An Author's Photo

I've been photographing writers for years. The days of hiding behind the written paper are over. Author photos are now being used for more than just book jackets -see Court's photo that appears on statesman.com and check out his entertaining blog theexistentiallip.com.

How to photograph on a sunny day

The SUN is back and we are all thrilled! Here are a few tips on photographing on a sunny day:
Your camera should automatically pick the lowest ISO speed (50 or 100)- the lower the number in "film" speed, the truer the colors will be and the finer the grain. This is why sunny days are great for capturing nature and buildings. So let your camera's meter do the work for you and you can focus on colors, composition, and interesting shadows. As for photographing people, keep them in the shade or have their backs to the sun.. then manually turn your flash to "ON" so you'll be filling in the darker shadows with some flash while the rest of shot remains in the correct exposure.. giving added ooph to your images!

CBS News The Early Show appearance on the topic of bartering

"Bartering is on the rise in the economic recession"
I'm a big fan of "exchange of services" and have been bartering for years. Not only have I been pleased with the services but they have opened up networking opportunities and lasting friendships. The Early Show on CBS was doing a story and came to my studio to hear about my about my experiences.

How To Improve Your Online Job Search With A Photo

Have you googled today? With today's technology, we are OUT with the intrigue and IN with exposure. Online exposure to be exact. There is the tried and true theory that by attaching your smiling face to your resume, it makes it more difficult for a potential employer to toss a human image into the trash than a plain sheet of paper. People want a visual of you and they will search online to find one. So, you might as well make it easy on them.

It's common knowledge that employers are now turning to google images, facebook, myspace, linked, and so on... for a glimpse of what the 'real' you is like. You without the interview outfit or borrowed briefcase.

Besides the obvious answer of HIRE a GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER (shameless plug), I will offer you a few tips:

1. Be aware of what your friends are snapping, posting, and tagging. There are many online photo album share companies that are free to join -such as kodakgallery.com.
2. Keep your photo current. They shouldn't only be finding you on classmates.com with your black & white photo and Pat Benatar hair!
3. Have different looks taken. Business conservative to creative casual. You never know what type of company you'll end up working for -keep an open mind on your job search.
4. Show personality and expression in your photos. It could be as slight as a upward turn of your mouth or a raised eyebrow to a full on smile -whatever would be appropriate for you.
   
5. Keep it real- Women will want- "natural" makeup, low hair, no cleavage, and simple jewelry. Men have it easy- just suck it in and button your jacket. Light on the retouch for all... you want to be recognized you when you show up for the interview.
6. Relax and trust the photographer ;-)
   

Three Headshots Are Better Than One

Do you wonder why your existing headshot isn't getting you callbacks? What does it take for you to get a good headshot? What do you wear for my photoshoot?

Bottom line is be prepared with an appropriate 8x10 to submit for the character they are casting. Casting Directors are more likely to consider you in the role of a thug villain if you look like one in your photo- a combination of expression, clothing, background, and lighting. I can help you to create three key looks without any extra shopping or extreme makeovers. With my styling background and various scenic backgrounds, I will let you know exactly what to do to get the most out of your photo shoot!

Profile photos now on LINKEDIN.COM

By now most of you know the importance of social networking and web 2.0 which has now become the new standard. So, how do you set yourself apart and get noticed? Well, since you're on a photographer's blog, you might have guessed, the answer would be to have a pro photo! Linkedin.com now has the option to post a picture on your profile. People are more inclined to connect with people who have a photo. It is only human. Lately, I've been shooting people who are sick of coming across online as "creepy" or "overly stern" and I'm able to get a nice photo of them that they're proud of. After all, who wants to hire a schlep!

Feel free to add me to your Linkedin connections

Ten ways to use Executive Corporate Headshots to further your career

1) Your Website
2) Social Networking Web 2.0
3) Marketing
4) Magazine articles
5) Business cards
6) Press releases
7) Speaking engagements
8) Company newsletter
9) Annual Reports
10) Advertising print & online

NY1 News -Roger Clark

I did this shoot for NY1 News and NY1 Noticias. They are also located in Chelsea so this was an easy commute from my studio also located in Chelsea. It seem that Roger Clark has quite a fan base, he's even got a blog dedicated just for him: www.iheartrogerclark.blogspot.com. I'd like to reach this point in my career!

