Dany Gutierrez - A PhotoProducer's Blog

Behind 31K - Fly to London

2011-02-24T19:36:00.000-06:00

I have enjoyed meeting people from Twitter but, this has been one of the best encounters yet. Even if it is not in person (...still). I have got the chance to go back-and-forth with Drew Gardner; a photographer from London that is not only GREAT! but a REAL!
From our back-and-forth conversations, Drew got interested in participating in the project of "31K Portraits for Peace" and is doing an intervention himself. Today, "La Huasteca 1" a dove created by Diego flew to London so Drew can get his photo taken and some of his friends. Pretty amazing huh?

Behind 31K - Interview with PBS.

2011-02-23T19:40:00.000-06:00

So the idea is to be big...right?
Here are some shots of the interview that happened yesterday with Diego and Lydia&Magaly for Charla-Conversations for PBS talking about "31K Portraits for Peace".

Behind 31K - Just the beginning.

2011-02-17T12:30:00.000-06:00

Three weeks ago, I was summoned to an idea by Diego Huerta. He came up with the idea to commemorate the death of 31,000 people in Mexico. Yet, the objective was greater than that. Diego Huerta created "31K Portraits for Peace" and asked me for his help. He wants to give Mexicans a little bit of hope by asking those who live there and those who don't to pose for a picture.
Not only for a picture but for one historic photograph. A photograph that will become history and will include the effort of 31,000 camera clicks and the hands of 31,000 people hoping and telling Mexico "you are not alone".

I am happy to be a part of something that has now become International. People from London, Rotterdam and Iowa have asked us to participate and want to get involved. This just makes it amazing! I am grateful to participate in a project as important as this, I wish that I had more vocabulary in me to express what I feel.

The following photos are part of what "31K Portraits for Peace" has become. A great experiment that will turn into street interventions and hopefully a book.

I thank those who have gotten involved with the project.

Click here to see final photos.

Tweeting about #Photography and #Photographers

2011-02-07T09:19:00.002-06:00

I woke up today to listen to Stella Kramer's interview at Photoshelter. I took some notes and decided to publish them on my Twitter account. Here are some notes on "Building a Better Online Portfolio".

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

Give people a chance to really see your work. Make it cleaner for PhotoEditors to see your work. Technical notes and photos go in a blog.

6 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

Design their site based in their intended audience? No just make sure that your info will be seen. Do categories. #Photography #Portfolio

10 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

You can like the photographer and hate the work or you can like the work but hate the photographer. Be honest. #Photographers

17 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

#Photographers You need to be open to the fact that even though it is YOUR work, you are not the first or last to determine it.

18 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

#Photographers "Artists don't exist in a vacuum".

18 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

At least get bookmarked. #Photographers "Create a relationship even through the computer".

20 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

PhotoEditors and ArtBuyers are looking to fall into the image. If they do fall, they will take time off to look at your work again...slowly.

22 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

Photos don't look good when they are small. #Photographers Which way your work appears better? Decide on large/small/mixture of the 2.

23 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

Don't be afraid of people looking at your work. #Photographers If you want to be hired, be prepared to listen to "I don't like it".

25 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

You need to think of the person who is going to be viewing it. Not your friend. People who actually have no connection to you.

25 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

Give the Art Buyer a vacation when they see your portfolio.#Photographers

27 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

"I don't want to see the image in more than one category. "#Photographers #Portfolio

29 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

#Photographers "Artistic statements that makes them unique." Who brings a different point of view.

30 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

#Photographers Categories in a Portfolio: Essays, Personal Work, Portfolio. Categories to be clear and sub-categories.

33 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

#Photographers A Portfolio Category: about 15 images is enough.

35 minutes ago

Dany_Gtz Dany Gutierrez

#Photographers: Portfolio with a few images they can show you who they are. Not 10 categories w/40 photos in each category.

36 minutes ago

Monclova, Coah.

2011-01-24T11:07:00.000-06:00

PDN Photography Virtual Event feat: Allen Murabayashi

2010-12-08T15:16:00.001-06:00

I took the "PDN Photography Virtual Event" today and I listened to Allen Murabayashi, co-founder of Photoshelter.com.

Here are some notes:

Your website is a marketing tool.
Does it meet audience needs?
Social media tools: FB and Twitter
SEO friendly / Friendly
Getting people to your website is hard work!
Allow people to connect
Once they purchase and get good quality, they are likely to come back
Price is arbitrary and elastic, take advantage of that fact: Understand there are different levels of pricing. But if you want to move your pricing level up, test that pricing.

I also spent some time on the Q&A session and this is what I asked:
Question 27 (2:55 PM) Daniela Gutierrez:
Hi Allen. I see you believe that photography is evolving....do you think that the print portfolio will disappear?
Answer 27 (2:57 PM) Allen Murabayashi:
No -- I think as long as there are print publications, there will be print portfolios, and for things like fine art, print portfolios will always be around. but iPads and the like will definitely become commonplace.

Good one! Diego has just published the new uses of the iPad himself yesterday and today. Click to find out.

Question 30
(3:03 PM) Daniela Gutierrez:
What kind of discount would you recommend for a photographer that is mainly focused on photjournalism and editorial?
Answer 30
(3:06 PM) Allen Murabayashi:
that's tough to be honest. i think if you're dealing with newspapers and magazines, you can't really discount because the market is already discounted. but if a newspaper was willing to guarantee you X days of work per month, you might consider a discount there. it would definitely be dependent on your relationship with your editor.

Sad but true I guess...

Opinión "Quiéreme"

2010-11-02T09:13:00.002-06:00

No entiendo tampoco la razón pero poco importa….
No no importa poco. Y se debe de entender. Está claro.
Para poder entender el objetivo o al menos saber de que trata el proyecto, uno deberá de ponerse a leer el enlace que dejó helada a la Sra. Rosaura Barahona y deberá de buscar en el enlace de “The Diary” las preguntas y respuestas las cuales me permito a copiar:

¿De dónde nace Quiéreme? Nace después de leer un artículo de la periodista Natalia Gómez Quintero del periódico El Universal (13 de Mayo 2010), donde habla sobre la discriminación a la que fueron sujetas dos mujeres indígenas en una zona muy exclusiva de Polanco, se puede decir que ese artículo fue mi inspiración para desarrollar Quiéreme.

¿Cuál es el objetivo? El objetivo es simple, mandar un mensaje a la sociedad en general a la no discriminación, a la tolerancia y aceptación de todos nuestros pueblos indígenas, es una invitación a meditar sobre lo que estamos haciendo mal como sociedad. El artículo de Natalia Gómez hace énfasis en la no aceptación por como andaban vestidas en una zona muy exclusiva del Distrito Federal, así que pensé –Bueno, si ese es el problema, que pasaría si las vestimos, peinamos y maquillamos como se haría con cualquier modelo de las revistas de modas a las que una gran parte de las mujeres ve como modelos aspiracionales, ya con eso las aceptaríamos 100%, ya con eso podrían pasear por todas partes sin que se les señale o discrimine? o el problema es mas profundo y está en cada uno de nosotros?

¿Cómo encontraron a las modelos? Las modelos eran todas voluntarias. Hablábamos con ellas en el pueblo y platicamos con algunas alumnas de la secundaria. Es importante mencionar que todas ellas participaron por voluntad y decisión propia, sin estar influenciadas por alguien más. Las modelos que eran menores de edad necesitaban permiso de sus padres/tutores lo cual el equipo de producción se encargó de conseguir.

El mismo trato que se le da a una modelo profesional. Nuestro equipo de trabajo estuvo conformado por verdaderos profesionales de la moda, el maquillaje y peinado que cuidaron en todo momento el trato digno hacia nuestras modelos. En lo personal traté de hacerlas sentir cómodas durante la sesión al no forzarlas a realizar alguna pose o expresión complicada, trabajando mas en poses y expresiones naturales, de igual forma siendo lo mas rápido posible pues sabía que para ellas estar frente a una cámara, con personas a su alrededor, con ropa y zapatos que jamás en su vida habían usado un par de minutos eran eternos. Para cada sesión la planeación era de un día entero, entre hacer el casting, scouting, fiting, peinado, maquillaje, la toma de las fotografías no tardaba mas de diez minutos.

¿Se afectó de alguna forma sus tradiciones y costumbres?
 Estoy convencido que no. Cambiaron por unas horas. Lamentablemente cada día se pierden mas sus tradiciones y costumbres entre los jóvenes (y los adultos no están exentos de esto) que se niegan a vestir y hablar huichol, es común ver hombres de la comunidad con pantalones de mezclilla, botas, tenis, sombreros tipo texano, playeras. Curiosamente solo es en los hombres pues en las mujeres no se les permite vestir mas que con sus prendas tradicionales.
Debido a que nuestro objetivo nunca fue colaborar con la decadencia de sus tradiciones, pues el tiempo en que nuestras modelos estuvieron vestidas distinto fue única y exclusivamente por un propósito artístico-social que se explicó el por qué desde un principio. Y a la vez, tuvimos que lidiar con situaciones que sabíamos no podríamos cambiar de la noche a la mañana. Por ejemplo: Las mujeres no quisieron mostrar sus piernas nunca, pues es una costumbre que estén tapadas así que se usaron medias para cubrir sus piernas.

