Ian is an enthusiast photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area. While his day job keeps him occupied, he finds photography to fill a creative need. Ian is looking to collaborate with incredible people to create artistic portraits and build his portfolio.
Ian has had a passion for photogrpahy since he was young but has only recently started pursuing it when he found himself with an abundance of time in 2020 due to the pandemic. Even though Ian is an enthusiast, he conducts himself professionally and deeply respects people and their time.
To Ian, photography is more than capturing a pretty picture. He aims to bring out the best in the people he photographs and to capture a human being as an entity in a part of a story. It's important to him that the people he photographs feel he's captured what makes them themselves in their best light.
Professional Photographers of America
Professional Photographers of Silicon Valley
Photos show a narrative created from a scene, a fantasy that suspends reality. When people work together to create this story, it’s an escape from the day-to-day grind. Photoshoots are supposed to be fun! For this to happen, a rapport must be established with the team, even if that team is only the photographer and model. Respect for each others’ talents, abilities, personal situations, and reputation. My goal is to create a space a space in which the creative process can flourish.
I’ve had fantastic experiences with every model I’ve worked with and appreciate having a collaborative partner helping bring the narrative to life. Concepts for a shoot are built around the model’s look and individual talent, and everyone works within their own level of comfort. For example, I typically won't ask someone cheerful with high energy to do a dark and moody shoot (or vice-versa), nor insist a model poses in a way that they feel uncomfortable, nor in an environment that isn’t conducive to the creative process. The concept is shared early on, so the model has a good idea of what it entails and if it fits their professional image.
An advantage to this approach is the amount of time it saves. There’s a lot of overhead work coordinating and preparing for a shoot, having the concept early with a mood board goes a long way to coordinating the shoot in just a few messages, and making the photoshoot productive the day of. The ideal pacing of the shoot is productive but not rushed. Time is allocated for wardrobe changes, snacking, short restroom, and stretch breaks. To further expedite the process, I show up ready to work, with the concept and ideas fresh in my head, my gear prepped in an easily deployable way, and a friendly attitude which ultimately leads to a fun and productive photoshoot!
If I book you, it’s because I think your look fits the narrative I’m attempting to express. It’s no secret that not all photos taken during a session are good, and everyone has their own idea of a good image. I typically share the photos on the back of the camera with the team as we go; please use this time to give input about what you like or if you have an idea! Maintaining an image is more than simply producing great photos in line with your look, it’s about how you’re perceived by others. I consider myself fairly easygoing, so if you have input, please let me know! I’ve been told a couple of times that working with me feels like being around an old friend, which I think contributes to the success of the images taken as I believe the best images are produced when people are comfortable.
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’re left with the impression that I primarily do this to have fun and fulfill a creative need! I want everyone involved to have a fantastic experience, be it in the time spent preparing for the shoot or feeling comfortable on location. Now, let’s go make some art!
I’ve had the privilege of working with wonderful people, from the highly experienced to those just starting out, and have had fantastic experiences with each. Everyone I work with works within their level of comfort! I’ve found that for a successful photo shoot, attitude is more important than experience. While the primary goal of a photo shoot is to create art, having fun while doing it is a close second, and for that attitude is key! Most of my work is outdoors as I like the detail in the scenery to create depth in the photo. I’m not opposed to shooting indoors, I simply prefer the variety offered outdoors. I’m open to new and interesting locations and am open to suggestions for areas you think would help make a great picture!
Please note:
I bring my best to every photo shoot, and expect the same in return!
I ask models to provide wardrobe and basic hair and makeup for photoshoots.
Don’t forget comfy clothes and flats for any hiking that has to be done between locations!
Please let me know if you have any dietary restrictions or special requests!
Models approaching for Paid Work:
I have a limited budget and am open to booking talent provided the model has a professional look that fits a project I’m working on. I primarily book traveling models. As mentioned before, your attitude is more important than your experience, and having fun while creating art is important to me! Please feel free to reach out and express interest in working with me!
TFP Considerations:
Please feel free to reach out with your concepts! I am open to TF* provided it’s something that I think will contribute to my portfolio or allow me to explore a new interest. As with paid work, attitude is important and goes a long way! Before agreeing, we’ll talk about the style of images, level of retouching, and number of images you’re looking to get from the session.
After the shoot, I’ll cull the images and send a gallery of low-resolution watermarked proofs for you to select half the agreed-upon number from, then I select the second half. I’ll retouch the images and send you high-resolution digitals for promotional and portfolio usage.
Please note that due to a large percentage of these shoots falling through, I am requesting a $50 deposit that will be refunded if the shoot happens on the scheduled day. Obviously if I need to cancel the deposit will be refunded. However, I've never cancelled on a TF shoot!
Communication:
I'm open to initial communication through Email or Model Mayhem, I only ask that the messaging platform is kept consistent! I find it easier to keep all the details in one place instead of spreading them out over multiple platforms. My apologies if my response is delayed, I regularly travel to areas with little to no connection to the internets.
I've had inquiries in regards to what equipment I use. While pretty much any professional-grade camera made in the last 10 years will capture fantastic images in the hands of a skilled photographer, no one wants to see a photographer show up with just a cell phone or point and shoot camera! If you're curious, my full kit is below. I bring a subset with me tailored to the needs of the shoot!
Camera 1: Sony A7iv with Sony FE 85mm f/1.8, Sony 55mm f/1.8 Sonnar T, Sony FE 28mm f/2, Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III
Camera 2: Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L II, Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS II, Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Camera 3: Canon 7D Mark II with Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC Art, Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM APO
Lighting: Flashpoint AD600Pro, Godox AD200Pro, Godox V1, various lighting stands and modifiers, Sekonic L-308X-U Light Meter.
Post-Process: Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.