for patrons.

 I often feel very lucky when asked to photograph exclusive events such as performances by the Pacific Symphony and am happy to work in a professional manner so that I will be asked back for future events.

Event Photography – Sunday Supper at SOS

Once again it has been my pleasure to photograph an event for Share Our Selves in Costa Mesa. Founded in 1970 by a group of concerned individuals, SOS has grown to become an important non-profit, volunteer based organization serving the impoverished and working poor populations in Orange County.

Antipasto Strangolapreti

Also called the Sunday Supper Club, the 19^th annual Celebrity Chef Dinner Sunday night highlighted 12 outstanding local chefs committed to providing food for the poor in Orange County by cooking and serving a memorable meal to those attending. The 302 guests helped raise $230,000 to support the Orange Aid Project that collects retrievable food from restaurants, stores, bakeries and caterers to distribute to low-income residents.

 Upon entering diners were transported back in time. SOS Food Pantry volunteer, Lou D’Ambrosio, crooned songs by Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett as guests mingled during the reception and silent auction.  Silent Auction highlights included a Chihuahua puppy that was rescued from the Riverside Shelter, a bright yellow surfboard donated by a local board shaper, and a week stay at a home on Orcas Island off the coast of Washington.

Plating for 300+ Diners

Behind the scene, watching the renowned chefs and their assistant’s take over the donated kitchen of the Costa Mesa Hilton was impressive. Creating, plating and serving a gourmet meal to over 300 at the same time was quite a ballet.

 

Serving Sushi at Sunday Supper Club

 Those attending were treated to hors d’oeuvres of sushi, macaroni and cheese pasta with crushed truffles, and fresh fruit. Dinner included antipasto, clams casino, roasted quail, and roasted beef. Dessert was a memorable Sicilian cannoli with balsamic caramel.

Times are tough for everyone these days. But if you are reading this you are at sitting at a computer with a roof over your head with food in the pantry. SOS serves those who don’t have the basics for survival in this very prosperous area. Please visit the SOS web site and see just how far a little bit of generosity can go.

“Live simply so others may simply live.”

Editorial Photography – 15th Annual Peak 2 Peak

The cooler air and lengthening shadows mean fall is here, which of course has me thinking about trips north to the ski resort Mammoth Mountain. Driving there takes about 6 hours. Getting there by bicycle takes 5 days.  It’s worth every exhausting minute.

USARC Riders for Annual Peak to Peak

 This week, as they have for the past fourteen Octobers a group of bicycle riders will make the 335 mile ride between Mammoth Mountain and Big Bear in the San Bernardino Mountains to support The United States Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC). Two years ago when I was much younger and stronger I rode along with them. This time I will leave the bike at home and take my cameras to produce snapshots for their reunion party in March.

Peak 2 Peak On A Hand Crank Bike

Since 1983 USARC has provided adults and children with cognitive or physical disabilities the chance to participate in outdoor activities such as snow skiing in the winter and water sports in the summer.

 USARC is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers and donations to operate. Peak 2 Peak is one of the fundraisers they hold throughout the year to meet expenses. Riders pay $1500.00 to participate. There is a large group of volunteers that go along to fix meals, drive support vehicles, change flat tires, and make things as comfortable as can be for the riders that brave the heat of the desert, the cold of the mountains, never ending hills while competing for road space with 18 wheelers zooming past only a couple of feet away. Night time accommodations are generally a nylon tent.

Celebrating In Mammoth After 350 Miles Bike Ride

 It is a challenge physically, mentally, and financially. But when you see the smile on a persons face after they leave their wheelchair behind and go snow skiing or wakeboarding you understand.  As a volunteer ski instructor with USARC for the past dozen winters or so I have seen a lot of smiles but the biggest is always the one I see on my face in my cars rear view mirror as I drive home.

Sports Photography – Angels Cinch Division

It’s October which means two things. My Mother-in-Law’s birthday is coming up and the baseball team I follow, The Angels, are heading into the playoffs.

 Last Monday the Angels had the chance to lock up their post season bid by winning the game against the Texas Rangers in Anaheim. So the Register sent me to get shots of fans and the chance for post game celebration. They also sent a staff photographer to shoot game action and hopefully jubilation.

 

Angel fans celebrate during game

People I meet say it must be great to be allowed that type of access to a major league baseball game. It is when things are going right and you’re getting the shots that tell the story of the game.

