Not my style

(not iPhone photo)

I've been assisting a catalog fashion shooter a lot lately and I find it a really enjoyable atmosphere. After all, you are usually working with some really talented models that make the job really simple and there is very little lifting to be done. What could be better, especially on bra and panty day?

One of the fortes of my new photog friend is children. He is really good, and he gets paid to do it. Now children are not my style...or should I say "specialty". I love taking photos of children and really get along with them (more than most adults). But I don't have very many in my portfolio because I've been trained/convinced to develop a certain style and differentiate yourself with THAT style. So they style I've develop is what it is...and what it isn't is children (or at least children in catalogs). Don't get me wrong, having children myself, and they in turn having children friends...I shoot a lot of children, I just don't promote it. Here's the rub. When you are hungry and you see someone else making a go at it, you sometimes have an urge try and earn the same success by emulating what they are doing. The fallacy being that I could ever be successful trying to emulate someone else. I spoke with my buddy, photo-consultant Leslie Burns, and she reminded me that you have to shoot what is in YOUR head and develop your style...and eventually you'll find your audience. Not the other way around. Really wise words.

So if you read this blog and have an opinion on developing your own style, let me know. Furthermore, if you know how I can make money...let me in on that too. And if you are a paying client and you want me to shoot kids, I'm all over it! I'm a walking talking contradiction.