BHP Blog

Is It ALL About The Money?

by Bob Hirst on 04/16/12

The more I read on blogs and dashboards about the business side of photography, frankly, the more confused I become. Or maybe disillusioned is a better word. I'm paying for 3 services at the moment to provide me with insight as I work carefully to move BHP to the next level. After joining, it seems the message is similar between the 3 services: do not charge less than what you're worth, and don't produce cr@p...

Well, the second message is obvious - who wants to produce cr@p? Who will buy cr@p? It's certainly NOT my objective, nor a goal in my business plan, to make money from less than quality work. In my 40 years of working in the world of science and businesss, I have always held myself to high standards. It is an integral part of who I am. But photography is art, and art is in the eyes of the beholder, right?

So, who judges photographers to separate the mediocre from the stellar. Well, our peers do most of that. But here is the challenge faced by all photographers, those just starting out like me, and those who are weathered veterans of the shutter release: the marketplace.

So, my question for the "experts" is this: Do YOU feel that there is a market large enough in this day and age of i-Phone pics and instant gratification through Facebook and Twitter of people who look at photographs for their real value? Are there enough of these people to support us all? By the frustration and cynicism expressed on so many blogs these days...perhaps not. So...the way I see it is I have a few years yet to find my niche. Yes, I've already satisfied one absolute requirement of a quality photographer: drive. Drive to be the best I can. But rather than allowing myself to be judged solely by my peers, I feel my real market is the groups of people in my community that buy photographs and other art. I've read that in order to succeed, you need to own your zip code. That may be true...especially if I am out to become a regionally-, or even nationally-recognized photographer, like so many whose blogs I read daily. But my aspirations are much smaller. I want to be a quality photographer with a local base. There is my challenge! Despite much acclaim from colleagues around the world on Flickr, I have yet to be "successful" in my community. I really do need to focus on my personal objectives, and turn down the din of the blogs telling me what I HAVE to do to be a photographer.

Time is still on my side... If I were a young man just out of college, and wanted to make photography a life-long career, it would be different. However, I NEVER want to lose sight of my original reason for being here: quality photography judged by my own high standards. If I don't like an image, you won't see it. For me, it's personal...

Isn't that the essence of art anyway?

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Recognition...

by Bob Hirst on 04/04/12

...at least that is what I'll call it. While on Flickr this morning, I noted a message requesting that I post one of my recent photos from Jacksonville, Florida on "Howard's Gallery," which as I read is described as sort of a "best of the best" place where photographers are invited to submit images, which are then judged by the page's administrator or his partner for full acceptance into the gallery. I did submit the photo requested, and waited for a reply on its acceptance. In the meantime, the gallery representative who requested the submission is a really nice woman from central Florida, who had a lot of high praise for my work. She lives in an area in Florida where I helped build a bottled water plant for a former employer in the mid-1990s. Wonderful area for birding, especially along the rivers in Ocala National Forest.

Well, I was not fully expecting it, but late this morning I received a message that the photo had indeed been accepted into the gallery, with statements that more of my work would be reviewed! I'm a very happy photog just for the recognition and acknowledgement that at least some of my work has achieved a higher level of quality, and that my drive to learn is leading somewhere. For that simple acknowledgement, I am grateful!

So, many sincere thanks go out to Angie and Caz for making my day! As I said to them both in another message, I'm now inspired to work even harder to achieve my goals in photography, which is to be the best that I can! Guess what I'll be doing this weekend...? ;-)

Have a wonderful Easter, if you celebrate it! To those who don't, please have a great weekend!

All my best,

Bob

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"Is the Photography Industry Dying?"

by Bob Hirst on 04/03/12

I read a blog post last evening that started with:

"Do you lie awake at night scared about how the professional photography business will have changed by the time you get out of bed in the morning? Are you concerned about how you or your photography business model can evolve to satisfy the ever-changing market's needs?

