Japan 2011 Photo Project Part II Hiroshima

A-Bomb Dome

As I travel on, I set out for Hiroshima and learn a valuable lesson that can be applied to photography, or life in general. Sometimes when you set out to photograph a particular scene, object, or whatever, you do so with the intent of capturing the best photograph possible. Realizing only during the shoot there is something significant about this object.

I realize that Hiroshima is significant, but when you are far removed from what what occurred; you may have a point of view that might not be changed until you photograph that scene or subject.

Photography is truly an art that has many facets. So when we initially take on the art of photography, generally speaking; we try to become technically proficient with our tools (camera, flash, ect.). I can attest to the fact when I first began photographing, I was more concerned with the settings on the camera; that I was so preoccupied with selecting my settings, I couldn't focus on photographing my subject.

As with most things, the more we do something we begin to take control and eventually it becomes second nature. Once this occurs you can begin to focus on your subject and your creativity begins to open up.  My initial reaction was to go directly to the A-Bomb Dome but I chose to go to the museum first. Below is display model of

Hiroshima Before The A-Bomb

Hiroshima After The A-Bomb

Hiroshima before and after the A-Bomb. Throughout the museum were other displays that are very graphic and sometimes unnerving.  During this whole evolution I continued to think about what I've often heard said, "Because of the A-Bomb many lives were saved".  Although a political point of view can be drawn from my blog this is not my intent. After viewing and photographing the museum and the A-Bomb Dome, I understand with clarity why the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki dislike nuclear weapons or any type of nuclear facility. I don't have to agree with their point of view, but I certainly respect it. I learned from that.

Japan 2011 Photo Project

First, it's been a while since I posted a blog so I'll try to do a better job and post at least once a month.  Second, I'll post this blog in five parts.  Because of the amount of information, the blog will be too long.

I travelled to Japan and visited Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and the Joshin-Etsu Kogan National Park. There is so much to photograph and two weeks is just not enough time.  Most of my travelling was either by bus, train, or taxi and sometimes a combination of all three. Although I've visited Japan many times this is the first time I used the Japan Rail Pass (http://www.japanrailpass.net/).  The Rail Pass is issued by JR Rail and available to visiting foreigners only. You must purchase the pass in your country and it will be exchanged at a JR office. It can be used for unlimited travel on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) with a few restrictions, but none that are inconvenient considering the cost you would pay without the pass.

One rail pass cost $362.82 (USD) or  28,300 Japanese Yen. Just to put it in perspective the regular unreserved one way fare to Kyoto is 12,700 yen. I travelled to Kyoto, Fukuyama and then by car to Hiroshima, and Nagano.

Not sure why I never used the Japan Rail Pass before but I'm glad I did and the next time I travel to Japan I will make sure I purchase another rail pass. Keeping with my theme "I Learned From That".

Please visit my web site at www.dannylbaker.com and you can follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/DannyBaker0 Thanks!

Missed Opportunities

Many times when we least expect it, an opportunity will present itself; and most times we realize it but fail to act. Other times it maybe staring us in the face but don't realize it until someone else acts on it. Kind of like the T.V. commercial "Wow I could of had a V-8!".

I have experienced both of these situations but would like to share one of my most recent missed opportunties.

While sitting in a newly opened coffee shop, at a local mall, waiting for my wife to complete her shopping; I noticed the walls were devoid of any art. From my experience, this very unusual for coffee shops.
Although the walls were bare, and painted a bright white, this made a pleasant atmosphere. As I continued to sip on my coffee, I wondered, was this the owner's intent? Or, did they simply run short on cash and decided to focus on their product?

As I sat and watched people coming and going, I noticed a gentleman that was very busy; and it appeared that he was either the owner or the manager of this coffee shop. As he was hustling around, greeting customers, and talking on his cell phone, I chose not to bother him. My reasoning, was I didn't want to interupt him and quite possibly damage any future negotiations with him.

Aproximately three weeks later I returned to the mall and checked out the coffee shop, and my questions were answered. The owner had placed on the nice bright walls some paintings. In business there is a fine line between being overly aggressive and aggressive. What I should have done was left a business card with him at least giving me a slight chance; but instead I chose to do nothing which gave me no chance.

So my reasoning proved to be wrong. Basically, I am in the same position that I was trying to avoid. Always give your potential customer the opportunity to say no. I learned from that.

