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Press

Hello, everyone! This page is dedicated to articles I have written for other websites as well as places nyphotony.com has been mentioned.

I’d appreciate it if you took the time to check out some of these links. If you aren’t down with that I have two words for you…too bad. 

Mentioned on MSN Career Builder

Mentioned on Deseret News

Number 10 on this tips link

Shooting from Home tips on PhotographyTalk.com

Dealing With Flakes article for PhotographyTalk.com

Review for F-Stop Magazine

Starting a photography company

Review for F-Stop Magazine: Noel Kerns

Mention on B2B Community: Social Media Predictions

 Mention on The Hound: Why Is My Job Sexy

Mention on Self Employment King: How To Increase Sales

Review for F-Stop Magazine: Robert Herman’s “The New Yorkers”

Mention on National Federation of Independent Business

CarolRoth.com Advice For Entrepreneurs Starting New Businesses

Mention on Granted.com “What are the worse reasons for taking a job.”

Review for F-Stop Magazine: Dolce Via by Charles H. Traub

Mention on Self Employment King: How To Use Instagram For Business

Review For F-Stop Magazine: Paul Chesley: A Photographic Voyage

Mention in an article for NFIB.com

Review for F-Stop Magazine: Moon Viewing

Photo for “Tamed Lightning”  by Susana Acosta

Contribution to Connect: 100+ Mind Blowing Strategies to Use Social Media and Drive Business Growth

Review for F-Stop Magazine: Bronx Boys by Stephen Shames

9 Tips to Propel Your Personal Brand

Mentioned on Inc.com 

Monthly articles for MyPhotoCentral.com

Tiger Sheds: Running A Business From Your Home

Mentioned in FitSmallBusiness.com

Photos featured in GQIndia

Mentioned in FinanceAndMarkets.com

 

About

Welcome!

Mobile Final-192My name is Rich and I established NYPhotoNY.com in 2013 and have catered to many individuals, companies, and brands with the utmost dedication to client satisfaction, positive energy, and great vibes. 

I have an excellent track record for providing high quality photography in a timely and professional manner. As a working class artist I have a down to earth sensibility with great attention to detail. I truly love what I do.

My goal is to make every shoot better than the last. I offer fantastic rates as well as high quality images and a pretty damn fast turnaround time. 

I also write for several publications and host a variety of online programming as well as speak in public on occasion plus I love heavy metal, comic books, Japanese wrestling, and The Mets. Music is a must on every shoot!

Keep being you. 

Feel free to contact me about your project. 

 

 

Wait. You’re not paying me? (Lessons in freelancing.)

What do you mean you’re not paying me!? Those dreaded words screamed through my brain for the first time since starting my business in March 2013. A month shy of two years in a full time photography business I had my first non-paying client. I thought long and hard about what to do. Do I tear this company a new one online with my resources (and there are many), do I yell and scream and leave angry voice mails or nasty emails? (I’m not really that kind of guy) , do I take them to small claims court? (For the amount owed and another day wasted in court; not really worth it), do I show up at their office and raise all kinds of hell? (again, not really that guy – although it’s very tempting) Do I patiently wait outside their building and confront them face to face? (tempting again-but oh so wrong) So what’s the answer? As of now I don’t know. The most I can do at this point is leave polite voicemails reminding them to settle the open invoice and email along invoice reminders.  I can also write. Sometimes I forget that I’m pretty good at that. Award winning some might say.

The big lesson learned here is to protect yourself as a freelancer or small business owner. In my case this was a weird gig to begin with and should have trusted my gut when my client called me in a huff the night before the shoot while I was at my in-laws (Lesson 1: Don’t pick up the phone during family time. Your family is more important than the anxiety driven drivel coming out of someone’s mouth at 7:30 at night) My gut said: “Tell this person; no thank you, please find someone else.” BUT why did I accept? I try to make the most out of every situation and opportunity. As a photographer I’ve walked into most scenarios with an open mind and you never know who you’re going to meet or what you’re going to learn. However, after the fact I felt like I was shanghaied into this job. The dead giveaway? Me suggesting to give the casting process another week to see who we can come up with to better suit the clients idea of the shoot – within budget – only to be told that the shoot HAD to be done in three days. That doesn’t leave much time to find someone reliable. I went with a trusted model I have worked with before, had an established rapport with (if you’re spending all day with someone on a shoot – you gotta make sure they’re cool!), and with whom I’ve created some great images. (Lesson 2: If your client is cornering you into a shoot…walk away. Not all that glitters is gold.) 

