Jason Cole - You asked for it ...

[Jason Cole]

Hi All,

I have had so many emails asking me about how I got started and my background I figured I would just post it here for all to see ?

I started in Photography about seven years ago. I have always been interested in photography and had a really strong calling for it deep down. It took me a while to understand what it was that was calling me though. I was on a train, at Parramatta and this amazing looking girl got on. I had such a strong desire to photograph her, capture her beauty and style, freeze that image in time for ever. No matter how she changed, or how old she got or how many wrinkles she developed over time, she would always have that snapshot in time. It was then that I realised I was in the wrong profession. Im actually an Engineer by trade, but now, thank god, im a full time photographer!

So this moment came and went and then life got back to normal. Then out of the blue, a mate of mine called me up. He had started a promo girls agency and wanted ME to do the photos. I nearly fell over, my first real job (non paid – but a real shoot none the less). I had my brand new Sony Cybershot camera (At the time it was the bees knees in digital) and I set off to photograph all 15 girls over a two day period. I had an absolute ball and really felt like I had found my calling. The photos compared to my work today are shocking (I wouldn’t admit to having ever taken them hahaha) but it gave me the bug.

So over the next few years I worked two jobs, doing engineering which I steadily grew to hate and used to spend all my spare time at work on photography forums like this one. I also worked a second job doing free photos for potential models. I gained a lot of experience doing this and even had a fairly good portfolio too. Nothing by today's standards but at the time I was happy with it.

Then one day, Wayne Daniels called me (Ralph’s main photographer) and asked me to assist him on a shoot. I went along for the weekend and helped him out. That weekend I learned so much from him it was amazing. It totally opened my eyes up to how a pro does it. He gave me a list of what he uses and I went and brought it all. Over time he helped me refine my skills (especially my business skills as well as my photography skills) and I give him full credit for moulding me into the photographer I am today. The man is a genius with a camera, one of the most talented men I have ever had the absolute privilege and humbling experience to work with. He’s a dark South African bloke and after working with him, like I said before, my God was for ever a dark South African man!! ? He’s the most amazing photographer but the most amazing person too. So with a little bit of encouragement from Wayne I decided to try my hand at Magazine photography. I did my first published shoot, the mine shoot, about 2 and a half years ago.
http://www.jasoncolephotography.com.au/_models_site/adverts/gutsy_effort/gutsy_effort.html

I sent it to FUEL Magazine and no reply ? So I emailed it again and still no reply. I was devastated that they didn’t like my work and figured maybe it wasn’t good enough, but everyone kept telling me it was BETTER than what was in the magazine at that time. Then, someone asked me, “What did the editor actually say on the phone?” and I replied that I hadn’t actually spoken to the editor on the phone, more that I had just emailed. I think deep down it was a hidden fear of rejection. So I mustered up the courage, called the editor (about 5 times) and finally got a meeting to show him my portfolio. Wayne and I sat down and went through three portfolio albums and picked out the best 20 shots that would fill up one album. He made a really good point, ONLY show the editor your best work as your saying to that editor “this is the absolute best I can do”. The editor Andrew Mara, loved my work, brought the shoot, then commissioned me for a few more shoots, then FINALLY he booked me for a regular set of shoots each month. I figured if I had done it with FUEL, I could do it with FHM, and being a published photographer, I had a track record now too. I spoke to FHM, and put together the Gangster girl shoot. They loved my theme based shoots and commissioned me to do the “its Your” section each month. From doing this section my contribution has now grown to the “Its Your” section, “Under the Sheets”, “UNI Student of the month” and “sex confidential” sections. There are also other spin off jobs like the Lara Croft shoot we did recently where I got to photograph TEN Lara Croft look alikes ? check my behind the Scenes gallery for some shots.

Now that im established, Magazines seem more keen to talk to me. I understand what a deadline is, I know how to shoot a full shoot that can be laid out in a 4 or 6 page spread and I know what works and what doesn’t. My lighting is much better and my technique is becoming much more honed now. Most of all, I am a down to earth person. I talk to anyone and I don't have a big head about how much work I do. That's Wayne’s secret, be a normal person, don't get over yourself about what you do. That's the rule I live by. I never knock back a question and I never leave until I am confident the person understands what I am trying to explain. With this job comes a lot of responsibility too. Above all else, treat people how you want to be treated and RESPECT models because without them, you don't have a job.

