Better late than never

In the eleven months since my last post, life has been busy and fruitful.   My commercial client base is filling in, my spin-off portrait photography business is gaining some traction, and my personal life is great.

Thanks in part to NY based design firm - RocketDog NYC, and Baltimore based design firm - Orange Element, some of my professional highlights from 2011 include: a booking for iHome's national print advertising campaign, assignments for OneMain financial (formerly CitiFinancial), and a new jewelry client (with jewelry inspired by runway fashion).

a behind-the-scenes shot of me at work during the 2011 iHome ad shoot.  Featured product:  iP4 Boom Box

2012 has already started off well...   A Tron-inspired project from iHome (which incorporated still photography, video, and stop motion animation), got me started.   A few shoots with my jewelry client Paire, and a couple of days for NowWhat Reasearch helped brighten my gray winter days.   Looking forward to spring, warmth, and sunshine, my newest client Parasol (which specializes in clothing to protect skin from the harmful effects of the sun) has me thinking about spending time on the beach ;)

Between all of these shoots, traveling, spending time with my lady friend (and Dottie B.), I finally found time to create a new website for Scott Clinton Photography!   With the help of Charlotte Designer - Ty Duncan and NY/NJ Web Developer - John Fontana, I now have a site that is much more current.   It accurately displays my rather diverse skill set, highlighting my Portrait Photography, Band Photography, Product Photography, and even Personal Work.   This new site also announces to the world that I am officially splitting time between Charlotte, NC and New York City...  A move which some could be considered risky, but one I consider to be worthwhile.  Check out the new site and let me know what you think!   More updates soon (to both the blog and the site).

The new www.ScottClinton.com - Commercial photography in Charlotte, NC and New York City, NY

Progress...

In the month since my last post I have been busily working with Tylor Duncan on the concepts for the new Scott Clinton Photography website.   Much like the Simulacra Photography website, my commercial site will not be held to any one market.   Instead, Scott Clinton Photography will be focus on being a destination for Commercial Photography in New York City and Charlotte, NC.

In time, I will add additional markets as well.

February wasn't just about design and planning...   Additionally, I was fortunate enough to to bid on and receive a job for iHome.   My client, NYC based design firm Rocket Dog, brought me in to photography various iHome products both on location (at the Gansevoort Hotel, Park Ave (NYC)) and in studio for use in trade publications.

On top of the booking with RocketDog NYC and iHome, I was also given the opportunity to bid on commercial jobs in New York City, Baltimore, MD and Omaha, NE.   Plus, weddings in New York and Knoxville, TN.

With any luck, a few of these other jobs will come through...  Making 2011 the best year yet!

Momentum... Forward momentum!

The past few months have been a blur... Road trips, the holidays, and assignments have kept me pretty busy.

In the calm moments of this whirlwind, together with my friend and web developer John Fontana, I was able to finally complete work on my new portrait website.   Today is the official relaunch of Simulacra.com.  At this point, I am thrilled with the results!

http://www.Simulacra.com
develped by Scott S. Clinton and John Fontana / SiteandSound.com

Now is not time to rest on my laurels, however.   Instead, I am working with the talented designers of the Baltimore based design firm Orange Element to create new collateral materials to help drive more business to Simulacra.   In the coming weeks, we will produce new business cards, an over-sized post card, and a tri-fold brochure (specifically geared towards weddings).

While working on these materials, I will simultaneously be working with Charlotte based designer Tylor Duncan and  web developer John Fontana on a new website for Scott Clinton Photography...  A project that is long overdue!   The new ScottClinton.com will feature additional galleries with updated work, client lists, and links.   Also in the works...   A Scott Clinton Photography Facebook page.

As if that were not enough, there are pending travels to NYC and Baltimore for some paid assignments.   More on that later.

In my personal life, I have been trying to enjoy my time in Charlotte... A task that gets easier as the weather improves.  I am sure it will be no surprise, but I am still on the prowl for a significant other and am rather sick of the single life AND dating.  For the most part I have been making myself busy by spending time with friends, going to/watching movies, and seeing the occasional live band.  Recently, to my surprise, I discovered that a couple of my Charlotte friends like to trap shoot...   So, I have been out breaking clays a little more often :)

Trap shooting with the boys...   Ty and Sam

Stay tuned for more updates!

Lots of miles and a disappointing college football game

Since I last checked in I have logged a lot of miles on the ole' VW.

After completing my marathon road trip across the MidWest with my buddy Brent, I made my back to Charlotte for a few days....   Only to load up Dottie B. and travel to SW Florida to see my father and his wife for Thanksgiving.

Dottie B. on the beach in FL

I returned to Charlotte for all of 5 days before returning to my true home, my 2003 VW GTi.   This time, I made my way to Dallas, TX and the Big XII Championship football game.   This game marked the last conference meeting between the University of Nebraska and the University of Oklahoma.   Both rivals are steeped in tradition and have laid claim to a staggering number of conference championships.

The game was definitely an exciting one.  But, Nebraska managed to blow a 17 point lead and eventually lose by a score of 23-20.

Jerry World, Dallas, TX

The trip was definitely worth it though.   My only hope is that Nebraska manages to make it to the inaugural Big 10 championship game next December in Indianapolis.

In addition to my boys blowing the game, I also failed to book any shoots while I was in Dallas.   This is unfortunate given the large number of people I know in the DFW area.  But, perhaps another time.  I did get to see a lot of old friends (and a few newer ones), which is always nice.