Es importante mencionar que el CEDIM es una institución educativa que cuenta con los mejores maestros internacionales y nacionales del mundo y que invita a sus alumnos a destacar sus habilidades para convertirse en profesionistas y profesionales. El CEDIM estuvo directamente involucrado en la participación del proyecto. El CEDIM no quiso quedarse de brazos cruzados y apoyar una idea de la no discriminación.

No son parte de un grupo étnico o de una etnia. Son parte de una cultura. Tampoco son Huicholes. Son Wirrarikas.
No se busca inculcar ni el Jetta ni Chanel. Se busca la inclusion. Se busca una integración de los mexicanos de las montañas y de los mexicanos de la ciudad. El respeto viene de la convivencia mutua y constante entre aquéllos de las montañas y los otros de la ciudad. Se respetaron todas sus costumbres y tradiciones, nos compartieron su hermoso lenguaje y hasta nuestros alimentos llegamos a compartir. Sin embargo..."está bien que estén lejos?" Busquemos la inclusión Sra. Rosaura! No estamos buscando la discriminación. Investigue, lea, y la invito sobre todo a primero entrevistar a los autores del proyecto antes de ponerse a escribir una columna. La invito que antes que empezar en su futuro como periodista y escribir sin fundamento alguno, se ponga a investigar.

Respeta usted a una señora que le llama "indias"? Qué pena! Es así como les llama? Esa palabra fue la que nos motivó a empezar un proyecto. Ese discriminativo, ese calificativo. Sabe quiénes son Indias? Las mujeres que viven y nacieron en la India. Ellas serían indígenas.

La que tiene prejuicios aquí, es usted. La invito a que se ponga a pensar en el nivel de la ignorancia que se tiene a todos los niveles en México. Que lea y relea lo que escribió porque no solamente manchó el nombre de Diego Huerta, manchó el nombre del CEDIM, y de las personas que participaron en el proyecto. Respeto sus opiniones pero me gusta discutir con personas que saben lo que escriben, que tienen fundamentos.

Quiéreme es un experimento. Usted es una de las teorías que plasmamos. Resultado comprobado.

México, you are beautiful.

2010-09-17T12:20:00.000-05:00

This past September 16th, my beautiful country celebrated the 200th Anniversary for its Independence. I was not in Mexico to celebrate. I was and still am in Austin. And I regret some part of it. I sit now seeing how colorful my country is, the many potential there is to grow and how it is full of so different people and so rich of culture.

I'm afraid the 201st Anniversary won't be the same. And although, I did not take these photographs and I was not there to feel it. As I see this photos, I feel the life in my Mexico. My country. The country that not only gave my a nationality but gave me what I am today. Mexico is troubled, yes, there is violence and cartel wars, but there is also a hopeful feeling. That is my Mexico. Viva México! Congratulations! You are lovely!

Photographs are from Boston The Big Picture and you can see more of them by clicking here.

#Quiéreme Production Staff is needed!

2010-09-10T15:03:00.004-05:00

For this incredible journey to begin, I am looking for:

Stylist and Make-Up Artist. Please keep in mind that although you are capable of doing both jobs, I need two different persons since there are 14 models to get ready for the photo shoot. Although, there is a plan that 7 shots are done in day 1 and the rest are done in day 2, I will need focus on a specific area.

There is a budget for this. But, I will need you to contact me personally so I can give you the exact detail$.

I’ll be more than excited to have you come with us. Here are more details:

We leave from Monterrey, NL to San Andres, Cohamiata, Jalisco on October 3. 12 hour drive. We stay there for 5 complete days. 1 day to scout location and pre-prep, 2 days to pre-produce and 2 days for production. We come back on October 9 and we are ready to print, to do what we have to do and get ready for the International exposure!

Travel expenses such as hotel and food are included in the job.

Day of Event: October 28, 2010.

Send me your CV, samples of your work. First come, first serve!

From Studio Guide 2010: Casting Recommendation.

2010-09-07T14:34:00.001-05:00

I received Studio Guide 2010 from my PDN subscription this month. And this is the first time ever that I have the issue Studio Guide in my hands. I cannot begin to tell how many studios and the advantages and equipment that are available around the US and internationally.
However, one of my favorite things that I read here was an interview made to Edward Kim from HOUSE CASTING:

PDN: Do you have any tips for photographers who are attempting to do their own casting?
EK: Hire a casting director. If it's a budgetary issue, a casting director will negotiate better rates for you and know how to find available talent or make talent available. Otherwise it's just about knowing what you want and having realistic expectations and communicating very clearly with the agencies.

So, I recommend that whenever you are presenting an estimate for a client for production costs, to include in your estimates, a Casting Director. He/She will care for you and will of course avoid you the horrible and painful calls over and over again.

Practices Makes Perfect (in my case...better)

2010-08-19T10:12:00.003-05:00

So, I took a workshop this Saturday with Diego Huerta
I got sick on Sunday and finally got better today.
I took some time off my awfully agenda and decided to practice trying to be perfect. I know that I may not shoot the best photos however, I know that I'm improving. In fact, I always say "I'm not a photographer" although I like to be behind the lens...specifically behind the production.

I practiced today with my family:
Frida, Maki and Julieta.
Frida is the mother of Maki and Julieta. Wife and loved one of Rocco.
Maki and Julieta are the daughters.

Photographs were taken by me on August 19, 2010.

Frida

Maki

Julieta

My first workshop as photography student.

2010-08-15T21:20:00.004-05:00

Since I bought my first Leica X-1 I have been meaning to really use it.
But, I had to learn what is F, speed and ISO all in 2 hours. I had the best teacher.
On Saturday August 14, Diego Huerta gave a workshop where I had the opportunity to learn from the best.
Me and 4 other photographers walked around downtown Monterrey looking to shoot and experience what is to use natural and artificial light. This is what we came up with; these are the photographs I took and which I must say, I am pretty proud of.
Ain't no stopping me now!

I'm back - Chivas

2010-08-02T12:08:00.005-05:00

After quite a few busy weeks, I'm back.
With an amazing experience and tiring days. Long 16 hour days of work are worth it.
On July 30, 2010, the OMNILIFE Stadium opened its doors to the public. The technology this stadium has, the architecture and the design is never-before-seen in Mexico. Diego and I went to Guadalajara, to take photos of the stadium and the opening day. It was beautiful to be able to be one of the first people to go inside and see how people came in and amazed sat down while the game started.
Here are some photos that I took with my new Leica camera.
By the way, I love my Leica.

Enjoy.

Yes, I Will.

2010-07-28T22:20:00.001-05:00

This is my new toy. I am not a professional photographer I just work with one.
But, this camera made me fall in love. This is my new Leica X-1. It has a 35mm lens. No zoom. So, it means I got to look for the right angle. The resolution is just amazing, the optic is mind-blowing. This is my new love which will make me learn more about photography and hopefully take good photos! :D

Conceptos Básicos Derechos de Autor

2010-07-11T22:51:00.007-05:00

De mis pocos posts en español pero no quiero dejar pasar esta situación. Soy abogada y de algo creo que me sirvió haber estudiado Lic. en Derecho. Así que, adjunto encontrarán algunos artículos de la Ley Federal de Derecho de Autor que son importantes conocer. Esto aplica para mis amigos los fotógrafos, a quienes admiro y con los que me divierte trabajar. No por ser creativos se les debe de olvidar tecnicismos y mucho menos de que hay una ley que los protege.

Artículo 5o.- La protección que otorga esta Ley se concede a las obras desde el momento en que hayan sido fijadas en un soporte material, independientemente del mérito, destino o modo de expresión. El reconocimiento de los derechos de autor y de los derechos conexos no requiere registro ni documento de ninguna especie ni quedará subordinado al cumplimiento de formalidad alguna.

Artículo 11.- El derecho de autor es el reconocimiento que hace el Estado en favor de todo creador de obras literarias y artísticas previstas en el artículo 13 de esta Ley, en virtud del cual otorga su protección para que el autor goce de prerrogativas y privilegios exclusivos de carácter personal y patrimonial. Los primeros integran el llamado derecho moral y los segundos, el patrimonial.

Artículo 12.- Autor es la persona física que ha creado una obra literaria y artística.

Artículo 13.- Los derechos de autor a que se refiere esta Ley se reconocen respecto de las obras de
las siguientes ramas:
...........
XII. Fotográfica;
XIII. Obras de arte aplicado que incluyen el diseño gráfico o textil, y
...............

Artículo 77.- La persona cuyo nombre o seudónimo, conocido o registrado, aparezca como autor de una obra, será considerada como tal, salvo prueba en contrario y, en consecuencia, se admitirán por los tribunales competentes las acciones que entable por transgresión a sus derechos.

Espero que se sirvan a leer la Ley Federal de Derecho de Autor la cual pueden leerla dando click aqui.

Y para todos aquellos que han compartido sus fotografías en FB, Twitter, etc....tienen que saber algo. Están protegidos por la ley y por las legislaciones internacionales. He aqui un ejemplo de FB que Emmanuel me recordó:

5. Protección de los derechos de otras personas
Respetamos los derechos de otras personas y esperamos que tú hagas lo mismo.

