I consider myself lucky to have photography as something I do. I take random cell phone shots like everyone else, but I take more photos with my DSLR than I do with my cell phone. I can kick myself for not learning this craft when my kids were little, but here we are. In an age where photographers are a dime a dozen and we have a camera on us at all times. People ask me for quotes all the time. Most times when I give them that quote...I never hear from them again. We have cameras at our fingertips that if used correctly does an OK job. The value of photography to most people are gone, and I do a lot of free work because of it. Now, fellow photographers, don't get your panties in a wad. The free work I do are shoots that I want to do, that I hunted for subjects, props, and sometimes clothing. Sometimes the free work I do is out of boredom or opportunity. Sometimes it's so I can learn something or add to my portfolio. When I don't have clients to shoot, I need something to do to be able to grow. I don't know how some photographers can put down the camera and only pick it up when they have a check in their hand. Do you still enjoy photography when you get to that point? Do you still value it as an art form or is it's only value monetary at this point? I think it's sad when something you enjoyed has turned in to just a job to pay bills. I think artistic businesses are the most successful when the artist still has a love for it and not just cranking them out with little thought. I hope I never get to that point.
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So, I wanted to add tweens to my portfolio, but I also wanted to add products. I love and support small businesses so I gave my local business community a chance to snag some free product shots. Whether it was hair pieces, jewlry, etc. They'd get their product back plus some photos to use. No takers. I know, crazy right? Fine, I jumped on to Etsy and started searching for crochet hair pieces. I found these adorable kitty ear headbands from The Knot and Chain . I still think it's important to look locally first, but shopping Etsy also helps the little guy out. I don't regret it and was very happy with my experience. Yup, it's late October and we're out shooting like it's spring time, sleeveless dress and a floral crown. That's Florida for you.
I miss out on the fall colors, the reds, oranges and golds. I miss out on the snow, too. That part I don't mind so much. I lived in upstate New York for a few years and I remember having to shovel and salt the driveway and side walks. UGH, not fun. I do miss what autumn was like though. Every climate has it's perks. I may get rained out for weeks or have a random hurricane, but I don't have to deal with months of snow and ice. I don't get to take pictures of kids jumping in a pile of leaves or throwing snow balls, but I get to put someone in the sun on a winter morning without having to keep a car running to jump in every 10 minutes to warm up. Every place has their challenges, I've had to shoot in the rain, sometimes I'll walk out my door at 8 in the morning and start sweating instantly and my hair goes crazy. I'll see posts from photographers all across the country and envy their locations, colors, the terrain, but maybe they envy mine sometimes too. We just adapt, and keep shooting. I just shot my fourth year at an event hosted by Morphstore.com at Adobe Gila's located at Point Orlando. These guys are amazing at what they do. They make prosthetic pieces and masks from latex foam. They sell contacts, teeth and more. This is very fun for me. I am fascinated by this industry. The imaginations brought to life is astonishing sometimes. That's the kind of cool things I get to see. I get to be there, in the moment, and keep it. How awesome is that? Everyone comes out to eat, drink, dance, and most of all show off their creative costumes. It's always a good time. Every one is taking some time out to enjoy people and atmosphere. We walk around self absorbed in our work, homes, problems...this was for pure enjoyment for the guests. The hosts seemed to have a great time too.
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AuthorAmber Sallot Archives
October 2019
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