The day of the shoot comes.  (I’ll not subject you to the atmosphere) and what should be a somewhat quick and straightforward day turns into a long 10 plus hour day full of micromanaging. (Lesson 3: Don’t let anyone tell you how to do your job.) It wasn’t the worst experience and I can’t complain about what I do because I love it; but it was one of those long days that kind of sticks with you to the point where I didn’t even mention it to my wife. You know the kind. The kind that makes you question what you got into as far as choosing a gig to work on. That being said; the real macguffin came when it was time for post- work. Since the client was being a bit anxious and a tad complainy about the images THEY okayed over my shoulder I gave them an out saying they could by all means outsource the work and I’d even be happy to help them find someone to do the post work and give up the money owed. I was assured that I was to be the one to edit the photos. That means I’d be getting paid right? Nope apparently not. I was given a run around, an email saying “they want to ask for a refund but figure it would be a hassle,” and then your basic stonewalling. Texts nor phone calls returned. Wow. What is this shit?

I can’t answer that.  (Lesson 4: Know who you’re dealing with.) I have been on countless shoots with many people. I consider myself a people person and love meeting everyone. In this business you have to give yourself to your subjects or the gig you’re working on. I’m not saying I’m the greatest guy or the best photographer but I damn sure know my worth as a person and as a photographer. Sometimes you just clash with people who you don’t jibe with or won’t jibe with outside of a project setting. Would I ever be at the same restaurants, ball games, or bars as these folks? Probably not.  They DID refer to the selected model as “a commoner” (cue Debbie Downer face) Do I know not to waste someone’s time? Absolutely. Do they? No, sir. They do not. To me the classy thing to do on their end would have been to pay the balance due and respectfully tell me that they will be looking for another photographer instead of having me complete post-work and simply not pay. Does it burn? Oh yea. A couple of months ago I shot a gentleman by the name of Paul Viollis (look him up – cool guy.) From the balcony of his office you could see every bridge in NYC and then some. And even though his view was from the top; he was by far the most grounded and down to earth person I have met in my two years of working for myself. Why bring that up? We had a short talk about not wasting people’s time or energy and about being direct with who you are dealing with as a business and person. That small conversation will always stick with me as a building block of future interaction with anyone I meet. (Lesson 5: Don’t let your time be wasted)

So what do you do? I think I’ll keep doing what I do and kill with kindness. BUT in the future I may do things a bit differently when it comes to clients. (Lesson 6: Have it in writing.) The bylaws of photography can be a bit vague. Who owns the pictures? Who has the rights to the photos? Without a contract those things are up in the air. I have a vault on my hard drive marked “NDA,” which will never see the light of day. Why? Because I signed  contracts. Do things like this make us better freelancers? As unfortunate as some situations can be; I think they do. I certainly learned a few things not only business wise but shooting and editing wise as well. (I should have hard-coded those damn images!) It could be worse. There are a million things on Earth that could be worse than being owed some money by a small group of shitty people. Does that make it right? No. Does it mean I can get some free self-therapy by writing about it? Hell yes. (Lesson 7: Suck it up. Turn your situation into a positive and learn from the mistakes made) More than likely I won’t see that money owed. (I’d like to thank Lauri Flaquer for some last minute advice as well!) But, the situation gave me the impetus to be more careful in the future, the creative drive to write at least a couple hardcore/punk songs poking fun at the situation, and the clarity to try and avoid similar situations going forward. These are my two cents and I felt like I needed to get it out there. Plus, I get to come up with really outlandish and often Sandler-esque scenarios about getting my money while laughing about it like a teenager with my lovely wife (Hi, babe!)

Thanks for reading everyone. You guys rule.

Love always,

Rich

 

 

Debbie Downer

 

 

 

 

 

2015 And Beyond.

This post may almost be two weeks late but that’s OK. That’s what the internet is for. 2014 was so far the best year I have had professionally. I’ve met tons of great people, worked with some amazing folks, had some fantastic opportunities, and became a better shooter. I also adopted a very die hard can do attitude and a more positive lifestyle (which my wife calls “fucking postile” (Thanks Pantera!)  – Aggressive positivity.) And yes I just used parenthesis within parenthesis (I’m the writer here and I make the rules!) I’ve also come to realize that as human beings we are nothing without each other and need to spread love and kindness whenever we can. Here are some things I learned in 2014 that I want to share with you guys that might help!