1. No publicarás contenido ni realizarás ninguna acción en Facebook que infrinja o viole los derechos de otros o que viole la ley de algún modo.
2. Podemos retirar cualquier contenido o información que publiques en Facebook si consideramos que viola esta Declaración.
3. Te proporcionaremos las herramientas necesarias para ayudarte a proteger tus derechos de propiedad intelectual. Para obtener más información, visita nuestra página Cómo informar de presuntas infracciones de los derechos de propiedad intelectual.
4. Si retiramos tu contenido debido a una infracción de los derechos de autor de otra persona y consideras que ha sido un error, tendrás la posibilidad de apelar.
5. Si infringes repetidamente los derechos de propiedad intelectual de otra persona, desactivaremos tu cuenta si es oportuno.
6. No utilizarás nuestros copyrights o marcas registradas (incluidos Facebook, los logotipos de Facebook y F, FB, Face, Poke, Wall y 32665) ni cualquier marca similar que resulte confusa sin nuestro permiso por escrito.
7. Si recopilas información de usuarios: deberás obtener su consentimiento previo, dejar claro que eres tú (y no Facebook) quien recopila la información y publicar una política de privacidad que explique qué datos recopilas y cómo los usarás.
8. No publicarás los documentos de identificación ni información financiera de nadie en Facebook.
9. No etiquetarás a usuarios de Facebook ni les enviarás invitaciones por correo electrónico sin su consentimiento.

My hometown is a Hurricane Alex victim.

2010-07-08T17:40:00.009-05:00

On July 1, 2010 Hurricane Alex paid a visit to Monterrey. While I was in Austin on a pre-production I was listening to the radio and then it stopped...electricity was down. I tried to call my dad but he didn't answer. Hurricane Alex had entered the city of Monterrey, in the beautiful state of Nuevo Leon. At 9pm, my dad finally answered and said that water had gone inside the house, that he and my brother were cleaning up and that it didn't seem to end. I was online the whole night...I read about how water claimed what it was the Santa Catarina River and it couldn't stop...the main streets in Monterrey broke down, lanes were cleared by water and people got into the second floor of their homes because their first floor was flooded.

July 2, 2010. The morning after, the news kept telling all these horrible stories and I saw pictures of how the city broke down. We decided to go back to the city. At 2.00 am I was lost. The highway to enter the city was destroyed, the headlights didn't work and the roads that the GPS gave me as an alternative no longer existed. Horror invaded me. Sadness began. I entered my parent's home at 3.30 am.

On July 3, 2010 I began taking trips to visit the damage that Alex had done. I visited friends and family and others who I didn't know and they all shared what they felt when they saw the day that nature claimed back its territory. They were afraid of dying but, still ready to encounter the reconstruction of a new Nuevo León.

I came back on July 7, 2010 to Austin. I must say and admit that I cried because a part of me wanted to stay there and help. I wanted to contribute with my bare hands and see what else to do. But, at 6.00pm Rio Bravo (border river between Mexico and US) closed its doors. There is a great risk that it floods too. These two videos that I'm posting are my experience of what I saw. Nuevo Leon needs help, they need a lot of help; they need hands to give them support and groceries. They need water. They need clorox, and materials to get their houses disinfected.

I am now in Austin, trying to let everyone know the tragedy that my fellow friends and neighbors are going through. Media in the US neither worldwide have talked about it. Yes, we were lucky that there weren't too many deaths, still, the city is of need of help. A lot of it. Let your friends know about it, read about it and help. Every little action counts.

It's a disaster zone...so, local authorities won't help. Water reached 6 feet high of houses. Everything was lost.

To be able to go across the street, we had to jump in mattresses, move clothes and step on a 2 feet high mud.

TO DONATE:
http://todosxnl.org/centrosacopio
National:
Banorte: Cuenta No. 19 “Para apoyo a los afectados por la tormenta Alex”
Banorte: Cuenta 0000000065, a nombre de la Cruz Roja.
Banorte: Cuenta No. 50 de Caritas de Monterrey, ABP
International:
Clave Swift: MANOMXMT, Banco Mercantil del Norte, S.A., Monterrey, México, ABA: 021000018

Opening Night "Town of Clouds" in Austin, Texas

2010-06-21T10:01:00.004-05:00

After tweeting, blogging and facebooking, the event was here.
200 persons walked into the Mexican American Cultural Center Gallery, and were excited to see what Diego had photographed. The incredible thing about this was that not only people who knew Diego came along, but also people who just wanted to see the art because they knew about the event.

I must thank our sponsors:
Casa Chapala - Even with heat and a lot of people, everyone got a taste of delicious Mexican food. Outside was packed!
Cruz Tequila - 2 tequila cases after, and even a little drunk, people left the room with the feeling that the thirst was quenched correctly. Thank you John.

Also the media who took time to write about us:
Austin Statesman - Juan Castillo
Ahora Sí - Tania Lara
Univisión - Leslie Montoya
The Austin Times- Vicky Garza

To our families and to our friends, I was happy to see you all!

Diego: bien bajada la bola.

Here is the video of how it went. Yes, it is the same that Diego has on his blog. He got the material on his hands first and posted it the next day after the opening. Cris and Sahra, thank you. Photos and video would not be possible without you.

Opening Night Town of Clouds from Diego Huerta on Vimeo.

Town of Clouds on TV!

2010-06-18T08:32:00.004-05:00

Diego in Univision from Dany Gutierrez on Vimeo.

On Friday June 18, 2010 Diego is invited to Univision to talk about "Town of Clouds" and let people know what to expect on the opening. One more day to go!

Behind "The Two Girls and the Dog"

2010-06-17T10:26:00.003-05:00

The photograph below is one of my favorites.
I have a special bond with this one and I think that it comes down to being thirsty on a Thursday and feeling hot. We were outside of the grocery store in the town of Cohamiata walking around...(FUN FACT:I had my yellow rain boots on and you can actually see them if you get close to the fine digital print photo that is now in the gallery.)

This beautiful girl stopped and looked at us, always asking to see the result of the pictures that Diego was taking in his LCD screen in his D3 camera. She held her sister tight and posed for Diego.
I specially love the fact that the little one is pulling her sister's hair and I love how the dog is on the back and you can barely see it.

You can know more about these photographs and be able to actually enjoy and see them in big with exact and accurate details this Saturday June 19, 2010 at 6.00 pm at the Mexican American Cultural Center.
I hope to see many of you there.

Together, let's raise fund for the Huicholes and have fun doing it!
We'll have Cruz Tequila, Casa Chapala Catering and photo booth by Annie Ray.

More Exciting News "Town of Clouds"!

2010-06-15T07:38:00.006-05:00

Last week I took a time off to visit the main gallery at the Mexican American Cultural Center.
This is what I saw:

Almost there - Town of Clouds - June 19, 2010 6.00 from Dany Gutierrez on Vimeo.

Pretty amazing huh? We are almost getting there!
This week is full of great interviews and challenges. Diego is also featured in The Austin Times in the article below. To read more, you can click here. FYI: We made front page!!!

News about "Town of Clouds"

2010-06-11T17:40:00.003-05:00

There is a new video uploaded from Mr. Mando Rayo who was kind enough to interview us a week ago. Mando, I have to thank you for this! I know that you are way busy and that you are waiting for Frijolita, still you took some time off on a rainy day and met with Diego and I to talk a little bit more about "Town of Clouds".

If you do not know much about "Town of Clouds", take some time off, exactly 2 minutes and 36 seconds to listen what Diego and I have to say.

There will be more videos!! And more interviews, so keep logging in to check.
In the meantime, RSVP for the event at: http://www.diegohuerta.eventbrite.com

Good news for all foodies! Casa Chapala will be providing us with delicious antojitos!
And don't forget, tempting CruzTequila with margaritas and shots!

Delivery of Photos at the MACC

2010-06-09T12:25:00.000-05:00

June 8, 2010.
Agenda for today:
11 am - Parking lot at the Mexican American Cultural Center
12 pm - Uncovering photographs "Town of Clouds" at the Main Gallery
1 pm - Lunch!

Although it may seem as a list and as an item, the "uncovering" part was a huge deal. To transport the photographs we had to ask for help. And, use the elevator as our principal transportation. Then, take the bubble wrap off and gently place them on the gallery floor. Still, this is not all. After uncovering, you have to get an idea of what they are going to look like and how is the eye going to be able to accept the transition of colors, the sizes, the landscapes...so, you have to be a curator too.

I cannot put into words what I felt when I saw the whole 43 photographs laid on the floor. I cannot imagine how look they will good when the Gallery opens its doors. June 19th to be exact, 6.00 pm.

If you haven't RVPD, do so: http://www.diegohuerta.eventbrite.com

Hope you enjoy the clip!

MACC- Photographs Delivered from Dany Gutierrez on Vimeo.