Are you scared that clients just won't pay you as much as they used to, or that other so-called professional photographers are too willing to surrender their services for little (or even no) compensation, thereby rendering you out of business?

The question is, do you believe photography is dying as a viable business?"

In fact, I seem to have come across more than a few blogs recently that imply that the profession is in chaos or some kind of terminal trouble. Like so many other professions in this country over the past 25 years, it's all about the money. Everything has been transformed into a business. It's sad in many ways, because photography as an art is now taking a back seat to the business side. If you are not good at business, it doesn't matter how good you are as an artist - you will fail. OK, I can believe that digital photography helped with the transformation, making it easier for anyone to jump into the trade. Computer geeks can now make lots of money in photography because any image can be made into a great shot in post production (can you say "Photoshop?"). But I'm old in comparison to most aspiring photogs. I have a passion with a camera. I do desire to use that passion to make some money in my retirement in 10 years, but I WILL NOT lose sight of the art side of photography. It's why I do it. I enjoy making photographs that not only show the splendor of the world in which we live, but the visual stories of those who inhabit this gift of a wonderful planet. I coined the phrase "Natural Photography for the Natural World" in the beginning of my journey into what I hope will someday be my full-time pasttime. There was a reason for that. I believe the world is beautiful enough as it is. Other than some adjustments to exposure and light, I don't use most other features in Lightroom and Photoshop to modify my photos into something I won't recognize when I finish the edits.

There is also criticism circulating about those who charge fees for their work that take away from photography as an art and make it a competitive business, like Wal-Mart competing with Target. I'm finding evidence of that every day as I attempt to get my business off the ground. At first, my business plan called for selling my work in landscape, nature, history, and art photography. Then a few people asked "What are you going to do to make money?" I reached that realization soon afterward, and modified my plan to include portrait and event photography. I tried making a name for myself in my community by volunteering my services at church events and my son's Boy Scout events and my daughter's Girl Scout activities. People complimented me on the quality of my work, so why do I then see some of them at the local Target photo studio a few weeks later? Once again, we Americans are so programmed to think of getting the best (aka "cheapest") deal for EVERYTHING. It doesn't seem to matter that the discount store photos will fade in a few years (I have proof of that hanging in my home). Mainstream America no longer sees photography as an art or even a professional service.

So, what is the bottom line here? I do fear that my goal to become a really good photographer with a profitable business is threatened. However, I still plan to pursue the ART of photography. I will continue to look for my niche. I'm getting older and wiser, so I'll figure it out, right? ;-)

All My Best... Bob

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Why Hire A Photographer?

by Bob Hirst on 03/23/12

Are you the family shutterbug? You know, the person who ALWAYS posts photos on Facebook or Flickr after a social event, or a family event, or a life event. You are always careful to capture every moment to remember years from now. You care about those memories, and rightly you should. So many things in life are worth cherishing. But is there something missing in the photos you will look at for many years to come? Is that something actually...YOU?

You should experience and live the events that you will always treasure. You should be a part of it all! So, why are you never in the picture? Don't you wish you could just enjoy the event and have someone record it for you?

I'm Bob Hirst. There are many things in life I did not experience because I spent my time behind the camera instead of in front of it with family, friends, classmates, and colleagues. I understand later in life what it's like to look at photos of everyone else having fun and creating the memories I could only recall photographing. Yes, I do love photography...in fact I'm passionate about it! That's why I want YOU to be in FRONT of the lens! Let me help you create those memories that you will carry with you for your lifetime, and pass along to your children.

What Kinds of Memories May I Help You Record?

Holiday portraits (Christmas, Chanukah, Easter, etc.)
New family members (babies)
First birthday
High school senior portraits
College/graduate school portraits
Family portraits
Family reunions
Church events*

*Sorry, no weddings at this time.

So, put down that point and shoot and get with the good times! Be a part of your own memories! Let me help you record them, so that years from now, you can truly say "I remember when WE" instead of really remembering when THEY celebrated!

