Spooky Season

Hello and welcome from the dead zone. This is the pat of the year that I always feel the panic. Ultimately the imposter syndrome catches up, the doubt digs in deep, and every day starts turning into a strategy session.

This year I protected myself pretty well. I can afford some time without work. Honestly, I kind of welcome it just a little. I have several jobs lined up but still in limbo. if even 3 of them lock in, i’m good again.

In the meantime I’ve been leaning into something new. I haven’t really shot just for myself for fun in a while. I shot a few pop ups this year. And tonight is one of my favorite nights of the year. The Chinatown Night Market. Every year we go, I always bring a small camera and flash. There’s tons of food, people, music. It’ll be in the 60s, I may even take the bike.

In shooting for myself again, I started reverting back to my old style of editing. I’d been pulling my shadows a ton because a client asked for “brighter” images. Over time I kept exaggerating that to the point my photos were starting to look HDR. I hate that. I also have been leaning into FUJI’s color profiles. I usually start with a base of Adobe Color or Adobe Vivid. Now I’ve been working off Fuji’s Provia and Astra color profiles. So the work is looking a little different than before. But I’m happier now with the details. I’ve also been spending more time with masking. taking the time to accentuate details and subdue the less important details. I’m thoroughly enjoying the more polished look.

I’m hoping that these new skill sets I’m working on as a solo creative, helps keep my work looking like I have a team behind me. I also hope that it keep the papers interested. My goal this year was an article in print every couple of months and we did it. I want bigger assignments. I do hope for more commercial work, but editorial work has made me so happy.