The Story behind "The Washer"

2010-06-07T15:58:00.005-05:00

Sundays are sacred. Sundays are for family and to spend time resting.
At least, that is what I learned when I was with the Huicholes.
So, on June 28, 2009 after a long walk to Cohamiata and eating a green mango that just fell of the tree, Diego and I walked down the river.

At the river, we met Sandra who was washing her clothes because she had school on Monday and needed to have her chores done.
Sandra washed her clothes with a pink squared soap. She gladly did this because she knew that it was her thing to do, it all depended on her and that she needed to do this so she can have clean clothes for the week.
I admire Sandra, not only because she washed her clothes but also because she did her chores knowing and acknowledging that her mom had done it for her before when she was younger. She was not only grateful for the job her mom did before but also for having soap to wash her clothes.

Back in San Andrés, I experienced this feeling every single day. I was grateful for waking up with the confidence that I would have water to drink, soap to wash my clothes and even a washer (and I do not mean my two bare hands) to do so. I continue to be grateful and thankful for having what I need.

Behind the Scenes - Exhibit "Town of Clouds"

2010-06-03T17:40:00.007-05:00

If you want to know what you need to get an exhibit ready, prepare yourself, it is not easy but it will be worth it.
After being invited to the Mexican American Cultural Center last year, Diego and I have been preparing for the upcoming date: Saturday, June 19, 2010. 6.00 p.m.

Producer's Notes:

1. Promotion
- We have been really fortunate to have met a lot of nice people who are not only familiar to what we do but also, like to support art and care about the community. In fact, we have been lucky to come across clients who then become our friends. This is what happened with Hahn,Texas. Hahn, Texas is promoting the event through Cultural Strategies where Mando Rayo is letting everyone know about our event. In fact, you can check Mando's tweets or blog or even FB and you will notice that he has been letting everyone know the event on June 19.
- Invitations: by e-mail or personally. But, you should deliver them on time.
- Social Network: update your profiles to let people know what to expect.
*Dany's Twitter - FB - Blog
*Diego's Twitter - FB- Blog
- Eventbrite: RSVP by Eventbrite, is not only free but very friendly!
- Mass Media: Contact TV, Radio and Newspaper through Community Calendars.

2. Food and Drinks
HOW LUCK ARE WE?! Very lucky.
We met John Zamora from Cruz Tequila who is providing us delicious margaritas and tequila shots for those who are over 21 years old. And, for those little ones, you are more than welcome to come! Lemonade will be provided too.
And regarding food, well...
who knows? Even though we do not have anyone confirmed yet. I'm guess I'm staying positive that we will soon have someone wiling to provide food!
Also in the drink section, wine and Lone Star beer will be offered. Still hoping to have Dos Equis XX (Yes, stay thirsty my friends) on board too.

3. Photograph Transportation
Not only is it important to be sure that you have the photographs ready but also, to be able to transport them to the site where they will be shown. In our special case, we had to bring them all the way from Monterrey, Mexico to Austin, Texas. The drive was not long but we didn't get a chance to fit our bags. So, we had to ask for help in our families. Luckily enough Diego's sisters drove all the way to Austin with our bags and Rocco!

4. The Event
Now, this is what matters the most. We are coordinating the collaboration of food, catering, photo booth, artist's camera and music. People will be able to enter the Mexican American Cultural Center and admire the photographs and leave a taped message for the photographer.

5. Write about it!
This is what I'm doing right? Yes, I'm writing about what you should do and how to do it best when organizing an event. However, if you have any comments or suggestions or even tips that may help me, they are more than welcome.

Exhibit "Town of Clouds" - RSVP and BTS.

2010-05-26T15:50:00.005-05:00

I'm excited for this upcoming event we have.
In the meantime that I'm in Monterrey headed for a full week of work, we have collected some of our favorite pictures and our favorite moments in San Andrés Cohamiata, Jalisco. Diego has put together a few words of what the Journey was and what to expect to see in the "Town of Clouds" exhibit presented by Hahn, Texas this June 19th, 2010 at the MACC. Be sure to RSVP on Eventbrite or on FB.

June 19th, 2010
6.00 pm sharp.
Mexican American Cultural Center.
Everyone is welcome.
Drinks will be provided by Cruz Tequila....mmm!
Photo booth by Ms. Annie Ray.
Join us for a night of culture, fun and drinks.

It is important to mention that the photographs will be on sale. The money raised will be destined to buy material as wood and chaquira for the crafts of the Huicholes. Support art!

Hahn, Texas presents Opening Night of Town of Clouds from Dany Gutierrez on Vimeo.

Old-School VS Now : Portfolio.

2010-05-17T14:23:00.004-05:00

Has anyone said goodbye to their print portfolios?
Good discussion initiated by a Linkedin debate.
Personally? You should not say goodbye to your print portfolio. When a client looks for you, YES they will see you on your website, take a look in what you have online but, when you come in and meet them personally, they will want to see your work in print. Print portfolios are important to have. They are who you are. Your work is finally going to be printed so you need to see it in print. And, if your work is going to be for interactive, believe me, you must have a printed copy to show in a future.
I know the iPads are a great thing to use, and I also think that the iPods do bring this way of having your photos with you always and you can use them together but do not forget about the prints. The prints is what will lead you to something more.

Call Sheet: What, where, who?

2010-05-03T08:34:00.006-05:00

Topic of today: Call sheet.

What should it include:
Day and Time
Location: Address and who to contact.
Talent: Names and characters to be played.
Schedule catering: breakfast, lunch and/or dinner (if it applies)
Schedule make-up, hair styling.
Schedule time when people should come in and when they should come out.
Contact: I put myself as a contact. Since I am the producer, the person who should solve problems, see details and be there 100% is me. So, recommend to add cell phone and name. Believe me, everyone would turn to look at you for good and bad comments, suggestions or questions.

Big Plus! Parking Space. If you write a recommendation of parking for the crew that is coming later (such as talent) it is of great value since it saves you time from worrying if everyone will be there and that their cars will be safe.

Who should you send it to? I remember in my first production, I kept it to myself. But, there was no use. You must get it to the rest of the crew: talent, photographer and agency. If not, how would they know when to be there? Where? Send it out to the persons involved in the production. And always print out some copies for you to hand out when producing so everyone will know where to stand and where to be and at what time. Plus, it also saves you a lot of questions of "when is my turn?" "what should I do?" the paper has it all.

You will find an example attached. I hope it helps. Last time I sent this out I got a review that said, "Nice work. It is simple yet understandable". So, use it if you can!

P.S. Beauty for me means: Wardrobe Styling, Make-Up and Hair Styling. The order they prefer to work, as long as the talent is ready. Usually they will ask for their fitting first and then go ahead and t make-up and hair. Great recommendation for Wardrobe: Brandy Joy.

Model Release: Legal stuff

2010-04-27T22:29:00.014-05:00

I bought a book recently which I highly recommend "Business and Legal forms for Photographers" by Tad Crawford. Good investment at my regular Barnes&Nobles. (Oh! How I love this store!) In this incredible book, a CD is also added to the combo and the CD has a lot of documents in which you can base your own model releases in. It is an incredible tool that helps you out with the main ideas or the main structure the model release should have.

As a lawyer, one must never forget the importance of legal documents. In this case, I want to talk about the model release.
Talent/Model release is basic and a document you should keep with your files for the production and after production.
Items to write and NEVER forget:
1. Name of Project: As simple as it sounds, "Photo shoot for Fashion Magazine on June 2010 Issue"
2. Industry: Fashion Magazine
3. Usage and Territory: THIS IS JUST A VERY SELFISH EXAMPLE! "Unlimited Usage within the United States. Unlimited exclusive advertising and promotional rights and usage in any and all print for an unlimited time. Includes entire body of works. All images, including outtakes, may not be sold as stock until all usage expires. Client reserves first option of reuse upon expiration of current rights. Artist retains self-promotion rights forever, as  does the agency. Total buyout of rights, usage and copyright. Artist retains self-promotion rights". And when I say selfish it is due the generality of the paragraph however, you may specify what it is for, the time that you will use it and where.
4. Compensation: Amount to be delivered to the talent in numbers and in written letters.
5. Agreement: Signatures of the talent, the agency and the photographer.

If the model is represented by a talent agency, consider that the talent agency should have a POA (Power-of-Attorney) to sign the release. Be sure to have a copy of the executed release and give one to the final client and keep also one for your records. Always!

One more thing....stock photographers: Do not forget when taking a photo when you have a model in it and you plan to sell it as a stock photo. Sign the model release!

What is a pre-production book? - Celebrating 100th Post!

2010-04-20T21:59:00.006-05:00

Last two weeks have been busy and now I finally sit down and write about what I love the most: producing.
On Monday 12, I had one of the most incredible projects I have had as a producer. I was able to work with around 25 professionals in the same room at the same time. And for that, I had to work a lot. Starting from the little time I had to pre-produce and prepare for casting and scouting I thought I managed very well.
In this journey, I was asked to do a pre-production book.
I have heard the term but thought of it as a completely different thing. I thought a pre-production book was that book that the producer had with the call sheet, important contact numbers, information on location and maybe a schedule. However, I learned that I was wrong. A pre-production book is to be delivered before production to the final client and to the agency and it must include lots of stuff; a lot more than I imagined.

