Posts By Brad Moore

© 2007 Photo by Jeff Schewe

When I was a kid, there was this sportswriter named Jimmy Cannon. He was a cut above, he wrote universally appealing stuff. Sports in a larger sense. I can’t remember specific things he wrote, but I always felt like he made me think. He found a way to ramble on about anything he wished to explore by naming some of his columns, “Nobody asked, me but…”

I want to use that format and protocol for this piece – here we go then…

Nobody Asked Me, But…
When I was starting out (okay, 55 years ago) I showed my work to an art director named Bob Cato. He went thru my folio carefully, slowly, closed the book and said, “You walk too fast.” I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. At first I had no idea what the hell he was talking about, but over the years it has become clear. It’s about the intimacy of walking.

Think of it this way… (more…)

Think Globally: Shoot Locally

Photographers these days are especially sick of hearing about the economy on the news over and over again. That’s because when it comes to these types of downturns, we’re like canaries in the coalmines… We feel the effects of a lack of economic oxygen long before the rest of the business world, and this is just so much old news.  Any working pro I know could have told you things were really tough a year and a half ago, when the rest of the country was still in the bubble of economic self delusion.

But now a lot of other industries–publishing, travel, and banking among them — have  caught up and we’re all in the same boat. And this doesn’t bode well for those of us who travel and shoot, for profit, or passion, or both.  Travel magazines today are as thin as as a stockbroker’s wallet, suffering from the anorexia of no advertising dollars, and consequently no editorial pages or assignments.  And optional travel for pleasure is the first thing to go in tight economic times… (more…)

A few weeks back Brad Moore, Photo Studio Manager at Kelby Media Group dropped me a line inviting me to be the Guest Blogger. I first met Brad while he was working with Joe McNally in New York. Brad came with Joe to the 20×24 Polaroid Studio, while I photographed Joe for my Behind Photographs Project. So, thanks Brad and Scott for giving me the stage for the day.

Photography is part of my soul, it is not my job. Simply put, I love it. Richard Avedon said it best, “If a day goes by without me doing something related to photography, it’s thought I’ve neglected something essential to my existence, as though I had forgotten to wake up.” So today I will share some images and some thoughts that help put a smile on my face and make me feel complete.

BE WHO YOU IS
Ian Summers is a great business coach in our industry. He loves the quote, “Be who you is, cuz if you ain’t who you is, then you is who you ain’t.” As a photographer it is easy to try to imitate another shooter’s work and to try to be all things to all people. I am based in a smaller photo market in San Diego and often have to shoot a variety of styles to satisfy my clients. However, when it comes down to the work, I always try to give them what they want, then shoot something they way I see it. At least at the end of the shoot, you have something (more…)

Lessons I Didn’t Learn In Photo School

1. If you can’t be remarkable, be memorable.
If you know of PixSylated, it’s probably because I… Pimped My McNally, Shot Ben Willmore In Broad Daylight, and then Smashed Pumpkins With High-Speed Sync. Is there really anything remarkable about coil-binding a book, constructing a DIY ringlight, or batting some vegetables around? I think not. Yet, I’ve met people all over the country who’ve said “You’re the guy who did that?” (Which I always choose to take as a compliment – regardless of how they really meant it.) Running with the pack won’t get you any attention these days. Create ways for people to remember you (and yes, crazy red is my natural hair color).

2. You are NOT defined by your photo gear or your computer’s operating system.
Nikon vs. Canon, Mac vs. PC. Truth be told… none of this matters to anybody other than the people who sell this stuff. Nobody will look at your photographs and shout “Yep, that guy’s a Nikon shooter on a PC. It just shows.” If you’re a hardcore Nikonian or Canonite, loosen up, trade cameras with a colleague, and go make some great photographs with another brand. Come to understand that your images are reflections of you as a human and not the machines you used to create them.

3. Powerful photographs touch people at a depth they don’t anticipate.
If you want to be a strong photographer… (more…)

I have the honor of being a guest blogger today. I was told that I could blog about anything I wanted to. I’ve made a video instead of writing. I hope you enjoy this.

Cheers,
Zack Arias
zackarias.com

*Editor’s Note: To read a few thoughts on Zack’s video, check out his blog.