Hey Scott, always enjoy your insight on photography, it helps me to stay motivated. As I am 72 , and due to live changes, I am getting back into it . Used to shoot auto racing back then , but now doing product and food photography. Thanks again.
Hello My Friend :) I also am 72yo .... Things come n go but taking photos are mostly always there !!!! I bought My first camera 1964,, Then (till now) I was smitten with My First, and Enduring luv..... Keep going,,, try to throw in a few people, or portraits in..... We need to have conversation also :) Best of all to You :) :) :)
first off... where have you been all my life?! secondly, this has made me feel more accountable for why i often feel out of my depth, or unsure when shooting. prep has to be incorporated into my process more. and this has come just in time, as i've been asked to do a job by some i respect. i want to do a great job, as they will make for a great subject. bless you sir... bless you.
I love this! I'm going to take my brother's portrait, and I was asking him questions, trying to get some inspiration. He had no idea that it takes preparation creatively. I showed him some Gregory Heisler portraits and read a portion of the book and he started to get the idea. I use a Word document to gather my inspiration pictures and write ideas.
This is a conversation I've been wanting creatives and professionals to dive deeper into for a while. I find it difficult trying to balance conveying everything I want and not enough. The actual act of putting the pieces of these moodboards together, is something that like you said you can overthink. It's really easy to get too specific or too broad, and suddenly you have 100 shots you're using to convey a message. In the end, in a low attention span society it feels like its almost just easier to have as few images as absolutely necessary in a moodboard, and just say that we're trying to copy it.
I find your videos really interesting. I’ve been a photographer for almost 50 years and have never once set foot in a studio. It’s a whole different kind of photography that’s totally fascinating to someone who specialises in documentary of real life. Thanks.
Thanks for this, this is the type of video I’d really been hoping for for a while. I’d love to see more of the creative process as you’re finding your inspiration/reference materials and then bringing it into your own style. Are you looking for posing, colors, moods, something else? What catches your eye, basically.
This is a get video, seeing your process.If you have details of the equipment used, great but this is really good too. There's different ways to approach shoots from planned out shots to just mood boards and feels.
Great shout with the platform. I'll see if future clients appreciate a shared mood board and offer it from now. My trouble now is that I don't have a studio space, and only a tiny flat, to practise in once an idea pops up. Do you think there's a video idea in there somewhere, to offer advice for creating portfolios like you did with such quick turn-around when the environment doesn't yet support it? I'm dependent on driving to a location, but not yet established enough to fund rental spaces as needed. I'm sure there's an intimidating factor in watching pros work top-down, when a lot of people looking for this advice are still to work bottom-up.
Very well organized for your test shoots. When we had our studio in NYC for 14 years I was doing more people than food/stills/interiors. Moved to Chicago and now a bit reversed where it is mostly food/stills. BUT. So many bids ask for talent for the food shots (and also stills and video nearly for everything these days). Maybe just hands but also sometimes portraits. And we rent out our studio here to other photographers and most who rent our space also bring in hand talent. I think these new pics will help expand your client base...! For me when I do test shots my first go-to is Pinterest....
Hi Scott, thanks for sharing. Would like to stay a bit on the planning process, creating ideas. When doing so, as professional, some inspiration you get from books, movies and simply thinking - are there other (creative) techniques you use (before jumping on the moodboard), maybe along with taking some sort of notes. And also how often in the week do you spent time on this process? Eventually this could be a shot video on it's own as well.
Hi Scott, thanks for the video. If anything, i wonder most about how you decide or discover if you need a team to support the shoot; whom you would need to do what. I have no experience in working with a team as my usual shoot is in my studio with the talent. In those cases maybe there is no need for a team, maybe there is ...?
that was very informative! Thanks a bunch. Planing my shooting days in Venice at Carnival 2025 this will change quite a bit how I will start my sessions with masked people. I can envision how some masks will be able to prepare better and share their thoughts and ideas. venice especially is a place where you need to come up with new ideas as so many photogs go there to over photograph the city. Venice is all about location location location and mood
Great one again Scott! Place of focus for me would be : How Scott uses this Milanote after contacting the team for test shoot, real shoot etc. How does Scott translate this digital collage to the team that results your great work! Best -JD
I’ve embarked on some portrait work, and probably at the forefront for me right now are sourcing and budget sheets for a project. The sourcing right now is most difficult as some of the shoots I want to do will have a historical theme, and unfortunately I’ve had to become my own researcher. Going to give your Notes program a try.
