Welcome to another episode of The Outspoken Artist. I’m Jean Carlo Penaloza, and today, we’re diving into the vibrant world of photography at Imaging USA 2024. I had the pleasure of speaking with renowned photographer Gary Hughes and talented software developer Justin Oltz, who are making waves in the headshot photography scene.
Table of Contents
- What Brings Us to Imaging USA
- The Screeching Weasel
- Are Photography Conferences Worth It?
- Introducing Headshot Tools
- Overcoming Challenges
- Join the Community
- Stay Connected
- FAQ
What Brings Us to Imaging USA
As we kick things off, I asked Gary and Justin what brought them to Imaging USA this year. “An airplane!” Gary joked, but it wasn’t just about the travel logistics. They shared that this year is particularly special because they have a group of photographer friends attending together. “Everyone’s got group chats going now,” Gary explained. “We go to conventions together, and this year, all of us had something going on.”
Gary emphasized the importance of community at these events. “Imaging is basically where I got my start as a photographer and photography educator,” he shared. “It’s like a homecoming.” Justin added that this sense of community is what makes these conventions worthwhile, despite the plethora of online content available today.
The Screeching Weasel
During our chat, we even touched on some fun moments, like the “screeching weasel” sound Gary learned from fellow photographer Carol Deanda. “It’s great for kids!” he laughed, sharing how his 18-month-old son reacts to it. “It just makes them smile.”
Are Photography Conferences Worth It?
As we delved deeper, I asked Gary about the relevance of photography conventions in today’s digital age. “Overwhelmingly yes,” he affirmed. “The community and those hallway conversations are invaluable.” Those spontaneous discussions can lead to discovering new software or techniques that can transform your business. “You leave with a hundred little things that you can adjust,” he noted. “It’s like a safe space where everyone’s here to learn.”
Introducing Headshot Tools
Justin shared insights about their new venture, Headshot Tools, which is designed for photographers handling events with large volumes of headshots. “We launched Headshot Tools, which is a team and event headshot volume solution,” he explained. “We cater to photographers shooting 500 or more headshots.”
Gary discussed the unique challenges headshot photographers face and how traditional software solutions often don’t meet their needs. “After being told no by several companies, I reached out to Justin,” he said. “He’s a senior software engineer and very knowledgeable.” Their collaboration led to the creation of a platform that addresses those unique challenges.
Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning from photography to software development has its challenges. Gary shared, “I’m an idea person, but I have no idea how to build a software platform.” He praised Justin’s organized approach in helping him navigate this new territory. “It’s been really cool learning a new business and a new way of thinking,” he said.
Join the Community
As we wrapped up, Gary shared where you can find more information about him and Headshot Tools. You can check out his work at hughesfioretti.com and explore Headshot Tools at headshottools.com.
Stay Connected
Don’t forget to visit our main website, The Outspoken Artist, to explore more episodes and resources. For a quick view of all my links, including merch, promo codes, and social media, visit joyqr.com/outspoken.
FAQ
- Where can I find more about Gary Hughes?
You can visit his website at hughesfioretti.com.
- What is Headshot Tools?
Headshot Tools is a platform designed for photographers who specialize in headshot photography for events, making it easier to manage large volumes of clients.
Thank you for joining us today on The Outspoken Artist. Until next time, keep creating and sharing your artistry!