To give you a quick idea of my setup. I use a Canon EOS 1DS Mark II (16.7 megapixels) digital SLR, all L-Series lenses, my fav lens is the 24-105 L F4.0 (not that I ever shoot at 4.0, F8-F11 is the sweet spot of this lens) F16 is even better but only really good for bright conditions, I use 2 Medium Chimera softboxes (only 1 outdoors), a Broncolour Verso A2 studio battery powered studio light pack for outdoors, and two Bowen’s Esprit II 500 lights for indoors. I don't use umbrella’s ever and I rarely use reflectors or flutes. The 1DS Mark II has a sharpness setting, I set it to 4 to get really clean crisp photos. This does a much better job than sharpening later in Photoshop (IMHO). I use Adobe RGB for my colour profile as that's what the magazines use.

So that's me in a nutshell, any questions, ask away ?

[Zepher]

Wow.
I am at a loss for words.

[GIrven]

Great post Jason and an interesting insight of how you got to where you are.

You can't ask for anymore doing what you enjoy. Its what most of us serious photographers want in life.

Q. Did you ever doubt that you not make a sucess of glamour photography?
Q. Do you shoot any other work that your equally proud of?
Q. What has been your biggest achievement to date?

[Jason Cole]

Thanks for your kind words :-) To answer your questions:

(1) Not really, I wanted it so bad, NO was not an option, and once I met Wayne Daniels I pretty much knew I had it in the bag. Running a photography business is 30% taking photos, 70% marketing and PR.

(2) I shoot Weddings, and I do some of the most creative Beautifully lit Weddings in the business. Check out the Wedding part of my website for some really awesome shots. Check this link, especially slide 5. There you see modeling and Weddings blending into one photo...

http://www.jasoncolephotography.com.au/_wedding/featured_weddings_gallery.php?t=Featured_Wedding&id=77

This photo, probably more than any other, to me, sums up the beauty and passion that is a Bride on her special day... its such a beautiful shot.

(3) My biggest achievement to date was getting the FHM contract, im pretty stoked about that. It really put me on the map as a serious player in this extremely competitive market place.

[Beeej21]

wow.. Jason. Thanks for sharing your story with us all. You have truly inspired me, and although I'll never shoot for any magazines or anything, I completely appreciate your drive, passion, and talent. You are a blessed man in so many ways. Thanks again for sharing.

[amonline]

Jason, I really enjoyed reading this. I'm in a similar situation myself where I'm hearing a calling recently... I can totally identify with much of your story at this time... this was a great post of encouragement for me to continue my efforts and will be just as valuable to many others on this forum. Thanks for taking the time to share this!!

[DayHawk]

ok I really need your courage :) I have started my own buisness here in Denmark and need a magazine contract! (don't we all?)
take a look at my website and let me know if you think I am ready to take a leap like that www.nphoto.dk :)

I LOVE your work and will defn be watching your career with a big smile :)

Blessings

Nick

[Jia Wang]

This is inspiring... :)

[24Peter]

Thank you Jason. I really appreciate you sharing your story (thus far - I'm sure the future is even brighter.) I'm on a similar trajectory and intend to make a career (would be my second) in fashion and commercial photography. Obviously I still have lots to learn as a photographer, but I can see the only thing really standing in my way is my fear of rejection. So I just need to put myself out there.

The only technical question I have for you is, are you shooting .jpegs?

Thanks again for posting your story. :cool:

[MDJAK]

If he's setting sharpness in camera, he's got to be shooting jpegs. As far as I know, you can't affect a raw file in camera.

Jason, not only are you an excellent photographer, you're a great writer too. Maybe you should get another contract to do the copy for your shots.

Excellent story. Very informative.

Please dismiss my rather intrusive question to follow if necessary. I completely understand. I feel this may be going through many of our minds here though.

I know that there are many people here who would love to make their living in the exact manner you do. Could you give us an approximate figure of what one makes when one gets a magazine contract?

I also know that it is something I'll never do. I'm 49 years of age and in my 28th year of my present career. There's no changing now for me.