1) Positive thoughts lead to positive things.

It’s true. If you are constantly negative and cynical your life will reflect that. If you know your worth, know who you are, know why people like you, know what you’re good at then that’s what counts and concentrate on the good  things in your mind, which will eventually lead to better things in your life.

2) Abandon negative people. 

I cut ties with a few negative folks in my life and am all the more happier. It helps. Why be stagnant when we should be moving forward?

3) The harder you work at something the more you get out of it. 

That’s a simple truth.

4) Care about your health because you only have one body. 

I lost 50 pounds in 2014 due to a diabetes scare. It opened my eyes to a few very important things. We should all pay attention to our habits and stick to a goal. We should lose weight and exercise because we love our bodies not because we hate them.

5) Be yourself no matter what. 

I will admit to a sort of crisis of personality during a lot of 2014 between who I was, am, and want to be. I got lost in a bit of a formula and woke up one morning to abandon that mentality in order to inject myself more into everything I do.

6) It doesn’t hurt to be open, loving, and kind. Cherish the people in your life that matter. 

I wear my heart on my sleeve and tell people who matter that I love them whenever I feel like. Spread that around.

 

A badeep badeep badeep I guess that’s all folks. Those are my two cents and even if one person reading  this got something from it – I would be a very happy camper.

Live Long and Prosper.

 

Rich

 

 

Photography Client List

A project well done is of the utmost importance to me. Here is a list of some of the fine folks that I have had the pleasure of working with. 

NYPhotoNY Photography Client List

In 2013 when I quit my go nowhere job and decided to become a full time photographer there was no safety net. It was sink or swim. I knew my passion was photography and wasn’t going to rest until I could make something of the craft. This page is dedicated to my up to date photography client list. I have worked with many brands – domestic and international as well as many agencies, companies, and individuals. This page will be updated from time to time to show you whom I have worked with and delivered complete projects for. You’re in good hands with your shoot as I am an extremely experienced photographer that is professional, punctual, friendly, and determined to deliver a great shooting experience. You can follow me on Twitter for up to date information. My work has been published in many forms and I would definitely like to hear about your upcoming project or any inquiry you may have for your brand.

photography client list, corporate photographer, nyc corporate events, event photographer nyc.

Press

Hello, everyone! This page is dedicated to articles I have written for other websites as well as places nyphotony.com has been mentioned.

Mentioned on MSN Career Builder

Mentioned on Deseret News

Number 10 on this tips link

Shooting from Home tips on PhotographyTalk.com

Dealing With Flakes article for PhotographyTalk.com

Review for F-Stop Magazine

Starting a photography company

Review for F-Stop Magazine: Noel Kerns

Mention on B2B Community: Social Media Predictions

 Mention on The Hound: Why Is My Job Sexy

Mention on Self Employment King: How To Increase Sales

Review for F-Stop Magazine: Robert Herman’s “The New Yorkers”

Mention on National Federation of Independent Business

CarolRoth.com Advice For Entrepreneurs Starting New Businesses

Mention on Granted.com “What are the worse reasons for taking a job.”

Review for F-Stop Magazine: Dolce Via by Charles H. Traub

Mention on Self Employment King: How To Use Instagram For Business

Review For F-Stop Magazine: Paul Chesley: A Photographic Voyage

Mention in an article for NFIB.com

Review for F-Stop Magazine: Moon Viewing

Photo for “Tamed Lightning”  by Susana Acosta

Contribution to Connect: 100+ Mind Blowing Strategies to Use Social Media and Drive Business Growth

Review for F-Stop Magazine: Bronx Boys by Stephen Shames

9 Tips to Propel Your Personal Brand

 

 

 

 

A Fierce Defender

So, I love music. Further more; I love heavy metal music. I have been in NYC metal bands since I was 18 years old. Metal has always been a part of my life since I cranked up that first Black Sabbath album I got through those bogus Columbia House deals many moons ago. That being said; metal is an extremely positive genre of music and for me it’s the most rocking life affirming jammingest stuff you could listen to. People associate great things with music and I have a song for almost every memory or frame of mind. I love to rock, baby.

