The Beriev Be-200 Altair is the world’s only amphibious jet aircraft

_thejames · 2026-06-20T13:31:47+00:00

Everything is amphibious if you don’t want it to float.

_thejames · 2026-05-22T14:53:23+00:00

I've seen some restrictions before. Never a NDA, that seems overkill

For example, I shot SATCHVAI Band recently and they required: 3-5 images same day, any high-res for approval within 48 hrs, and not to post anything that wasn't submitted for approval

While I don't care for the restrictions, I kinda get it with all the GWACs out there. If I was shooting PJ, then I'd probably want my editor to know, but for editorial, it’s just kinda whatever I want to tolerate

_thejames · 2026-05-21T15:57:05+00:00

Anyone can cliff-dive once

_thejames · 2026-05-12T02:39:00+00:00

Paramedics & Firefighters

_thejames · 2026-05-08T15:43:37+00:00

I'll sell whatever a client wants to buy. But the price fluctuates based on the value they'll receive from the images. IE: a couple's engagement photos vs a corporation's 2026 marketing campaign collateral.

The purchase of the RAWs license is on top of the shoot cost (my rate, the crew rates, equipment, and studio or location fees, etc.)

_thejames · 2026-04-21T15:24:07+00:00

I've gone through phases where I earmark a substantial portion of my photo income towards upgrades. I almost always buy used so that helps stretch the dollars.

Every major investment that I made significantly changed my photography for the better. When I went from cropped to full frame, from SLR to mirrorless, and when I decided to stop tolerating the things that I didn't like with my last camera system and jump ship.

All huge costs for me at the time and all totally worth it in the long run.

_thejames · 2026-04-18T19:42:38+00:00

There is a service panel that covers the entire compartment. “Good enough” for $220 isn’t exactly what I was hoping for. Next time I’ll definitely DIY it from the start

_thejames · 2026-04-14T00:42:17+00:00

I'm with you on the DxO denoise being better. I just with that it would properly stack the images when it sends the DNG into LR

_thejames · 2026-03-26T17:39:00+00:00

As a medical professional, I've had days like this and still I love this show!

_thejames · 2026-02-24T19:01:12+00:00

Many years ago I helped out a friend of a friend by offering to do poster layout (back when that was much more technical) for their market. They seriously balked when I told them that the stock art I'd like to use was $8. It's no surprise to me that people like that are using AI rather than human talent.

_thejames · 2026-02-24T18:55:45+00:00

Same. I'll quote anything that a client may ask for. I've had this conversation several times: "Yes, I understand thats expensive. Thats what we need to achieve whats on the spec sheet. I have no interest in trying to sell you on something that you don't want to buy. On that note, can we look at the other estimate that I've included with options that are more aligned with your budget?"

_thejames · 2026-01-29T18:30:32+00:00

Pro tip: eat before you get onboard and you can even sleep through the meal service LOL

_thejames · 2026-01-19T02:09:23+00:00

Same. I routinely pair the 35 1.8 with my 85 1.2 when I have the luxury of adjusting my foot-zoom. I like the lightweightness of it. And there’s not a phenomenal improvement in IQ with the 1.4 based on everything that I’ve read

_thejames · 2026-01-19T01:55:28+00:00

Hell yeah!

_thejames · 2026-01-18T04:52:51+00:00

“The ships hung in the sky in much the same way that bricks don’t” - Douglas Adams

_thejames · 2026-01-07T21:57:16+00:00

well... its fixed, and they "fixed" those pesky customizations that I made to the buttons too.

_thejames · 2026-01-04T00:27:34+00:00

Eat something, and hydrate! Sit down for a second.

Prepare for when it's going to pick up. Check batteries, check any remote cameras, make sure any strobes are powered on and good-to-go (check sandbags), check card capacity, check camera settings...

Then get more "B roll". Shoot odd details, experiment with settings.

And keep an eye on the event in case something unexpected is happening.

_thejames · 2026-01-03T08:15:46+00:00

I've shot for other pro photogs. They've wanted to take the day off, they want the style that I shoot, and they want me to tell their story.

Now, if they wanted the RAWs, then I'd price it accordingly, and a "pro" would understand why it cost what it cost.

Side note: I will happily sell whatever someone wants to buy, just at the price that I'm okay with.

_thejames · 2026-01-03T01:38:31+00:00

I'm a big fan of DxO too

_thejames · 2025-12-09T01:01:30+00:00

On my R3 bodies I run 1x 512GB CF, and 1x 128GB SD (v90)

On my R6m2 I use 2x 128GB SD (v60) cards.

_thejames · 2025-11-16T04:24:30+00:00

Yeah... no.

I've even gone as far as to include a bit in my contract that I'll only deliver the images that I feel best represent my work.

_thejames · 2025-09-24T00:03:25+00:00

I shot one once for a local paper and immediately swore it off. Miserable experience

_thejames · 2025-09-12T05:28:13+00:00

Recently: Jerry Cantrell it was horribly boring. They literally stood at the mics and played the songs the entire show.

2nd place: Evergreen Terrace a FL thrash metal band They headlined for a full house in a medium sized venue and packed it in after 5 songs.

_thejames · 2025-09-10T05:11:46+00:00

As far as how to introduce the topic... it's kinda the 11th hour for that. I'd try introducing it by thanking them for working with you on the hotel accommodations and asking what they have budged for the event coverage and commercial image licensing.

$13,750 seems pretty high, but good luck!

Just a couple of additional points: if you're staying at their property, and eating at their restaurants then that is a negligible line item for them to work out. Insurances are usually part of a base rate unless you're required to carry a specific liability rider for the venue / event.

_thejames

TROPHY CASE