Jan
12
Photography Projects I Want to do in 2020

I’ve been contemplating the type of images I want to shoot in 2020. I’m always thinking of what I can do to stretch my creative boundaries and test new waters.

The new year marks the 30th anniversary of my career as a professional photographer. I’ve shot mind-boggling quantities of film and files, now photographing the grandchildren of the first high school seniors I had photo sessions with at the start. My own child is a high school senior rounding third base and headed for her final semester before college. Where does the time go?!

As I have previously explained, while I still do portraiture, my main focus now is commercial photography (capturing products for websites, brochures, etc.), photojournalism (photographing events and portraits of featured personalities), and producing editorial-type content for subscriber websites like Patreon and OnlyFans.
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Jan
05
Highlights of a Decade of Photography

Alabama model portfolios

One last look back at the 2010s as I touch on some of the highlights of a decade of photographing people.

I mostly photographed products for the last 5 years, but I have not included any of that content simply because it would be too huge of a blog.

What you see below are some of the best and notable photography I did between 2010 and 2019. I have inevitably left out a lot that could be included here.

I don’t have time to do a more comprehensive review (I could spend my whole Sunday doing this, but nah). I did fewer model portfolios and editorial assignments than the previous decade.

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Jan
03
Advice: ‘How do I get into Modeling?’

How to Become a Model!

I get asked this question over and over again, so I thought I would simply put it in a blog so I can refer people to it.
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Jan
01
Questions to Enhance a Portrait Photoshoot

A portrait photoshoot consists of far more than simply pushing a button.

When done properly, great and telling questions are asked during the pre-shoot consultation to guide creative choices when the camera is actually applied.

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Dec
31
Goodbye 2010s, Hello 2020s

When I reflect on the 2010s, I recall a decade of feeling helpless in the face of tragedy and reacting with anger and determination to regain some control.

Face it, the 2010s sucked. But especially sucked for me in particular.

  • The company I worked for was sold to another company that laid me off at the end of 2012.
  • Unable to find work, I assumed thousands of dollars of student loan debt to further my education in 2013.
  • My brother died in May 2014.
  • I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and started having to use a CPAP machine in 2016.
  • My wife left me and filed for divorce in 2010, triggering years of loneliness, animosity, and legal battles.
  • After the divorce, I was left with a house full of clutter and had to throw things away. I had accumulated items since 2001, had items from my Chattanooga apartment, items from my closed studio. Then my sister moved in. This meant throwing away or giving away so many things to which I had sentimental attachments.
  • The global war on terror really hit home when five men were shot and killed by a man just down the road from the office where I was working in Chattanooga.
  • My friend Don and a very nice lady I was dating named Dawn both died of cancer in 2017.
  • Once my coworkers found out I was turning 50, they began treating me differently. They presumed I was much younger.
  • This year was a particularly hellish way to bookend a miserable decade. Sickness, financial and professional struggles, a family crisis that left me feeling helpless.

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Dec
19
Review: ‘The Rise of Skywalker’

I just finished “The Rise of Skywalker” and the little boy who fell in love with these movies 42 years ago is happy with the way it ended.

No spoilers, except to say that some characters don’t make it, and there’s a major plot twist. Duh.

Maybe you should stop reading if you want to go into it with your own fresh take.

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Dec
17
4 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Media Coverage

4 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Media Coverage

press releases that get picked up by mediaPress releases exist because you want coverage from news sources that can equate to thousands of dollars in media attention that you’d otherwise have to pay for in the form of advertising.

Because I now earn a portion of my living from gathering and curating the news in my community, I encourage everyone to subscribe to and buy ad spots that keep the lights on and the printing press rolling.

Take this blog as my suggestion of ways to supplement your paid advertising with pitching content of newsworthy value to earn that free space or air-time.

Reporters and editors always look for great stories to tell. Emphasis on the word “great” so we typically have enough discretion to ignore a story pitch if it lacks news value on its face.

Additionally, coverage increases visibility that builds authority and credibility, positioning you as an expert source in your lane. A well-told story from an efficiently delivered pitch creates loyalty and trust with both your current and prospective customers/stakeholders that translates into lasting relationships

Read on for tips that will help your organization thrive from news coverage.
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Nov
30
Remembering the first Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare 30 years later

It’s Iron Bowl day, baby!

This is more than a football game in my home state of Alabama — it’s time to face off for 365 days of braggin’ rights!

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the year the Crimson Tide finally came to play in Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. I was just days away from graduating, so I remember it vividly.
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Nov
25
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Gets the Axe

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Such is the case with the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. L Brands has canceled the program, saying the decision was part of a move to “evolve the messaging of [the company]” and dial back the brand’s more extravagant marketing methods.

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Copyright Steven Stiefel 2018. All Rights Reserved