 Company: Omaha Camera Man, Inc.
Owner: John Baer
Established: January 2003
Contact: OmahaCameraMan@aol.com
Type: Photography
Instinct: How’d you “focus in” on this business?
John Baer: It was something I was good at, where I could be creative. Also, I liked how it wasn’t something someone just handed to me—I had to use my talents to achieve it.
What’s something you’ve learned as you’ve grown your business?
How delicate and difficult good-to-great photos can be to produce.
What is your favorite type of photography?
Abstract and controversial.
How does it feel to be behind the lens?
It gives you a feeling of control. You can use your photography to give a particular mood to an everyday scene, or to allow people to see or go to places they have never been.
What’s your most embarrassing shoot?
Any of my friends asking me to do nudes of them. I’ve got some cute friends, but in some cases, I would be happier thinking that a few of them had, well, more to offer. [Laughs]
What is your toughest clientele base?
Weddings. I hate doing weddings.
How has being gay affected your work as a photographer?
Most guys and girls expect you’re going to shoot them nude. [Laughs] It does make it easier to approach and work with female models, though.
What should every aspiring photographer remember?
When you’re trying to make a living doing this professionally, your work is only worth what people are willing to pay. That’s a tough and cutthroat lesson for a tough and cutthroat business.
What’s your dream shoot?
I would love to get something in National Geographic. That’s really the top shelf of photography these days.
Any high profile people shoots?
I had the chance to be the personal photographer for the artist Nicolosi, while he was the guest of E! at the 2007 Emmys. That was cool.
What’s your next project?
I’ve been working on a coffee table book.
What’s your advice for becoming a better photographer?
Practice, test out new things and keep shooting!
John’s Five Steps To Taking Better Pictures
1. Take off the lens. [Hey, you’d be surprised!]
2. Plan the shot before you push the button.
3. Take the light into consideration—how does it affect your subject?
4. Take your time to frame your subject before shooting.
5. When you’re printing your work, pay attention to detail!
Why He Loves Photography
1. Setting your own (long) hours.
2. The artistry of searching for the perfect image.
3. The pride you take when you capture it.
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