I got my first big client!

I got my first big client! This means it was a company and not a person and for a campaign that will go local . I guess big could mean national and international, and hopefully that’s next! I was hoping to do something more major or public for a while in terms of photography and the chance finally came along. I can’t speak of the client yet because of the legal stuff and we’re still going through the photo approval process, but I will discuss some of my thoughts and feelings for the whole process.

First thing that comes to mind about the whole process is just the length from start to finish. I didn’t think it would take this long at all. I had no idea. From initial conversation, to contract negotiations, to finding the models, and working with the team, it has definitely been a couple of months. And to be honest, we are still going. We still have to pick the photos that they like, and to be more transparent, I might actually go out again this upcoming weekend and take some more shots just to round out what I have so far and add some more value to what I have to offer.

Second thing that comes to mind is damn I was nervous. I had so many butterflies and wild thoughts about scenarios before the shoot that it was just crazy. I don’t know how you all shoot bigger projects or even go about organizing them, but for me I have to essentially shoot it twice. I do a location and time scout once before the actual shoot just to be comfortable in the space, but also to realize the time I have to create, since time tends to move faster when I am behind the camera, figuring out lighting, and directing people. I think it is imperative as a creative that you do the homework beforehand because so many things can change the day of the shoot.

Third thing that comes to mind is how to be in the moment and stay in the moment. I did a bunch of meditation leading up to the shoot, just so I could be in the best possible mindset to capture hopefully what the client needed. There were a couple things the day of that did not go as expected, but it was still my responsibility to capture the images that we had discussed. Staying cool in the moment and then still being able to articulate an executable game plan is my consistent creative goal. After this shoot and a couple of others, that sort of in the moment problem solving is what is crucial to being a creative professional. We all have nerves and opinions how things can and should go. It’s important as the photographer to be aware of everyone’s emotions, talents, and capacities, so that you can get the very best out of changing situations. It’s also much easier to improvise when you have a plan as opposed to the other way around. I think I have finally accepted this.

I guess I started making a list and while it’s fourth, it could have been first. Value your relationships and do what you can to strengthen them. I am super grateful to have made a couple of beneficial relationships that value me as an artist and person. It’s been crucial in all honesty to my growth as an individual and an artist. People thankfully have noticed my work and they have liked it and they have reached out, which has been amazing. It’s been everything to get the chance to do something I love and i’ve wanted to try for a long time. It’s also a blessing when someone sees your talents and they are willing to take a chance on you. This whole experience has really made me want to step my game up, so that I can continue to deliver high quality, memorable, images that evoke something greater in the viewer. In this case, I hope the client sees the images as a visual representation of the message they are hoping to convey.

I certainly learned a lot from this client experience. Honestly, a lot of the parts were the same as a photoshoot for a family or a friend. You need to do your preparation. You need to be comfortable in the area where you are going to shoot. You should have some rapport with the models you are working with if there are any. And definitely be on the same page with your production team and whoever else you are to be in communication with about the process in general as well as the final product. It’s amazing doing something you love and going after a challenge. I like that a lot. I certainly hope you are still inspired by photography and your own growth. Whatever you do, keep shooting and creating!!

Photo Credit for Image used: Oscar Alvarez