Assignment Photographers and ADD

February 7, 2012

As an assignment photographer, what keeps me passionate is not knowing what the next day or week will bring photographically. I could be shooting studio portraits for a client in house or out on a transmission line documenting the line being pulled pole to pole.
It’s what kept me “focused” (sorry had to slip that in there), for over 20 years in this crazy business. And I love it. The uncertainty and the opportunity for adventure at anytime, the diversity.

Though un-predictable at most times I’ve also come to know the seasons for certain types of shoots. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I know late March and early to mid-April are great times to get those final winter shoots shot for outdoor adventure as our days are crazy long and our models don’t get frozen smiles, literally, on their faces in sub zero temperatures! And over the past 5 or so years I’ve learned mining exploration starts early spring or when the ground can be worked and my clients like me to shoot their sites once the foliage is green and operations are well underway.

But this year, things are being shaken up a bit with the Yukon’s rush for gold and mineral prices driving companies out into the field earlier than ever. How do I know this? For the first time I’m being asked to go shoot drilling rigs in mid February and am already booked in June for one client. So what do I take away from this curve ball? Well that no matter how much you study the market and feel you know your industry, it can change in a minute so you better be adaptable. Adaptability is the best characteristic for an assignment photographer to have I think.

This year instead of packing the usual bug dope and mosquito jacket in with my camera gear I’m going to pull out the winter boots and merino long johns for my next trip to the exploration camp! Oh and I might throw in a Hot Shot or two!