The Socialist Photographer

I thought that the second post would be easier than the first to start. I was sadly mistaken, however, If I put my head down and write, something should fall out of my mouth. So in true Joe Biden style, here I go!

I suppose I wanted to touch on the 'why' behind my decision to do this; After all, I'm sure it came as a bit of a surprise to people who know me. Kind of like when your dad sits down at the dinner table and announces between the main course and dessert that that weekend the family will be moving to New Zealand. Again, it never happened, but I secretly hoped it would.

Admittedly Exercise Physiologist to Photographer as a career move is right up there with exotic dancer to 3rd grade teacher (if not quite so salacious), but the bottom line it's serving to fill a void for me. While I enjoy what I do and have seen great success, there's a creative element that just isn't fulfilled with coaching and training. The greatest moments of my life have been in helping people to reach their own goals and succeed, but aside form the training process I've missed creating something amazing just for its own sake. I've found that photography can do that for me.

We all see things in life that captivate us, even if it is just for a second, for truly those moments usually are fleeting. However, being able to capture that setting, mood, vision is a truly priceless ability. Though not everyone will always find beauty, peace or untold emotions in the same image, its the variance that attracts me. Then again not many over here in the US agree with me when I say Baked Beans on Toast is truly an amazing culinary combination. I don't hold that against them. I feel that what I can create is something worth sharing with others however.

So why the title of 'socialist photographer'? Well, it's a nod to one of my clients, who in a very tongue in cheek way used it to describe one of my soap box tirades. As I investigated and researched professional photographers, I was outwardly stunned by the cost associated with it. While much more reading and researching has educated me on why the industry prices itself so, and I can see their point of view, I still find myself thinking that especially in times such as these, something as precious as photography, especially when it comes to family and loved ones, should not be out of reach in a way I imagine it is for so many.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no social crusader and am not given to philanthropy, but I do know the value of my dollar, and that is what is guiding me. I believe there's a niche not for cheap photography (there are plenty of Walmart's for that), but for a service that provides excellent and professional quality in a value package. Something does not need to be cheap to be of value.

Having extensively researched the business, I believe I can provide not only a high quality but also the extras such as included print packages and CD/DVD copies of the images to clients at the same time. No hidden or extra costs for prints or digital files. I will not be holding images you pay me to capture hostage until you foot the bill for my next vacation.

Therefore, if I can meet my creative needs, be rewarded for my time and provide a service to other people that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives, well, who can really wonder why I'm making the choice to make this move?

If you made it through to the end of this post, well congratulations! You earned a cookie. That doesn't apply to my training clients btw. You need to go run another 5 miles and lift heavy things.

Have a great day everyone!

Steve