Passionate Photographers Choose AsukaBook
AsukaBook is proud to shine the spotlight on our customers! We love the great images these photographers capture and the high standards they set in the industry.
Tell us about your company or studio.
I've been a working professional photographer for nearly thirty years. I started in NYC, then moved to Seattle, and for the past eight years I've been in Hood River, OR. My action sports and advertising photography is what I'm known for, but recently I branched out into fine art landscape photography. I've now had two - one artist shows in New York City and Portland, OR. For the foreseeable future and as time allows, I will continue to work on several ongoing personal photo projects that range from fine art landscapes, to western cattle ranchers, to volunteer fire fighters.
Why photography?
I chose photography as a career because it has allows me to experience and travel to places that an ordinary job would never allow. Chronicling the lives of my subjects has also enables me to understand their careers first hand and on a personal basis. I also love the creative freedom that my career has been able to offer me. I never know what my next job will allow me to experience.
Why do you use AsukaBook?
Originally, I chose to use AsukaBook because of the impeccable printing quality and craftsmanship that is offered. Recently I had a 100 - page portfolio printed by Asuka for a gallery show of fine art photos. There was absolutely no room for compromise and the book had to uphold and reflect the mastery of the prints being shown. For this project, I selected the Zen Layflat Impact book. I wanted a book that was nothing short of elegant and would offer the viewer an experience. The book did all of that and has won high praise from everyone who has looked at it.
Any selling tips for other photographers?
Always strive to only offer the finest work you can produce. Never compromise on quality and never sell yourself or your work short. Remember that when you show your work to a client or potential client, the book needs to be flawless. You will never be dismissed for having too good of a product, but you will never be hired, rehired or recommended if there are flaws anywhere in the presentation of your work.
What else should people know about you?
Years ago while living and working in NYC, I had a chance meeting with the great Life Magazine photographer – Alfred Eisenstein. He took me aside and offered me a tip that I've embraced throughout my career. He told me, that it doesn't matter what it takes to get the photograph. If the photo doesn't speak to the viewer, then no amount of effort on the photographer's part will cure a poor image. In my career, I've collected war stories about the creation of many of my images. Some of those stories may actually be interesting. Despite that, I've tried doing as Mr. Eisenstein long ago suggested and not allowed my story to supersede the voice of the photograph.
