“MAKE MY LOGO BIGGER” JIVE’s NEW PODCAST

Today is the official launch of JIVE Photographic Productions’ new podcast: “Make My Logo Bigger”. To say we are excited is an understatement. This has been a surprising, and exciting venture, and it has become apparent: the possibilities are endless.

Introducing our new podcast, and podcast services.

The creation of this podcast came to life after we decided to add podcasting to our list of services. Working with existing clients for photography and video production, we began to notice that they were forced to look elsewhere to produce another branding tool - podcasts. This was a wake up call to revisit what services the market is demanding of boutique companies, such as ours. It was an easy decision to immerse ourselves into the world of podcasts, and to invest in the appropriate education and equipment needed to do it properly. As we learned how to service our clients, the opportunity to create our own podcast kept staring us in the face - and now here we are.

The goal of “Make My Logo Bigger” (title derived from an industry inside joke) is to open up the advertising and marketing world in Halifax, and Nova Scotia. This is a massive sector in this province and city, and we feel that showcasing some its vets, and new faces, can help build a stronger community with shared knowledge and experience. Not to mention, we all have a hilarious story or two. We hope that this podcast becomes a resource for all interested in this kind of work, and a place to find well rounded answers and opinions about the industry.

All of this has happened pretty organically, and that is what is most promising about this venture. Heck, I even enjoy hosting it, must be my liberal arts background. Make sure to check back monthly as we continue to bring in leaders from this sector and explore in-depth the advertising and marketing culture of Halifax.

For our first episode we brought on multi-talented Samantha Gracie. Gracie is a Halifax born actor and singer/songwriter who now finds herself based in Toronto. On top of her arts career she has also started her own venture in Social Media Marketing - in fact she is in charge of JIVE’s social media. Working with Samantha has been a great joy, and she has taught us a lot about the importance of social media presence and how to approach the new age of marketing on these platforms. We talk about everything from COVID woes, to why TikTok is the app to keep an eye on. We hope you enjoy this first instalment of “Make My Logo Bigger”, and that you come back wanting more.

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Check it out here:

Clients questions answered: What will you leave with when working with a professional photographer?

We realize coming to a professional photographer can be daunting. With little to no experience in this field, how are you to know what to ask for and what to expect? What is the process between picking a photographer and receiving your photos? To an inexperienced party, one might think there is a standard answer to this question, however the truth is, that this is something that needs to be addressed early in the quoting process. There are numerous options available for you as the client and we can always tailor our approach based on your needs. Your expectations should always be vetted during the first round of conversations. 

Whenever we quote on a photography project one of the first questions we ask is how many final deliverable images is the client looking for, this means how many files or photos do you want to leave with. This not only clarifies the ask, it also help to inform how long the shoot will potentially take to complete, which in turn informs how we quote on the project. 

Once we have clarified what the client needs in the sense of deliverables, we can assess how long it will take to hand over the edited proofs. Realistically this usually only takes a day to three days maximum. Once those proofs are received, the client is able to look over them themselves and make selections based on what they want. We are always open to sharing our opinions on which shots stick out to us - however you are the client and your eye is important to the process. Once the file names are sent back to us we get to retouching. One we have retouched the appropriate files we do the final delivery of completed, retouched images and the client is good to go. 

It’s important to remember, timelines can be assessed on a project to project basis. If you have a tight turnaround, communicating that to you photographer means they can schedule each step appropriately. We are here to help YOU, being clear and concise about your expectations can help us exceed them.

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.