2023

This year I acquired my masters in computer science and started work as a software engineer at The Standard. As a result of being out of school I have more time to spend with family in addition to making art, so stay in tune! The updates will be spaced out quite a bit as usual, but I’m hoping to add more content as time passes.

The image below is a new abstract piece that was inspired by the degradation of a concrete walkway. The hexagonal tiles eroded and were removed over time leaving the edges jagged and incomplete. This is a far cry from the original photograph, but represents in itself the potential for creativity to be sparked by the mundane textures and patterns around us.

Given the proliferation of generative AI in recent years it’s becoming genuinely difficult over time to distinguish art created by a human vs that of a machine. Having studied both I understand that the processes are very similar in a way, but it has me thinking about what the pursuit of art means for people. In my prior work I pursued technical accuracy and made sure each image I put out was pixel perfect. While that hasn’t changed much I also see the attractiveness of adding disorder and imperfection to new work - a jab at our AI overlords almost. The image contains several repeating forms, but the shapes they belong to are asymmetrical and those on the edges aren’t mirrored. The texture and placement is made to feel organic and delicate in some ways reminiscent of a crystalline structures, fabric, honeycomb etc.

6-Month Reflections

It’s unofficially been 6 months since I made the move to Portland. Although my move in date was December, I’ve been working here since August. Here are some things I’ve learned during my stay here networking with other photographers and working as a commercial photo assistant.

Realization #1 - You’ll never know everything, just be good at using your tools

I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know, and it’s been a humbling experience learning how all of the pieces move together to create a final image in studio. I never valued being an assistant enough; I figured that if I went to school, and picked a few video workshops I could learn enough to work my way to the top of the industry, or at least the middle. There’s always something to learn.

Realization #2 - Different doesn’t mean functional.

If you’re creating photos as a photographer solely based on what’s out there already, you’re sabotaging yourself if your only goal is to be different. Just because something hasn’t been done, doesn’t mean it’s exciting; that’s not enough. Be contemplative, and curious, look for inspiration in the every day, and be observant. Be a part of the culture around you, and engage your experiences in the creation of your artwork. Develop the narratives you want to tell as an artist over time, not just in the moment, or with a week of prep. Take notes.

Realization #3 – Don’t get comfortable, and be thankful for what you have.

I’ve been busy, but the photography market in Portland appears to be slow. From what I know about the industry here, many photographers depend on agencies and studios for work, so it’s hard to know when that work is going to come, and how much of it will be there.

There are advantages to starting with small businesses and building a diverse client base from scratch. I view building a client base almost like stocks. Build small and invest in small operations that look promising, while eating part of your fee if you have to. Do this with a lot of small businesses, and do photo work in different industries. My theory is that you treat your client base like the S&P 500. If one industry goes down, another one might keep you afloat. Specialization has its place, but to survive in a competitive market, diversification might be essential. If work becomes scarce, you need to find ways to make new work, and grow it over time.

Goodbye 2018

2018 was a year filled with both hardship, hope, and personal growth as a photographer and as a person. I’ve entered into a career where others say the market is too saturated, where I don’t necessarily know what next month looks like, and one that would have me take risks I’m not always comfortable with. On the other side of things It’s provided me with more opportunities than I could have hoped for.

Starting in April of 2018 I took the business full time with the intention of building some experience before making a move to Portland after July. In addition to my marketing efforts in Humboldt County, I was able to take the first week off of each month to take networking trips to Portland to meet photographers in the industry and see how everything worked before I came up. I was able to speak with several photographers who gave me some of their time and understanding of the industry; Portland overall has been extremely generous and welcoming. I’ve been able to make more trips to visit family, and in general have a lot more freedom with my time. This wouldn’t have been possible without my Aunt and Uncle who allowed me to stay at their place for networking trips, and then for photo assisting work afterwards. Here’s a small sampling of some of the work I’ve completed this year.

If there are any photographers or self employed artists reading, I’d like to share what I’ve learned these past few months.

1. Networking is an artists greatest asset, and the immediate goal isn’t to drum up business; it’s to learn. Be genuine, be curious, make friends. The photography community can be really friendly, and in some places cutthroat, but if we don’t support each other we won’t survive. Other artists understand that, and clients understand that too. Work will come out of necessity, and if it doesn’t you have to find a way to make ends meet. It’s one of the risks you take to do something you love.

2. Don’t undervalue your work, but weigh the costs and benefits of your pricing structure. There are two general approaches to this. 1. Charge what the work is worth, and find clients who will pay. Some months will be hard, but you’ll have time to make portfolio work. Be careful with your savings. 2. Price yourself with the market and stay busy; then ramp up pricing later.

3. Plan for future goals by working towards them every day. Break up long term goals into bite size chunks that can be accomplished each day. Set aside time for research, marketing, education, networking etc., and don’t settle once you’ve gotten enough work. Keep pushing yourself to be better. If you can’t adapt to stay ahead, you won’t survive.

4. Ask for a no. Even if something seems farfetched, you should always try. Go for the big clients you could never imagine getting. Apply for jobs you want to do if you have some of the skill; resumes don’t need to be 100%. Ask to talk to people in your industry you look up to. Some of them won’t reply to an email. Others will set aside time to meet with you. The worst that can happen is a no. Best case scenario you get a job, make a friend, or build a connection. There’s nothing to lose.

5. Negotiate. if you’re asking for something that would normally be met with a “no”, address those reasons ahead of time, and find a way to incentivize a “yes”. People aren’t always going to help just because they’ve been asked. What’s in it for them?

6. Hustle. Marketing is a long term game, and you may not see the results of it for months or years. Be memorable, be unrelentingly professional, and always strive to make work you’re proud of.

Thanks to my new friends in Portland, and the ones in Humboldt who helped me get here; Happy New Year!