Call me: (703) 475-9395

Send a message: bob@bobhirstphotography.com

Don't forget to visit my website for samples of all my work: http://www.bobhirstphotography.com

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Call It A Second Wind...

by Bob Hirst on 03/09/12

I attended a photography business "Boot Camp" in Las Vegas a few weeks ago, and it inspired me - plain and simple. I've always admitted that I'm not a businessman, so I don't think like one. Well, the speakers at the Boot Camp, all photographers themselves, opened my eyes by sharing their business experiences. When asked if they ever had a discouraging moment while building their businesses, we participants were all met with an unmistakable "YES." I now understand that it's part of the process. I returned to Virginia on virtual steroids! In brief, I'm working on a complete redesign of my website, and the new site will include new and improved features, possibly including full ecommerce capability.

So, stay tuned and please keep supporting me! It truly does mean the world to me! Thank you.

Bob

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There is a Time for Everything, Including Re-Evaluation of Goals and Objectives...

by Bob Hirst on 01/21/12

In February, I will be entering my third year as a photographer who has reached out from behind the camera to share my work. In addition to this site, I have pages on Facebook and Flickr. I really enjoy the sense of community I've found through those connections. But despite having a more-than-full-time job in Alexandria, Virginia (and wherever else in the world I find myself on business trips), I cannot help but notice a lukewarm reception for my work. No, I'm not going to say that I don't understand it, in fact, I accept it. There is a world of talented photographers out there whose work I truly admire and aspire to. I'm only half-blind (yes, vision impaired in my left eye). I do have a passion for photography - I feel it in my heart. I will continue with it, as its personal rewards make me feel good about it. It challenges me; there is so much more to learn, and I feel the drive to learn. But I've decided that my shortfalls in marketing and perhaps my lower level of talent when compared to others point to a need to pull back on some of the business outreach. I'm coming to the realization that God always has something in mind for me, but maybe it's not a successful photography business at this time. I'm perfectly OK with that. With a full-time career and a family, my time is usually not my own.

All that said, I will still appreciate any and all feedback; in fact, I'll be grateful for it! I will still participate as a photographer in community activities. I will just not actively expand my exposure for now. As I approach my attempt at retirement in 10-12 years from now, I will always be open to another run at professional photography. In the meantime, I'll continue to pursue the passion and also continue to learn. And www.bobhirstphotography.com will remain online.

Thank you to all of you who have always supported me, and I hope you continue to do so. It means the world to me! :-)

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The Studio Is Open For Business!

by Bob Hirst on 12/05/11

The studio became a reality this past weekend! My "landlord" and I worked out a few logistical agreements Saturday morning, and the keys fell into my hands. I then had a family shoot at a private home in Bristow later in the morning (great little boy, about 9 months old), then I returned to the studio with my gear to begin the setup.

The studio is located in a small strip center on what used to be a military installation in eastern Fauquier County, Virginia. Most of the buildings, including the one housing my studio, were renovated when the base was turned over to a local development authority in the 1990s. My "landlord" (in quotes, as she is a good friend whose business I've patronized for 13 years) actually rents two large rooms from the development authority, but only uses one of them. Therefore, I've set up the studio in the second room.

There is more to do before I'm pleased with the new digs, but for now it's operational and I've begun to accept appointments for holiday portraits. I do want to offer some of my work for sale; thus my plan to set up a small gallery in the room.

I knew from the middle of November that this is a temporary arrangement, as the development authority is in the process of negotiating a sale of the former base property to a private development company, but I wanted to at least get a start on building my business. The woman with whose business I am co-located, has already begun looking for a new location for her business, and told me on Saturday that she would like to find enough space for us both to set up our respective practices. If that works out, I'll begin to establish myself for the longer run...and hopefully sustain a business to help with the retirement years ahead (no, not for another 10 years!).

Anyway, here's to another fledgling business that could serve as a pathway to independence someday - or at least to partially fund the goal! :-)

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Finally! A studio!

by Bob Hirst on 11/19/11

It's true that some days offer more rewards than others.

