Photographing A Photographer

I don't know how it is in other art forms, but as a photographer I've noticed there can often be a sort of unspoken turf war between photographers that keeps us from being friends or sharing ideas. I don't like this approach and instead I find it very educational and inspirational to work with other photographers and share ideas. I also prefer to have a few friends with similar interests to my own.

Jay Dash is a phenomenal landscape and snow sports photographer. After starting work with him two years ago at a ski resort, I quickly noticed that he was one of those photographers that dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to chasing good light. Nearly every time he went out he came back with a more spectacular landscape image than the last. And if he didn't come back with something spectacular he took good note of why and went back later with more determination. 

Since then I've been lucky to tag along on many trips chasing light with him. He will often even ask for my advice and feedback on his images. But the wisest thing for me to do is watch and take good notes of what he does to capture such great landscape images. I have to say much of my landscape work of the last two years is a result of not just listening to my own advice but being open to what he has to offer.

As I said, it's always good to work with other photographers, especially when they agree to spend some time in front of your lens. It's a great opportunity to pick each other's brain and learn from each other. But mostly it's just a lot of fun building ideas off each other and coming up with some cool stuff...and good laughs.

The image above was made as part of a project Jay is working on that builds on a concept gleaned from yet another photographer. I'm looking forward to seeing his finished product and I'm glad to be part of the effort. In the mean time we had a lot of fun during our recent photo shoot at Provo Studio and I even have a fun new picture of myself thanks to trading time in front of the lens with Jay.

Photo by Jay Dash

This Week At Provo Studio

First off, the studio will be open to the public this evening for our Thursday evening open house from 5PM to 8PM. Come on by to see some great local art. Support our local artists and pick out a unique gift for your loved ones.

Our very own Sabrina Jill had a birthday this week. You can make her day by purchasing some of her Christmas work, either in person at the studio on Thursdays, or at sabrinajill.com/christmas-items/

Damian Pacheco has finished some new custom bags. Talk to him about a truly unique Christmas gift  for that special someone or check out his chalk bags for climbers on display at the studio or at www.damianpacheco.com

"Your job is not to figure out how it’s going to happen for you, but to open the door in your head and when the door opens in real life, just walk through it. Don’t worry if you miss your cue. There will always be another door opening. They keep opening."

Take 1.8% of your day and go watch this speech:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V80-gPkpH6M
Trust me, it's a worthwhile 26 minute investment. The payoff is a lifetime.

Music-Loving Artist And Illustrator To Show Work

To say that Kristin Gulledge is a multi-talented artist is an understatement. It also understates her sheer talent of art. Her website describes her as "a music-loving artist and illustrator as well as a graphic designer specializing in print design [that's] also been known to wield a camera as a photographer." She is a busy artist. Apparently any time "she's not drinking fancy hot chocolate, she is decorating her wall and selling art."

Most recently she has been burning the midnight oil preparing work for this season's Art Market in Salt Lake City. This is a marketplace event that happens four times a year and features local artists. It is held at the Sugar House Garden Center. It runs this Thursday through Saturday. Check out www.utahartmarket.com for times and more details. And be sure to check out www.kristingulledge.com to see some of Kristin's diverse and talented work.

Creating A Community

Here is a short video of our lovely landlord, Zenobia Taylor, discussing our fledgling art community: