Something I was told many many years ago… “you are in the business of photography and NOT the photography business!”  That has stuck with me to this day.  Business is first and foremost.  In the last 30+ years of being in LA I have met tons of great photographers.  So many better than me.  So many with more talent, more ideas and super creative.  BUT they are ALL gone and nowhere to be found.  WHY?  Cuz they could NOT run a business!
Taking photos is 10% of the job.  Getting work, …

You need paying clients to stay in business.  You need clients to help you get better and pay for all the crazy free shoots you really want to do.  SO please don’t fuck this relationship up by thinking you are better than they are or your work is too good for their business.  So, check your ego at the door and help your client get what they need.  A happy client is a good client.  The client is NOT always right, but they are key to be successful and prosperous.
I’ve …

This is a funny one for me.  Cameras have changed a lot since I started.  Back in my day if you didn’t shoot with a Nikon or Hasselblad you were a loser!  A Nikon F2 was the shit!  A Hasselblad ELX was the Ferrari of cameras!  Back in those days there was a difference between pro cameras and amateur cameras.  The difference between pro & amateur gear was not always the price.  Better made, better features and better lenses.
Lets start with the simple fact… You do NOT need an expensive …

In Seattle of ’96, I was asked by my friend Guy Oseary from Maverick Records to capture several incredible legends for a packaging shoot.  They included John Taylor from Duran Duran, Matt Sorum and Duff McKagen from Guns N’ Roses, and Steve Jones from The Sex Pistols.  While I had already met Matt and Duff from previous shoots, I was beyond excited to meet John and Steve.
But when the guys finally showed up, everything I had planned with my crew flew right out the window.  I expected them to be …