Hello world in this extraordinary time we are all navigating! Not only is it extraordinary because of the COVID19 virus, but because for the umpteenth time I'm going to try to consistently blog! I've started out this new decade of business with a brand new look to my website and it includes what I'm told an easy way to blog! So with this new found gift of free time, as I'm a non-essential business and not open for business at this time, I have some time to learn some new skills and blog to the world! This could be a very good thing for me or an absolute terrible idea! I'm going to remain positive that it will prove to be a fantastic idea for me!
I'm also taking this time to get some much needed things done around the studio and learn some new skills. I'm doing this to be able to provide my clients a great experience when working with me and fulfilling my promise to them by providing the highest quality product in visual arts that I'm capable of.
Some of the new changes that I've introduced are a new powered background roller system. I know not anything that is going to wow the client, but what it will allow me to do is offer more variety in terms of backdrops, at a more efficient pace, which I hope will provide my clients a great portrait experience! Being able to work indoors with so many more options eliminates so many variables - mainly WIND!!! Then of course the heat of summer, the cold of winter, and being able to control all aspects of lighting! I realize this may not be for everyone, but its important for those seeking the very best in crafted portraiture. It also just adds to the options I'm able to provide clients for their portrait studies!
I've also been working on increasing my other art skills outside of photography. Those being on drawing and painting. My goal is to be able to offer digital and traditional art services to clients once we are able to conduct business again. It may be that I'm able to offer some of the services earlier too, as some of this will not require face to face contact, but rather through a video conference call or getting me an image to work from. This is probably one of the most exciting things that I'm working on during this crazy time!
Of course I'm continuing to work with silver based photography - better known to everyone else as still with film! Since installing my background roller system, I've rediscovered an amazing light source of a big window at the end of the studio. It's always been covered by my previous method of hanging backdrops. The window has always been available, but I've determined I'm pretty lazy this past 10 years or so and didn't take (ok want to take) the time to roll up and fold backdrops every day. Now it's just a push of a button! Anyway the light from the window is absolutely sensational and It's also allowed me to install another backdrop so I have another method to produce portraiture, and having a "brick" wall backdrop to produce it against. That has spawned an idea for an artist project that will be a topic for a whole additional blog post! Wow already thinking ahead on blogs before this one is completed! That is progress!!!
Lastly, I've been participating in various video calls - thanks ZOOM for a technology that is keeping everyone together in this day of social distancing. I've been on numerous calls with colleagues around the country. We've been trying to keep all of our morals up, supporting each other, teaching each other, and in general trying to get through this extraordinary time together! I've even been able to have a zoom meeting with a client to plan a high school graduation announcement!
I hope all of you who might be reading this are staying healthy and safe - along with your families. We are all going to get through this and when we do I'll be there to help document the most important people and events in your lives - your family and family events!
Cheers!
Pete