Thanks again. Loved reading your story almost as much as looking at your work.

mark

[Jason Cole]

Hey Guys,

Wow, thank you so much for your kind words. Im glad I could inspire you :-) Wayne very much inspired me in the same way :-) Awesome :-) Ok to answer everyone’s questions:

I always shoot JPEG, I use a Light Meter all the time (although now I can pretty much measure light from my Bron box by site (distance and light conditions) I still double check). I shoot RAW for Catalogues for one customer as the designer likes to use RAW files, so in that case I shoot RAW + small JPG so they have a thumbnail preview of the RAW file. Always ask your customer to ask the designer. Customers love the fact that I have put this much thought into it. I always do a free edit of a catalogue too, once I see it from the designer, and suggest better shots or improvements. Customers love that too. Repeat business comes from a happy customer. Im not a huge fan of RAW though, I think if you have your exposure and white balance set, then you don’t really need raw. If there is any other reason to shoot RAW then please let me know, Im always open to new ideas and information. Someone once told me I can extract a bigger file out of a RAW file, like larger than 17 megapixels, but I tried it and its no better than resizing in Photoshop from what I can see. Im totally open to new ideas though, so if someone has a reason or better way to use RAW files PLEASE let me know ☺

Its in my contract not to disclose how much I earn from FHM, so unfortunately I can’t say, But I do well out of it and even better out of the spin off work that comes from it. People says "Wow you shoot for FHM?" and book me all the time, it shows customers I really am in the pro league and deep down customers (male and female) seem to have a respect for someone that shoots at this level. Its opened a lot of doors for me that otherwise may have stayed closed. Once your established it all starts rolling on from there. Each year my business is growing and growing. Its all about being passionate about what you do. You know Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter that recently sadly died? Well when im explaining photography and how I shoot to potential customers im that enthusiastic, I make it very clear how keen I am. That's my Purple Cow. (if you haven’t read the Purple Cow, go and get it, it’s a marketing book by Seth Godin and its an awesome read for a small business owner). I make a decent living out of photography. I have just hired another photographer now, and she will be doing Weddings on her own for me too, so overtime the business will grow and grow. The secret is continual marketing in the same space (advertise in just one or two magazines and do it every year). You can see some of my advertising for my Weddings here. I don't advertise modeling.

http://www.jasoncolephotography.com.au/_wedding/featured_weddings_gallery.php?t=Featured_Wedding&id=74

[calicokat]

Thanks for sharing your story, I really enjoyed it :)

[RadAL]

even more inspiring, he likes to share it, give us his background and help us how he can and try to answer our questions (and a lot of other peoples i'm sure).

[newgenphoto]

Jason, the same exact thing happened to me but on the wedding side of things. I ended up getting to work for a very successful local pro who tought me everything. I then sub-contracted for her for three years until recently (2 years ago) started my own company and branched out. It's been so awesome to see what has happened in such a short time. I'm also an engineer by trade and my name is Jasen...too weird!!!
Anyway, love the work and your use of light....beautiful!

[weka2000]

I was on a train, at Parramatta and this amazing looking girl got on. I had such a strong desire to photograph her, capture her beauty and style, freeze that image in time for ever. No matter how she changed, or how old she got or how many wrinkles she developed over time, she would always have that snapshot in time.

That spoke to me. Its like you see someone though a different set of eyes. Words cannot express what you are seeing but you know a photograh would.

Some people are in colour while the rest are B&W as you walk down the street
they just jump out at you.

[dgcorner]

Jason -- thanks for sharing your inspiring story. It does make me stop and think...

[RohanB]

Thanks for sharing that Jason, love what you said about models, cause i hear too many horror stories where photogs dont respect models and so true without them, we would be without jobs...
Very inspiring overall...

[blackshadow]

A great insight into your career Jason; thanks for sharing and I hope things go from strength to strength for you.

[SonicYan]

Its always nice to hear a success story. Congrats on your accomplishments! :D

[verty]

Hey Jason,

That is a great story.. I also messaged you to ask how you started out..
Im inspired the most because you had another job before you realised what you really wanted to do in life...

Im in the same position.. Been working as a designer for 5 yrs but now im realising more and more I really want to be a photographer.. I keep seeing landscapes and people who I want to shoot.. I just need to build up my confidence and shoot more...

Ive seen your website and a lot of your stuff published in FHM and ive said it before you stuff is fantastic.. Your hard work has paid off and good on you!!

As for shooting in RAW or JPG, that is personal perference.. I 100% shoot in raw, must be a design thing?? I find you can edit your pictures so much better in raw.. I love post processing..

Keep up the good stuff and im sure over the yrs you will just keep on getting bigger and better..

Goodluck :)

[weka2000]

The key is to have a goal and not give up. I think the hardships make us more determined to succed, and the success more rewarding.

