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Monthly Archives: July 2017

31 Jul 2017
Office Viking

I Love Mondays

Mondays are always invigorating, especially after a great weekend.  But I confess, I don’t mind not working in an office and having to face a supervisor inspired to motivate me.…

28 Jul 2017
Commercial Real Estate Photography

Commercial Real Estate

Large open interior areas can be tricky to photograph.  In fact, any interior area with large windows can be difficult.  No matter what time of day or night there are very, very few moments when the outside light matches in the inside light.

In some cases this can be solved by adding light (e.g. big flash units).  But sometimes, especially when it is a large open area, like the commercial space pictured above, there is no place to put the lights so they are out of sight and still evenly illuminate the whole area.

That’s the time for innovation! We’ve developed techniques that allow us to go beyond available light photography and create lighting that enhances the scene and makes the space inviting.

If you have commercial space to photograph, take the next step to illustrate how great it is by using enhanced lighting techniques.  For more information just reach out to us.  We’d love to hear from you.  Bill@BrokawPhoto.com

27 Jul 2017
Minal Sampat, Growth Management Marketingg

Watch what you say!

Headshots can be fun.  All it takes is some imagination and a willingness to experiment and be playful.

Minal Sampat, founder and CEO of Growth Management Marketing is a master at this.  We spent an afternoon in the studio creating a wonderful collection of headshots with a wide range of applications for her business including this shot to promote her podcast.  We had a great time and got great shots.  This one is my favorite.

You can see more the photos we created and learn about what Minal offers at her website www.marketinggmm.com

The magic is in the playfulness.…

26 Jul 2017
Environmental Headshot

Interesting Headshots

Headshots are, of course, a staple of business.  People expect to see a current version and get a sense of who you are.  Headshots are typically done in a studio, which certainly works well, but may sometimes be a little less original than the person being photographed.  Your headshot should do you justice!

Studio style headshots are great when large teams of people need to be photographed and consistency is important.  They can be done more quickly and efficiently when all the lighting and backdrops are the same.  They can also be reproduced more easily if new employees come on board later and need the exact same style of headshot.

Environmental Headshot

Whenever possible, I like to encourage clients to consider creating headshots in a business-oriented environment rather than a studio.  This is especially valuable when the business offers some interesting eye candy to serve as a backdrop.  Environmental headshots can be visually interesting and when done well, engage the viewer more than a simple studio portrait.  Environmental headshots can also tell a story and put you in context.  This helps “brand” you for the services or products you offer.

So when it is time to update your headshot consider getting out of the studio.  If you want a choice, then do both.  Get the safe shot in the studio then reach a little deeper and try something different.

 …

25 Jul 2017
Expectation

Expectation

There are many times when we have a full plate in front of us and yet know there is even more to come.  Expectations keep us motivated.…

24 Jul 2017
Chanterelles photographed by Bill Brokaw

Wild Mushrooms

April showers bring May flowers and July showers bring “chanterelles” a delectable, edible wild mushroom.  These lovely specimens were found growing happily deep in the woods in eastern PA.

It was a rainy weekend in the northeast and likely put a damp damper on many outdoor summer activities, but the forests love it.  Rain brings growth.  The next time my parade gets rained on I’ll have to remind myself to be on the lookout for growth.…

22 Jul 2017
Dogfish

Size Limit

What is the size limit for Delaware dogfish?…

22 Jul 2017

Street Photography

Sometimes you just have to take the plunge and get your feet wet (up to your armpits).  Summer is a great time to be on the Delaware.  No tubes or canoes required.  Just jump in.…

21 Jul 2017
Summer Fun

Summer Swelter, Embrace It!

It’s the peak of summer and time for many to hibernate inside in the AC and literally “chill.”  Not really a bad ideal, staying comfortable, but what the heck, it’s summer, might as well embrace it.

I can’t claim to be happy and cheerful in all temperatures but I’m a North American mammal so I’m adaptable by nature.  (At least that’s what I keep telling myself.)  I love documenting what is, when it is, and I’m likely to be out in all kinds of  weather.  What I love most about summer is that my toes and fingers aren’t freezing. (And I don’t have to scrape off my car in the morning.)…

20 Jul 2017

Shokunin

A few years ago I was lucky to discover the documentary, “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” and have since watched it over and over.  It is masterfully done.

Jiro (now 92) is the world’s finest sushi chef.  His restaurant (Sukiyabashi Jiro) only has 10 counter seats and a meal is priced at 30,000 yen ($300), no appetizers, no drinks (except tea), just 20 pieces of sushi, hand-prepared by Jiro. You need to make reservations about a year in advance.  Jiro’s sushi is simple but incredible and is considered to be the best in the world by leading chefs and others who truly understand this food.

I’m not really a foodie and know nearly nothing about sushi, but this documentary goes way beyond preparing food.  It exemplifies the concept of shokunin, the Japanese word for craftsman or artisan. It is about the mastery of one’s profession.  Jiro has truly mastered his profession and still wants to get better at it.

“Once you decide on your occupation… you must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That’s the secret of success… and is the key to being regarded honorably.”

“I do the same thing over and over, improving bit by bit. There is always a yearning to achieve more. I’ll continue to climb, trying to reach the top, but no one knows where the top is.”

He literally does dreams about sushi with new ideas sometimes coming to him in his sleep.

I believe that many of us can relate to Jiro and the concept of shokunin.  We love what we do and want to get better and better at it. My favorite lines from the documentary is when Jiro calmly and definitively says “Even at my age, after decades of work, I don’t think I’ve achieved perfection.