Table of Contents:
Personnel - Client, Agency, Photographer and Production information.
Creative - Is there a reference you should base your work in?
Talent - Names and characters that they are playing.
Wardrobe- What are they wearing? Do you have pictures?
Location - Map and what location offers.
Map - As the one you'll see below.
Weather - As the one you'll see below.
Menu - This is something we added, and personally I think it was an incredible thing to add. If you need catering, Central Market, this was a tip from a friend of mine. Incredible catering!
Vendors - Address, and contact information of Photography Equipment, Catering, any other vendor you may have.
Hotlist - What to do in Austin? What are the good places to dine and shop?

Even weather must be included. You need to tell your clients what to expect from the weather at the city you are shooting. In this case, and specially if you are expecting a women, what to wear!

And of course, a map of the location doesn't hurt. Even if you are working with locals, having a map and a sense of where you can park always makes it easier.

I may say that this pre-production book not only makes you look good but also more professional bringing your work to a whole other level.

Recap of Workshop by Diego Huerta in Amarillo, TX

2010-04-17T14:19:00.005-05:00

I may not be the best writer however I do know how to express how I feel.
As long as the road seemed to get to Amarillo from Austin and as hard as some people say it would be, I must say this was pleasant. I can't remember how many times I changed roads, how many Interstates I took and how many times I went by little towns as Lampasas, Happy, Tulia and others that I don't remember... but I do know that it was a whole adventure.
Amarillo, TX- Your people is amazing! I fell in love with Amarillo as soon as I met the people who lived there. We were fortunate enough to hang out with people who are passionate, caring and above all- nice.

The lecture on Thursday "First feel then shoot" was one of the most fulfilling experiences for me. I was impressed by how Diego was so cool about speaking in public. He was able to have everyone's attention and I must say that motivated all the assistants to just take a camera and shoot. His main idea of the lecture was to do not overthink and to not care if you don't have all the equipment other photographers may have but to look in other resources such as a Home Depot where you can buy a light boom arm that you would usually use to paint your walls. When it was my turn, he had almost made me feel comfortable and although my speech was 1% of his, I felt cool. Tips as : Model releases, Make-up and permissions of locations when scouting were some of the things I talked about. And when the Q&A phase went on, we were asked many stuff: how much do you charge? how do you contact clients? how should you sell yourself? Many of these questions have been answered lately in reading books and I was pleased to share this experience with other photographers. I enjoyed meeting photographers and people who are as passionate and as compromised with capturing one single moment.

On Friday, things were less theoretical and more practical. We met at Rudy's for a workshop leaded by Diego on: lifestyle, portraits and product shots. Photographers and students got a chance to ask about technique, about day-to-day questions and got a chance to take pictures with one light, two lights and reflectors. I must say that I concluded that one more time, a good photographer is not that who has the best lens or the best camera, but the one that just can make art by clicking. My favorite part on Friday? Being able to listen to the attendees too, see Diego and them talking about their personal portfolios. And of course, the group shot, I think this is one of the favorites I have.

Congrats to everyone who attended and thank you to all of you who encouraged Diego and I to keep doing what we do. I personally enjoyed every single moment I was talking with someone and I enjoyed seeing everyone smile when they had a camera in their hands...it is amazing how photography brings us together.

This is what we work for and Amarillo reminded me that we don't work for ourselves but to give back also. There is always a good time to give back and you can never give enough.

Brent and Vicky - you treated us as if we were rockstars...thank you for all of your attentions and for just being so nice. This was an incredible journey.

Improvise - even if you have it written

2010-04-07T09:52:00.009-05:00

I had a photo shoot today for an editorial publication called Nside. This is the second issue of the magazine after it's release in Austin. So, I have discussed with the Editor what the photos were going to be about...

I had three different set-ups all considering a white coat to be worn:
1. OR: Laser room with suit and white coat.
2. HALLWAY: Suit & white coat and without the white coat.
3. WALL TEXTURE: Suit.
But, when I got there, the Dr. also had ideas in his mind, he didn't have the white coat that doctors commonly use and he wanted to wear scrubs. I have the experience of clients some what directing the shots so what I had to do was improvise.

What we ended up coming with was:
1. OR: Suit and Scrubs
2. HALLWAY: Only the suit.
3. WALL TEXTURE: Suit and scrubs.

I must say that the previews of the shots look incredible, I absolutely love them!
So, what I do recommend is that if you have a call sheet that says what you are looking for, and sometimes that does not result, do not panic. Things tend to get another result and maybe something you haven't imagined.

I also recommend that when you are shooting people who are way too busy, you get there at least 30 minutes early. It helped Diego and I to have it all covered and set-up with light tests when the Dr. arrived to the office and although he was a little bit late than what we had planned, I must say that it turned out to be okay. Also, I must thank him since he was very patient and so cooperative. Great model!

Can a producer be creative?

2010-04-03T10:17:00.005-06:00

Wonderful question!
Yes, a producer can get creative but, will always have to check with the client first.
There are clients that are very open to ideas and welcome insights but, you will have to get to know them first.
Also, creative can be applied into different things. A producer gets creative when thinking what resources to use, what options to give to Art Direction and what people to delegate stuff to.
So, a producer is someone creative when planning and creating a strategy and when putting the solutions into the final product.

Producer: Real Life inspired by TV Commercial

2010-04-01T08:09:00.004-06:00

Just for fun.

Although in this video we are watching the life of a video producer, seems to me like it is very similar to the life of a photography producer. Your director (in my case the photographer) will have the last word and his/hers ideas will determine what you are supposed to do. It is your job to comply with the requirements and make it happen.

If you are a producer you know how it is. You do a lot of things as they ask and if you ever want to go with your intuition you may be wrong. Being creative is barely your thing so you must stick to what they have asked...even if it requires you to travel back and forth (which in fact I wouldn't mind).

Business Philosophies that have worked.

2010-03-17T10:56:00.004-06:00

I plan not to write about business philosophies of important and very recognized over the world people but to, tell you what I have learned from people I have worked with. In these past months, I have met a lot of people who have filled my life with hope and most importantly advices that have been used for both my personal and work life.
Although these people do not make money out of their philosophies and teaching, they sure have success by just applying what they have told me. It is important to let you know that they do not know that I have learned these things from them but I wanted to let them know that I wanted to recognize how their incredible way of thinking works.
It is also important to let you know that the quotes are not something that they actually said but something that I have discovered chatting and reading from them. I have resumed their conversations regarding work into sentences that I think can resume the way they see work.

I'll start with my father, an accountant that is no longer practicing accounting but now re-thinking the way business should be built. He has said to me a lot of stuff, advised me in many ways but I can tell you that he has taught me that if you want to be successful you should "Wake up early. Do what you have to do. Focus. Nevertheless, spend time reading at work. Read about your business and you will learn something new about it". Gabriel Gutierrez Pimentel - GGP - www.diagnoxcontrol.com

Then, I'll go with a very good friend of mine. He is very loved by everyone and I have discovered that he is so good with people because he is honest and really, he just is a nice person! He is an incredible flash developer and I think that what the lesson(s) he has brought to my attention are these, "Solve one problem for one person and that person will recommend you. If you get a good recommendation, job will not stop. Care less of what people think. Relax. Everything will turn out to be good. Do not overthink." Jenaro Alberto Diaz Ramos - DJNR- www.djnr.net

Next, a photographer I have been working with, I have known him for a long time and I think that I have learned many things from him but, the most significant thing is "Enjoy whatever you are doing. If you don't it sucks. Creativity does not come from pressure, it flows and it won't flow if you push. Numbers are numbers but ideas become great things. Art is not only art because I say so, but because I did it with passion". Diego Huerta González - DH- www.diegohuerta.com

From one lawyer to another I have learned from a friend that "You must pay attention to details. If it is for a co-worker, for a friend, for a family member, just pay attention to details. You will always find a mistake on every proofreading until you don't." Hernán González Moneta - HGM - www.sanchezdevanny.com

Certainly I must add a most recent philosophy from a project manager who has not only welcomed me to Austin but, to her business lifestyle...."if you know that person, why don't you just introduce them? Connect people it won't take a lot of your time and you never know what you may get. It's our responsibility as citizens of the world even if you are not helping yourself." Carrie Glassmeyer - CM-http://www.linkedin.com/in/glassmeyer

I guess that if you apply all of these different ways of thinking to your work you will get out very good results out of it. As a producer I know that if I wake up early and pay attention to details of the things I do, it will make my work excellent. I also know that if I relax and take some time to think and take my mind off for a while, the answer will come to me. As simple as that.

What qualities do you need in a photoproducer?

2010-03-08T17:17:00.009-06:00

I got this question in my e-mail through a photography group which I am member of at Linkedin. Daniella Hendrix asked it.

I answered: I would say what you really need to have as a photoproducer is to be passionate and organized. You really need to appreciate others work and of course be able to realize that their work is valuable. When you work as a photoproducer you really need to let your clients know that everyone brings something different to the table and that you must pay for it.