[DwightMcCann]

Excellent, excellent story! In many important ways similar to mine with Live Entertainment photography ... no formal training and lots of fortune and help from others but most of all working very hard to improve, taking no shortcuts and coming to grips with being assertive. So, while I am not yet full time (and likely won't be for six more years since my day job pays the mortgage and health insurance) I do make enough to buy a lot of excellent equipment. Of course, you are willing to do weddings and at the moment I am not! :-) Thanks for sharing this inspiration. :D

[MDJAK]

being assertive

You, assertive? No way.

Way.:lol:

me

[NickSimcheck]

Very much enjoy reading your story, thanks for sharing.

[DwightMcCann]

You, assertive? No way.

Way.:lol:

me
Hey, Buddy, you talkin' to me? :rolleyes:

[cargo123]

Excellent story. I feel like I went to a motivational workshop. You gave me a feeling there is hope. Although it is a long way from where you are. I am an MBA in working for a fortune 100 company, that would love to trade in my laptop, and make a living with the camera. Thanks for sharing.

[cgratti]

Nice post. It's nice to see that there are pro's out there willing to share info, and not stuck up and hoarding all the info. I really respect you for that.

[symes]

fantastic story...thanks for sharing...

Cheers,

[Jason Cole]

Thankyou all so much for your kind words. I really appreciatte it :-)

[weka2000]

Thankyou all so much for your kind words. I really appreciatte it :-)

So when you going to start the "photographing models "How-to's :lol:

[Jason Cole]

I thought about doing a DVD or a book. If i did would many people be interetsed in it and how big would my target market be? I have been thinking about it for a while though. I might get around to it soon and see how it goes. Maybe sell it off my site then approach a publisher. Has anyone ever seen anything like this before? if so can you give me some examples :-)

[weka2000]

Illistrate with setups and results. We always see the results we want to know how it was done :)

[dpastern]

Thanks for posting this Jason, good onya!

Dave

[Yellow_Fuzzy]

I thought about doing a DVD or a book. If i did would many people be interetsed in it and how big would my target market be? I have been thinking about it for a while though. I might get around to it soon and see how it goes. Maybe sell it off my site then approach a publisher. Has anyone ever seen anything like this before? if so can you give me some examples :-)

Hi Jason,

If you do a search on Amazon.com you will find there are quite a few photographers that have produced books or Dvds. Currently the only one of thoes books I own is Garage Glamour by Rolando Gomez(http://www.rolandogomez.com) and is quite an interesting book, if you want you can borrow it next time we meet up.

As far as I know there arent any australian photographers that are producing books on your type of photography and going into even the bigger bookshops in Sydney it is difficult to find books on Glamour photography, so there may be some room in the Australian market if you can find a publisher willing to take the risk.

Regards,
Zac

[fergalsharky]

just like to say well done jason and great story

[DwightMcCann]

Our own Frank Doorhof has done several books and a DVD (I know, I have them) as well as posting "behind the scenes" videos of some of his shoots on his website. I don't know how successful he has been at it but he is my primary, number one, glamor photographer mentor and I haven't even started shooting yet! :-) I think if you did a DVD showing how you went about setting up a dozen of the images in your series it might sell well but I am really not knowledgeable.

[sissi]

thank You for effort writing this, i thing everybody should do that since it is so nice to read it and know You better. I found it personaly very inspiring and prove that real artists are not growing on tree, You must be born like that.
I hope Your life is very satisfactionary for You too.

[Airedale1]

Great story Jason, very inspirational, Thank you for taking the time to share it and your expertise with us. You do great work.

[52k]

Thanks for the story Jason. It's always nice to read someone elses success story in a non-patronising way. As you say, personality and a happy customer go a long way when it comes to marketting.

Someone asked about rates etc... here in the UK there is a website from the NUJ (National Union of Journalists) and from here you can get an idea of rates that you would charge dependant on for whom.

http://media.gn.apc.org/feesguide/photo.html

Hope that is of use, I'm sure there must be similar websites for other countries.

[freddycr]

Jason, thanks for your story, it really inspired me and motivated me to keep trying.
Regards

[song4themoon]

All I want to say is CONGRATS ON MAKING IT THAT FAR AND BEING DETERMINED TO NOT GIVE UP!

[catsith]

i came across one of you posts a few months ago, and went wow! Your name stuck, and it is very interesting to hear your background. Thanks for sharing.

[michael_]

very inspiring piece of writing Jason, i think i will need to give you a call sometime when i feel more confident in my shooting and see if you need an intern :)

[Jason Cole]

Thanks guys :-)

I hope my story helps everyone achieve their own goals. The only thing REALLY standing in your way to achieve your dreams is YOU. If you get over that hurdle then anything is possible.

