Justin of All Trades

2011-04-04T09:19:00.000-04:00

When people ask me what I do for a living, I've pretty much exclusively responded with "I work at Spectrum Health, on the internal web site." To which most people respond with "Oh, cool!"

It is cool. I love working at the hospital, and I hope to stay there for a long time.

That said, that response doesn't really sum up what I actually "do with my life." Sure, it's how I earn the majority of my money (The money that Uncle Same knows about at least), but there are about 8 hours per weekday, and entire weekends during which I'm also alive, and definitely not thinking about Coordinating Webs for the hospital. A more appropriate response to the "What do you do?" question would look a little like this:

"For 40ish hours a week, I work at a hospital, but I'm really passionate about photography, and have been trying for a few years to learn and practice as much as I can so that I can make a name for myself, and create an at least somewhat successful side business -- not only through selling fine art prints of my landscape photography, but also through portrait and wedding gigs. And when I'm not working at the hospital, or thinking about photography, I'm neck deep in home renovation projects -- both at my house and Autumn's. I could really see a future for myself in property flipping, or even as a licensed contractor (Not an Interior Decorator. A contractor. It's more manly, I promise you). And when I'm not working at the hospital, thinking about photography or renovating my house, I'm planning my path to become an executive at the hospital. I'm currently in the process of applying to grad school for a Master's degree in Health Administration. What else, what else, what else? I've had legitimate urges to abandon my current life path, and try my hand at law enforcement, or some sort of intelligence work (Yes, this could very possibly be a symptom of watching too many shows like Psych, or Chuck, or Monk, but it's something I've thought very seriously about). Oh, yeah -- I'm also training for a triathlon, and plan to, some day, race to compete (not just to complete)."

The point I'm trying to make is, I'm not happy with one life path, and I'm too impatient to think "Oh, that's something I can do when I'm older." Or, "I'll just reach one goal, and move on to the next afterward." I think a common thought among my generation is that once you start your adult life, the rest of your days will be dull and monotonous until you're finally set free by the sweet release of death. And that's why I feel many of my peers try to become worldly by traveling the globe (and putting their future on hold in the meantime). I feel like I can make my life interesting not by where I go, but what I do (In whatever location I may be).

And really, who has the time to do just one thing at a time?

Travis - Senior Pictures

2010-10-03T16:26:00.001-04:00

Recently, my friend Lindsey (with an E, not an A) asked me if I'd take her little brother's senior pictures (Using the term 'little' very loosely -- Travis is like a foot taller than me). At first, I declined -- I hadn't taken portraits in over a year, and I've never taken pictures of a guy. But after realizing those were really dumb reasons, I took the gig, and couldn't be happier with how the pictures turned out!

A camera that's also a phone

2010-08-13T08:43:00.001-04:00

Due to the busyness that comes with buying a house, I've been severely neglecting my camera. That said...here are some shots I managed to sneak in.

1000 Words of Christmas

2009-12-29T08:37:00.001-05:00

Some more Truman

2009-11-21T11:38:00.002-05:00

Testing out my new 50mm lens on the ol' hound dog.

Danielle and Jay: Wedding Day

2009-10-27T22:45:00.008-04:00

Here are the best shots from Danielle and Jay's October wedding! It was officially my debut into wedding photography, and I think it went really well! Of course there are things I will try to improve for next time, but all in all, I'm happy. I'd love to hear your thoughts on any/all of the photos!

Critique Target of the Week

2009-10-06T14:03:00.004-04:00

While I always accept critiques (and criticism), I thought I'd make one photo per week a target for all of your thoughts and opinions. So here's the first one!

Downtown Grand Rapids on a cloudy day. This was edited in Lightroom 2, where I added some lens correction and slight color correction.

Annnnd GO! Be brutal :)

Truman

2009-09-26T19:00:00.007-04:00

Here are some of Truman's more photogenic moments.

You Don't Need a Space Ship to Photograph Space!

2009-09-24T11:00:00.003-04:00

I don't make a habit of posting other peoples' work, since this is a portfolio of my work. However, I just found an article that compels me to make an exception:

And go here for their story:

http://space.1337arts.com/

These guys are amazing. I want to try it!

Jeep

2009-09-22T20:32:00.004-04:00

Decided to take some glamor shots of my Jeep. Lame, I know, but who cares.

Kent Trail

2009-09-07T21:12:00.003-04:00

Just went through so old black and whites of the Kent Trail.

Ashley and Joe

2009-09-03T09:45:00.011-04:00

Just finished up an amazingly fun shoot with Ashley and Joe! The weather was perfect, the sun was perfect, and they were fantastic models!

jf

some awesome and inspirational photographers

2009-08-31T15:21:00.001-04:00

Because I don't have any new photos to post today, I thought I'd give a shout-out to the photographers I've found that have given me the inspiration to take this hobby of mine and make it into career.

http://www.khollystudios.com/blog/

Kristen represents the essence of inserting personality and fun into wedding photography and portraits. Not to mention, a very classy blog design.

http://www.carlzochphotography.com/blog/

Carl blends an excellent storytelling technique with a very artistic style throughout his entire portfolio.

http://audreyhannahphoto.net/

Her slightly whimsical style, and her ability to capture personality make Audrey a remarkable artist and story teller!

http://photofocus.com/

Mr. Bourne has talent and experience that are seemingly unmatched (or matched by few), but what makes him a source of inspiration is his passion for imparting knowledge on everyone from beginners to professionals.

The list grows every day, but if you haven't checked out the blogs listed above, I suggest you do it now! More later!

Aneta - Preview

2009-08-29T21:59:00.002-04:00

Finally put the finishing touches on Aneta's senior pictures. These are a collaboration between Krystal and me. Krystal did such an awesome job with the camera! She has such a good eye. I'll post the rest as soon as we show them to Aneta!

Lunch Walks in Grand Rapids

2009-08-27T22:56:00.001-04:00

I've decided to make the most of my lunches by heading out to the streets of GR to do some shooting. Here's a look at the result:

Krystal's Senior Pictures

2009-08-27T22:29:00.001-04:00

Krystal and I went out for a faux senior picture shoot before we set out for her cousin's shoot. It went pretty well.

Krys is a great model and made everything so easy.

What a great way to get into portraiture! She's going to be my model many more times!

Pricing

2009-08-01T13:55:00.003-04:00

here's my price list for everything I can provide (photography related, of course) session fees are first -- followed by a bunch of optional extras

sessions

senior pics/everyday shoots

includes pretty much anything senior pics, engagement pics, baby pics, head shots, just-for-fun pics

$150

1.5 hours of shooting

up to 3 outfits

15-20 final images

$250

3 hours of shooting

up to 6 outfits

40+ final images

weddings

Wedding packages start at $800 for all day shooting. Contact me at justfuchs@gmail.com for more info!

extras

prints

8 wallets - $12

4"x6" - $5

5"x7" - $8

8"x10" - $12

11"x14" - $20

16"x20" - $45

20"x24" - $60

24"x30" - $95

24"x36" - $115

digital package

$4 per image cd of high resolution, final images for personal use and printing rights

photo cards

thank you cards, invitations, holiday cards, announcements, any other occassion.

4"x6" or 5"x7" - $45 per 20ct bifold cards with your chosen photo and message on the front cover blank inside brand logo on back envelopes included

all prices are subject to change up to time of booking