Tag Archives: Hunter Freeman

Information on Hunter Freeman Studio and Photography

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I am glad that I market to advertising people.

In March of 2011, I hosted a group meeting for our photographers to get them to start thinking about how they were going to participate in the new media market that had emerged.  I challenged them with the question, “Have you picked out your new glasses yet?”   The conversation encouraged the photographers in our group to reframe how they think about their business, decipher what is valuable to a client now and figure out how they can best participate as things evolve yet again.

It was no surprise that one of the biggest part of the conversation revolved around social media.  It was an area that some in the group at the time were resisting and others just did not yet understand what role it played.  Many wondered if it worked at all and others were worried that their “true voice” would get lost in marketing message.

A few months later, I co-hosted an event with the APA in San Francisco and realized that my group was not alone.  There were so many photographers out there wondering how to use social media in their business and if their target market really paid attention to it.  What we discussed resulted in one of our most highly viewed posts, 20 Important Things to Know About Social Media and the Photography Industry.

Fast forward a year from our meeting and all of our photographers have embraced social media.   They have found their own way to utilize it as a marketing tool that works for them and all would report back that it has made a difference in their recognition and connection to both current and potential clients.

So, when an advertising agency in San Francisco, Heat,   published the results of their social media study on how advertising professionals used social media, I thought it was a good time to revisit the conversation.  While Heat used it as a cautionary tale on having the right perspective when using social media when targeting a mass audience, I saw it as proof that the people in our industry do use social media, and much more than most. (Of course, it is still up to you to use it effectively in order to see results.)

Even though The Huffington Post’s spin is that Advertisers are More Socially Obsessed than the Rest of Us, I think Will Burns, President of Ideasicle and contributor to  Forbes.com says it best, “Advertising People are the New Medium.”  Be sure to read the article in full, the success story examples he shares are worth the read alone.

So, if you are still doubting the power of social media in our industry, it is ok.  As Hunter Freeman said, “it is ok if you are not out there.  That just means there is more room for the rest of us!”

If you have questions, or want to keep this conversation going, please email me or comment.  Sharing the posts are always a good idea too – you know, the power of social media!

© Heat Advertising – http://www.sfheat.com

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The power of the One on One connection is evident at the At Edge Face to Face event.

Hunter Freeman recently went to the At Edge Face to Face event in NY.  It was the first one I had missed so I was very interested of course to hear what he had to say.  When he returned, he wrote this for our blog.

“It was really a great time, and I can’t wait to go to the next one. At Edge really delivers on the opportunity to meet so many different influential people in our industry.  There were creative directors, art buyers, agents and photographers and they all were interested in getting to know each other.  The night was filled with great conversation and sharing of ideas.  People were inspiring each other and encouraged by the camaraderie.

I walked away feeling like the trip east was a huge success.  I don’t often get to share my own work and doing so in this environment got me excited to do so more often.  There is nothing like the value of a one on one connection – whether it be with someone who has the potential to hire you or someone who does what you do.   

I believe that down the line, events like this will be one of the most powerful ways that photographers will be able to connect with AB’s/CD’s face to face.  The increase in other “Pay to play” arrangements is proof that both sides of the table are appreciating the opportunities offered by such an arrangement.  I can say with confidence that this is a trend that will continue to grow.”

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What do Elliott Erwitt and Hunter’s Freeman’s wife have in common?

When I asked Hunter Freeman to consider the questions, “Who is your hero?” for our blog series, I wasn’t surprised by his answers one bit.

Here is what he had to say:

“This is difficult to narrow down to one person.  Photographically, the closest I can get to one “hero” would be Elliott Erwitt.  He is to me the epitome of a joy-filled photographer.  He’s able to see so much love and joy and fun in our world, which can be an enormous challenge, considering all the tragedy that confronts us on a daily basis.

I feel that he would rather show us the love that is in the world than the hate, show us things that will uplift us, rather than depress us.  To help explain what I mean, for example, there are many reasons that soldiers make jokes in the midst of tremendously awful situations (which can often seem macabre to any civilian, including me), but with so much “awfulness”, I conclude that what they, and by extension, all of us, most need, is not for that awfulness to be constantly pointed out, but for something funny, or ridiculous, or just outrageously incongruous to spotlighted.

It allows us to relax, to feel at ease, not under pressure, not filled with the cares of this world.   Elliott Erwitt has persistently focussed on that which is funny, or charming, or goofy, or just simply lovely.  With so much crap out there bombarding us all, that persistence is heroic, in my book (or iPad).