After breathing a sigh of relief today that my wife's car did NOT need an expensive water pump (thanks to a second opinion from the Mazda dealer), we went home and had lunch. Afterward, I told my lovely wife that I was going to get a haircut. Off I drove to eastern Fauquier County, Virginia, a beautiful area with farms, hills, and some suburban encroachment. My barber is a wonderful Korean woman name Ok Cha; I've patronized her shop for about 12 years. The shop owner, Don, moved to Michigan a few years ago after hs wife passed away. Anyway, during our usual lively banter, we started discussing my fledgling photography business. She told me that her husband was a photographer for many years before he passed away several years ago. I asked to see some of his work, to which she responded she would be happy to show me. She asked how my business was going, and I explained that it was necessarily slow (as I still have this day job in Alexandria), but still wished I had a studio to handle the incoming requests for holiday portraits. She looked at me and asked what I was looking for, and I described the modest startup space I desired. She said "Follow me." She went into the hallway of the building her shop is in and turned a corner, opened a door, and turned on a light. A large room with white walls and a neutral-colored carpet! Open space for backdrops, studio lighting, remote flashes, etc., etc.!!! She told me the space was included in her shop rental and she was not using it, insisting that I move in and set it up as my studio. I needed to slap my face to believe this could be real. The terms could not be better, and we agreed that I would set up a studio between now and early-December (2011).

To say I'm excited about this lucky find would not do my emotions any justice. Ok Cha has always been a great lady and friend to me and my family over the years we have considered her a friend and our barber. I only hope I can do something nice for her someday, as her home near Mineral (Louisa County), VA was damaged by the earthquake we had here in Virginia in August. She has an incredible will to stay focused on her life and business, and has survivied several adversities. I'm eternally grateful, and am excited to open this new chapter in my love of photography!

Thank you, Ok Cha!!!

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The Business Evolves...Slowly!

by Bob Hirst on 06/02/11

It is now June, and we here in Virginia, like much of the East Coast, have had our first heat wave of the year. Wow, it was hot for a few days!

But before the real heat arrived, I was able to take my new Olympus E-5 DSLR camera out on its "maiden shoot" to the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, Virginia. I have several things to learn about the new gear, but it feels intuitive enough to get some great shots. Several of them can be found on the Art and History pages. So far, I don't regret choosing to stay with Olympus, despite all the talk about them abandoning the DSLR industry for their new mirrorless cameras, such as the E-PL1, E-PL2, and E-P2. The E-5 is a wonderful camera, and I find it easy to ignore the photography press, who all seem to be on the Canikon bandwagon. OK, the 4/3 system is not for everyone. If you routinely shoot in dark rooms or at night, go for a full-size sensor - the 4/3 sensor just doesn't do it well beyond ISO 1600. But I'm not worried - I don't shoot beyond 1600, or beyond 400 or 800 for that matter. For my work, the E-5 shoots crisp images with colors that are spot on, even with the white balance set to "AUTO," with no noise. I almost never have to edit the white balance in post production. I've noticed that the E-5 has a tendency to overexpose a bit more than my E-30 did while shooting in aperture priority mode, but that's manageable in post production. But that could be me and my effort to adjust to the new gear.

I've started the research into what is involved to form my own company, to take my love of photography to the next level. I'm considering filing with the Commonwealth of Virginia as an LLC (limited liability company) as opposed to a sole proprietorship. I'm no expert in business matters, but I'm looking in the right places to get answers and guidance. My goal is to not worry about the business, but rather to enjoy what I love best - shooting the beautiful world in which we all live.

I had the pleasure of attending a photo class taught by Bryan Peterson of the Perfect Picture School of Photography in Richmond in April of this year. It was a great experience, and Bryan is a great teacher, innovator, and inspiration. I'm planning to try a few of his suggested artistic shoots to see how I can expand my knowledge and skillset further. Watch for the results on my Art page.