Every so often you run across a song that means more to you than the surface value of any written piece of music is supposed to mean. Sometimes music speaks to you in untold ways that really strike you to the core. I have recently felt like that about 3 Inches Of Blood’s song “Fierce Defender.” It’s not because I’m killing undead hordes or championing a battlefield with sword in tow. This song is the perfect allegory for a small business start up. You still with me? Good. Here are the lyrics and song and my breakdown as it relates to being a small business owner. If you could stick around to the end I’ll buy you a drink (Call me out on it. You will get a drink and a conversation!)  Anyway, here we go:

The outbreak has begun
End of days are coming
Very few will survive this plague
Gather all supplies, keep your wits about you
A war is coming, prepare for the attack

No more running, here we make our stand
Against the odds we will fight
Be the champion, be the one
A fierce defender til its done

Fortress walls, behind them to defend
From mindless creatures need for flesh
They are coming, they will not stop
Crash upon you like a tidal wave of doom

No more running, here we make our stand
Against the odds we will fight
Be the champion, be the one
A fierce defender til its done

Hold the line, defend it to the end
Destroy the brain and they will fall
Show no mercy for they will give you none
Relentlessly they seek to kill
Don’t wait for outside help
Reinforcements will not come
On ourselves we must rely
Find the courage to last another day
So all of us will stay alive

Outlast the horde
Their ranks are shrinking
The instinct to live on our greatest strength
The will come when all the killing stops
Time to rebuild all that’s lost

No more running, here we make our stand
Against the odds we will fight
Be the champion, be the one
A fierce defender til its done

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP4ge-lAx5A

The outbreak has begun
End of days are coming
Very few will survive this plague
Gather all supplies, keep your wits about you
A war is coming, prepare for the attack

Meaning: You have recently started your small business and the pressure is very real. Statistically, there are only a small number of businesses that succeed. You have to use all of the tricks you have learned and carefully use your funds because you’re on your own now with no outside help. Keep your wits about you.

No more running, here we make our stand
Against the odds we will fight
Be the champion, be the one
A fierce defender til its done

Meaning: You’ve been thinking about this for a while. This is your chance to succeed and employ the tools you have amassed while preparing for your launch. The odds of success are against you but you have to believe in your self. You have to be your own champion because you know you can. Never slip in your own self confidence. Be that Fierce Defender!

Fortress walls, behind them to defend
From mindless creatures need for flesh
They are coming, they will not stop
Crash upon you like a tidal wave of doom

Meaning: Whatever you build there are people that want to tear it down. These are the haters. They could be family, friends, or business associates. They could try and tear you down and tell you that you are not good enough or special enough. It may hurt at first but you have to persevere and defend that wall.

No more running, here we make our stand
Against the odds we will fight
Be the champion, be the one
A fierce defender til its done

Hold the line, defend it to the end
Destroy the brain and they will fall
Show no mercy for they will give you none
Relentlessly they seek to kill
Don’t wait for outside help
Reinforcements will not come
On ourselves we must rely
Find the courage to last another day
So all of us will stay alive

Meaning: Small Business owners must face facts. There is no one to help with their journey. At the end of the day if  you decide to do everything on your own then you must hold the fort and provide victory for your brand. Against all odds you will see the success of your small business and end up being the bigger fish in the pond. Small Business owners must be steadfast in their product and their belief in their product. No one will help  you, no one will back you up, and you have to find the gumption to stand alone, say your piece, survive, and live to fight another day. As small businesses, we climb a treacherous hill with many obstacles and we should never give up. We must find the courage to last another day. We owe it to ourselves, our family, and other like minded individuals. We stay alive through the communal effort of other business owners that hold the line.

Outlast the horde
Their ranks are shrinking
The instinct to live on our greatest strength
The will come when all the killing stops
Time to rebuild all that’s lost

Meaning: The more you chip at it – the more you get out of it. The haters will fade and the detractors will think better. Why? Because you have pioneered and championed your brand through your own belief. The INSTINCT to live on IS our greatest strength. Small business owners know that they have a huge undertaking before them and that is to establish a reputable brand. When success comes then you can expand, take time off, and make up for lost time.

No more running, here we make our stand
Against the odds we will fight
Be the champion, be the one
A fierce defender til its done

Meaning: Get out there and do it. BE the successful person you know you can be. BE the business owner you have always wanted to be.

Whew, well I hope you all got through that in one piece!

The album this is from; “Here Waits Thy Doom.” is also one of the greatest driving albums ever.

I would love to hear what songs motivate you and have meaning for you.

Barcelona

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