2 minute interview with James Ingram of jive productions

Recently, I was approached by Raphael Champion, an NSCC film student, to be interviewed for a school project he was putting together. To be honest, at first I hesitated. Being behind the camera - that I can do, being the subject in front of the camera? That felt foreign and a bit overwhelming. However, we had worked with Raph earlier in the year on a large video shoot, and he had done an incredible job… so I wanted to be able to show up for him as he had for us, and so, we went ahead with the project.

Being in front of the camera was weird. I was apprehensive at first to say the least, but once we got going I was shocked by the refreshing nature of only having to focus on answering truthfully and authentically. Surprisingly, I actually quite enjoyed the experience. 

I’ve always had an appreciation for the interviewees we’ve filmed, and have noted how difficult it can be to speak on the spot, even when it is something you are passionate about. Being in the hot seat myself this time, I learned what that can feel like first hand, and perhaps having this lens will prove valuable in the work we do. 

What made it “easy” for a lack of a better word, was a realization that I had a lot to say about the work we do here at JIVE. Even with 20+ years in this profession, I am still passionate and excited to discuss this field and everything I have learned along the way. I often pinch myself when I consider how I’ve decided to make my living. We basically get to play and problem solve in a meaningful way, every single day. That isn’t to say we don’t have bad days or weeks, but they are greatly over shadowed by our wins and what we learn each and every step of the way.

Watching Raph navigate this project reminded me of my early days. It reminded me of the decision we each have to make to pursue a path that moves us, that means something to us. If you can ask yourself “what are you TRULY passionate about” and answer honestly, then you already have a place to start. This profession is not an “off the shelf” investment, it takes hard work, talent and persistence, but if it lights you up - you’re in the right place.

Thank you, Raph, for offering me this little nugget of self reflection.

At JIVE we are passionate about giving back to our community and to students just finding their footing. If you have any questions at all regarding photography/videography, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Client questions answered: If you hire a professional photographer - do you lose creative control?

So you have a project, you have put time and effort into a plan and believe you have a good idea of what you want accomplished - now you’re looking to hire a photographer, but fear your vision will get lost along the way. We want to reassure you this is absolutely not the case when you hire an experienced photographer. When you hire a professional photographer, you are not signing over your creative rights to the project. In fact, it’s very much the opposite. A photographer’s job is to add value to your vision. We aim to work as a team, and to take your ideas seriously, only hoping to improve them, and help bring them to life. If you feel strongly about your vision, we will take your cues and come together to help execute. 

The beauty of JIVE, having worked with ad agencies, art directors, copy writers and marketing teams, is that if your vision needs fine tuning, we can offer that help as well. It has become second nature for us to dive into how to best convey your message visually, and our experience with branding and messaging can be extremely valuable if the client is newer to the game. In other words, you get the best of both worlds, we can take the lead from the client, or to step up and offer new and exciting ideas that may inspire the project.

Photographers are creative by nature, but our main goal is to facilitate the production of images and/or video content that you and your team need. This is why people skills are so important in this industry, being able to sense when the client needs support creatively is something experienced photographers can sense, and will then present suggestions for execution. 

Don’t forget, your ideas are important, and good communication is the key to an excellent result.

Client questions answered: When should you start looking to hire a professional photographer?

A question that comes up a lot when talking to prospective clients is, how far along in the concept stage of the project should I be before hiring a professional photographer? While some may think their ideas should be completely hashed out, it’s quite the opposite. You really don’t need to be very far along in the process at all. 

There are a few specific questions that you and your team should discuss before meeting with a photographer to best communicate your needs. These questions will give the photographer a better sense of what role they can play, and what they can bring to the table. Knowing to ask these questions also empowers the client, and can facilitate better communication right out of the gate.

Here are the questions we believe to be most important when first engaging with a professional photographer:

 What are you looking to photograph?

Do you have any reference shots to share to help with visual art direction etc.?

How many people need to be photographed? (Groups or individuals?)

Where do you want the photoshoot to take place? (Studio or on location? and if on location, where and why?)

When does the shoot need to be scheduled? 

Is there requirement for additional talent? 

What is the turnaround time on deliverables?

Is there, or will there be an ad agency involved? 

What is the usage of the images we are going to produce? (Print, PR, advertising, online.) 

All of the above can influence the cost of the shoot, and so being direct can create trustworthy and meaningful communication about the project. 

These questions are foundational for both the photographer, and the team hiring them. Lead with these and you will have the support of your photographer throughout the project. 

JIVE'S NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

How is it already November? With the year end in sight, we have been reflecting on some of the projects that have meant the most to us in 2021. At the top of that list is the work we have done for Doctors Nova Scotia. JIVE was enlisted to produce a video for the Doctors Nova Scotia 2021 award recipients; demonstrating the work they do, and who they are. This project was such an incredible experience, and one that has created a product we are proud to share. From the moment we started this shoot we knew it was going to be special - but still, it exceeded our expectations.

These health professionals are heroes. They are intelligent beyond measure, humble and most notably, incredibly kind. Putting these videos together for them has been a great honour. Check out the teaser we put together for this project below:

JIVE’s Picks of the Month

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a must watch - even a must re-watch.

Quentin Tarantino really does check all the boxes. Every shot is so well crafted. I could really just watch it for the camera moves. That scene where Brad’s character drives the 1964 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia through the streets of LA at night, circa 1969 - just wow. Incredible sound track, as per usual, again, that’s a big part of Tarantino’s genius. Make sure to check it out.

Philly D.A. is an 8 part epic that follows Philadelphia's DA, Larry Krasner, during his tumultuous first term - and it is absolutely incredible. His approach to life is so refreshing. The clarity of his positions are so matter of fact.

He’s a hardcore lawyer-activist who has gotten himself elected to the highest office in the land - and that land (Philly), has the highest incarceration rate in the US... One thing is for sure, Larry Krasner is hell bent on doing the right thing.

Want to sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter? Or reach out about working with JIve? Contact us below:

Client questions answered: Do you need an advertising agency to facilitate your relationship with a photographer?

While we do work consistently with advertising and branding companies, you and your company certainly don’t have to go that route to work with a professional photographer.

However, not working with an agency means you will need a photographer who is seasoned in producing advertising work. Photographers who have experience working with agencies, art directors and creatives will understand that they are shooting to produce images for a specific marketing purpose. This means they will work in line with your specific messaging and will be able to produce images that reflect your brand values.

At JIVE we are aware that this experience in the advertising field is a must and we have years of delivering quality commercial content because of it. Every shoot we undertake, however big or small, involves strategic and all encompassing planning. Nothing we do, (at least almost nothing) happens by accident. As a result you as the client are well aware of what you will be receiving before the shoot even happens. The shoot is more likely to go smoothly when all involved parties have been part of the planning, it ensures the messaging will be spot on. 

Using a photographer with advertising/marketing experience means they will intuitively know what questions to ask you, and what obstacles may arise - meaning these issues can be squashed before the day of the shoot. This helps to guarantee quality images that are useable and relevant for years to come. 

The best way to make sure you are working with a photographer with this sort of experience? Ask the hard questions! By asking any photographer you are considering for a list of ad agencies and marketing companies they have worked with before, you will be able to decipher the level of experience they will bring to your shoot.

The most important aspect of working with anyone is understanding their experience and how it can serve you - working with a photographer is no different!