I have a number of blog posts that I’m going to tackle in the next 25 years… here’s the first I need to get off of my chest.
So, it’s come to my attention that a “Reel” is the way creative individuals display (show off) their work. What’s in a Reel? Well, I’ll tell you. It’s supposed to be a number of works you are most proud of. Work you’ve worked hard to create as and artist. I’m proud of a number of things I’ve done in the past 5 years but I’ve been reluctant to build a reel. Here’s my beef……..
I’ve been viewing reels and I know for a fact that the material on some of the reels are, in fact, not that particular persons work. Well, maybe, in a tiny, non creative way. All I’m saying is…
If you’re going to add something to your reel as a creative you better have had a part of the “CREATIVE” - “ARTISTIC” side of what makes up the work. If you’re a Director, list it… If you’re a UPM, list it… If you’re head of Craft Services, list it.
Be true to yourself because the people that hire you to do the work will expect the work they see on your reel. If someone else is responsible for the creative aspect of the project be sure to let your clients know that. You don’t need to name names, just let them know that that’s not your camera work or editing work or writing work… You get it.
So that, is, in fact, why I haven’t posted a reel. But will soon. And you better bet I’ll list my part in every project. I love you all… especially the creatives!!!! Keep up the great work and wade through the muck that makes up the internet!!!!
Recently I had the opportunity to work with a very talented, young band here in Wichita, Kansas. First and Foremost came to me with the idea of shooting a music video. They, like most bands starting out needed something that would make them look professional and push their marketing efforts to the next level.
We shot the music video on a very strict budget in a short amount of time. If you have any questions about the video, please please ask away! It’s late… I’m tired. Enjoy!!!
I was cruising the web and stopped by one of my favorite blogs, ISO50, and found this little gold nugget. I’ve been frustrated about my design and this guy says it best. I know what I want it to look like it’s just falling a little short… don’t give up, do a lot of work and I’ll get there. DUH!!!!
Sometimes I feel like I do design because it’s what’s available. If it were up to me I’d love to work with a design team and solely provide the photography. When I pick up a camera I instantly find creativity in what I’m doing. When I sit down, open Illustator and setup a blank file I just sit and stare.
I read and read and read design blogs. The people out there that I consider designers are amazing! Not only with the programs they use but the stuff they conjure up in their brains. I don’t really have any point to this post. Just a realization that I would love to work with a great team of designers… be part of a larger project that depends on me to do my job in order for others to do theirs.
Blah Blah Bliggity Blah. There you have it… I’m a photographer posing as a designer… on a daily basis.
A perfect example of a great design team I follow.
Need to take a quick moment to once again mention my boy Matt Carr of MJ Lens Rental, www.mjlensrental.com. It’s amazing to have a complete line of Canon L glass at your finger tips. Matt is a super great guy and is willing to go above and beyond to get you the stuff you need to get your gig done. He also stocks a Canon 50D, Speedlites and much more. When I say much more I mean an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM! Check him out if you’re a Canon shooter!
A couple days ago I was working at the kitchen table when a name caught my attention on the news, Jared Hobaugh. Jared was killed in a plane crash on the 22nd. Anyone who went to Maize or Valley Center… well, any high school between 1996 and 2000 knew and probably attended a few Shaft gigs. Few people know this but I wanted to play an instrument and start a band because of Shaft. I really looked up to those guys… let’s face it, they were bad ass! Jared was the lead singer and an all around great guy. I didn’t meet him until the Shaft days were over. Jared ran sound for our band on numerous occasions and I remember one show in particular, in the middle of a field south of Newton. He brought all of his gear out, set it up and provided some killer sound for 5 bands and at least a couple thousand people. We were rock stars that night, thanks to him! When the night was over he walked up to me and wanted me to know how good our band sounded. That meant the world to me. Jared Hobaugh, the same guy that pushed me to be a musician… crazy what effect people can have on a kid and never even know it. Wish I wasn’t so stubborn and would have let him know that himself.
The Hobaugh family is in our prayers. I saw the newscast tonight and Jared was supposed to walk his sister down the isle… That’s when it hit me. He’s gone. You won’t be forgotten my friend.
This should definitely catch the eye of the HD DSLR world! I own the 5D Mark II and it shoots beautiful images and killer HD video. The only thing I’m a little perturbed about is it’s lack of frame options. The new 7D shoots in 30p, 24p and 25p @ 1080p. Not too shabby! I’ll no doubt find a way to get my hands on one of these. Oh, and did I mention it has an 18MP sensor and shoots up to 8fps. NICE! Anyway, check it out here.
Today I’m finishing some insert shots for a catalog I’ve been working on for the last month. Yes, a month is a long time, but I painted, photographed, clipped the images and designed the entire catalog. Lots of fun but lots of work. So today I’m shooting the final images for the pages we’ve left blank intentionally for “live” photos. This is the setup shot and the actual image that is going in the catalog. Any questions? Shoot me a comment.
A good buddy and business partner and I are working on the new justincaryphotography.com… If you’ve noticed www.justincaryphotography.com simply directs you to www.cary-studios.com, this will no longer be true. cary-studios will be shut down and have only a link to direct you to the new and improved site. I’m happy to announce that I will be taking on more photography jobs in 2009 as I’m going to slowly seperate myself from all of the other distractions that keep me from shooting full-time.
So, with that being said, have a happy holiday season! See you on the flip side with new and improved webby goodness!!!
Justin Cary Photography
