I'm Too Young For This @#!%

Abstract

In order to support my music photography habit, I worked as an assistant to commercial photographers on a freelance basis. Through my membership in the American Society of Media Photographers, I was able to assist photographers from all over the country. I tried to learn as much about the craft of photography as possible during those years, not just about lighting, but also about the business of photography. While I was fortunate to work for dozens of photographers from around the country, there were two • photographers in particular that influenced my work greatly. Greg Puis (www.pulsphoto.com) was the first commercial photographer to really take me under his wing. He had this specific way of lighting that was time consuming and really beautiful. (It wasn't uncommon for me to spend an entire day lighting one or two shots.) He was the kind of photographer that editors and art directors hired when they were looking for "arty." Jason Lindsey (www.jasonlindsey.com) on the other hand, was the type of photographer who did great work and always kept lighting as simple as possible. His strength was in connecting with his clients and subjects on a personal level. (Something Puis often struggled with) Jason was the kind of photographer that made work fun. (There was often drinking involved) Greg was a little more disciplined, but often seemed on the verge of a breakdown .