Thank you for taking the time to put out educational material on commercial photography. So when do the entire vision, the technical aspects, and the mood come together? Over time? On the day off?
I do creative boards and lighting plots. It is important to have a vision but leave room for creativity and "collaborative lightening Inspiration". I tend to make PDF in Illustrator and send them out. Milanote seems interesting I will have to check them out. I am curious as how you edit down to the best shot from each look. That is always hard for me. Also how you curate what to send out as promotion and if you hold back on some images to release later for promotion and space it out.
when it comes to prep work or planing for a session I tend to always try to plan as much as i can properly, in regards to what we want to work with, though mainly its a mood board and brain storming with the model via chat so we can come up with ideas and such, those ideas I then translate into camera setup and light setup to get the proper results. I mainly work 1 to 1 with a subject and myself, a question that comes to mind would be how to stream line this interaction even more, as example we do our brain storm thing we get some example photos to play with , though I feel there must be a better way to polish this interaction even more, perhaps the video sponsor could be handy for that though I then have to question how willing a model or subject would be to even interact with that platform. what would you do or how would you approach this ?
It would be useful to know how you do the GIFs/show reels and especially videos on your site. No matter how much I compress things, I still struggle to get moving image onto my website.
I think mood boards are a great tool to get everyone involved on the same page and also great for sorting solutions for the shoot. For experienced photographers for inspiration and expanding fantasy, new ideas, to think outside the box I think mood boards, AI and other photographs are a hindrance to creating new ideas, they will define the box that one tries to get out of or the whole industry is stuck in. That is my point of view but I stand for it! The creation of new ideas is limitless. Scott, I would like to know how a brief is written down by the art director. Is it straight to the point or does it invite a bit of freedom of the photographer?
Creating something no one wants/needs is a concern of mine. I haven’t figured out yet how to think, feel & do like an art director/art buyer. Do I let my imagination run wild? Or is it, that the networking is the thing that clues you into what is commercially in demand? Any clarification on these points would be a massive help 🙏
I have been wondering, has Scott ever talked about which colour theory books he recommends? I feel like he mentioned reading some that were helpful, but I don't remember a title being named.
Last century I noticed a hole in the market, but didn't know how to get it off the ground and to find the right people to assist me. That hole was to become known as "Beef cake photography". I simply did not have the experience or knowledge on how to get this project off the ground.
Milanote is a great tool, I have been using it to organize myself for my commercial ideas and even landscape shoots. I would suggest two items (1) from mood-board to shoot, you suggested you use it on the shoots but, I am more interested in how do you derive materials people, timing and costs and (2) related to the costs, how would you suggest new photographers go about creating their portfolio when the income they might be having is limited, it feels to me that is a catch 22 scenario, where no money no portfolio, no portfolio no customer. It might just be a personal thing, though. Now, if you allow me some humor...the video just reminded me a new era Blues Clues episode (1) the red couch where Steve, now Scott seats to think with, (2) the handy-dandy book (Milanote) to review clues for the shoot and (3) the dog is there to help, just not blue in your case ☺. Sorry if it flies over the show in reference is old.
Sign up to Milanote for free with no time-limit: milanote.com/tinhousestudio
Hey Scott, always enjoy your insight on photography, it helps me to stay motivated. As I am 72 , and due to live changes, I am getting back into it . Used to shoot auto racing back then , but now doing product and food photography. Thanks again.
Hello My Friend :) I also am 72yo .... Things come n go but taking photos are mostly always there !!!! I bought My first camera 1964,, Then (till now) I was smitten with My First, and Enduring luv..... Keep going,,, try to throw in a few people, or portraits in..... We need to have conversation also :) Best of all to You :) :) :)
What kind of auto racing? Do you have any photos online? I'm trying to get better at car photography.
first off... where have you been all my life?! secondly, this has made me feel more accountable for why i often feel out of my depth, or unsure when shooting. prep has to be incorporated into my process more. and this has come just in time, as i've been asked to do a job by some i respect. i want to do a great job, as they will make for a great subject. bless you sir... bless you.