[sissi]

The only thing REALLY standing in your way to achieve your dreams is YOU.

and parents and almost everybody i know :confused:

[Jason Cole]

Yes I had a lot of people against me too Sissi. When I told everyone I wanted to give up Engineering (A stable well paid job) completely to do photography I got some odd looks. The thing is its my life and I want to be happy, so I made my choice, had some tought times, then things started to get better. You just have to set your goal and go for it, dont let anyone tell you no. Thats my advice :-) Thats my 20c.

In Australia we also have whats knows as the "Tall Poppy Syndrome". Its where some people that get jelous try to bring down the succesful people. Even though I always put myself out there and make myself available to anyone for questions etc. there are still some very nasty people who make it their job to discredit succesful people. Its all part and parcel of having success in a very competitive arena.

I love my work, I love my art, and im going to do it for as long as i can.. until my last breath, hence my business SLogan "The Passion of the Art".

[sissi]

my dad nearly killed me when i left my daily job back in 2004, but started to talk to me again when i had to return back to repay my incredible liabilities since i failed the first time. He was screaming in happyness when i had to sell my PC, cameras, glass, even tripod heh. I am pretty sure that when i will be on feet again in few months, i will try to go back to my life's hobby again. Maybe also thanks to You. I already started to look for half time job as some step inbetween :-). Maybe my slogan should be "Life for art" because if i will my dad that i left my job again, second time, he is definitely going to kill me, definitelly.

[weka2000]

In Australia we also have whats knows as the "Tall Poppy Syndrome". Its where some people that get jelous try to bring down the succesful people.

We have it here as well. Must be a southern thing :(

[sissi]

We have it here as well. Must be a southern thing :(

We have it here as well. Must be a international thing :(

...here fixed that for you...

[condyk]

It's everywhere ... to live on your own terms you need either no ego or a tough skin. I respect anyone who makes the choice to be who they are and do what they love. My experience is that, short term hassles aside, doing the right thing with absolute integrity and staying focused will achieve the results you want. Godd luck to y'all ;-)

[DwightMcCann]

Sissi, how about putting your continent in your profile!? :-)

About being "put down", I had a guy comment on my photo blog that any Brooks student with a Kodak Brownie and $20 could shoot better images than me ... I didn't disagree but did point out that I am being paid. :-)

[sissi]

Sissi, how about putting your continent in your profile!? :-)

The old continent :-)

I had a guy comment on my photo blog that any Brooks student with a Kodak Brownie and $20 could shoot better images than me ... I didn't disagree but did point out that I am being paid. :-)

owned

http://www.pbase.com/turbo4s/image/18034956

[weka2000]

Ive got to much attitude for this "Tall poppy syndrome" I worry about what I think and the rest of the world can take a flying leap.

On my death I want it known to the world that here lays a man who did not live in fear of what other thought.

Like Jason I am steping out to follow a dream despite what others think ( I do listen to my wife). If i fail at least I had the guts to try. Better to live with failures than to never have lived.

[Cybnew]

About being "put down", I had a guy comment on my photo blog that any Brooks student with a Kodak Brownie and $20 could shoot better images than me ... I didn't disagree but did point out that I am being paid. :-)


Jealousy can be powerful Dwight, I am pretty sure I would hire someone with real world experience over a brooks graduate anyday (and i was thinking about attending brooks!)

[Adaptive]

Its where some people that get jelous try to bring down the succesful people. Even though I always put myself out there and make myself available to anyone for questions etc. there are still some very nasty people who make it their job to discredit succesful people. Its all part and parcel of having success in a very competitive arena.



I just read this and I would like to quote it on my website or someplace in the future! This is great! I'm not even 5% as successful as you are and I also have met my fair share of jealous people in the past. But the way I see it, I'm still VERY young and unexperienced, they're all VERY old and have more experience so for them to be jealous of me makes me happy and makes me want to make them even more jealous! I have a feeling you and I could be good friends dear Jason. :cool:


I will have to come back and read the whole thread later, it's sleepy time for me right now though :(

[Jason Cole]

I think the thing is always to be modest :-) It doesnt matter how good my work is or how much success I have, im still an oridinary bloke and doesnt make me a better person or a better contributor to society than someone else. I hate snobs. People do very much get jelous. I had two emails from this forum from random people bagging me out. One of them commented that his 4 year old takes better photos. Thats fine, everyone else is entitled to their own opinion and if its someone just being nasty, I have very much learned the "art" of switching off :-) With success comes jelousy. Its a sad part of life.

