Happy New Year from JIVE!

It’s a new year, and JIVE has a lot to be excited about. With plans to expand on our services and new equipment ready to go, the possibilities are endless. However, before any of that, our team had to grow. It’s important to us that our clients can put a face to the JIVE name, and so to that end, let us re-introduce ourselves.

JIVE TEAM 2022

Say hello to the faces of JIVE!

If you've worked with JIVE before, James Ingram will come as no stranger. Owner, Director and head Commercial Photographer, James' years of experience have made JIVE the name it is today. His passionate eye and tireless work ethic make him a stand out in the industry. 

Next is James' right hand man, Mark Archibald. Mark is celebrating his fourth year with the company. As Content Manager, Photography/Video Editor, Photographer, 1st AD, and Director of Photography, it's safe to say Mark wears many hats for the company - and he wears them incredibly well. Mark's expansive abilities help create a stand out experience for each client. His problem solving and creative eye are undoubtedly part of what keep clients coming back to JIVE time and time again.

And finally, our newest addition: please welcome Rix Mascarenhas. Originally from São Paulo Brazil, Rix came to Nova Scotia in 2019 to pursue a career in commercial photography. A graduate of the NSCC Photography program, Rix now brings his talents to JIVE. Rix’s qualifications include being a certified drone pilot, assistant photographer, camera operator, experienced audio technician, and a proficient writer. A true lover of art, Rix prioritizes telling meaningful stories and bringing concepts to life. Rix will undoubtedly bring added value to all projects produced by JIVE.

JIVE prides itself on collaboration, education and team work. With that in mind, we’re excited to take on anything 2022 has in store for us.

But that’s enough about us, now it’s your turn. Reach out to us today with any questions you may have and let’s see what the team at JIVE can do for you. 

Client questions answered: Can you rely on your photographer to help creatively?

Photographers are in this industry usually because they are creatives themselves - so when you feel overwhelmed in the process do not be afraid to lean on them!

We have worked with all different types of clients with varying levels of experience in the creative realm and therefore have experience helping along the journey. Over time, we have become proficient in knowing what questions to ask to ensure you receive the results you require. At Jive, we are always interested in brainstorming with the client and are always up for offering our own insight and ideas. Collaboration often leads to incredible results.

If you want even more guidance and help on the creative side, hiring an Ad Agency is always a great option. Ad Agencies will take care of creative direction and will even further organize options and ideas for you to approve and move forward with. 

This is usually a route taken with larger clients that have multiple marketing needs, ie. website development, a media buy, rebranding etc etc. 

To facilitate the organization and cohesiveness of a large ask such as above, The Ad Agency would assign an Art Director to work directly with the photographer. This addition to the team helps to ensure that the images reflect the overall vision of the campaign and they can help with all creative matters.

At the end of the day, creatively you are covered. Your input and vision remain the most important, but those in your team can help guide and refine along the way. We are and continue to be team players - so send us in coach!

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.