@@monsieurgolem3392 Now that's the dry jokes we'd expect to see in the comment section of an English creator.
I love this! I'm going to take my brother's portrait, and I was asking him questions, trying to get some inspiration. He had no idea that it takes preparation creatively. I showed him some Gregory Heisler portraits and read a portion of the book and he started to get the idea. I use a Word document to gather my inspiration pictures and write ideas.
This is a conversation I've been wanting creatives and professionals to dive deeper into for a while.
I find it difficult trying to balance conveying everything I want and not enough. The actual act of putting the pieces of these moodboards together, is something that like you said you can overthink.
It's really easy to get too specific or too broad, and suddenly you have 100 shots you're using to convey a message.
In the end, in a low attention span society it feels like its almost just easier to have as few images as absolutely necessary in a moodboard, and just say that we're trying to copy it.
I find your videos really interesting. I’ve been a photographer for almost 50 years and have never once set foot in a studio.
It’s a whole different kind of photography that’s totally fascinating to someone who specialises in documentary of real life.
Thanks.
Honestly, I'd love to see more of the dog. 😄
Thanks for this, this is the type of video I’d really been hoping for for a while. I’d love to see more of the creative process as you’re finding your inspiration/reference materials and then bringing it into your own style. Are you looking for posing, colors, moods, something else? What catches your eye, basically.
Very good "new" kind of content. Appreciate, thanks!
Creativity is one of the few things that the more you use it, the more of it you have.
Thanks for sharing your progress. I don’t know of anyone doing what you are doing. This fantastic , thanks again
thank you!
This is a get video, seeing your process.If you have details of the equipment used, great but this is really good too. There's different ways to approach shoots from planned out shots to just mood boards and feels.
This was awesome information… as per usual. Insightful; informative and inspiring - thank you!
Good video, thanks. Any videos on your creative process are appreciated.
Milanote is a tool that should be industry stand
life changed ever since I started using a few years back, I remember getting excited when they updated and gave us spread sheet cells hahaha
Not working in the industry I didn't realise so much went into the preplanning part of the photoshoot.
Great shout with the platform. I'll see if future clients appreciate a shared mood board and offer it from now.
My trouble now is that I don't have a studio space, and only a tiny flat, to practise in once an idea pops up. Do you think there's a video idea in there somewhere, to offer advice for creating portfolios like you did with such quick turn-around when the environment doesn't yet support it? I'm dependent on driving to a location, but not yet established enough to fund rental spaces as needed. I'm sure there's an intimidating factor in watching pros work top-down, when a lot of people looking for this advice are still to work bottom-up.
I need to figure out the figuring out part.
Can we know more about scheduling, hiring models, the workday schedule ect
Very interesting. I had no idea it was done this way.
Very well organized for your test shoots. When we had our studio in NYC for 14 years I was doing more people than food/stills/interiors. Moved to Chicago and now a bit reversed where it is mostly food/stills. BUT. So many bids ask for talent for the food shots (and also stills and video nearly for everything these days). Maybe just hands but also sometimes portraits. And we rent out our studio here to other photographers and most who rent our space also bring in hand talent. I think these new pics will help expand your client base...! For me when I do test shots my first go-to is Pinterest....
Missed opportunity to seat on the office toilet and say ‘this is where the magic happens!’
Hi Scott, thanks for sharing. Would like to stay a bit on the planning process, creating ideas. When doing so, as professional, some inspiration you get from books, movies and simply thinking - are there other (creative) techniques you use (before jumping on the moodboard), maybe along with taking some sort of notes. And also how often in the week do you spent time on this process? Eventually this could be a shot video on it's own as well.
Hi Scott, thanks for the video. If anything, i wonder most about how you decide or discover if you need a team to support the shoot; whom you would need to do what.
