Progress On The New Video ~

Here's one of the wonderful and unexpected things that gets to happen to us photographers from time to time: my exterior shot of the Dentus Dental Clinic (shown below) was made into a blanket which they give to some selected clients. In 40 years of commercial shooting, I think that's a first! The good folks at Dentus had offered their beautiful facilities to Dave and me to produce some working shots for our video, and I shot the exterior of their Vancouver WA clinic for their use.

Work on the video is progressing as planned, and should be available early this summer. Right now I'm polishing the voice-over work on the slides. It's based upon the program I've given to clinics and dental labs all across the country, and stays close to my number one priority: photography is a completely accessible skill that can be used -- and enjoyed! -- by everyone.

When I get back from NY at the end of the month, we'll start filming our "cut-aways", which are the live talking intros to the different sections of the video. That ought to be fun; Dr Dave (pictured here, practicing "the look") and I are looking forward to our stint as movie stars!
...actually, I'm sure no one in Hollywood will feel overly threatened....

I'll keep you informed as work progresses and the video is available. It's certainly a lot of work, but also some of the most fun I've had as a photographer.

Later, friends!             Dave:  dhutt@dmddigitalphoto.com

setting up portraits ~

This is one of those rare but happy occasions when my core training business, teaching digital imaging in dental clinics and labs, intersects with my studio photography interests. I was invited to make portraits for the Clark County (Washington) Dental Association to use on their Members website. I've worked with dental professionals all around the country for several years now, and alway have fun with projects like this.

The set-up is pretty straight forward, and one that I sometimes set up for clinics to use for their own client portraits, something pretty common with the higher-end family and cosmetic practices. Good clinical intra-oral photos are a standard in any practice, but a really well made portrait that shows the beautiful results of cosmetic or restorative dentistry really sets a successful practice apart from others. There's real artistry in both endeavors.

Making a good head-and-shoulders portrait for business & web is a common project, but one that still needs your creative chops. When I teach studio lighting, I try to convey that it's an important fundamental, and the starting point from which to let your imagination take off.
Isn't that what it's all about?

How are you making portraits in your practice? Or if you're having problems with this, let me know and we'll find solutions together.

Later!    Dave