My real hero, though, is my wife.  She is Love personified.  Except when she’s not, which is very rare indeed.”
To see more of Hunter’s work check out his website and his blog.  You can see first hand how his heroes have influenced his photography.
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Photographer Insider: 10 Things you didn’t know about Hunter Freeman

© Hunter Freeman - http://www.hunterfreeman.com

One day when I was at breakfast with Hunter Freeman we were sharing stories about ourselves that the other didn’t know.  We were enjoying the conversation so much that we thought it would make a fun blog post.  Here is what Hunter Freeman wanted to share:

•   I  was handcuffed and put in the back of a police car and taken a the police station.  To this day I swear it was because I had long hair.

• I  used be able to tell you all about Fourier Series, Boundary Value Problems, and Vector Analysis.

•  I photographed a Secretary of Defense in the White House one hot, summer day.

• I earned money doing calligraphy while I was an assistant.

• Along with four or five good friends, I was almost suspended from high school in my senior year because of an article we wrote for the school’s underground newspaper.

•  I was pulled aside by airport security for carrying a (real) Navy flight helmet.  (They let me on the flight, thankfully.)

•  I used to play A LOT of bridge in high school.  A LOT.  (Can you picture me in high school yet?)

•   I ground my own telescope mirror as a science project.  (Now can you picture me in high school?)

•  I look for joy in everyone I meet and everything I do.

•  I had my picture taken with a live, 8 foot alligator, and no, her jaws were not taped shut.

 

If you want to learn more about Hunter Freeman, be sure to check out his blog.

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We have launched our stock inspiration site; a whole new way to approach looking for stock.

Over the years, art buyers and clients have reached out to us in the hopes of finding unique imagery to purchase for their projects.    Thanks to the branding we put into our original stock website people thought of us as a resource and we often got calls.

What we realized over the years was that in order for a stock website to be successful, it had to be updated constantly.  There were many times we would get requests that we fulfilled directly rather than online since the group did not have the time to keep up with the necessary updates.

Add to that the fact that Andy Anderson and Ann Elliott Cutting started their own stock site and Richard Schultz, Ann Elliott Cutting and Leigh Beisch all had images with other stock houses.  It became harder and harder to maintain a site with enough images to make an impact.

It became apparent to us that we did not need our website to be the place where someone could see every one of the available images.  We only needed to communicate that we had strong imagery for consideration so that we could get a call for a custom search.

Understanding this led to the evolution of our site from a searchable site to one that offers access to the photographer’s own image collections; even if they are available for license through independent stock agencies.

Since our site is not searchable by keyword and all searches are custom, we call our website a stock inspiration site.   It was designed with the understanding that you want deeper access to our photographers libraries and the understanding that it is difficult to search each of their personal and stock websites independently.  The purpose is to inspire clients with our images and motivate them to contact us for a customized stock photography search.

To demonstrate that we understand how clients choose imagery, each portfolio on our site illustrates a different word.  For example, in the Denial portfolio, we included images that showcase each photographer’s interpretation of that word.  Scrolling over the Licensing Info option, reveals the availability of the imagery, any relevant stock house notes and where to find more information.

When clients have a request, it is easy for them to reach us.   They are directed to click on the Contact link on the bottom of each page anywhere on the site or on the email link within the Licensing Info.  We then will create a custom search by pulling from our photographer’s images available in all of their different stock libraries.

Some have asked why we would want to send the sale away from us and to the independent stock houses.  My response to that is simple.  It is more important for us that our photographers are considered than it is for us to make the sale.  The easier we can make it for our photographers to be considered, the more it will happen.

For us, it is all about exposure for our photographers and how better to do that than to inspire the very people who are needing the imagery?

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More QR Code Fun

As I mentioned in a previous post, the photographers in our group have a new perspective on their businesses and are constantly looking for new opportunities to showcase their ever evolving creative talents.  Last week, I wrote about how many of them are enjoying playing with QR Codes to hopefully engage creatives on a different level.  Hunter Freeman was the first to send out his postcard with the QR Code as part of his photograph. He has been receiving a steady stream of print requests so it has been a fun way to get instant feedback.

Kevin Twomey and Richard Schultz both also embraced the idea and have direct mail cards arriving this week.  I encouraged them both to think of an idea that was relevant to their photography and the image they chose to promote.  Here is what they came up with:

Kevin Twomey

© Kevin Twomey-www.kevintwomey.com


As is the case with many photographers, Kevin is embracing video and learning how it is relevant to his still life clients.  He has been having fun learning the technology and is looking for new ways to share what he has learned.

