Pendleton Imaging and Photography

Copying Art Work : Brief History

Getting art work camera ready is extremely challenging. Once art had to be shot using slide film so the exposure and composition had to be technaically perfect. Now thanks to digital technology, the subject can be proofed immediately. I copied my first piece in the Fall of 1996. In my studio lighting call we covered shooting framed art on Monday, and that same Thursday I booked my first client. Made many expensive mistakes but through time I became the master. My name spread among the artist community and before the next art season I had a multitude of clients.

Nancy Luenn : A Stroy Of Quilts

A couple of months ago I had the honor of photographing Nancy Luenn's quilts. I enjoy photographing products because I can take my time, answer the phone, let my son help, etc. Totally relaxing and creative time. Plus I'm helping extremely talented people reach a new audience.

Whidbey Inspiration

Welcome to a sampling of Whidbey Inspiration, home of fine equestrian jewelery made by Lynn Copeland.

Chong McCarthy Art Show

Labels: Deception Pass Visitors Center

Wi-Fi Hotspots and Tethered Shooting: Comforters in Competitive Times

The Pizza Ad Campaign

An east coast vendor contacted me frantically requesting digital images of a couple local pizza restaurants. It was the familiar story from the business world of how the deadline was yesterday and how the previous photographer dropped the ball.

Tethering my camera to my laptop enabled me to immediately proof the images thus minimizing the need for time consuming post-processing and editing. Once I bagged the necessary images, I quickly headed for the ferry back to the mainland. During the wait and ride I finished the cleanup process. As part of my going the extra mile I added labels to the packaging, added people, eliminated sad faces and pasted the glad. Fortunately the ferry was Wi-Fi hotspot enabled so I uploaded the images to my client’s server. I should add, I could have uploaded proofs from a local coffee shop, library or any Wi-Fi Hotspots. I was able to offer a professional range of color corrected and print ready images. An added bonus: I was also submitted my invoice electronically via PayPal.

Convention Center

Winter 2008 I was contracted by the VFW to provide weekend coverage for their midwinter convention at the Yakima Convention Center. The convention center was Wi-Fi hotspot enabled, so I not only uploaded my files to my website for proofing, but also was able to process credit card information for individual sales. A couple clients viewed their images with their iPhones or laptops during the conference day and purchased additional poses. Later that evening, others used the hotel’s computer to view and order images.
After reviewing the quality of my work, a California couple requested an engagement portrait. One lady pleaded for a reshoot. She was right; a little makeup makes a big difference. She tipped me generously plus referred me to a friend.

Local Theater

A local theater needed professional portraits of their board of directors. Again using tethered shooting, and a stand-in model, I was able to check lighting, proof poses and eliminate the goofy stuff that’s difficult to see in the camera’s view finder. Six board members and two groupings were shot in less than 40 minutes. Because the assignment was proofed on-location very little post production was required. The client had the product in hand the next day.

What’s required for this efficiency of operation: a digital camera, laptop, a reasonable fast Wi-Fi or hotspot portal. More importantly experience with a tested digital workflow that enables you to bring everything all together.

Inquiring Photo Minds

As a moderator of our local camera club, I’m often asked questions by members and the community at large. The following is a recent question:

My husband got me a nice digital camera for Christmas and I am interested in learning more. Is you club for both 35mm and digital? Also do you help with getting people started to mat and frame pictures? I am also interested in selling my pictures but don't know how to start. Just seems overwhelming.
Thanks for your time.S.

My answer:

Greetings, Digital photography is overwhelming. I spend sleepless nights managing my workflow or kicking stubborn computers. There are so many options that most people do nothing but leave the images on the hard drive. But eventually even these archived images have to be managed.

At our camera club we often discuss matting & framing option as we go along because we display & sell our images around town. As far as selling....start local with the coffee shops, restaurants, associations that you patronize. You've helped them fulfill their dreams; now, it's their turn to help you. As a plus they'll have fresh art on their wall. Establish a website to display and sell your work. Vend your work at the local farmers markets, community events, hospitals.
Joining a local active art community and camera club will speed your development & understanding.

Many, many problems, solutions & opportunities and often it all starts with the curse or blessing of a nice digital camera. Again we can choose to do nothing or experience the unlimited potential of digital photography.

Hope this brief response inspires you to inch forward. With the advent of digital technology the realm of digital art has become extremely competitive so be prepared to work very hard, spend a lot of money and to be extremely creative.