Hit me up, you never know !
There can only be two answers generally - Yes, or No !
Photographically I had planned to simply undertake occasional ‘behind the scenes’ commercial work commissions. However, the resurgence in film use, and helping folk with that is something I enjoy more. It matches my skill set perfectly, and I get to experience that ‘Joie de vivre’ that the digital era did not inspire in me. The three film services on the front page are a ripping bargain I think, given the cost of materials / kit / mistakes ! I’m offering this for ‘fun’, because I can, because I like it. I’m a creative fun upbeat person to be around, also very patient, and really good at supporting and training folk.
Commercial work, if shooting some, if we contract that I don’t use your images, I don’t use images I’ve created for you. It’s that simple. I’m not trying nor needing to build a career, make a name for myself, or feel the need to plaster across multiple social media platforms, most of which I’m not on, and maybe won’t have heard of. I’ve already had a full successful career in imaging, got the T shirt, now do something else entirely different. I’ve done work for Specialist Manufacturers, Boudoir / Erotica stuff, PR /Brochures, - all areas where clients might want complete control of their images - fine with me. You might well have seen some of my stuff, - you may well never know. This website does contain a fully operational password protection access viewing / e commerce facility if required by a client.
Over the years I’ve been treated really well by organisations such as The Masons (especially), Rotary, Round Table, Chambers of Commerce, Hotel Owners and GM’s. Generally really decent, stand up, civic / community minded folk. I have nothing but kind words for them all.
However nice and decent folk are, ‘evening do’s’ generally involve people being ‘boozed up’ (or they do in the UK, which is a bit sad). I definitely have suffered from ‘overexposure’ to peoples tendencies when ‘tipsy’, especially when my now main occupation frequently involves hearing about the pain and destruction caused by substances. I’m not anti anything (except plain stupidity / criminality) and I’m not saying never again, but I’m not keen. I don’t like conferences either if there is a social bit to be photographed where my eardrums are under attack by bands or DJ’s who mistake volume for Quality.
Complex social jobs like weddings, family portraits, anything with kids, stuff that takes lots of post production, fiddling about, not any more thank you. I have neither the time nor inclination. A few headshot Portraits for your company / business profile, probably yes, sure.
I have a couple of ideas about Pictorial / Limited Edition Prints/ Fine Art Photography if I get to it, but that cannot be commissioned from me, I would be commissioning myself !!
When I talked with people about my Back to Film Project, some still full time in the industry, on the whole, I got positive comments. (And an odd 'why bother' and a 'you must be crackers')
Here is a testimonial I received on May 22nd 2023 that means a lot to me from a guy whose ear I regularly bent, who looked after the vast majority of my wet printing for my customers.
'I worked with Jon for over 20 years. Over this time at Peak we processed thousands of his films. Images from which were regularly showcased in our website galleries and on our promotional material.
The consistent high quality of his work certainly made him stand out from the crowd.
He's thoughtful, diligent and meticulous, with a methodical approach to photography. With his keen eye for detail, Jon will always go the extra mile to ensure a particular image or print is as perfect as it can be.'
Lee Callaghan, Digital Imaging Supervisor, Peak Imaging Professional Photo Laboratory 1993-2022