The 5%
FAQ...
Q: What does "16★Imaging" mean? What's the significance of 16?
A: 16 has always been a significant number in my life starting with my birth date, and then showing up in my life in many other ways over the years. Further, 16 is the product of 4x4. Four quadrants, four meanings, and four individual, but interrelated endeavors of my life and work. I'm a writer, speaker, photographer, and producer. My work is intended for the 5% discussed HERE.
Q: How long have you been shooting?
A: I consider my "professional" photography endeavors beginning in August of 2009 when I bought my first decent DSLR. I quickly assigned myself a project to shoot and post one photo per day for a year (I made it about 10 months), but the damage was done. This was difficult, but proved very valuable to help me get started fast and strong shooting beyond simple snap shots, or just for leisure. I like to challenge myself and push myself to accomplish things.
Q: Explain what you mean by the "seeing things" phrase you often use.
A: To truly “see things” is not only the mission of my photography, but that which drives all of my personal and professional life’s work. My goal is that my images, writings, podcasts, music, and live presentations incite emotion, inspire imagination, and transport people… perhaps to better places, for a moment of truth, if only for a moment. Read more HERE.
Q: What kind of camera gear do you use?
A: Lame question, but if it really matters to somebody... I deliberately own both Canon (primary) AND Nikon cameras and lenses (and a few Sigma lenses as well). I know both systems and can work within each seamlessly. It was a bit awkward at first, but I'm glad I did now. People would be hard pressed to look through any of my portfolios and be able to tell which are the Canon, and which are the Nikon images. Furthermore, who really cares? A good shot is a good shot. I also own an Olympus OMD E-M10 micro 4/3 that I use for much of my street photography simply because is smaller, lighter, and less conspicuous. Some of my personal favorite shots however are from my iPhones (I've owned several over the years).
The whole "gear wars" arguments are pointless, which is partially WHY I own, and have learned how to shoot on different systems. They're ALL good equipment. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. What matters most is the operator of said equipment. The rest is just noise in my opinion. It's more about moments than megapixels for me… So, I don't waste time debating which brands are better; they're all good in their own way. I'd rather be out shooting. I do my research, and make intelligent decisions about gear based on my personal and professional needs. It's all about one's application. What kind of gear is "best" for you depends on the who, what, where, when, how, and why you're shooting. Buy gear you can afford, or maybe just a little more than you can afford, and you'll be in good shape.
Q: What software do you use for processing?
A: Nothing terribly original here… I've been using Lightroom from the start primarily (LOVE it), and Photoshop as well, as needed. I also use Topaz Labs and some NIK Software and as well for certain applications.
Q: What kinds of things do you shoot?
A: Well, since you're here on this site (which is full of galleries and portfolios of my work), please take a look around.
Q: What's your biggest pet-peeve about photography?
A: Herd mentality. Anywhere lots of photographers are is my cue to be somewhere else.
Q: List off some photography-related stuff that you don't dig.
A: Photo walks (herds). Telling people you're a photographer and then immediately being asked if you shoot weddings (I don't). Rants about gear and gear wars. Rants from purists about using film "back in the day." Seeing amazing-looking, massively processed digital paintings that are labeled "photography" (it's not photography); it's actually graphic design, which is great, just call it what it is. Backbiting, two-faced, overly-competitive photographer jerk-off's who take their shit way too seriously. I'll be adding more shit as it comes to mind...
Q: You've got "21 Days of Distinction" featured on this site. Are you planning on writing more books?
A: I've been writing for nearly 25 years consistently, so hell yes.
Q: Why do you cuss so much?
A: It's all in good fun, seriously. Too many folks are too uptight and get all worked up over the wrong stuff. Majoring in the minors as they say. But, if you really want to know, read the post HERE on my blog for a thorough answer to this question.
Q: Why are there so many "FAQ" pages out there on websites?
A: Three reasons: 1) because people actually read them… like you are now. 2) because we're all just narcissistic enough to want to believe that others care about our fucking interests as much as we do ourselves. And 3) because a lot of idiots post stupid bullshit questions like this one, so the demand's high (see #1). Next...
Q: Are you available for coaching/consulting?
A: Yes. Details about my photography coaching services are available HERE...