Monday things were not so good. Just prior to the game I was introduced to some new technology that was guaranteed to make it easier for me to transmit images from the laptop that sits directly behind me in the photographers’ area on the field. There is always a learning curve using new technology and I should have known it was a bad idea using it for the first time on deadline.

After fumbling around for awhile, I thought I had a lock on it. So I started shooting the game that was already a blowout for the home team. Oh well, I had sent the fan photos asked for and I knew I would get some celebration pictures. 

 

Angels Celebrate Cinching American League Title

The game ended at about 9:40 pm and the party started. My deadline for sending photos was 10 o’clock. No problem. It takes me only a couple of minuets to move a photo. The fans were going wild and of course so were the players. I worked it for a few good photos and went back to my laptop. Nothing! The thing was a paperweight. The only way it would send images is if I tossed it Frisbee style across the field, which I almost did.

 

Erick Aybar Hoses Down The Fans!

So much for a fun time at the ball park.  The celebration photos the next morning were from the staff photographer and AP.  My fan photos from earlier in the game made the website.  It was a frustrating evening.

 Sometimes you’re the bat. Sometimes you’re the ball.  I definitely felt I was the ball, getting smacked hard last Monday. I guess we can all expect a bad day once and a while. I know there are a lot of people going through worst things in their life. At least I got some beer sprayed on me. Now that I’ve been through the new technology school of hard knocks, hopefully I’ll get the chance to use it when we BEAT BOSTON!

Editorial Photography – Peace, Love, Surf.

I have lived in Southern California most of my life. I live near the beach. I have blond hair. I have never surfed. Never even tried. Maybe it was that movie about the shark that hit the screens when I was in my teens.  Maybe it is because the thought of me balancing on a surfboard brings to mind a chicken egg balancing on a three legged table in an earthquake. Surfing is not for me.

 The other day I photographed a man who is all about surfing. Chris Hawk was being inducted into the Surfers Hall of Fame. A Huntington Beach legend since the ‘70s, Hawk’s induction ceremony was held early because of his continuing fight with throat cancer.

 

Chris Hawk, Surfing Hall of Fame Induction

Hawk is known not only as an awesome surfer and surfboard shaper but as a mentor and a friend to those just getting started in the sport. Many of his friends attended the ceremony including local surfing greats, Huntington Beach business owners, the Mayor. Stories were shared of Surf City back in the day. Anybody remember the Golden Bear?

 The Surfers Hall of Fame ceremony is much like one done at the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater. The inductee places his hand and foot prints in wet cement along with their autograph and a few words to be immortalized forever. Hawk kneeled in front of fresh cement at the corner PCH and Main with his former wife and 11 year-old son at his side. He did the famous pose showing everyone his cement covered hands and then finished his autograph and added the words Peace, Love, Surf.

 It was a pleasure to see a man honored by so many in the surfing community for being not only successful at his craft but for being generous and helpful to others along the way.

Editorial Photography – From The Ashes

I had the chance to meet a very nice couple the other day on less than nice circumstances.  Jeff and Karla Rindskopf are one of over a hundred Orange County families that lost their home in a devastating wildfire last November. They are now rebuilding on the same property. The property with the view they fell in love with years ago.

 

Small Momento Survives Wild Fire

I was given the assignment to photograph them at the site of their former home.  As I drove up to their property I was a bit surprised to see Karla brushing down the swimming pool. Swimming pools don’t burn and thankfully some of their palm trees also survived. The property had been cleared to the concrete slab that was their living room along with some brick decorations that framed their front door.

 

 A lot of time people that suffer great loss understandably don’t want to be bothered by the press, but the Rindskopf’s had a story to tell about their experience with their insurance company so here they were.   Dealing with loss is never easy, but did you know you have to prove to your insurance company that you’re entitled to the money?  It’s not an easy process and you need to stick to your guns, according to Jeff he “believes the process is designed to make you give up”. 

Rebuilding After The Wild Fire

There really was not much there so I choose to photograph just that. It was about a half an hour before sunset and there was nice golden light draping the hills and trees. I asked Jeff and Karla to stand in what was once their front door. I had them face away from the sun so they would not squint and be relaxed. I placed a light off to the right of the camera and exposed them while underexposing the background, making the couple stand out in the picture. I am happy with the photo, it shows a couple ready to rebuild and move on from a situation that most of us fortunately will never have to experience.