[toddb]

Hey, what are you saying, my 4 year old does take pretty good photos, lol. Your are defiantly the cream of the crop in my book and I defiantly appreciate all your contributions to this forum. Thanks for continuing to inspire a fellow engineer and maybe if I play my cards right an ex-engineer, lol.

You asked about Raw images and advantages, one thing to consider is that the Raw converters are getting better all the time. The one in PhotoShop CS3 has allot of improvements which is one of my top reasons I started shooting raw a few years back. With LightRoom about to release, that might not be that much of an issue anymore. I admit thought I rely on the flexibility a little too much and I am working on getting the image right the first time all the time like the way you seem to always do.

Keep up the great work Jason and if you ever need an assistant when you come into the Seattle area, let me know because I'd work for you for free (for as long as my wife would let me, lol).

[Jason Cole]

Thanks Todd :-) I would pay you. I dont ever let anyone work for me for free. I just dont do it. But next time im over your way... We have a couple of overseas jobs later this year (possibly) so i might be getting over your way soon anyways :-)

[deezeljuice]

Hmmm. I see a trend here. I'm an engineer too. I'm going to walk down the hall right now and tell my boss to take this job and shove it... Well. on second thought, I may wait till Monday... :) For me and those who frequent this forum, photography is very easy to get passionate about. But as Jason said earlier, it's about 30% taking photos and 70% marketing and PR. If it were the other way around, I would be telling my boss to stick it today. But after more than thirty years, engineering has been very good to me. I'm going to put up with it for six or eight more then I'll start my photography business. And if I'm not as successful as Jason it won't matter, because at least I'll be having the time of my life.
I do appreciate you sharing your story and your work with us Jason.

[toddb]

Thanks Todd :-) I would pay you. I dont ever let anyone work for me for free. I just dont do it. But next time im over your way... We have a couple of overseas jobs later this year (possibly) so i might be getting over your way soon anyways :-)

Hold on a second...are you saying you can be paid for this kind of work? This will be great once my job is outsourced. It would be fun to see what a real shoot would be like. Based on your story it sounds like that is a really good way to test the waters.

[toddb]

deezeljuice, I think that is the part I'm most fearful of is the marketing side of the business. As my technical side continues to improve my confidence level grows. I think allot of us engineer types are introverts and that's the real hurdle to overcome. That's the most inspiring part for me in Jason's story of breaking down that initial barrier to talk to that editor. The technical side of taking photos is really fun for me but I need to make sure I balance that with the creativity in me that is just dying to get out. As an engineer, there are times when the creativity side gets pretty squashed by allot of work that just needs to get done. Those are the days I think about photography allot. I at least improved that situation recently by changing companies to a company that does something with Photography which has helped that part out allot.

[Jason Cole]

"the creativity in me that is just dying to get out" - toddb


Thats so true Todd, thats one of the main reasons i changed careers :-)

[Jon Foster]

Jason, interesting thread.

Jon.

[Shutter22]

Thank you so much for sharing. I'm 16 and I'd love to be as sucessful as you one day. I love portraiture and I just spent all afternoon looking through your work. It really inspired me. Thanks.

[Jason Cole]

Thankyou, thats so cool, I hope you found something you can try too :-)

If you really like a shot, do it yourself again, see if you can replicate it, once you have replicated it, put your own twist on it and make it yours :-)

My trademark "bodyshots" actually came from a cartoon character (Scooby Doo). From something I saw on one of the episodes...

[i2iSTUDIOS]

Jason, fantastic read. Congrats to you and your successes. :)

[Daytona]

Jason (and everyone):

Jason's story hits upon a REALLY good point. In many cases, the sales/marketing end of things is every bit as important as the photography talent when landing professional work. Not to say that Jason's work isn't stellar, but if you don't have the persistance to sell yourself, you won't get a paid gig no matter how talented you are.

Those of you who have seen my posts know that my photography isn't that great. I've ALWAYS said that I'm, at best, a mediocre photographer, and an okay writer. But I'm a VERY good sales person. :D I'm currently doing regular photo journalism work for 3 different publications.

If the truly talented folks out there every figured out/got the guts to sell themselves, I'd be out of work.

[Jason Cole]

Yes thats so true, its 30% photos and 70% marketing.. when I finally worked that out I actually "Gasp" started making a decent Quid from photography... very wise words indeed.

