As a photographer, my skill set is constantly put to the test. In most cases I’m handed an idea on a slab of wood and the mission is to hand that idea translated to a tangible artifact back to my client on a silver platter. It’s never an easy process, but it’s apart of my job. I’ve shot in water maybe half a dozen times and I love it, I love the challenge and I love doing something different. The idea brought forth by makeup artist Casey Ritchie was to shoot a model in black murky water, with only the face to be seen and the makeup as the stand out.

The first step was to think of a way to shoot this idea in a studio setting. The only way I felt it could be accomplished was with a simple kiddie pool, rather then using an indoor pool or bathtub, where it would be trouble to rig lights safely. We placed the kiddie pool right on the studio floor and filled the pool with warm water, then draped a black cloth background over the pool and in the water. The next hurdle was lighting and camera placement.

Fortunately, I have a lot of experience with booming my camera for a 90 degree overhead angle without the used of a ladder or crane. So, we secured a Canon 5D Mark III with a Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter and wrapped a Vulture Equipment Works A4 camera strap around the head of the stand in case the adapter failed. I fired the shutter using the CamRanger; a wireless DSLR remote control and tethering system.The next step involved lighting the pool. Unfortunately, we could jump in the water for pre-lighting so, we had to guess and use the palm of our hands to predict how the light would fall on the face.

The key light provided a powerful dramatic light from overhead and the sole purpose of the side lighting was to add some beautiful catch lights in the models eyes. The ringflash added a directional contrast and the white foamcore reduced the shadow density under the chin and body. We triple checked for security and safety; when dealing with water, you never want to cut corners and risk a model’s life.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to nail the lighting until the model was in the water; we fought with reflections and inconsistent shutter clicks, which wasn’t something I had ever had to deal with. About 20 minutes in the water, our model was shivering and very cold, I knew we needed to get the shot. I made the executive decision to send for a space heater and turn up the heat in our house. Luckily, Lindsey, our model, was an absolute trooper and was prepared to do something different. She fought the shivering and braced the luke-warm water through two more looks. By the last look, we had adapted to the scenario; my studio felt like a sauna and the air approaching 90 degrees.

Three looks later we had the shot we needed and I could tell our model was relieved. We carefully broke down the lights and emptied the pool bucket after bucket. I wasn’t handed an easy scenario, but I certainly think we delivered a photograph worthy of a silver platter.

When someone asks about my year, an overwhelming breath of anxiety falls over me. I tend to think of all the failures and mistakes that transpired. I sulk on the jobs that I lost or perhaps the connections I never followed up with. But, just as soon as I start dwelling on the missteps, a blast of positive reflection and extreme anticipation hits me like 10-ton a freight truck. I started my photography career in 2011 and every year since the milestones have become bigger, brighter and bold.

Although I hit a few holes, they prepared me for the mountain that I was to climb. I not only grew as a photographer, filmmaker, writer and educator but as a person. Albeit cliché as that may sound, my life went through an absolute change and I finally accomplished a life-goal that I’ve been working towards for close to 13 years.

Turmoil, emotion, adventure, elation, sweat, change, breakthrough; are all words that could describe the past 12 months. Rounding the corner to 2014, I was modest, working a full-time marketing position at a camera store to make rent, in the meantime attempting to drive harder and faster with my photography business. The balancing act was something I became used to and a tangible reality. When I was offered a position at Fstoppers.com in January, I didn’t know my comfortable living was about to shift sideways. Of course, I took the Fstoppers opportunity seriously and everything was sent into overdrive.

I traveled out of the country for the first time. My imagery was nominated for a North American Hairstyling Award. I enlisted with the agency Wonderful Machine. I hosted my first live webinar with hundreds of photographers all over the world. I became an official brand ambassador for brands such as SmugMug, Tether Tools, X-Rite and Savage Universal. I shot medium format film for the first time. I spoke to a live audience at the PhotoPlus International Expo in New York City and I shot for clients such as USA Today, Livestrong, Modern Salon, ProSales Magazine and First For Women Magazine. And, those were just some of the milestones.

In uniform with a roller coaster, this past year has had its drops, hills, turns and corkscrews. Halfway through, the ride took a swift turn and I came out the other side as a full-time photographer. I left my job at the camera store and became the career man I’ve always wanted to be. Taking the jump required every bit of bravery and strength I had, as well as a pure obsession with photography that couldn’t be stopped. Although, I could brood on the failures and mistakes that made me a better photographer, that blast of hope is what keeps the fire inside burning hot. When I’m asked about my 2015, it’s hard to say. I want to continue to educate and instill a passion in others as well as continue to grow my clientele on a national scale. I’m significantly blinded by the anticipation and eager to become even more obsessed with my love for creating, inspiring and paying it forward.

Under Pressure

2014 - REVIEW