Answers may vary but I think what you would really need in a photoproducer is to be someone you can rely to. Someone that can deliver, that can give what you expect and 10% more. A photoproducer is someone who is able to read something that is not on paper, to know what people haven't noticed and to be prepared before they require the unexpected.

And yes, personally counts too. And I think that is a big deal. You need to be someone who is willing to go all the way and to not be guided, you are the guide. You lead. A photoproducer processes.

What do you think?

Professional Look - Professional Crew

2010-03-04T12:12:00.012-06:00

For a very professional look on your final photographs you need to have a crew that responds to that. This is why it is important to have the fees of the crew considered in the final estimate. Although sometimes it may be easier to work without a crew of professionals in wardrobe, make-up and hair, it is always important to consider them.

It depends (I think) on what are you shooting and the final art.

HAIR-STYLING

What they bring to the table:
No bad-hair-days.

When do you need a Hair Stylist:
When possible. Hair is that final touch, the cherry on the ice-cream. Hair will make the athlete look clean yet working out. Hair will make the high-fashion model with a new touch but yet, something to aspire to. Hair Stylists know technique, color and even the long of what the hair should be in accordance to the model's face.

Fee for Hair Styling:
It can be around 100 per model. You can negotiate a fee for a day or for the number of models.

MAKE-UP ARTIST

What they bring to the table:
Good-looking skin and high-lighted features.

When do you need a Make-Up Artist:
I will recommend you to have it always. Make-Up makes models look sharper, prettier and flawless.
For example, if you are shooting sports, or someone doing sports it is not so necessary to have the make-up artist for the whole day of production and to do a lot of work on the model. Sports photography tends to have a more natural look for make-up and will not require a lot of make-up to be used. But, if you are shooting Fashion, hold on it is a total different story. Make-up will be more expensive and if you are doing more than one shot of the same model, you will need two or three different make-ups.

Fees for Make-Up Artist:
It will vary on how many hours will you work with the MUA. However, fees can be from $250 for 3 hours up to $800 for a whole day.

WARDROBE STYLING

What they bring to the table:
Good taste and style on clothes.

When do you need a Wardrobe Stylist:
When possible. Wardrobe will get the look on whatever you are shooting. When fashion-forward, sports, lifestyle...etc, Wardrobe styling will get you the way that you should be wearing it. It will make the ideal housewife wear what is appropriate for her age and for what the the brand you are selling.
Wardrobe Styling applies for before and during the photo shoot. Before they will get the clothes together and during, they will make sure that the clothes are not wrinkled and that they fit the model the way it is supposed to.

Fees for Wardrobe Styling:
It usually takes time on pre-production. So, they may charge around $500 dollars before the shoot. And consider that if you want them on the photo shoot when producing, you will be charged for another $500 or more.

Must keep-in-mind for location scouting

2010-02-26T15:10:00.002-06:00

Someone wrote an e-mail to me on Wednesday and asked what tips could I recommend for location scouting when dealing in commercial photography. I once wrote something but I think that these tips will help also.

Location: What is it?
A whole process that you must take care of when pre-producing. This is not production, this is something you do before getting into production, in fact, if you do not this right, the production will be affected by this. Location is big deal. Location will help the photographer tell the story. It is a character of the story as well as it is a setting. I like to think of it as the raw material of the final product.

Location: What types?
Everything.
Natural like desert landscapes, oceans, rivers.
City like buildings, restaurants, coffee shops.

Location: How?
1. By looking. By recommendation. You should always be looking. As a producer, I constantly observe what is near me, where I eat, where I go shopping...I keep records of where do I go to in my mind. And I often discuss them as a possibility.
When scouting, visit the location the day of the week that you are shooting and at the time that you think will be working.

2. Write down the pros/cons of the location. What to consider?
a. Do you have power? Will you need the generator? Will you use batteries?
b. Weather. If it rains when you are there, will you be able to cover your stuff? If the sun is on the spot...will it affect the final result? I had this happening to me once, and this was not good (see blog post here) . So, I always remember this Sunday when we shot a music group on a location we loved and how the sun really changed everything. It went well but Diego hated me for a while.
c. Is there enough room for the make-up artist? The hair stylist? Wardrobe change? Will your client be able to sit down and see what you are doing? Is there space for catering (if required). Take a look around, walk and imagine the perfect set-up for producing.
d. Nearby stuff. If there is an outside location, remember:
- People use bathrooms
- Models need to change
- People get in a bad mood if they don't eat.
- Parking for crew and client
e. Negotiate a price and a contract. Put it on paper. Write it down. And book it.

3. Take pictures. These will help the photographer and the client to take a decision.

Examples of locations I have scouted:

Comments on Austin Monthly Cover Shot

2010-02-24T10:34:00.004-06:00

I went to the grocery store yesterday. Got my February edition of Austin Monthly Magazine. I must admit that I was very excited to see that Tavaner Bushman from Austin, TX said that the cover was cool. I have received good comments about it, but it is always nice to see them in print. Thanks for your comments, it pleases me to say that I worked with an excellent team.

If you want to see the cover shot you can check it out here.
And the behind-the-scenes video can be seen here in a post by Diego.

The next approach on the market.

2010-02-22T08:43:00.011-06:00

I woke up early today, full of energy and with only one thing on my mind: I must blog.
I haven't posted anything new for a while, but not because I did not want to but because I haven't had an interesting thing to talk about. But now, I do.

As I said, I woke up early today. I did my morning ritual: gym, breakfast, shower and sit on my computer.
While sitting on my computer, I started reading my tweets, my FB home and came up with this new blog post of "A Photo Editor" which you can read here. His blog re-directed me to Scott Goodson's writings which you can read here.

So, I read. And read.

Interesting...hmmm... a while ago I was having this conversation with a friend of mine. It is amazing how they say that people are connected through ideas and that if you don't execute them right away, someone will do it instead. Proven correctly. There is this site called OpenAd; OpenAd opened my eyes. I haven't heard from it before however, we have talked about what would happened it if existed. My friend is one of those people that come up with ideas all the time, I actually enjoy being in a car together because ideas won't stop...she travels in space and starts telling me what she thinks, the dream she had, and all of them are related to advertising. Because of this economy, my friend lost her job last year. She is unemployed and still hasn't stopped thinking on what brands should do, creating advertising campaigns in her mind...and I think that I found a solution for her today. While unemployment is not fun either, she may now enter a world of creatives and start posting her very original ideas to be heard.

Kept reading Scott's writings and learned about "The Department of Doing". One more thing to add to my TO-DO list for today. I was impressed. I was blown away by these wonderful people that have just one objective: DO. While many others are trained and focused on what to do, they actually do it. They focus and actually execute their ideas. As a producer, my work is to do. And I believe I do it correctly however, you cannot have enough knowledge or enough experience. It is always nice to know that someone does what you do in other levels across the world. I congratulate both Neil and Richard for being so innovative and for doing, your work is marvelous. Thanks for being an inspiration.

With a lot in my mind, now I focus on my TO-DO list for Monday 22, 2010. It looks like it is all good. One of those days when I woke up with a positive attitude and looking forward to conquer the world. I must now conquer it with a different approach, with a new business plan, with an open mind and with the desire of doing.

Copyright...tell it from the start.

2010-02-11T18:45:00.007-06:00

I am writing this after one more lesson learned. They say you learn things everyday.
And so I did today.

Back in the day, when I practiced Law as a paralegal in a law firm in Mexico, I was amazed and always interested in how to protect a photograph, a painting or even a poem for an artist. Art is really so relative but then again, valuable (all of it!) that it always interested me how should you protect the rights of the artist...it has always gotten my attention but how can you establish what is yours is just yours and yours only?

Simple. Do so in your estimate. So you can later count that there is no excuse; you have it written on paper since the first time you were asked to tell how much for your service..
Whenever you are asked for an estimate for a photo shoot, always establish that you are first and foremost, giving the rights to your client for its commercial use ONLY. The rights for self-promotion are yours. All of them. If you own the art, you are able to promote it. However, in this case be careful: check with the client the timeline he/she has to release the campaign, the magazine cover, or whatever you did and stick to their dates.

So, I would suggest this:
- Ask to get a signature on the estimate with the legend "Photographer will retain the rights of the photography for self-promotion".
- Agree with your client/ad agency on the terms of confidentiality of the photograph. You will of course not publish it on your website until the ad/cover is on and going.
- Stick to what you had agreed. Comply with the clauses you have written.

It is not too much to ask to ONLY have the right to self-promote; and self-promote is; by publishing on your website (when time comes) uploading it to your blog, adding it to your print portfolio or sending it out through promos . You are NOT using the photograph commercially, you are not getting income or taking advantage of the brand/label/artist/situation that you now own through a photograph. You are not selling it. And for that, I will ask to respect others work; models/ad agency/producers/stylists and everyone who worked with you.

Respect and ask for respect.

Less is More

2010-02-09T11:18:00.005-06:00

As in makeup, as in fashion and almost everything...
less is more.

In photography too.

In the past few weeks, we had a photo shoot for Tate Austin Hahn. There is one I like to talk about. One of the set-ups got a little too far. In the creative process, we talked to the guys involved in making the decision, and we considered what Jenny represented. Jenny likes golf, is a longhorn fan and works sometimes from San Antonio.
Considering those facts we did this: Placed balls on the office hallway. We did not have big budgets on production so we were thinking of making the office hallway like a golf tee to practice.

