Being Versatile: part 1
versatile – ver·sa·tile, adjective
from Webster’s dictionary:
1: changing or fluctuating readily : variable <a versatile disposition
2: embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills; also : turning with ease from one thing to another
@ Jay Watson Photography
Last week I shot a wedding. Yes a wedding. It does happen on occasion. I don’t go after this type of work, nor do I look down upon wedding photographers. In fact I feel it is the last great word of mouth business left in photography. Sometimes the chips fall and you have to ride the wave when something good falls in your lap. I got a call at the last minute from a young couple in New York who liked my work and asked me to shoot their wedding in Columbia, CA. These are the types of clients you want. Someone who respects your vision. Someone who really appreciates your efforts. Someone who pays on time (in advance). No need to chase down payment 60 days after the shoot. Easy gig.
Is it stressful? Not really. Yes it is a one time event that you can not screw up. If you do a good job you have accomplished something that deserves merit. These are images they will share with others forever. Compared to a commercial shoot it is less stressful. I get to be the art director. There are no models, minimal location scouting, less post production work, and a much more forgiving deadline.
All I have to do is bring the right gear, an artistic vision, stay loose, stay ready, and shoot, shoot, shoot.
@ Jay Watson Photography
Tags: California, creativity, event, photography, portrait, Sonora, wedding
May 11th, 2008 at 8:29 am
I agree. Shooting weddings can be fun (as long as the B is not a “B-Zilla”.
I find I enjoy shooting weddings for the reasons you mentioned, but I also enjoy really making people happy.
Unlike an art director or photo editor who is just glad their ass was saved by my coming through on an assignment, the B & G, are truly happy with the photographs I’ve made of their special day.
They will cherish my photos for years to come.
That’s a nice feeling.
May 11th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
[...] straight dope from Jay Watson on being a versatile photographer — part I & part [...]
December 25th, 2008 at 11:23 am
I just noticed this post. About a year ago my aunt remarried my uncle. (Long story.) They hired a photographer, but I brought my gear anyway. Since there was no pressure on me, I took a lot of fun candids and more “artsy” stuff. Then, inexplicably, the photographer bailed before they cut the cake. Guess who was the only one there with a decent camera?