I don't shoot many corporate or commercial jobs, but when you do, you had better have someone helping who has done it before.
Peter MenzelAfter I discovered my degree in photojournalism would only get me a job in a camera store, I taught myself lighting. I read tons of magazines and books and studied the photos trying to figure out how they were done. I bought some flash equipment and played around until I figured out how to make a subject look as I envisioned it should look.
Peter MenzelI like to move as much as possible and look at reflections, weird angles, subjects from airplanes and cranes. I feel sorry for the Jabba the Hut types who can't do this. Once an obese student told me that he wanted to be a war photographer. I said, "Really?" and then I shot him.
Peter MenzelHot air balloons are terrific to shoot from, although they have become very expensive, as has most lodging and food in the Napa Valley.
Peter Menzel