Then we asked Jenny to come in.
However, as much as the many details we wanted to have on the photograph to represent Jenny as she really was, we decided then that it was not the way to do it. So, we just made a simple shot. Jenny against a orange-longhorn wall and made her smile. Less is more.

I mean, do not get me wrong sometimes and we have had some photographs that I have produced were a lot of elements are needed to make the photograph even more impressive like the one below but, it does not apply to all.

Note: For confidentiality issues, I cannot publish the final photograph of Jenny.

To photograph a process and what you may find behind it.

2010-02-04T17:40:00.000-06:00

I was in St. Louis this Wednesday and Thursday.
How much I learned. Paper is not something to take for granted (not that I do so) but, you never understand what is really behind a simple piece of paper. How many people work on it, how many machines are constantly functioning and how much it costs. So, besides learning how the process works, I also learned how to produce a photo shoot when you are documenting a process.

My task was to conduct Diego as the photographer throughout the process and let him know what the client wanted. Although we had a list of shots that the client specifically wanted, I had to consider that there were not only exterior and interior shots and horizontal and vertical. In fact, I had to combine them.

In spite of the bad weather, we had to shoot so, I decided to separate the list into two: exterior and interior. Exterior were postponed hoping for a better weather on Thursday. Focused on interior then, I directed Diego through a list of things to-do.

What I learned on Wednesday:

** Safety first. Care for yourself and care for the ones in your team. Be sure that the things to be photographed are controlled and watched by the safety guard.

**Some steps in the process are more impressive than others, they will use heavier machinery, however, try to narrate a story with your photograph. Be sure to have them listed and be checking them after you're done. However, you may ask for two different angles on the same site, so, list that too. Close-ups and Panoramic views are important shots to be listed too.

** I noticed that is not only important to talk to the person in charge at the fabric, but to the employees also. The ones who operate the machinery know what the machines do and they know what will be more interesting to you. Trust them, they know. They know more than you will.

** Look for a spot where the equipment will be safe. The place must be a not very transited spot.

The photo below is from Wednesday. FYI: JFF.

What I learned on Thursday:

** As my father always said, if you are up early, you take advantage of time. In Spanish "Al que madruga Dios le ayuda".

** Wear rainboots, have them packed. They come in handy.

**You can never trust the weather. So, be prepared. This Wednesday we took more photographs than we were supposed to. Luckily it turned out better, it was impossible to have them on Thursday. In conclusion: If you have time, spend it wisely and step on it. Pull off some more stuff than what you have planned, it may work.

Hungry but Alert

2010-02-03T20:15:00.004-06:00

I took this picture of Diego yesterday. We traveled to St. Louis for a photo shoot that is very different to what we have done before. This time, we are photographing the process of fabricating paper. I will of course, let you know important details that I learned in a photo shoot of this kind. In the meantime, enjoy. Eat. And try not to take around 12 hours for your next meal. You tummy will hurt and you'll start to feel dizzy...like me.

Add your creative ideas (but take directions) !

2010-01-27T06:54:00.002-06:00

We had an incredible experience with Tate Austin Hahn last week. I was really excited to work with them.
And what I noticed they liked the most was when we added the creative input to the shots, the client really accepted it.
Yes, sometimes you may be in front of an Art Director or an Art Buyer who have an idea that they talked about with the Creative Director and they don't need you to say a single thing. However, I learned that it won't happen anything if you put a little spice into it and before doing it, ask.
A photographer is not only a person who shoots what is told to, they are after all: artists. They see how a simple rose for you and me, can be a masterpiece if you are able to use the correct light, the aperture, the speed and the angle.
While doing all of my research I have realized that this is an advantage that Diego has as a photographer. Diego really steps it up and talks to the client, suggest an idea and if he/she takes it, good and if not...so, you did not lose anything.

When a client asks you to see the photo, let him/her. Do so.
Sometimes you get more of a photo when they like it and they sometimes have to see how good/bad they are posing to give an even more nicer pose. In the case from Tate Austin Hahn, we even had two different shots of people just so they were comfortable with their final shots. It is important that they are 100% satisfied if you want to work again with them. And, remember if they are 100% satisfied they will recommend you. Satisfaction= more work.

And, last... in the advertising world, that who gives you directions will be the Art and/or Creative Directors. When you are dealing with the client directly, deal with him/her. So, if they want to do a little bit of direction, let them. After all and this is what I say, they are the ones who are paying.

The Law of Attraction in our Business

2010-01-24T10:41:00.000-06:00

How beautiful it is and it's simple: To think positive and receive positive feedback.

The law of attraction doesn't take a lot to explain however I do think that photographers, art producers and people who are in the art business should consider applying it to their lives.
In the past days I have been doing a lot of research, I have bought many books that I will later review and I have listened to photography consultants. What I can tell you in a summary from what I have heard is this:
Yes, there are many photographers doing art.
However,
Not all of them are artists.
Not all of them are selling.
Not all of them are marketing themselves.
Not all of them use social media tools like Twitter, Blogs, Facebook, etc.
And not all of them work as hard to get it. So, go get it.
It is yours.

If you have a product to sell, sell it and believe in it. It is all matter of attitude. If your mind is concentrated and focused on having more clients, you will get them.

Stand out. Let your photography stand out. It's only a matter of time.

Tate Austin Hahn's Photo Shoot

2010-01-23T12:42:00.003-06:00

If you didn't get a chance to log on to my blog or to Diego's this past Thursday and Friday, don't worry. You are able to see what went on this past days at the Tate Austin Hahn's photo shoot. We had around 24 different people to photograph and around 30 different sets within the same location: the client's office. I am only considering 6 out of the 24 we photographed. Take a look.

Russ is the tallest guy at Tate Austin Hahn. He is known as "video guy" so, we had to use the camera as a prop. Imagine photographing Diego without his camera, impossible. So, we had to do the same with Russ. He is TALL. So, Diego got up the ladder and shot from an angle where you can see that Russ is looking up. You may think that he will look shorter, because of the angle...not. Not at all. Russ looks TALL but I gotta say, this is one of my favorite.

Shelly Gupta. She was nervous to be photographed by Diego. But I gotta say, I was amazed how relaxed she looks in the final shot. She looks confident and totally up for the photograph. When we talked about this shot, we talked about how tiny she is and Holly told us that she used the cabinets to get up and be able to reach the other cabinets. So, considering that we came up with this version. We did not want her to look funny or that she was having nearly too much fun since we want the clients to feel safe with her. So, instead, we used the cabinets as a prop or maybe as a location too.

Mike Clark-Madison's Photo Shoot. We had this one planned before we even got in. We just dropped a lot of books in his desk and Diego did the lightning set. Once Mike came back with a haircut, we were ready to go. The final photograph looks amazing. Mike is an avid reader so he must be photographed with what he loves: books. I love his eyeglasses.

Stand-In for Tate Austin Hahn

2010-01-23T12:09:00.006-06:00

I've never had my own book of my Stand-In photos. But now, I have. I do think that the actual members of Tate Austin Hahn will look better. Plus, these are not yet edited. However, this is a glimpse of some of the work we did yesterday Friday 22, 2009.

This is for Mando's photo shoot.

This is for Sebastian's photo shoot.

This is for Liliana's photo shoot.

And last but not least...Shelly's. I do not look as small as she did.

LIVE from ATX

2010-01-21T21:10:00.000-06:00

Video clips at Ustream

To my Friends who are Photographers

2010-01-19T18:56:00.008-06:00

This post is dedicated to photographers who are "beginning", for those who are "struggling" and for those who want a change...change fast and are looking positively in the future. To my photographer friends who read me and to those behind the photographs. I have been reading today.
I've been reading a lot. And with that, I have been learning.
I am posting what I recommend to read if you want to improve, get more clients, be more efficient and start getting the jobs you want:

A. Heather Morton Art Buyer- she is an Independent Art Buyer in Canada. She has great tips for photographers, talks about what they should and should not do when they are contacting the ad agency. She has this Wednesday that she calls "Ask an Art Buyer" and she promises to answer as most questions as she can. You can read her at: http://www.heathermorton.ca/blog/

B. A Photo Editor- he was the Director of Photography at Men's Journal but decided to move on to a better life. He is now focused in his own company called "A Photo Folio" which is a design web site for photographers, architects, designers...mainly art. He is really good about blogging and keeping information for photographers on the go. He is also very positive about the economy in photography. So whoever is getting a little bit down, get your hopes up! You can read him at: http://www.aphotoeditor.com/

C. Fresh Produce: I loved her! I think that she and I are a little bit stressed about producing but never too much to stop loving it. She talks about how much spam she has on her mail, the best way to get to Art Buyers, Art Directors and how not to contact them. She moved to Virginia and a little bit away from advertising but reading about her past in advertising can be very useful. Read about her here: http://artproduce.wordpress.com/

and D. Black Star Rising: Wayne Ford writes about photography. How photographers should talk to the Art Directors, about Branding and how a photographer must present himself before a new client. The article that caught my eye was the one that talks about Direct Mail and it does because Diego talked about it a few days ago. (See his post here). To follow this blog visit: http://rising.blackstar.com/

Productive Holiday

2010-01-18T20:34:00.002-06:00

I hate it when this happens.
First, I have to coordinate Mexico's VS USA holidays, banks do not open and worst of all, there is a lot more noise around. I sound so Grinch! I know!
But, I found in Twitter that a lot of people were online and a lot of them were trying to get their hands on something, do work, have something to do...

