I know that this is very self-serving and since I'm in Minnesota and it's not "right" to gloat or talk about yourself,but this is my blog and I have a story to go with this blatant plug....
I've been a shooter working out of Minneapolis for a long time, 28 years to tell you the truth. But I've experienced a sudden stop to my phone ringing and emails coming in (daa, it's a recession), and my calendar have large holes in it. I listen to the news, I know what's going on in the housing market and the banking mess, all of these have effected me on a personal level.
Anyway, I'm an eternal optimist and I just figure we'll ride out this storm, have to make adjustments like the recessions of the past. But seems like people are scarred, holding their breathes until September to see what's going to happen. I've made adjustments this past year to help clients out, make budgets go farther, worked harder to make sure they get added value to ever project I do. We have high unemployment and being self-employed I know what it's like to look for work every day of my working life. But I feel that as a creative professional, I have to do more, help my clients come out of these times and be the leaders of their industry segments, we have to work smarter, but not stop working and wait to see.... there's still 9 out of 10 people working, maybe not making as much as they used to, but they are still working. My home is worth less and somehow my taxes have gone up, but it's still my home.
Being from Minnesota, you figure that if a client comes back, that you've done a good job, you don't expect to receive "Thanks" for doing the job you've been paid for, getting paid is enough. So I was feeling a little down and decided to expand my networking (some feel this internet networking beats out the system of talking face-to-face) but I decided to contact some of my clients on this website linkedin.com and get some feed back on how I've been doing, I have to share what they have said here and you can review all them at my linkedin site.
"Steve is an extremely talented and hard working photographer. I have worked with him for over 15 years on dozens of projects with multiple clients. He is a master with lighting techniques whether it is lighting something as big as a semi-truck or as small as a cornflake. As an Art Director, I always know my project is in good hands with McHugh." Steve Siewert - Art Director
"Beyond the obvious ability to be able to create with the camera, added to the ability to manage a large national campaign is Steve's ability to solve creative problems and to extract the most out of any situation. The results are way beyond stunning... they are magic. Sensing how to sell a product, Steve is a Creative Director's eyes, ears nose and throat. I have shot with Steve on location and in the studio. Both experiences have contributed to my "fame & fortune" in many ways. I love to work with Steve on location because he has the ability to think on his feet, be flexible and above all listen while looking for the next shot. This is not something you learn. You either have it or you don't. Steve's creative approach is a part of his inner being. He has it. On top of all of this (and I could go on and on and on) Steve is really FUN to work with. What more could you ask for. I personally recommend Steve for your next photography project. Take a "Steve Pill" and call him in the morning..... it will relieve your stress instantly!!!" Charlie Brown - Art Director, Creative Director
"I have worked with Steve for close to 15 years on many projects and he has always exceeded expectations. He is the consummate professional who listens to the needs of his clients (even when they aren't sure what they want) and works it out until you get a phenomenal product. He has always been a fantastic person to work with, always driving toward what the client wants but no afraid to make a professional recommendation when he believes it is warranted. Steve has a wonderful ability to quickly grasp what you want a shot to convey and an uncanny talent to deliver it. I would unconditionally recommend working with Steve and McHugh, Ltd."
Pete Borchert - Client at corporation
So I guess what I'm saying here is that we don't always know how our clients feel about us as Creatives, that our clients are working as hard as we freelancers are to find that next project and business and keeping their clients happy. If the phone doesn't ring, you just have to get out there and talk with the people you've worked with in the past to get perspective. I thank all my clients that responded and I don't think you know how much you all mean to this photographer.
