Recently, we fielded a question which contained a few more specifics than normal, and felt it would be a great opportunity to explain a little more about our process and how we produce the imagery that we do.  We are certainly not calling out any clients here.  It is not about that in the least. The questions and concerns were extremely valid and we felt it would make for some great discussion points here on our blog.

Photoshop

Some of the concerns revolved around heavy usage of Photoshop.  If we are gauging the questions and comments correctly, the fear was that Photoshop, and not the camera or the photographer’s eye would be too major of a player in the final work delivered to the client.  This is a great question, actually, and something we should address.

For us, Photoshop is much like another lens in our camera bag, or another flash.  It is another tool in the toolbox that we use in order to do what we do.  It is not “the” tool or the primary tool that we use, however, it is an extremely handy and frequently used tool.

Photoshop is primarily used for corrections and accents.  Photoshop is great for correcting and adjusting certain aspects of the scene that you just cannot correct in camera.  It is also great for certain accent photos and we have our own collection of goodies that we use when processing our work.  Nothing with regards to your photos is outsourced outside of JayMar Photography.  We do not pass off our memory cards to another photographer or designer to edit or layout your albums.  That has to stay in-house in order for us to put our stamp of approval on it.

With all of that said, regardless of Photoshop ability, if the image is poor in the camera, chances are it will be poor after Photoshop.

Timelessness

Another comment, and we feel a very valid one, was with regards to specific Photoshop actions and effects applied to photographs.  For those that do not know what an “action” is, it is basically a set of recorded steps within Photoshop that can be played back to repeat a specific look to a photo or batch of photos.  There are many photographers who either purchase these actions or write them on their own in order to achieve a certain look for their finished work.

We love this!  Not solely the actions or plugins but the fact that every photographer is striving for their own look.  That gives clients a great field from which to select from and they can then select something that fits exactly what they want.  As a client you have a very large pool of potential photographers to select from.  You should look through their portfolio and blog to see what kind of images they are producing which in turn helps you match up your wants and needs with what the photographers are capable of.

Vision

Coming up with a single marketing term for the type of work we provide is tough.  Those terms get thrown around on a daily basis and perhaps the one single defining word would be vision.  Webster’s puts it best.

1 a : something seen in a dream, trance, or ecstasy; especially : a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation b : a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination c :s, but at realities — Edith Wharton>
2 a : the act or power of imagination b (1) : mode of seeing or conceiving (2) : unusual discernment or foresight <a person of vision> c : direct mystical awareness of the supernatural usually in visible form
3 a : the act or power of seeing : sight b : the special sense by which the qualities of an object (as color, luminosity, shape, and size) constituting its appearance are perceived through a process in which light rays entering the eye are transformed by the retina into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve
4 a : something seen b : a lovely or charming sight a manifestation to the senses of something immaterial <look, not at vision

Did you catch that?  “The act or power of imagination.”  Wow!

Our vision guides our work above all else.  Without vision, Photoshop actions are of no use.  Without vision, fancy marketing terms would not apply.  Without vision, you are left void of one of the most critical pieces of the photography puzzle.  This vision should pour out of the photos to the point where you are unable to avoid it.

We know that our work will not appeal to everyone.  And that is great!  We would rather focus on our own work and style rather than try to provide every single style that is out there currently.  Our work will either fit you like a glove or you may need to go back to the dressing room with more options.  We can say above all else that photography is a passion for us.  It is just a job.  It is not just an invoice.  It is not just a blog post.  We love every minute of this.  We feel that we have a strong and unique vision that, when coupled with our knowledge, toolkit, and other experience, will provide you with the photos that you are looking for.