So, in my business specifically this is what I did to productive:

1. I took a look at my oldest contacts and gave them an update. Updated with my latest e-mails and my recent business cards. When going to parties, meetings or meeting people, I usually keep their business cards in my bag. Somehow, I do not manage to keep them in order, so now, I gathered every single business card from every bag I have and captured all information into my Entourage Contact Book. As simple as that.
2. I also updated my activities and my agenda, I checked that every single item I had in my oldest notebooks are in my 2010 agenda. I erased things that didn't matter and wrote down the things that do matter. For example, birthdays, telephone numbers and even addresses! I also write a lot of stuff in my agenda, like directions to go somewhere, who to talk to, I wrote every single item I had where it belongs. Ta-da!
These very first things are so important for my work. I need this stuff to be in order. This is what makes my business keep going and my relations working.

3. I took some time to read interesting subjects I wasn't able to do because I always say "I'm so busy" and do not make time to do it. I read some of the books I had chapters marked by yellow post-its. Although I know I have a lot more to continue reading, I know I'm getting there.

4. Bought some books, I finally ordered them through Amazon.com (hopefully will be here by Thursday) and,

5. Went to Starbucks to meet an old friend of mine, reconnected and felt wonderful. It was very nice to see you Erika. Hope to do it again, very very soon!

You see? Not working can also make you feel productive! :D

Why Networking is sooo Important for our business.

2010-01-17T17:48:00.003-06:00

I had sometimes underestimated the power of attending parties that had a reason of social networking. Why? Don't get me wrong but I thought (and yes, this is very egocentric of me) that I didn't need them. However, I have changed my mind in the past year and now, I take some time to blog about it.

Networking in social events is a very important thing to do. In our business, the creative business, it is a huge help and tool to keep you updated and to make you belong to that world. Personally, I like to keep updated with people who do what I do, in other levels; amateur or professional, in other industries: movies and shows and of course, in other types of markets; editorial, advertising, music, interactive.... it is pretty interesting.

You can find out that there are a lot of people that do what you do, name it differently or even so, include it in their service as a pro. I have found out however, that the most important thing you can learn from networking is that you will never get to know enough people. You won't. Contacts are everywhere and it is your decision to make them. You can meet people at a party, or at a bar, but when the networking event is on...it's time to shine. This is where you should be ready to meet new people who you can get to work with, who you just have similar tastes or who just admire you or you admire them.

It is not always a time to meet clients but, to meet co-workers, artists, web-designers, photographers, movie directors, people who can actually get you into their business, or connect you to their clients. People who could actually become your friends and you'll have a beer a week after meeting them. So, I recommend you attend these type of events, not caring if they talk about photography, awards or video-games, you'll never know. You'll never know when you'll meet the perfect co-worker, the perfect assistant, the perfect client or...your future friend. I do not intend to get sentimental on the friendship stuff, this is why, I will give you a couple of tips for the networking, things that I have learned:

1. You are there to get to know people. Not to get drunk. I'm sorry but even if it is an Open Bar night... there is no way you should risk having the opportunity to meet people because you cannot hold your liquor.
2. If you eat a snack, use a napkin. To avoid getting food in your teeth, always have a napkin in your hand. Afterwards (and this applies to the ladies) if you are wearing lipstick...and want a retouch, do it in the ladies room. Not in front of everyone. That is personal.
3. Have your business cards ready but not give them away. They are not flyers! Business cards are to be given to the people that you actually met. No, you don't get into the room and start giving them away. You give them to the people who are interested in talking to you in the future and the people you are interested to talk to after the party.
4. Do not be shy. I actually met EKatrina (hope her name spells like this) when she asked "Can I join you?" to a whole bunch of friends. And EKatrina as well as the others who were there (including myself) were there to meet new people. So, suck it up!

I recommend you read Diego's blog regarding the postal service with clients. I think this is a very good post. And, related to what the business is.

How to prepare an estimate - Production

2010-01-16T15:54:00.007-06:00

Some people have asked me what should they consider when preparing an estimate. For this reason, I post an example of what you should normally do in my blog. Well, personally I use BlinkBid. Even though it is not a cheap software, it helps you out with some stuff that you should not forget. Nevertheless, when I began in the production business, I used simple software like Numbers, Excel or even Word.
And this is what you should always keep in mind when starting a bid for a photo shoot:

Some things may vary and the photographer will maybe take care of the equipment rental, but if he/she doesn’t, keep it in mind. As well as the post-production. Sometimes, the client will do it, so the photographer doesn't have to worry about it but, if the client is not taking care of it, ask the photographer if they are willing to do it and if its taken care of in their fees.

Along with the lightning equipment, there are also many studios that may offer the equipment rental and even catering, nevertheless, if they don’t you must take care of these. Consider that there is always someone extra, an assistant, a model or maybe a friend of the client that will show up. Do not be cheap.

In pre-production, scouting and casting must be included. When doing this, take pictures of everything (which I assume you know already) and charge for hour/day you are there. Include a studio rental or a catering fee for the people who are attending the casting.

The props and wardrobe can be leased or bought, whichever you prefer, keep in mind that you must establish that in the estimate so the client knows where the money is going. I recommend that you also include a little bit of money for gas when you are using your cars/vans for the equipment and to include a few bucks for the water bottles, coke and beer cans (it actually can happen!) for the crew and members of the production.

Finally, you may be asked for the model releases to be signed. I highly encourage to take care of that with the photographer and the client so, you don’t get involved in further legal actions.

FYI: I used MindJet Manager for this picture. I personally like to scheme my ideas and get them into conceptual maps.

New Blog Header

2010-01-13T11:04:00.010-06:00

New Year: 2010.
So, a new photograph has to be taken. I asked Diego to take a new picture of me. Something that represents me. So, he did. He took this wonderful picture you can see on top of my blog.
With what? Simple stuff really.
See the below photographs of the behind-the-scenes:

And the final photo:

The Magazine is finally here!

2009-12-29T18:06:00.003-06:00

Excited about my first cover shoot in the US. Produced by me as it says on the inside pages, I am most excited to say that I love how it looks! Thanks to everyone who worked with me, Liz and Emily, thanks for trusting Diego and me for this incredible shot. The inside pages look amazing too. Congrats! What a great way to start off this year.

A New Revolution - BTS

2009-12-17T10:15:00.002-06:00

You know what they say- there is always an excuse.
But not for us.

Although we have seen the location two days before, when we were there, they cancelled on me. They had a little bit of confusion so, in 10-30 minutes I had to find another location. So, I did. I remembered the party I went one week before for Smirnoff Ice, so I went to the warehouse and found out if it could be possible to do the photo shoot there. It was. The people in the warehouse were very nice and they said that we could do whatever we wanted, just to be careful.

The location looked amazing as you can see in these pictures. We did different shots in different lightning sets in the same location but still it seems as it was all totally different. It was cold as hell, it seemed that the flag would fly as soon as we placed it on the ground, but praise to the Murphy's law, just as soon as the group stood in front of it, it wouldn't move. We had to do it separately.

I also had to stand-in in this photo shoot. You will see the final product later, not now since we have confidentiality agreement. But as you can see, I'm not used to be in front of the camera, I think I work best behind it. But here are a few shots for us to have fun with it.

Austin Monthly Magazine - 4/4 photo shoot

2009-11-27T11:54:00.011-06:00

Last photo shoot of the 4 that were programmed.
It is rare but this photo shoot was the first one to be scheduled and the one I thought would be quicker to do. NOT!
This photo shoot was complicated because there was barely enough room for the equipment of the Gyrotonics, our equipment and their people and us. But, Diego made it.

You will see that I cannot do miracles with my CoolPix Camera but I can sure have some BTS shots.
Here goes:

Note to the readers: Love the way the reflection looks in the final shot.

Austin Monthly Magazine - 3/4 photo shoot

2009-11-27T00:34:00.004-06:00

I forgot my camera did not have the memory card for photo shoot number 2 but, anyways, number 3 was tricky.
When I came home to my apartment on Monday at 10 pm (after photo shoot number 2 and...) having a delicious Mighty Fine Burger, I had a voice mail in my phone. It said "Hello, Dany the owner at the gym can meet you at 8 am instead of 5-6 pm, so lets do meet at 8". OMG!!!! I managed to do all the changes in 30 minutes. So, I managed to get ahold of MUA, Hair Stylist, Photo Editor and Art Director and we arranged to meet at 8 am in the location.
Improvising was a main thing to do. And we did.
Everything went as if it was planned...I cannot wait to see the final results in the magazine!
By the way, it was windy and you can see it!
So, here are two pictures of Day 2, Photo shoot 3: