Do the Unexpected

Saturday Ambassador

I am an industrial photographer: I shoot architecture, mining and manufacturing operations, transportation, products, industrial equipment and such. This is what I love and where my greatest talents reside.

Spark Plug, Deva Mayorga-Malone, 2011, Composite Photograph

 

However, I believe that it is imperative for a photographer to explore avenues other than their selected genre, as well, to build skills and learn the techniques inherent to different areas. In accordance, I often photograph nature, travel, even portraiture.

 

 Wasp-7, Deva Mayorga-Malone, 2012, Photograph

 

One of the most educational opportunities you can seek is to shoot a wedding or two (I’ve shot three, to date). They are fast-paced (when you are the photographer and need to be in three places at once), and the couple has every right to expect that you will capture all the pertinent aspects. You need to shoot details, such as the rings, cake, flowers, the bride’s dress and shoes, et cetera. You must capture arrivals, the ceremony and the reception, as well as formal portraits of the couple, the wedding party and the family members. Be prepared to work all day and into the night, starve (because, although they’ll offer you food, you won’t have time to eat) and spend the next week editing the images.

 

Biggs Wedding, Deva Mayorga-Malone, 2013

 

Shooting outside the scope of your professional aspirations can be an enlightening and exciting experience. Do the unexpected to broaden your horizons and do it well. Strive for excellence in everything you do.

 

~Saturday Ambassador