I'll be returning to western Michigan in July to attend my wife's family reunion, and I look forward to taking my gear out to the state park and other areas of natural beauty. The Ludington area is truly underrated, but don't tell my father-in-law...he likes the solitude and relative freedom from the throngs of city folks! Well, summer brings many of them anyway, but it never feels really crowded for this Jersey guy.

In August, we go to my favorite place on the planet - coastal Maine. We'll stay in a cottage on Frenchman Bay, on Mount Desert Island. During my last stay, which was only 3 days, I took about 400 photos. We'll be there for a week this time, so I may need to stock up on memory cards! I'm very excited about the trip.

Well, that's about all for now. Take care, everyone, and have a healthy, happy, wonderful summer! And please remember to come back to the site to look for updates. Most of all, THANK YOU to everyone who encourages me and supports me in my efforts. I deeply appreciate all of you!

May God Bless you all!

All my best...

Bob

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The State of "Things"

by Bob Hirst on 09/07/10

Greetings, all!

One of the amazing, as well as rewarding, things about having a website to share your works is the range of viewers. I've seen listings from Canada, Europe, Asia, and even Australia. Of course, the majority are from the U.S. I want to thank everyone who visits the site, and I invite any comments or suggestions, as always.

I'm at a point with this venture where I decided recently to list my website on my LinkedIn profile. What response! LOL! LinkedIn listed my "business" (more like serious hobby at present) BEFORE my "day job!" I cannot change the listing order without deleting and relisting my day job! Before I knew it, some of my colleagues in my day job industry began to ask if I had departed my current position. But I also received many congratulatory messages, as many of my family members, closest friends and colleagues know how important photography is in my life. Perhaps someday it will be more of a bona fide part-time endeavor than a weekend obsession. But for now, I do it to share my work and to educate myself. Commercial success is not a priority right now, so I'm focusing on my love of photography and desire to learn.

With Labor Day now history, and the fall months approaching, it's one of the most beautiful times of the year to take photos of the amazing place in which we live...it's called Earth. The weather can be spectacular, and fall's colors make taking great pictures so much easier and rewarding. Here's to hoping it has not been too dry here in the Mid Atlantic this summer to result in all yellows and browns. My family and I are planning to visit the Ludington, Michigan area again in early November. We're hoping for some great color like we saw last year. I also have trips scheduled to places in and outside the U.S. Watch for photo updates. Also, please check back for the new Photo of the Month on my home page. Finally, enjoy the natural world in which we live and always remember that it is a wonderful gift from God. Grab the camera and enjoy it!!!

Thanks again to everyone!

Bob

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Natural vs Enhanced Photography

by Bob Hirst on 02/11/10

Like most budding photographers, I often stand in awe of the artistic creations by so many professional photographers. I look at my camera and wonder "how can we create such beautiful images?" Yes, I study Photoshop and all the wonderful electronic features of my DSLR. I experiment with it all, and I create images that are creative, yet still amateur in comparison to today's masters. I find I have little desire to manipulate nature for the sake of art. I truly believe the world has much natural beauty that should be experienced the way the eye sees it. My early life was based in the beauty of the great gift we were given by God, and my career, which has focused on water for over 35 years, has been true to appreciating it all. It requires time and patience sometimes to capture its beauty in its various moods, but the rewards are great.

Therefore, I am following my heart and my lifelong joys in capturing our world, its creatures, and its people in photographs. History can sometimes best be portrayed in monochromatic photos, but the present time is best seen in natural colors or even natural seasonal monotones. The world we live in is truly a work of art. Please enjoy, and feel free to share your thoughts in this blog.

-Bob Hirst

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My New Website

by Bob Hirst on 02/07/10

I welcome all constructive critique of my work. Please feel free to submit comments, suggestions, praise, and criticism. I learn from your comments, and work to improve my skills. Passion for anything makes one desire to improve!

Thank you again for visiting my site!

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