Location, Location, Location

I just got off the phone with a client from the UK.  Since she would not be present at the scheduled shoot in Germany, she had some questions regarding how I would handle the photo shoot.  This made me realize that what I do for a living as a photographer isn’t as easily understood as I had assumed.  Simply put, I am a location photographer.  I pick up my gear and go on location to do events, weddings, portrait shoots, photo reportage, documentary photography, exhibitions, architecture and travel photography—and I’ve been doing so for more than 15 years on two continents.

There is a big difference between a location photographer and a studio photographer.  A studio photographer deals with control:  lights, backdrops, seating, posing and repetition.  This formulaic approach to photography allows the studio photographer maximum output with minimal input.  This is also why the studio photographer is cheaper than a location photographer.

I have also been asked if I have my own studio by prospective clients, to which I would like to reply “Of course not!  Where is the creativity in that?”  What separates a location photographer from a studio photographer is flexibility.  My photography education and experience have taught me that flexibility is the best piece of gear in my pack. Naturally, I have worked in a studio environment as part of my photography experience, but I prefer the creativity and freedom of location work. Also, the latest digital technology allows me to carry a micro studio with me and emulate the results of a studio environment anywhere in the world.

I explained to my client that I would arrive early, speak to my on site contacts and go over all of the logistics of the shoot, get an idea of exactly what they want, scout the location for lighting, angles, etc. and give them everything they ask for in the final images.  As a location photographer I am able to handle any eventuality and I possess the expertise to solve any problem which may arise.

This is what separates the garden variety studio photographer in his/her controlled environment from the seasoned location photographer.  This is also one of the reasons I enjoy location work:  every shoot is unique, there are no formulas.  And my talent, skill and experience shows in every photo shoot I take on.  I look forward to my upcoming assignments in Berlin, Leipzig, Prague and beyond...

Your Event Photographer in Berlin and Beyond...

Part of why I love being a freelance photographer is the wide variety of events I am commissioned to photograph each year.  Each event I cover is unique:  the day of photographing speakers and guests may end with an evening boat trip down the Spree River or a walk to a fine restaurant in a historic Berlin building.

Recently I had the pleasure of photographing a convention for a large French company visiting Berlin.  The evening festivities included a visit to a fantastic space called ewerk, a renovated electric power plant from the early 20th century. The industrial feel was very apparent in every detail of the massive brick structure.  An iron spiral staircase led to a cocktail mezzanine overlooking the main dining hall, where huge iron hooks and pulleys hovered over the dinner guests. Compared to many of the cramped, tiny cellars and alleyways of other European cities I've worked in, ewerk is a spacious change of pace.


Part of the fun of photographing events is the surprises:  a singer dressed as Marlene Dietrich appeared in a spotlight and began a retro vocal tribute to Berlin's 1930s cabaret swing era.  Later, she effortlessly transformed into a version of Edith Piaf with a rendition of La Vie En Rose so perfect she received massive applause from her French audience.  She even invited one of the guests on stage to accompany her for her big finale.

I very much enjoy documenting events in Berlin and beyond.  Feel free to contact me for a quote for your next event or convention.  I look forward to it.

Portrait Photography Workshops in Berlin

If you've ever wondered about what it takes to take a good portrait and would like to polish your people skills:

http://www.gaudycafe.com/event/portrait-photography-workshop-2011-08-21

I'm teaching a portrait photography workshop at St. Gaudy Cafe in Berlin - Prenzlauer Berg on August 21.  This four-hour photo workshop will teach you the essentials of good portraiture, which include:

- lighting for mood and effect
- posing your subject
- subject communication and rapport


The workshop fee is only 30 EUR per person.For more information, please contact me through my website.

Band and Musician Photography in Berlin

 

Over the last few months I've had the pleasure of photographing several musicians, bands and even a 50 piece orchestra.  As a portrait artist I translate ideas and personalities into images.

These are a few of the musical personalities I have enjoyed working with in Berlin and Prague recently.



These images represent some of my best work; I hope you enjoy viewing the images as much as I enjoyed making them.



For more band and musician photography in Berlin and Prague please visit my website.







Please contact me to set your appointment for musician or band portraits today.