Editorial Photography – New Career As A Wedding Officiant

Beach Wedding: An Alter In The Sand

Recently on a Sunday morning, I found myself walking up a beach in Laguna carrying cameras and lights while looking for a bride and groom.  I had accepted a business editorial assignment to photograph an Orange County woman for a story about people that have reinvented their careers.

 

Terri Linzmeier, Wedding Officiant

Terri Linzmeier and her husband ran a successful real estate business until 2006. It became clear to her in April of that year that in order to support herself and four children she was going to have to find something new. One day shortly after April Linzmeier’s sister, a newlywed, was talking to her about the person that officiated her wedding and described him as a performer that enjoyed the attention of a crowd. Linzmeier loved the idea and a new career was born. She got online and became an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church and lined up her first wedding at a hotel near Disneyland.

 

Terri Linzmeir Officiates A Wedding

While I started out by looking for a bride and groom, my assignment was to photograph Terri.  As it was a bit overcast and gray at the beach I decided to use a small battery powered strobe to highlight Linzmeier and take away attention of the bride and groom.  The bride and groom were happy I was there, but preferred to remain anonymous.

 Now her whole family is involved. Her husband and two of their sons also officiate.  Their adult children also shoot videos and photograph the ceremonies as well. Weddings by Terri offers complete packages that include an officiant, videographer and photographer. Congratulations to Terri Linzmeier and her family for finding a fix for today’s economic challenges by reinventing themselves.

Photographing Wildfires

 The wildfires that are raging in Southern California at this time are both terrible and beautiful, destructive and fascinating. The flames marching across the dry hills make edge of your seat television viewing. The still photos captured by newspaper and magazine photojournalists are breath taking. Unfortunately these images inspire some people to grab a digital camera (or cell phone camera!) and try to drive up to the fires for some snaps of their own.

 A word of advice from someone who has been there and done that: STAY AWAY, DON’T GO THERE!

Television stations use helicopters that are equipped with very expensive cameras allowing them to capture images from far distances so they are not in the way of the efforts to save property and lives. Still photographers don’t just show up in tee shirts with bandanas around their faces. Newspapers equip their staff covering these events with the same safety gear that the firefighters use. Emergency personal are usually willing to work with someone who at least looks like they are well prepared. If you are just another looky-loo who is getting in the way and will probably need to be rescued – you have no need to be there and will be wasting your time trying.

 Photographing wildfires is hot and sometimes dangerous work.  While I’ve photographed Southern California fires in the past, I haven’t been assigned to this recent batch of fires and instead am following the fires through the lens of other professionals.  One amazing set of time lapsed photos by Brandon Riza of the Station Fire really caught my attention – reminds me of when Mount Saint Helen exploded. It really captures how big the fire is.  Also The Los Angeles Times has a large gallery of photos from the Station Fire that are pretty amazing .  Visit their site and appreciate the work of talented professionals who are at times risking their lives to produce the kind of images most people could only dream of.

Personality/Executive Portraits

I had the opportunity to spend the morning photographing Real Estate Developer Ryan Cook. Ryan is a Managing Member at TriStone Development and needed up-to-date photos for marketing purposes.  Ryan was interested in both an executive portrait and a personality portrait.  For the personality portrait, Ryan wanted to capture the essence of what he does, dealing with Southern California real estate – and nothing says Southern California as much as palm trees!

Personality Portrait

Orange County is near the beach and generally the weather is not an issue for taking photos outside but it is August and it was HOT. So we decided to shoot the outside pictures first thing in the morning. It was a bright, sunny morning and I set-up an umbrella for additional lighting so I could control the quantity and quality of the light.  The sun was behind Ryan, eliminating squinting and the umbrella allowed me to make sure his face didn’t appear in shadow. 

 

Executive Portrait

After the personality portrait, we returned to Ryan’s air conditioned house where I set-up my portable studio for his head shots.  Ryan was in no rush this day, so I was able to show him results on my laptop right after the shoot. We looked at the photos and agreed on which ones worked best. I then did a little Photoshop correction and retouching.  By the time I left, Ryan had a CD of images to help him market himself and his business.  

 

 It doesn’t take long to take a few quality photographs and all business people should update their portraits annually to help keep their communications ‘fresh’.  Personality portraits are one of my specialities, visit the portrait gallery of my website for ideas for your personality portrait.