[Jon Foster]

I know this thread is older but it's still something worth reading every so often. Newer photographers, or people thinking about becoming photographers can pick up some good information here.

Jon.

[jcw122]

Wow.
I am at a loss for words.

+1!!! Well sort of lol. All I can say is I think your work is incredible Jason and it was really cool hearing your story. Very respectable.

[harroz]

wow, what a great story. Thanks for getting this back up there Jon. I brought Jasons dvd a while back and have taken loads of inspriation from it, I actually have another couple of shoots over the next couple of weekends that are in line with the same type of work. I agree with the 30% 70%, it's actually quite amazing how fast things can escalate with a proven marketing plan and pitch. The biggest hurdle though is picking up the phone!

Kudos Jason, you deserve true happiness in life with the attitude you have. I can almost see butterflies and colourful birds floating around you sometimes ;-)

[jcw122]

Damn I had no idea this thread was 2 years old! Lol wow!

[dispatchermike21]

Damn I had no idea this thread was 2 years old! Lol wow!


Agreed would have sworn it was last week.

[Jason Cole]

Wow two years ago...!

Time sure flies... thanks for all your kind words!

[GA_Teg]

I have always loved your work Jason. It is great to see how one of the big dogs got their start.

[Jason Cole]

LOL "Big Dog" lol too funny.. thanks (I think) lolololol

[dispatchermike21]

LOL "Big Dog" lol too funny.. thanks (I think) lolololol


it's a good thing here in the states. Glad to see you with some time to post again enjoy your work.

[GA_Teg]

LOL "Big Dog" lol too funny.. thanks (I think) lolololol
Yes it is a good thing. You are hands down one of my all time favorite photogs.

[Christides]

been inspiring indeed, been meaning to get a copy of your dvd. saw it advertised in a mag couple months ago and thought surely its a worthy buy :)

keep up inspiring!

[Jason Cole]

Awesome, thanks so much, it means a lot to me that i can inspire you all :-)

If you put your heart and mind to it you CAN do it!!!

NO just isn't an option....!

[Christides]

be good if you could do an update on what you do now. still dont like RAW? got a new camera? are you married? do you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning to go to work ? :) has much chanegd in the technology you used in camera bodies to warrant upgrading or is more about the lens?

Steve

dont mean to invade, dont have to answer any of it. :)

[Jason Cole]

Hi mate,

Wow, where do I start, business has been really good. Did I actually ever say I don't like RAW?? lol if I did it was a type-o as I ONLY shoot RAW, and everyone that works for me ONLY shoots RAW too. JPG on camera to me is a waste of time, an opportunity lost.

Even though Business is going really well now I can see a slow down coming too, i think over the next few years things will get a lot tougher for us togs before it gets better again. The secret here (IMO) is to keep one step ahead of your competition, cross the T's and dot the I's as a small thing can be the difference between getting a job and not. You just have ot be very thorough at what you do. The trick is to make people want you more than your competition. thats the secret.

In other news the DVD is selling ok, but a couple of bad decisions with advertising combined with a plummeting Aussie dollar has cost me quiet a lot of money. I got to within a few hundred dollars of breaking even, then all the advertising bills came in and were 1/3rd more than i had planned for and even worse a full page Advert in Digital SLR magazine in the UK netted me six orders, fo an advert that cost me over 5K. Still you live and learn I guess. Over the years im sure I will eventually break even.

DVD2 is well in the planning now as well. I plan on doing two indoor shoots this time. One at the Hydro Majestic in the Blue Mountains and the other at a Roman pools in Sydney. This time we will have a section about post processing your images and the little tricks one can do to really make your images punch. There will also be a third studio shoot all about shooting artistic lighting such as the Body shots that I do that everyone loves so much. Anyone thats ordered the old DVD will get an email when the new DVD is available. Dont hold your breath though, its still in the planning stages and we have a LOT of work to do before filming. The new DVD will be shot in HD and will have 5.1 Surround sound and Mic's for anyone on camera talking.

I was married for 6 and a half years, im single now. Too busy for a partner at the moment, I have met a few girls here and there but they all peak out when they find out i shoot models for a living...!

Yes I have upgraded to the new 1DS MK III cameras. Awesome gear, plenty of cool shots to be had. I have also got sponsorship for the next DVD too which will greatly help my cause. The camera body is obviously an important part as is the lens, but he most important part is YOU the photographer, I have seen some photographers with **** hot gear producing crap, and vice versa...

Well thats about it for now... any other questions feel free to ask....!