When he recently stumbled across Mar Glusker, a man who collects calculating machines, he knew this was the perfect opportunity to shoot both film and video. He liked the idea of not just photographing the machines but concepting an idea with the machines and the owner that utilized photography, video and sound.   He knew that together, the film and video would make for the perfect mailer and QR code reward.  With the help of Sirius Sound he directed a video that has a bit of a “STOMP” feel to it.   He is hopeful that his video is a fun payoff for those who try the scanner.  To see the link, click here.

Richard Schultz

© Richard Schultz-www.rschultz.com


Richard Schultz’s images are about finding what is most unique in a situation and capturing a moment that feels true and authentic.  He uses what he finds to create a photograph that perfectly captures the emotion of the person in their environment.  He is the true definition of a “real people” photographer.

Therefore, it was not a surprise that his idea for the link from the code centered around the people he photographed for his mailer. On a recent shoot to a girls camp in New Hampshire he photographed the campers in their own setting.  He explains that “their gift to me was forgetting that I was there.  By giving me nothing, they gave me everything.”

Therefore, it is natural that Richard’s QR code links to a note from him about his experience and a more of the photographs that he took while he was there.  It is a special glimpse into a private world.  A perfect way to get us all thinking about summer.  Link here to see where the QR code takes you.  

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Playing around with QR codes- our photographers try to engage with creatives on a different level

©Hunter Freeman-www.hunterfreeman.com

As I shared in a previous post, our group has evolved their mindsets to embrace the changes happening in our industry and has begun to look for new opportunities to keep their businesses evolving.  We committed to moving forward with a entrepreneurial mindset and approaching each project with a new perspective. 

 We have new glasses on and we are ready to use them.

We recognize that it is important to evolve not only our work but how we share it as well.  So, with these new glasses, we examined each of our marketing tools and tried to find unique and interesting ways to inspire creatives to engage with our work.

One tool we examined closely was the direct mail piece.  We reviewed what the current ones in our group looked like without our new glasses and then examined what they looked like with the new glasses.  If the ultimate goal is to excite the viewer and inspire them to view our websites, then we wanted to think of something that not many other photographers were doing; even if it was just for a mailer or two.

Many ideas were discussed and we decided that it would be fun to experiment some with the QR Code.  We researched the technology and realized that it was quite easy to incorporate them into the mailers.

While the codes have been successful for many companies, we wanted to be careful and not just embrace the technology for the sake of trying it out.  We didn’t want to chase a trend but find a way to make it relevant for the people who would be scanning the code.  More than anything, we knew that the user had to be rewarded with something for taking the time to participate.  We didn’t just want the code to send them to our site – they could do that on their own.  It seemed like a lot of effort for little pay out.   So, we got creative and thought of different ways to reward the viewers who took the time to engage.

Hunter Freeman’s mailer will be the first in our group to arrive on your desks.  Kevin Twomey’s and Richard Schultz’s are not far behind.  Each thought of an idea that was relevant to their photography brand and the image they chose to promote.

Hunter decided to play off of his wildly successful astronaut series and create an image that incorporated the QR code.  His quirky sense of humor made it easy for him to think of a concept that played off the original series.  When you scan the code, it takes you to a site that offers you a free print of one of the astronaut images.  Seeing the amount of emails he gets daily for prints, this seemed like a relevant reward.

For those of you who don’t want to wait for the card, click here.  Be honest though – please do not order a print if you didn’t actually scan the code.  Let’s save them for those who played the game.  (But of course, if you really must have one, let us know and we can see what we can do.)

We of course have no idea how many people will actually try out the code, but we are excited to find out.  And, please do spread the word if you like what we share with you when you scan the code.

For those of you who do not have a QR code scanner – you can easily get one in the App store if you search QR Code.

Thanks for be open minded!

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Hunter Freeman makes complicated seem effortless. Here are 4 tips for a successful photo shoot.

© Hunter Freeman - http://www.hunterfreeman.com

I have been representing Hunter Freeman for almost 15 years now and I am still constantly learning from him. He has a professionalism and approach to business and life that I model as best that I can in my own business and life.  He is respectful, thoughtful and truly a genuine person.  He makes everything he does seem effortless.  And, for those of us who strive for this, we know how hard effortless can be.  It is no wonder then that the photo shoots he orchestrates are well oiled machines where the clients walk away happy.

Hunter recently produced and shot a complicated campaign for Executive Creative Director Sunny Teo and Senior Designer Gigi Lam of  DAE and Wells Fargo.  It was complicated because not only was there a variety of talent and ethnically specific wardrobe to manage but there were multiple locations and many shots in one day.

