Describe your photography style or words that describe your brand?
My style is still being defined! I try to catch the moments as they happen, and I’m learning how to make some of those special moments happen too. I also still do a lot of formals because you know grandma and aunt Martha still want all the formal photos.
What are your work hours?
Whenever I can fit them in. My partner is always telling me to relax a bit. But I am always trying to fit something in!
What is your favorite thing about Pictage?
Pictage gives me the ability to focus my attention on my clients and creating beautiful memories for them. Not to mention Pictage is an awesome source of income for our business.
What lens could you not live without?
My 70-200 2.8 although I am starting to fall in love with my new 50 macro!
What workflow tools do you use?
Currently I am using Adobe Bridge and Photoshop. I am trying to learn Lightroom because it is such an awesome program, but until I get that down, I work in Bridge.
How long have you been a photographer?
I started with a Kodak Instamatic 124 way back in 1975. I shot some great black & white portraits that my family still has. Even as a kid I was trying to get different angles and light. I went through more rolls of film than my parents cared for!
In 2003, I began doing some travel photography and was published a few times. I wanted to continue with photography but realized that the money for photography is in weddings. So I started shooting weddings in 2005.
Most listened to song on your ipod?
Embarrassingly enough, the soundtracks to “Hairspray” & “Enchanted”.
What is something you have learned this year?
I have learned some incredible things in the last year or so. I have been working with some amazing photographers and have received incredible insight into lighting and posing. I really want to thank Shari Zellers & Kurt Hilmerson for their continuing words of wisdom and insight!
What is a goal for 2008?
Well, one of my goals was to turn our “Puppy” PUG into a full-fledged PUG…and it looks like that will be happening in the very near future!
What is one thing we don’t know about you?
I love Disney movies and I am the uncle of 3 week old twin boys, Noah & Ryan!
Who inspires you?
I get my inspiration from many different sources, mostly from PUG meetings, our incredible Pictage photographers and my wonderful clients.
How do you get most of your bookings?
Most of my clients come from word of mouth. For a couple years I was an official photographer for David’s Bridal, so that got me going on the right track.
What blog do you stalk?
I have a whole “Favorites” folder of blogs that I stalk! Shari Zellers, David Jay, Becker, the image is found, Dane Sanders and Chris Humphreys.
Any words of wisdom to share…
Don’t give up on your dreams! As humans we are very impatient. What you really want will happen. Just be patient, don’t see what you want…BE what you want.
Paul, you have been such an awesome contribution to our community, Thank you!
Link love:
Site – http://www.paulmanke.com/
Blog – http://paulmanke.blogspot.com/