Hi and welcome the this edition of Workshop at the Ranch. I have had the pleasure to visit with students of some of the nations best University photography programs over the years. Because I’m a freelance photographer many students ask the question regarding how they can best begin their freelance careers. I addressed this issue in a previous Workshop at the Ranch back in February 2005 but felt it was important to bring a few additional principles to light that might further help a photographer be better prepared for their career that will begin after graduation.
Hi and welcome the this edition of Workshop at the Ranch. I have had the pleasure to visit with students of some of the nations best University photography programs over the years. Because I’m a freelance photographer many students ask the question regarding how they can best begin their freelance careers. I addressed this issue in a previous Workshop at the Ranch back in February 2005 but felt it was important to bring a few additional principles to light that might further help a photographer be better prepared for their career that will begin after graduation.

The February 2005 Workshop at the Ranch article addressed four tangible things the photographer can do in an effort to improve their chances in the photography industry. Those being KNOWLEDGE of your subject, capturing the MOMENT, LIGHTING being the greatest influence of a picture, and TECHNOLOGY used to separate you from your competitors. The fifth point of that article was an intangible, the heart and that your heart can be the driving force behind a successful career. The four tangibles can be learned through keen study, schooling, workshops,…etc. But, having a passionate heart that drives you towards your artistic goal seems to come from within and not from a text book. It should also be noted that the four tangibles are not usually activated over night but take time to incorporate into your heart’s passion of making photographs that capture a moment that you are compelled to share with others.

With these ideas in mind, let’s follow up where the 2005 February Workshop at the Ranch left off regarding the heart and take a look at some Principles of Success that don’t come from a text book ……….

Principle #1      ASSISTANTSHIP … Schooling in the classroom seems only to take the photographer so far. Then, practical application of their skills and knowledge must enter the mix in order to better prepare the photographer for the career they long for. The internship at a newspaper is the most common point of departure for the fledgling photojournalist. It is the bridge between the safety of school and the world at large. But what if the photographer does not want to work for a newspaper? What if they want to do commercial work or Landscape or Weddings or Portraits, in short, Freelance? An assistantship with a photographer whose images, style and technical expertise that you admire and see yourself closely akin to is a great answer. It is this real world experience as an assistant that allows the young photographer to walk the walk and live the life of the successful photographer without large financial investment or risk. It also can be a great divider in the sense of discovering whether you really want to or are truly cut out for this kind of career. The assistant, if they are 100% committed to their job, becomes an extension of the professional and over time will be infinitely more prepared to set out on their own beyond where any school can take them.

Image #1      Mary Lou Retton … (The closest I came to assisting was my first photography job in 1981 photographing international and national competition events and athletes for the USA Gymnastics Team as they began their final three years of preparation before the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Rich Kenney had been the sport’s photographer for a number of years but was being promoted to an administrative position. He hired me based on my expert knowledge of the sport, good relationships with the coaches and athletes and my very basic abilities as a photographer. He taught me the ropes and guided me along during my short time in USA Gymnastics office then located in Ft. Worth, Texas. That “in house” job was short lived as I longed to return back home to Colorado. I left Ft. Worth after 9 months and returned to Colorado Springs and began my freelance business of which the USA Gymnastics Team was a key client for 17 years. I learned a lot from Rich Kenney while under his guidance. He gave me the basics of freelance survival that I still follow today.)

Principle #2      ATTITUDE … To be a great assistant requires an attitude of humility. This can be difficult for someone who’s goal is to freelance and be their own boss. You might think that as an assistant you are working for your own benefit but in reality you must enter the assistantship with a servants heart. I believe that if the assistant has the heart of a servant they will in turn encourage the professional to open up and teach them everything about the business. This attitude is not just reserved for the assistant but is an attitude that will be beneficial throughout a photographers career no matter who they are working with.

Image #2      Big Air Johnny Mosley … (Upon arriving at the Freestyle Mogul Final at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002 I noticed a TV cameraman at the base of the steep mogul course completely exhausted and distressed. He explained that his assistant had not arrived and he needed to get set up immediately. I, of course, had all my own gear and was like wise in a hurry but I offered to carry his tripod (50 lbs.), cable and bag of equipment up the course to his TV platform (approx: 100 yards up the icy mountain .) Before we started the long hike I offered him a Chips Ahoy cookie …. after all, he looked hungry. We arrived at his platform and had another cookie to which we asked were I was going to photograph this guy Johnny Mosley from. I said I wasn’t sure yet to which he replied, join me right here, it’s the perfect spot for his big trick the “Dinner Role.” Perfect … He got me as an assistant and I got the perfect shooting location for Mosley’s Dinner Role………..No one is too old or too professional to serve someone else with an attitude of humility.)

