We will be featuring some of the photographers who spent time with Project 52 this year (2011). These are their own words, and I am proud of each and every one of them. Whether you want to do every assignment or just one or so a month, you should consider being a part of the 2012 Edition of Project 52. Lots to learn, a lot of fun people and some photography assignments and critiques that are not found easily.

Meet Hiram Chee.

Hiram Chee
bonzersquad on Flickr
21 December 2011

“I joined Project 52 as a way to improve my skills after purchasing my first DSLR exactly one year ago, on Christmas 2010. I then found “this guy that really seems to know what he is taking about,” as I cruised the Flickr forums, which led me to Project 52. At the time that I joined, around assignment 20, I did not realize the caliber and experience of our esteemed instructor and of my fellow participants. I also did not understand the basic differences between commercial and recreational photography.

Since then, I feel that I have learned principles and nuances of commercial photography as if they were fed through a fire hose down my throat and I have managed to satisfy the requirements of most of the weekly assignments, having a ton of fun in the process. Some of the biggest challenges for me have been: to conceptualize solutions that satisfy the assignments, to critically review my own work and to produce attractive photos that tell a relevant story.

Overcoming challenges

Fundamentally, I am developing a better sense for ways of capturing high quality images that meet the needs of the assignment.
Not having much previous background, I have been learning by: 1) looking for examples related to the assignments, 2) doing and doing and doing, 3) participating every week in the discussions, and 4) studying the work of others that appeals to me.

Take aways

– Begin with the end in mind. In other words, visualize the desired image then work towards achieving it.
– Keep on shooting until you are satisfied with the results and then shoot some more.
– Commercial photography is all about satisfying the client within time and budget constraints. Understanding what the client wants and needs is step #1.
– Always have fun.

Plans

I plan to join Project 52 version 2 and do a better job now that I have a grasp of some of the fundamentals of commercial photography. I want to continue learning and to push my skills to the next level. In the process, I will keep looking for my own style to show itself. I am hoping to join some of the participants I have met in a few projects. Finally, I might try marketing my skills here and there.”

Thanks Hiram

See Hiram’s portfolio after the jump.

Thanks again, Hiram.
(All Photographs copyright Hiram Chee)

I am told there are more to come, so keep watchin’ – and see you next time.

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