I have no experience in working with a team as my usual shoot is in my studio with the talent. In those cases maybe there is no need for a team, maybe there is ...?
that was very informative! Thanks a bunch. Planing my shooting days in Venice at Carnival 2025 this will change quite a bit how I will start my sessions with masked people. I can envision how some masks will be able to prepare better and share their thoughts and ideas. venice especially is a place where you need to come up with new ideas as so many photogs go there to over photograph the city. Venice is all about location location location and mood
Know the feeling, our bengal cross cat needs to be told he's a good boy daily lol 😂
Great one again Scott! Place of focus for me would be : How Scott uses this Milanote after contacting the team for test shoot, real shoot etc. How does Scott translate this digital collage to the team that results your great work! Best -JD
I’ve embarked on some portrait work, and probably at the forefront for me right now are sourcing and budget sheets for a project. The sourcing right now is most difficult as some of the shoots I want to do will have a historical theme, and unfortunately I’ve had to become my own researcher. Going to give your Notes program a try.
Great insights! I wonder if you use shotdeck as well to oull reference from cinema ?
Thank you for taking the time to put out educational material on commercial photography. So when do the entire vision, the technical aspects, and the mood come together? Over time? On the day off?
The way the thumbnail changed was magig
Working as an advertising creative, we call it grunt work on a sofa.
I do creative boards and lighting plots. It is important to have a vision but leave room for creativity and "collaborative lightening Inspiration". I tend to make PDF in Illustrator and send them out. Milanote seems interesting I will have to check them out. I am curious as how you edit down to the best shot from each look. That is always hard for me. Also how you curate what to send out as promotion and if you hold back on some images to release later for promotion and space it out.
when it comes to prep work or planing for a session I tend to always try to plan as much as i can properly, in regards to what we want to work with, though mainly its a mood board and brain storming with the model via chat so we can come up with ideas and such, those ideas I then translate into camera setup and light setup to get the proper results.
I mainly work 1 to 1 with a subject and myself, a question that comes to mind would be how to stream line this interaction even more, as example we do our brain storm thing we get some example photos to play with , though I feel there must be a better way to polish this interaction even more, perhaps the video sponsor could be handy for that though I then have to question how willing a model or subject would be to even interact with that platform.
what would you do or how would you approach this ?
Right im here. Tea, check. Biscuits ,check.
It would be useful to know how you do the GIFs/show reels and especially videos on your site. No matter how much I compress things, I still struggle to get moving image onto my website.
I think mood boards are a great tool to get everyone involved on the same page and also great for sorting solutions for the shoot. For experienced photographers for inspiration and expanding fantasy, new ideas, to think outside the box I think mood boards, AI and other photographs are a hindrance to creating new ideas, they will define the box that one tries to get out of or the whole industry is stuck in. That is my point of view but I stand for it! The creation of new ideas is limitless. Scott, I would like to know how a brief is written down by the art director. Is it straight to the point or does it invite a bit of freedom of the photographer?
Creating something no one wants/needs is a concern of mine.
I haven’t figured out yet how to think, feel & do like an art director/art buyer.
Do I let my imagination run wild? Or is it, that the networking is the thing that clues you into what is commercially in demand?
Any clarification on these points would be a massive help 🙏
I have been wondering, has Scott ever talked about which colour theory books he recommends? I feel like he mentioned reading some that were helpful, but I don't remember a title being named.
Last century I noticed a hole in the market, but didn't know how to get it off the ground and to find the right people to assist me. That hole was to become known as "Beef cake photography". I simply did not have the experience or knowledge on how to get this project off the ground.
Milanote is a great tool, I have been using it to organize myself for my commercial ideas and even landscape shoots.
I would suggest two items (1) from mood-board to shoot, you suggested you use it on the shoots but, I am more interested in how do you derive materials people, timing and costs and (2) related to the costs, how would you suggest new photographers go about creating their portfolio when the income they might be having is limited, it feels to me that is a catch 22 scenario, where no money no portfolio, no portfolio no customer. It might just be a personal thing, though.
Now, if you allow me some humor...the video just reminded me a new era Blues Clues episode (1) the red couch where Steve, now Scott seats to think with, (2) the handy-dandy book (Milanote) to review clues for the shoot and (3) the dog is there to help, just not blue in your case ☺. Sorry if it flies over the show in reference is old.
How many your in a week you spend thinking about the ideas? & how often you do test-shoots?
What's Magig
Man, I really liked Milanote and I spent so many hours in it, too bad the mobile experience is just awful...
All of this is great, but, YOU MUST PLAY WITH TEDDY MORE. You should be able to talk and pet at the same time. Poor boy wants your attention.