Ryan and Aaron...  A couple NC Huskers

The Fowler family from Omaha + San Antonio

Brad, Rani, and Mark, now living in Dallas

Jason and Stephanie, Houston

I was also able to meet Cornhusker legend "Touchdown" Tommie Frasier.

Special thanks to Frank, Justin, and Max Samland for their generosity!

Justin, Frank, and Max Samland...  Omaha

After Dallas, I made my way to nYc to work for a week or so photographing Coach...   No rest for the wicked.   Next up is another trip back down to Charlotte and then off to Nebraska for Christmas.

At long last...

Scott S. Clinton, photographer, is attempting to remove his head from is posterior.

After almost 12 months of failing to blog, I am changing my ways. Today I launched a new blog specifically for my portrait business, Simulacra Photography. Become a follower today!

This blog will serve to be more of a personal account of my photography, life, and travels.

The cat is out of the bag... I moved my principal residence to Charlotte, NC back in January. For reasons I won't go into, I chose to keep that under my hat. I am still traveling to nYc every two/four weeks for shoots and plan to continue for some time.

The past 10 months here have been interesting to say the least. Many positives, too many negatives... Both personally and professionally. I have experienced major setbacks and soul crushing let downs these past few months at the expense of my career and the people I care about. Hopefully, the worst is over and the blood letting can cease.

On the positive, Simulacra is starting to gain some traction, inquiries and bookings are both headed in the correct direction for both portraits and weddings. On a personal front, I am starting to make some great friends here in Charlotte.

October through December promises to be very busy for me with traveling and bookings, which... Is a good thing. Destinations include: NYC, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Omaha, Chicago, Nashville, Knoxville, Houston, Dallas, and Austin.

With any luck, I can make a real push in 2011 for success in my personal life, my commercial photography, and my portrait photography.

A funny hat, lots of stickers, and a few energetic children

So, Saturday's charity photo shoot for KinderMourn went off without a hitch. David Perlmutt's article proved to be a key piece of the puzzle... A fifth of the days patrons heard about the event through the newspaper article. Not only did the article in question make it into the print addition of the Charlotte Observer, but it was on page 2A above the fold!

So, once again, thank you David!

Now that I have had a few days to reflect on the event, I have a short list of things I would definitely do differently next time. I must admit to being a little disappointed in the turnout. But, everyone who did come out seemed pleased with the experience. Combine that with KinderMourn being pleased, and I guess all is right with the world.

In the coming weeks I will make the determination on whether or not to do this event again... And if so, when.

Here are some non retouched examples from the shoot:

They are what they are...

One last big thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible: KinderMourn, Little Ones Magazine, Orange Element, Preslar Studios, BlackBox Studios, and Polka Dot Bake Shop and of course the good people of Charlotte, NC.

Cheers!

Scott C.
Simulacra Photography

First Steps

So, as August comes to a close and with it the end of summer, I find myself wondering where it all went. On some levels this was a very productive summer... Filled with great experiences with interesting people.

But, I can't help but think I should have accomplished more, seen more, created more.

This week is about beginnings. This week is not only the beginning of September, but also the beginning of the 2009 college football season. This is something that is very dear to me. But, more importantly, this week also begins my first serious push towards making a new life for myself in Charlotte, NC.

The first step on this long, dark, and scary road is the charity photo shoot I have put together with the help of Little Ones Magazine, Orange Element, and Preslar Studios. This shoot's proceeds are going to benefit a wonderful Charlotte based charity named KinderMourn. This special charity councils families who have lost children... regardless of age... regardless of the manner in which they died, regardless of the age of the child. This is an amazing cause and I hope to continue to support them for some time to come.



All of the design work for this event was donated by my good friends at the Baltimore design firm , Orange Element. Aaron, EJ, and Andrea really came through for me! In addition to designing the event promotions, they also designed the logo for my company and consulted in the branding of same.


My new company, Simulacra (Sim-u-lay-kra), focuses on private individuals rather than corporations, magazines, record labels, and ad agencies. Specifically: Baby Photography, Child Photography, Teen Photography, Adult Portraits, and Family Portraits.

My hope is that by doing this charity photo shoot that I not only raise money and awareness for KinderMourn, but also create a demand for my brand of high end portrait photography.

So, if you find yourself in Charlotte, NC this weekend, please come down and help support this great cause and the first step towards my new life.

Time Flies

It is hard to believe that I haven't updated the blog since the end of March. So much has happened that I don't even know where to begin.

Here are the last few months in a nut shell.
-I have lost 25 pounds.
-I have decided to leave the NY metro area for the greener pastures of Charlotte, NC.
-I have placed my house on the market and hope to sell it soon.
-I have launched my new spin-off company "Simulacra Photography."

I have traveled back and fourth between the NY metro and Charlotte quite a few times over the past couple months... Only one trip to FL.

Unfortunately, my grandmother died 12 days ago... So I have made a couple trips to Omaha.







Work in the NY metro is still very slow... My buddy Brian has been keeping me fairly busy, but it is looking really grim around here.

My roomie, Jennifer, has taken a job in San Diego and moved out last Friday.

Other than that, I have been keeping busy planning a charity photo shoot (benefiting KinderMourn) in Charlotte, NC. The event takes place on Saturday, September 5th. If you are in the area, please stop on by.



The next couple months should be pretty busy... St. Louis is a must for the annual Nebraska vs Mizzou football game. Then, we have the holidays. If I am lucky, I will have the problem of trying to figure out when and how to pack the house... And the question of where I am going to live.

I hope to be better about updating the blog... especially with the upcoming travel.