The first scenario was a series  in a Chinese “Saturday school” classroom, which included multiple repositioning and relighting options.   Following that scenario, in a different area of the location, was a scene shot in an Indian Kathak dance studio, which had a group of Kathak dancers in the background.

The day had a schedule and Hunter depended on the crew to help make it run smoothly.   As a team they  had to load in gear, props and wardrobe, light and prop the sets, direct talent into wardrobe and makeup, postion them on the set, shoot them (minor detail, right?), and then wrap out of the location within the scheduled ten hours.

When it went off without a hitch, I asked him to share with me what made it work.  Of course the list is straight forward and all about common sense.  But then again, so is Hunter.

Here is what he had to say about his experience:

1)  It was very organized. My producer, Sue Pinkerton, put in more than enough time on the front end (as did the prop stylist and location scout), and it paid off when I shot.  The timing during the whole day, the arrival/departure of talent, prep areas, lunch break area, really everything, had been considered and squared away ahead of time.  There was no room for error and every scenario and every need was well thought out.

2)  We were flexible.  When the client had specific needs that changed, we were able to move quickly to adapt our talent, props, wardrobe, etc., to those needs.  On any shoot, anything can change, and the fact that everyone was aware that things could change, and was prepared to handle it, proved invaluable.  No time wasted scrambling for an unexpected change of wardrobe, or an added prop.

3)  The whole crew was thoroughly professional. I am so grateful to work with people who are so patient and SMART. I try to always hire people who are smarter than I am, and they’re intelligent enough to think, plan, and act in advance of the day’s events.   No egos, no problems.

4)  We didn’t lose the forest for the trees. Focused:  Everyone was keeping an eye on all parts of the shoot, so that no details went wrong or, worse missing.  The stylists were extremely organized and laid out everything we would need.  The hair and makeup stylists more than kept up with the shoot, and were there on set when needed.   Photo assistants  were always right there to move a light, change a flag, raise/lower the tripod – you name it, they did it.

“The bottom line is that everyone acted as part of the team – always keeping an eye on the goal.  I know that the ideas are obvious but I remind myself all the time that it is the obvious details that can make or break a shoot.  If I get the easy ones right there is plenty of time to spend on the more complicated ones.”  – Hunter Freeman

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Meanwhile, upon returning from Tralfamadore…

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Hunter Freeman has been photographing astronauts in unexpected locations for years now.  Recently, he resurrected the project and added to the series.  Well, thanks to the web, they are showing up on so many unique sites.  It is fun to be recognized in worlds other than advertising.

Here is what Hunter had to say about it.

“Go figure, right?  There’s been a blast of interest in the Astronaut series, and I’ve received emails from such otherworldly places as Indiana and Connecticut, as well as the more down-to-earth locales of Sweden, France, Germany and Brazil.  Right now, I’ve launched replies to re-posting requests to a half dozen sites, and, just this morning, crossed orbits with a lady from the Channel in Canada, who was interested in using the images on one of their shows, as well as on their website.  I have to say that I really never thought about how many people might have the same humorous inclinations about these shots.  They make me laugh, but then I’m easily amused.  And now I’ve connected with them, which has been a boatload of fun.  (Am I allowed to have this much fun?)

So, now I know…They are out there…waiting for the astronauts.  They could be someone you know…Maybe even your next door neighbor.  I’ll warn you now:  Watch the skies!  Ok, well, maybe watch your mini-mart, or the gas station.  Skies are nice, too, though.

Live long and prosper.”

Here are some recent links:  Universe Today, ZME Science, Unstage, Piccsy, Portal to the Universe, Wine and Bowties, and The Fox is Black to name a few.

To see the complete series, please link to Hunter’s website. And, if you would like to feature his images on your own site, please email us.

And, for those of you who do not know what Tralfamadore is, link here.

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Hunter Freeman is a rock star. Well, sort of.

It is rewarding to see a classic image given fresh new meaning through interpretation by a client.  Wind-Up Records recording artist BAYSIDE has selected an image from Hunter Freeman’s Astronaut Series for the Cover of their latest album “Killing Time”.  The much anticipated release of this new album is scheduled for 2.22.11

It is always amazing to see how clients interpret their own meaning for a classic image.  It gets us excited for the launch of our new Stock Inspiration Site where clients can connect with meaningful and relevant imagery for their project.  The much anticipated release of this new site is scheduled for 3.1.11.  It is no album but cool nonetheless.