Executive Portrait Rates

By keeping my rates reasonable and providing top quality shots, I hope to establish a long term working relationship with your company.

EXECUTIVE PORTRAITS per person rate:

Location shoot (your office)
Initial $250 set up fee +add the following:
1 person-$145
GROUP RATES:
2-5 -$125/each
6-10 -$105/each
11-20 -$95 /each
20+ -$85 /each
In my studio (Chelsea, NYC)
1 person-$195

Includes:
*All high res images on disc
*Online proofs for viewing and easy selecting
*One retouched image of each individual (300 dpi & 72 dpi .tiff .jpg formats)
*Lighting equipment and backdrop
*Full rights for use in print, electronic, web, and release to 3rd party publications *quick turn around time
Environmental INTERIOR shots of your office also available
Available days, nights, weekends. No min. booking time.
Makeup artist services available available upon request. EVENT Photography CLICK HERE

Digital Photography Classes

Taught by: David J. Martin, photographer www.davidjmartin.com

Saturdays: October 13th, 20th, November 3rd
Beginners class: 1:00-3:00 p.m. $75 for 3 week workshop
Advanced class: 3:30-5:30 p.m. $75 for 3 week workshop
Location: Sacred Center New York, 330 West 38th Street, #704

BEGINNER class description:
In a hands on, easy to understand, and FUN! format, we will cover the basics of digital photography. Beginning students are those who are new to the world of photography and/or have little (or no) camera knowledge. Perhaps you are transitioning from film to digital…Or, you simply want to try out photography. Also, a good refresher course for people who have already taken my class.

ADVANCED class description:
You should already have a working knowledge of your digital camera and it’s basic functions including how to manually turn off your flash and change ISO setting. Be comfortable in referring to your camera’s manual - you will learn more about the creative. The focus of this class will be on creativity, composition, and finding your individual shooting style. Image presentation and turning your hobby into a money making craft will also be covered.

Weekly assignments will be given in both classes to help you create stunning and professional looking photographs …all while having some fun! Please bring your digital camera, batteries, memory card along with the camera's manual to the first class. If you are unsure of which class is best for you, please contact me to discuss.

*Reserve directly with David @ 917-309-8638 or email@davidjmartin.com

Send Me Your Links!

If you have a personal or professional website and you'd like me to list it, SEND ME YOUR LINK!
My working link: http://www.davidjmartin.com
I'd like to do an even exchange: I'll post your link and I'll give you a couple weeks to list my link. With my marketing list expanding (over 1,000 of you!), you'll be getting your website out to people in the follow industries (and more): casting, film/TV, talent agents, finance, real estate, advertising, publishing, legal, IT, beauty, health, art, web & graphic design, music, events & promotions...

Vote for Shira-Lee on FOX TV

For those of you who haven't already been watching Fox TV's new reality show, On the Lot, Tuesdays @ 8 p.m., I hope you'll tune in (or at least watch online) and cast your vote for sexy acting teacher gone film making contestant. I've had the pleasure of shooting Shira-Lee Shalit's headshot and she used this photo as part of her submission to the show. I'm thrilled to see how far she's getting. Now I want her to WIN! This is one of those shows where it's up to the viewers to cast our votes and choose the winner. You don't want America picking the wrong person (think Taylor Hicks from American Idol).

Teaching a Digital Photography Class

In this three part workshop, I taught a room full of photo enthusiasts how to use their digital cameras and develop their 'artistic eye' to be more like ME! Topics included: composition, depth of field, shutter speeds, flash use, lighting, focal lengths, uploading files, and emailing photos. At one point during "portrait day", I was caught in my students' firing rage when I became their model-fun?! I'll be having more classes like this in the future; so, please do send me your name to be added to the waiting list!

New York City, Time Square New Year Pictures - Happy New Year!!!

Being a professional photographer has its perks. By being hired by the Times Square Alliance as their official photographer, I was able to have full access and rubbed elbows with the press. I also had bathroom and drink access! Happy 2007.

Published in Advocate Magazine

The headshot I took of Richard Burns appears in the New York Magazine and the Advocate Magazine celebrating his 20 years as the executive director of NYC's GLBT Center. Lately, I've been doing more event photography (tis the season!) and snapped this pix of host Kate Clinton (shown left) at a party held in his honor.