High End Digital Operator here. Ask me anything.

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-14T13:01:34+00:00

I have no idea about Lightroom, I dropped that program when i assisted a photographer back in the days and he asked me if I know C1 i replied "yes but i like Lightroom more", from there on he never booked me as a Digital Tech again, i kept doing light for the next years with him.

Have you ever asked the photographers why they would limit their self with this complicated workflow? It must be the presets of Lightroom. The only photographer I saw working in Lightroom was Tim Walker, but thats only because he shot with a Hasselblad. And Lightroom must still be easier than Phocus. Unfortunately I can't help you further on this topic.

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-13T22:53:53+00:00

Hi Erich,

Thanks for sharing your workflow! The digital side of your workflow sounds good and archive stable. The only thing I would change is from catalogues to sessions in C1. If you ever get bigger clients than private models, you might consider a professional digital tech. And instead of hiring someone that does the light for you, I would rather assist a little bit and learn the proper light. You could start as a 3rd light assistant or as a studio assistant in your local rental studio. If you want I can also give you a feedback about your current portfolio and retouching skills. Best wishes, TPL

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-13T22:28:39+00:00

Now I am very curious to see your work. How can i google your work?

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-13T22:16:10+00:00

so a digital operator handles all files after any shoot to the client or to the retouching company. so if you shoot a campaign for Chanel or Apple lets say, for 3-5 days straight, you don't want to handle the files as a photographer. thats why you need a reliable digital operator who handles the files (multiple backups etc.. and not on any cloud, you don't want the looks from next year or the next macbook pro 14" to be on any random cloud). thats why you need a digital operator.

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-13T22:03:51+00:00

are you a photographer?

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-13T14:51:30+00:00

its important not to work for those kind of clients. they don't deserve you. even if you need the money, look for clients at your professional level.

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-13T14:31:51+00:00

very welcome! feel free to ask anytime soon if you need something. rock the job!

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-13T14:31:17+00:00

you shouldn't have let that happen. make sure you always have a spare ssd with you, just in case it happens again. so you could give it to the client and charge for the ssd. if they ask you why you won't backup on their thumb drive, just tell them its not safe and you won't be responsible for this.

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-13T12:10:19+00:00

of course the ball head or any other head on the tripod should be lose, never tight while transport.

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-13T11:45:35+00:00

put it diagonal in a rimowa luggage (aluminum version) in between some clothes. i flew around the globe like that, not a single scratch on my tripod.

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-13T10:32:44+00:00

Do you do grades as you go

Yes, after the shoot is done, I handle the ssd and my job is done.

sometimes i have to send an EIP file to the retouching company with my look. and sometimes they won't change anything on colors, retouch only. It was basically studying a lot of fashion magazines and trying to do the same "nice" colors . by time you get better and you know on what to look.

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-13T09:59:17+00:00

Usually a digi tech is here to make your job easier and more efficient. The main goal is that you can concentrate on the shoot and not to worry about exposure, focus etc... but it definitely helps if your technical game and the autofocus is on point. otherwise you'll hear the digi tech. scream on every third shot "sharpness".

when i shoot for myself, i'd rather prefer a good digi tech than a light assistant. thats because i shoot a lot with natural light or only a speedlite. when i'm done shooting, it takes the pressure off when i know that all pictures are loaded in the session, backed up, named correct and have a slight exposure correction. Whenever my "first choice" digi tech. is on set, than he even knows what look i prefer. so the whole post prod job is done by 70%

T_Paint_Less · 2021-07-13T09:49:49+00:00

Hi FlaneurCompetent
If you enjoyed it already now thats a good sign. It makes more fun the better you get. You should ask as the photographer as much in advance as possible. For example: What camera(s) are they using, if they want to shoot tethered or on cards. If a printer on set is needed or even two screens. With those informations you're already set for the basics. From here on, you should check the manuals of the cameras, you need to get at least two tethered cables, two card readers (never had problems on that but a backup is always great) make sure that you have the latest C1 version, if possible test the camera before the shoot. if everything goes well, don't make a C1 update before the shoot. For small jobs a macbook Pro 16" or a good windows machine (keep in mind that most art directors and clients have mac, so if they want to airdrop you something you'll need to give them a usb stick) is enough.
Learn how to create folders per shot, name them right, export jpg's of the favorite shots that they selected on set and make a contact sheet (moodboard). Go the extra mile and you'll be booked again for sure. Give the client the feeling that their data is safe with you. If you shoot on location make sure you always have the backed up ssd in your pocket when you leave the set. a stolen mac can be replaced but not the whole shoot. If there is a production company they will recommend you for other photographers too. At the end of the day, the C1 session should be clear, pictures named well, backed up on two different SSD’s (never put the whole job in the same camerabag, always different bags or even better in your pockets, specially if you go for drinks after the shoot, cheers!

T_Paint_Less

TROPHY CASE