[Christides]

sorry :) was quoting you from the start of the thread which is like two years old. didnt say you didnt like it, just didnt shoot it all the time :) i could have worded it better. oops.

one last thing. i was lookin at a thread you posted where you compared and early shot and a current shot of a blonde bird you frequently shoot. i cant find it. dont spose you could link it?
great quick response too, thanks.

Steve

[Ledrak]

Did I actually ever say I don't like RAW?? lol if I did it was a type-o as I ONLY shoot RAW, and everyone that works for me ONLY shoots RAW too. JPG on camera to me is a waste of time, an opportunity lost.
That's the exact opposite of what you said in the 1st page of this thread. What has changed now that you ONLY shoot RAW? Is it because you're mostly shooting for print and magazines (or other clients that insist on having the RAW files)?

[Yella Fella]

i been following some of your work jason, have to say, absolutely amazing contribution you have provided with your work and inspiration to others :D

[Jason Cole]

Thankyou :-)

[doidinho]

Wow, I just read the initial post; I'm an engineer (Civil) who spends all his free time doing photography related stuff. Some of my coworkers are my Flickr friends and the joke around the office is that I shoot "porn" in my spare time. Really its only glam (no nude).

What kind of engineering do you do?

[Psychobiker]

Oh noes, I'm another engineer who has more interest in photography :D.

[sw.]

that has really gave me the motorvation to get somewhere now

[Jason Cole]

Awesome thankyou :-)

in other news I am in the process of casting for DVD2 now.. got some real stunners for the second DVD and a brand new never photographed before model too...

And Stacey-lee is making a return too ;-)

[XpLoiT]

cant wait! :D be driving down to get my copy!

[Tigerkn]

Another Thanks Jason for sharing your passion and your route into pro.
I always have the love for photography since I was in my teenager and start to learn it now in my mid 30. Hope that one day I could gain half of yours knowledge and skills.
Thanks again!
Kevin

[Jason Cole]

Hi Kevin,

No problems at all. I have a book coming out very shortly (in the next 2-3 weeks) that you might find interesting too. Its all about the business of photography and it promises to be an interesting and informative read. It covers things like finding new customers, transforming your hobby into your passion, modeling, wedding, commercial etc etc etc. Seven years ago it was my dream to work for myself and be successful.. seven years on i now have four photographers work for me, two assistants, a Hair and makeup artist and a full time admin person. So my business model must be working :-)

Here is the cover of the book: Just FYI - its a work in progress. Any comments / feedback?

http://www.jasoncolephotography.com.au/talk/POTA_book_cover.jpg

[cookey]

I certainly look forward to reading this book,I loved my photography back in my early twenties backpacking around the world & with work commitments working away I really never touched the camera again for 20 years but the bug for photography has bitten me again now I am in my mid 40's & thinking of a career change & taking the next step from photography being a hobby.

I already have your DVD & looking forward to when you have time to do your second DVD.

[CaliJoe]

Jason - Thank you so much for your experience. Although I am not a pro, passion in life will take you places that others dream of.

[Jason Cole]

Hey Guys,

thanks for all your feedback. here is V2 of the cover. Comments / feedback please.

http://www.jasoncolephotography.com.au/talk/pota_v2.jpg

[medic583]

Wow... love V2 ... can't wait to have the chance to pick it up :)

[Cosha]

Dear Mr Cole,

I have a few questions please...

Q1) Do the butterflys ever go away over the years? I had my first shoot with a model and i totaly messed up my pictures (lucky i know her), mainly im quite a confident person around people i got slightly embarrassed and it got worse because of it

Is it harder to shoot people you know or dont know?

Q2) What would be the best part of your 'pro' kit that you would never leave behind


thank-you very much for your time :)

[RandyMN]

I like version 2 better as it's less busy and more easily seen as a book cover. First one seems like better poster material.

[chris78cpr]

The second version is a lot more pleasing to the eye and works a lot better as a book cover. The only thing that i notice is that the image used at the bottom of the cover makes the book scream to me it's going to be a lot about digital montage and editing rather than lighting/business etc.

The image is nice i just don't feel it's suited to the type of book i think your trying to produce.

I don't mean offense, just my thoughts. :-)

Chris

[cookey]

any updates on the book please?

[DwightMcCann]

Love V2 cover!

[Old Fart]

One should never judge a book by it's cover.........

[DwightMcCann]

One should never judge a book by it's cover.........

We're not ... we're judging the cover itself! :-)