If It Was Not For V.V.S. & Bobby!

It was also a seminar where I learned that I had no interest in working with models as a full time profession, and that the studio had a lot of cool possibilities.  I also confirmed that I had no real interest in photographing people; you had to have a vision of what you wanted to see.  I could not envision with people… so I tucked away what I had seen, heard, and learned, and continued down the path of a professional photographer.

My focus turned to landscapes, rodeo, bulls, cowboys, and a passion with horses.  Through various venues I had been able to start capturing the beauty of the horse and knew that is where I wanted be.  The trick was finding people who wanted to pay for their horses either in action or interacting with their rider.  It is a path I have decided to follow, and hope to expand on it in 2009.

With the economy as it is, horse photos are not moving as quickly as I had hoped.  Surfing through Craigslist I happened across someone who wanted headshots.  How hard could that be?  My prospective client was not clear on what he wanted, but I figured maybe he just couldn’t explain it email.  I had done the lighting seminar and received compliments on those photos, I could handle this.

Well I am sure I worked with this gentlemen going back on forth in at least a dozen emails.  Ironing out details, location, cost, and what he wanted.  I sent him links to my website  ( www.kjanthony.com ) so he would so my other work, he liked what he saw and as they say the rest is history.  We eventually settled on a cost and a location, which turned out to Vegas Vision Studios, of which Bobby Deal is the President.

A nice safe location to meet someone I didn’t know for the first session.  I called Bobby, explained my situation, secured a date and time.  I sent my client a reminder email the night before and made sure he had directions.

I brought an assistant to work with me to ensure the safety of me and my client, and to help the shoot go smoothly and on time.  Along the way I picked up water for client, made sure I had the model release, and tried to envision what this client wanted from me his hired Professional Photographer.

We arrived at Vegas Vision Studios. a little early to set up and make sure everything was in order.  Bobby was great and he treated me with the respect, which he extended not only to me as his client, but as a Photographer.  He treated me like a Professional, didn’t mock my equipment, or think my questions were stupid.  He was patient and willing to help me where I needed it, when I needed it.

Bobby made my session a success from a photography stand point.  Bobby set up the lights, set up my camera to work with his light system, advised me on the best settings to use, and was very professional about it.  

I wanted to use a different background, so off I went to find Bobby.  I thought the one background would be perfect.  I asked Bobby his advice, he suggested another based on my client’s skin tone, and explained why my choice was not correct.  Bobby changed the background right away, again advised me on my camera settings and lighting positions.

To all the members of the society, I understand the economy is bad.  But, if you need a studio go see Bobby.  He will provide you with more than any other studio, who won’t give you the advice, or even set up your lights.  I believe I am the only member of the society who has been to Bobby’s studio for a private session, outside a society seminar.  As the powers that be have said, we need to support our local businesses…  Let’s not lose Bobby or his studio, as we will be at a huge disadvantage if we do.

I am not planning on studio work full time, as that is not what I wish to pursue.  But, if I happen along another client who needs a studio session, I know where I am heading.

Bobby I give you my thanks for all your help, support, and advise.  I know my session would not have been as successful with out you and Vegas Vision Studios.  Bobby you are great to work with and I look forward to working with you again.

Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”