I was 21 years old when I got my first look inside a manufacturing plant. This is where raw materials become useful products. I have been fascinated by the entire manufacturing process ever since that day. I always find great opportunities to produce amazing photos in factories.
Sometimes I am elevated in the bucket of a forklift truck to get an interesting angle. If I get really lucky, there is molten metal, a fiery furnace, or a welding process that produces sparks. The excitement of making really cool industrial photos never gets old.
I always bring along my own professional lighting to get the most out of each situation. From time to time I use a colorful gel over my light to help make the image pop. These are cast iron blanks that are eventually machined into hydraulic tappets for motors.
I was doing an Industrial location assignment when I saw strands of metal going into this furnace. I told the client "I'll be right back" and photographed this scene with a variety of lenses. I don't know if the client was ever able to use this photo, but it has been in my portfolio ever since!
I also really enjoy producing industrial product photos. I thought of the reamers above as amazing pieces of sculpture, and I got out my black Plexiglas background, to make the reflections. I am thankful that manufacturing is alive and well in Connecticut. I have my own hard hat, day-glo vest, safety glasses and steel-toed boots; and I can't wait until I get my next opportunity to photographing more sparks!
Tim Becker
Creative Images Photography
901 Main St.
Manchester, CT 06040
I am writing this blog post to keep in touch with the people that I have crossed paths with over the years, as a photographer, member of the Manchester Chamber, Manchester Lions Club, Manchester Town Government, or just by living in beautiful Manchester, CT. If you wish to be off the list, just use the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of this message. Otherwise, I will be occasionally sharing interesting photo assignments and events with you.
One of the reasons that I love my job as a commercial photographer is the fascinating businesses that I get to visit, and the amazing business owners that I get to meet; while on assignment to produce visual content for their on-line and print marketing campaigns.
In September I had the privilege to photograph a brand new Ford Dealership in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Marcotte Ford is a third generation family owned business, that has a showroom like no other that I have ever visited; because it includes their own restaurant: https://goo.gl/maps/MeRGW3sixFP2. The Lugnutz Cafe at Marcotte Ford offers omelettes, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, making their dealership a travel destination. What better way to wait for your car to be serviced, than to enjoy a nice meal. Through my marketing agency Instant 360, I did a 30 panorama Google virtual tour, that allows you to virtually "walk through" their front door by clinking on the Xs on your computer, or the white Vs on your smartphone: https://goo.gl/maps/jRTZGpouP552 .You can look in all directions by holding your mouse button down, and rotating the image, or by simply swiping the screen on a smartphone. As a Google Trusted Photographer, I get to visit many different and unusual businesses. If you have a business that will benefit from more visual content on Google and Google maps, let me hear from you!
Tim Becker
Creative Images Photography
901 Main St.
Manchester, CT 06040
860-528-7818
tim@2cimages.com
For everyone who hasn't heard, I recently moved my professional photography business. I have been told that the hardest part of a change, is the transition. I'm still adjusting to the transition from my big photo studio, to my shared work area at Work_Space at 901 Main St. in Manchester, CT. It made perfect sense to make the move, after having my business in a industrial park for the last 11 years. Shared work environments are clearly the wave of the future for small business owners; but change is not easy. Instead of my own quiet office, my desk is now in a common area, with other business owners.
My studio is now a large conference room at Work_Space, with the tables folded into a corner. I also have access to a huge studio in a neighboring town, which I can rent by the day, when I need it. Work_Space is a three minute drive from my home. The cost is a fraction of my big studio. and I have met some amazing co-workers. My trash is emptied for me every day, and the coffee is free. I still do the vast majority of my still photos, business portraits, and Google virtual tours on location at business offices, retail stores and on construction sites. What has changed is where I do the my digital editing, and meet with clients. I don't like change, but In many ways I am living the dream. I have found that change is good, once you get used to it!
~Tim Becker