PHOTOGRAPHING NEW BORN BABIES

Photographing new born babies is probably 90 percent luck and 10 percent skill. Although I am far from being an expert in this particular skill, the one time that I did was far from successful. But, what I learned is portrait photography requires attention to detail and always being mindful of what is constantly taking place while trying to photograph your subject(s).   Below are some tips that will help new photographers especially those that will be taking portraits   of  new born babies.
Although the photo's shown are not bad, had I taken my own advice, these could have been much better. I'll let you be the critic.

1. When photographing new born babies, ask the parents when is the best time of the day to photograph the baby. Parents know baby's personality, and when baby is generally on his/her best behavior. For example, early morning or after being fed.
2. Because of the moving around and setting up, you must be quick to capture the moment that will suddenly present itself.
3. Generally allow 45 minutes to an hour at most, because new borns will not tolerate much more and it's probably very stressful.
4. Whoever coined the phrase patience is a virture much have been a photographer, don't be too quick to take the picture. Set it up making sure that everyone is prepared so when baby does make that special moment you are ready.

As always please visit my web site at http://www.dannylbaker.com/ or if you have any comments or suggestions you can email them to me at dannylb@lava.net

Knowing Your Clients Needs and Taking Care of Them

The business side of photography is a key element to becoming a successful photographer. It is an ongoing effort to find and keep clients. That is why "Knowing your clients needs and taking care of them" both during and after you've completed the project; is critical to the success of your business.

While photographing a model for an advertisement, I didn't fully understand that advertisement photography needs to be approached a little different from regular model photography. Although my client stated they would like to use these photographs for an ad, it was still incumbent on me to get the specifics. In addition to being a photographer I need to be a good sales person, and uncover the needs of my clients. In sales sometimes a customer will not be as direct or forthcoming as we would like. Not that the client/customer does this intentionally it's just the way life is.

So, by being very specific, and asking direct questions such as, in what way will you use the ad. Or will the add include text within the photograph, and how large or small will the ad be. Once you've asked those intial questions then, you can ask more open ended questions so the client will elaborate on how they envision the ad.

Although this is not all inclusive these are just a couple of tips that can be useful. Being a salesperson can be very difficult, but if you belive in your product it makes it significantly easier to wear your sales hat as a photographer. Please go to my web site at http://www.dannylbaker.com/ and click on the "Project" button to view a sample of my work that was used in Tiki Magazine.

Finding a Model

Finding and hiring a model is very difficult, especially if the photo shoot requires a model that specializes in a specific area. The model I was looking for had to dance hula. But if you have limited resources available, and little to no experience with photographing models; where and how does a photographer go about searching for a qualified model.

I was fortunate to find an excellent model on my first attempt. As a side note, I would not do the Hula Dancer any justice by labeling her a model only. In reality she is an artist, she performed to a level of experience far beyond what I expected.

As I mentioned, with limited resources (e.g money) that may restrict you from hiring a model agency, the only other option I could come up with is search the Internet. I'm sure there are many options available but these were the two that I thought were most practical and convenient.

I'm not promoting a particular website but craigslist.org is the website that I chose only because it is a well known website. I placed an ad, (which is free by the way), and soon I was receiving inquiries about my ad.

The ideal approach to hiring a model is to have a written plan of action. However, in this case it was my first time venturing into this area so I relied on my life's experience. This approach is not all inclusive, and is not detailed, but it is a starting point that can be tailored to your needs.

1. Search: Approach model search as if you were hiring someone to work for you, because you are.

a. Post ad.

b. Set-up appointments to responses.

c. Conduct interviews.

d. Make selection.

2. Second interview with selectee: Know what you want the model to do.

a. Set guidelines/discuss specific clothing or outfits.

b. Set time/location.

c. Sign contract.

3. Preparation for the shoot:

a. Visit location prior to shoot.

b. If possible use assistant.

c. Prepare equipment.

4. During the shoot: Be assertive but not too demanding.

a. Talk with model to make them comfortable.

b. Be specific and communicate with model.

c. Take plenty of photographs.

d. Take written notes if time permits or make mental notes and write them down as soon as possible.

5. Conclusion: Thank model and provide any additional information (e.g. Portfolio, Photo Package).

These are the basics that I found I needed to conduct a successful model search. Unfortunately these were lessons learned during and after the search and I consider myself very lucky. I learned from that and hopefully you will too.

As always happy photographing and please make comments or suggestion. You may visit my website at www.dannylbaker.com