Something for Nothing?

I was pleased to be stopped on the street this morning by a crew of student videographers from FIT. They had really good digital video cameras, microphones, and the works.

The young man who played the interviewer was much too timid, but the camera operator and his crew looked enthusiastic, so I stopped to listen to what he wanted.

I asked him what the purpose of the interview was, and he mumbled something about a "student project". The project seemed interesting, so I was willing to oblige. I asked if I could have a copy of the footage, and he was bewildered, looking at his crew, who looked bewildered, also. The eventually said "no". I asked if they had a model release so that I knew what the footage was to be used for. Again, "no". 

Ironically, I was carrying my video camera, microphone, and four copies of a model release in my bag. I told them that I always have a release (it puts the subject at ease knowing what you're going to do with the footage!). They would not agree to give me a copy of the footage or present a model release, so I declined the interview.

Supporting young talent is a great idea. In fact, one of my assistants is a student who is learning the ropes. In exchange for assisting she gets free on-the-job training and gets to use the equipment for her practice. I don't mind helping out, but I believe that you should be compensated for what you do. Your time, talent, and treasures are valuable. In the interview situation, there should have been something that I could walk away with.

From time to time I offer TFCD sessions to a select candidate. Sometimes an actor/actress or model is starting out but cannot finance the session. I exchange my services to them for their services, whether it be modeling or acting.

There's no such thing as something for nothing. Everyone is worth their hire.

Everyone Needs a Photographer in Their Life

Life is short, and it can pass you by quickly. Think about it. You finish high school. You finish college. You get your first job. Your first apartment. Time passes by quickly.

During those years you have many life-changing moments. You have many good times with friends. You wear many stunning outfits. All of those times are prime candidates for great photography. You can retain the moment in your memory, but what about preserving it in a photograph for all to see?

That's where I come in. You need me in your life. As a photographer I can capture the moment in a way that makes you look great. You can enjoy yourself to your heart's content while I document your moment or your day. You won't regret it.

For as little as $75.00 you can have yourself photographed in a way that captures you at your best.  Just think of how many valuable moments have passed and how much you would give to have them back. $75.00 is a lot less than that, I'm sure.

Give it some thought, and give me a call ; )

Cheers,

Scott (Noble)

Ricardo's Photoshoot June 08, 2008

Headshots: $250.00 (Plus NY State sales tax)

(Up to a two-hour session outside in natural daylight or in studio environment, up to four looks (outfits and/or locations), online proofing, up to four finals edited, gently retouched, and saved both print-ready and web-ready, black and white or color)

Ricardo's photoshoot was taken outside in natural daylight. We chose a very bright, sunny day and lush, green scenery. Bright sunny days don't work so well for a photoshoot, but we were able to make it work.

Instead of a studio with predictable lighting, the speckled sunlight and ambience of the environment was allowed to influence the shoot. This environment worked particularly well for Ricardo. His personality is calm, laid-back, equable. The soft-focus of the backgrounds support that. With Ricardo hailing from the tropical Trinidad, I decided that adding the greenery would add an element of realism to his photoshoot. 

My intention is to deliberately craft an environment that will work for you. Sometimes we'll find a natural fit, sometimes we'll have to make it work. I prefer to discuss the photoshoot ahead of time so that I become familiar with you and your personality. Armed with that information we can proceed successfully.

With a photoshoot like this it is important that you remain hydrated. Carry lots of fresh water and drink it throughout the photoshoot!

...

Some of the photos will be printed, and some will end up online as profile shots on different social network websites.

Renee's Photoshoot May 25, 2008

Headshots: $250.00 (Plus NY State sales tax)

(Up to a two-hour session outside in natural daylight or in studio environment, up to four looks (outfits and/or locations), online proofing, up to four finals edited, gently retouched, and saved both print-ready and web-ready, black and white or color)

For this photoshoot we went with three looks and stayed in-studio. Our backgrounds included grey seamless paper, the cityscape, and a wonderful patterned, textured paper. The backgrounds were chosen to complement the model's complexion and clothing.

I chose a simple lighting pattern and design for this photoshoot. I wanted to have gentle, even lighting with a little bit of shadow to enhance the curvature of the model's face, and it worked well.

You may notice that I have a very large lens on the camera. That's important because with a large lens I can stand back at considerable distance and zoom in. Why is that important? Because it gives you, the client, breathing space. I don't intrude in your comfort zone. There's nothing envious about having a camera lens shoved in your face while trying to look relaxed and normal! If I'm back far enough you have room to breathe.

Also notice that the model is at ease. I make every effort to have you relax and enjoy the photoshoot. If you're tense it will certainly show up in your photos, and you don't want that.

...

Some of the photos will be printed, and some will end up online as profile shots on different social network websites.

My Philosophy, as a Photographer

There's an obvious trend today to extol youth and beauty, or at least the perception of such things. Many have gone to great lengths to hide, or even outright lie, about their appearance. Magazine covers show celebrities with baby-soft skin, even though we know the individuals don't look that way. Movie posters show them heroic, vibrant, lush! Alas, we know that's not true.

We live in a culture where fresh and young is the way to go. Old—or at least not young—is frowned upon. To look your best you've got to enhance your appearance. Hair, nails, skin, powder, creams, injections, insertions...and the list goes on.

While I have no gripes against personal and cosmetic enhancements, I, personally, find it unreasonable to go over and above basic enhancements. 

So, what does that mean to me, as a photographer? Or to you, as my client? It means a lot. It means that I will not give you photography retouched beyond belief. It means that I will not have you in makeup that totally hides the natural you. It means that I subscribe to "realism" and will photograph you that way. 

My goal is to provide you with headshots that capture you at your best with just enough "umph" to give you a little extra pop. You don't want the casting director to look at your headshot and think "retouched". Neither should your friends look at your portraits and think you've reduced your love handles.

We'll work together to get you the right look. If you come au natural, that's great. If you work with a makeup artist, we'll make sure you don't look like a peacock. Unless, of course...

Cheers,

Scott (Noble)

Hello, and welcome to my blog!

I'm Scott Hampton, also known as Noble Atelier. Digital photography is my passion (as well as my business).

I photograph in New York City (mostly in Manhattan and Brooklyn). The majority of my sessions are scheduled for after work during the week or on Sundays, when most persons are free and relaxed. 

Although I'm in New York City, I don't charge New York rates. I've designed my rates and offerings in such a way as to provide very affordable fees. Quality headshots can be had for as little as $100.00. That, my friends, is a bargain.

...

This blog is designed to showcase my talent and talk about my photography. Here I will post short videos of my photoshoots with the great talent that I work with. I cater to artists, emerging actors, entrepreneurs, and other enterprising individuals. That includes stay-at-home-moms who have an Internet business, uncles who have secret lives as inventors, accountants who really want to play in a jazz band...you name it.

You won't find any attitudes here, just clear writing, honest opinions, and a love of the art. Come back often to see what's been updated. Leave comments, I'd love to hear from you!

Cheers,

Scott (Noble)