Collaboration

Week 29

 

Collaboration

July 24, 2010

The image above is from a collaboration with friend and fellow photographer, Steven Sysum of More Than Sight Photography. Steven asked me to come and help out on an engagement shoot he had scheduled, and I was more than happy to oblige! The shoot took place on the beaches around the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, as well as at the lighthouse itself, right off of scenic Route 1 on the Pacific Coast. It was a beautiful day with a fun couple, and I had a great time helping with the shoot and getting a few shots in myself. Steven put on his creative hat for the shoot, bringing a mirror and paints for the couple to interact with during the session, and it turned out to be a fantastic idea! The couple had fun, and we were able to get Steven some great shots for his clients. 

Some photographers are leary of working with other professionals, thinking they are somehow hurting their own business by helping another's. Now I'm all about healthy competition, but I think there are some that take the idea to an unhealthy place. As professionals, I believe that we should work with each other, let ideas rub off on each other, and support each others' business as often as we can. It not only fosters good will, and encourages professional growth, but is a source of referral business and networking, and helps the industry as a whole by providing positive experiences and better service for our clients. 

To me, competition shouldn't be about winners and losers. Now there will undoubtedly be those that are more successful, and those that are less successful... that's a given in our economy, and I think that is a healthy, good thing. Rather, I think competition should be about two or more professionals in the same field both pursuing excellence. I believe there is room for celebration of each others' victories, as well as for reaching out when needed to lend a hand. 

image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-105 f/4L lens, 1/250 @ f22, ISO 400