Principle #3      NETWORK … Networking is a component that must not be left out. I do not mean that “who you know” is the key to success. What I do mean is that learning the chain of authority amongst the pieces of the industry puzzle are essential for growth as a photographer. Too often people try and short cut their way up the ladder and end up in an assignment or job that is beyond their abilities only to fall short of producing what was expected of them and damaging their reputation. Networking, in my definition, is more about who is the next person I should serve under …… not who is the next person I must pass to get higher up.

Image #3      Kentucky Derby … (In 1999 I mentioned to Mike Corrado of Nikon that I had always wanted to photograph a horse race. He then asked me if I would like to teach (for free) at a small workshop at Churchill Downs. I was thrilled to be asked to help and was more than willing to serve under both Mike and Skip Dickstein, the workshop’s director. After the workshop was over Skip asked if I could stick around to photograph the Kentucky Derby ….. the rest is history …. 2007 will be my 8th consecutive Kentucky Derby. I have worked with Mike and Skip ever since and have made countless contacts by way of them both all because I was willing to serve under their leadership.)

Principle #4      COMMITMENT … If you truly have a passion for photography, if it is truly your calling as a career, if your heart’s desire is truly to make pictures, tell stories with them and share them with others ……. then, commitment will be easy. If you are faint of heart for the long haul, if you are into photography strictly for the money or fame then you will most likely struggle with regards to commitment. I have seen many sports photographers drop out of business because their team had a few bad seasons or the access at the game got difficult and they were not part of the “happening” of the event any more. I have shot sports for over 25 years but would not call myself a sports fan. I just love to make pictures. This does not mean you cannot be a sports fan or have a favorite sport or team, but it does mean you should be a photographer first if that’s what your event credential says you are.

Image #4      Arlington National Cemetery … (My Lightpainting is just beginning to come into its own. After 12 Olympic Games I decided that Torino in 2006 would be my last. I’m eagerly perusing other photographic avenues with great expectations. I still enjoy and cover sporting events but I’m pushing myself to broaden my portfolio of photographic interests. My heart felt passion for making pictures has lead me to the very artistic lighting technique known as Lightpainting. This specialty lighting skill has mostly been speculation work but took a giant leap this year with a book and magazine project that I was asked to be part of for National Geographic. My commitment and love for making pictures has remained steady throughout my career whether making sports images or breaking new ground with my talents.)

Principle #5      SOWING and REAPING … People reap what they sow. It is a principle as old as dust. I try and give back some of my time and money to this profession that has treated me so well. I will spend 4 days per month just to write the Workshop at the Ranch and On The Road articles so people can learn at no cost. I contribute to various organizations and donate prints for auctions that raise money for causes I believe in. I have always tried to share information at events and not hold back from someone who wants to know “how did you make that picture.” I believe everyone has something to offer. There is always some way to help your fellow photographer. The list is long of those who have extended themselves to me so I intern extend myself as well. We all have a job to do but I have always found it rewarding to lend a hand to others. Inevitably, something good will come back to those who practice this principle whether in photography or life in general.

Image #5      Ice Climbing … (This month’s On The Road features the sport of Ice Climbing (see February 2007 On The Road.) This project was a year long dream I had that became a reality. My good friend and premier climbing photographer Kieth Ladzinski and I teamed up and combined our “lighting” talents for this project in an effort to photograph ice climbing as it had never been photographed before. We learned from each other and personally produced some of our most stunning career images thanks to our attitude of sharing our talents and extending ourselves towards one another. This job was one of the greatest adventures I’ve ever been on to which both Keith and I are already reaping the benefits.)

These are principles that I have followed throughout my career and my life. I have found these principles to work and pay great dividends although payback is not my motivation. For those of you who are going to be entering the photography industry soon, you might consider ASSISTING a professional who’s work you admire and do so with an ATTITUDE of humility. Once in the work force you can NETWORK with those who you might work with in the future. Stay COMMITTED to your hearts desire and take the time to SOW something into someone else’s life …then you will REAP benefits beyond your wildest dreams, photograph great events and people, enjoy your daily work and enjoy those around you while being successful in far more ways than just photography. These, I believe, are Principles of Success.

See you next time at Workshop at the Ranch. ……………… Adios, Dave