Open Gov Hub Photographer
The Open Gov Hub is a co-working space dedicated to organizations that focus on government transparency, accountability and civic participation. As of publishing, The Hub network includes 55+ organizations and over 150 people working from Washington, D.C. in partnership with 75 countries around the world, and offers members a slew of services beyond a hot desk and free coffee.
I was initially introduced to Open Gov Hub through Unfunded List, and I approached The Hub about joining as an in-house photographer and visual resource for their members, and they eagerly obliged. We agreed on a three month residency where I would be available to members at least one predictable day of the week for headshots and visual consultations.
Members would benefit from discounted headshot sessions, The Hub was able to provide an additional service to members and bonus event coverage and I would get to produce new work while honing my lighting, subject direction and headshot compositions with a new group of interesting people on a regular basis.
Logistics
A dozen Hub members took me up on my offer. Sessions were booked through Calendly, a new to me service that I will be incorporating into my client workflow in the near future. I chose to pose each participant in a blue nook and in front of a white wall, plus a third “make it up as we go” option.
Technology wise, I decided to limit myself to one flash, a Godox V850II (such a sexy name!) and one light modifier, a 2×3′ Neewer softbox. Constraints on gear and themes usually provide ample opportunities for experimentation and discovery. It’s hard to hone skills if you simply throw more gear at a problem or situation.
I also used a Fuji XT3 and 18-55 kit lens for most of the sessions. I loved this thing but decided to return it within my 30 day Adorama window because the money is needed elsewhere. I will definitely be putting together another Fuji setup before the year is out though.
It’s great to see everyone in front of the same backgrounds, especially the blue. I love a consistent series. It lets each person distinguish themselves in their own way.
Bright white is always a useful option, too, and its consistency works as a series on white just as well as it does in blue.
The “make it up as we go” option was always a roll of the dice. Sometimes I would try out a scene in the office that I had noticed earlier or I would literally let the conversation between myself and sitter lead the way. Most people develop a good mind for locations once they understand the flow of a headshot session and start to see great images of themselves on the back of a camera.
It’s an “ah ha” moment that I get to enable during just about every portrait and headshot session.
These type of shots can’t necessarily be used for everything but they can come in handy for specific situations.
Overall, the project was a success. I met some great people, tried out some interesting techniques and processes, and I had the chance to make work in a low pressure but appreciative setting.
Some of my initial contact with members has already blossomed into more work.
This residency coincided with a thorough redo of the backend processes of my business, so I wasn’t able to immediately capitalize on the marketability of the sessions, but it was a great project to pursue while rebuilding my business.
I can’t recommend these sort of partnerships enough to headshot and portrait photographers or other creatives and co-working spaces.
Book a Similar Session
I am no longer working out of Open Gov Hub once a week but I am booking headshot sessions at the Gateway Media Arts Lab here in Mount Rainier, Maryland or at locations chosen by clients in the Washington, D.C. area. If you are in need of some fresh imagery, visit my headshot page to learn more about my headshots and book a session.