Mining

18
Jan
Maintaining Mining Tires
Commercial / Industrial / Mining / Photography / Shop People / The People / 0 Comment / January 18, 2019

Possibly one of the most costly expenses in the industry without efficient mining tires the operations would come to a standstill. Just like on our own personal vehicles tire pressure can effect the efficiency of the vehicle as well as fuel/energy consumption. Active monitoring and regular inspections can decrease expenses as well as maintaining a safe working environment for the vehicle operator and site personnel


17
Jan
The Faces Of Mining That Tell The Story
Industrial / Marketing / Mining / Photography / The People / 0 Comment / January 17, 2019

I have been in the mining industrial industry long enough to see numerous changes in how a company markets their products, equipment and software. Social media has been a major factor in how information is presented, stories are told and connections are made. The faces of mining are at the forefront of marketing and storytelling has become a key ingredient in marketing and branding. Companies are no longer using “stock photography” of nameless people that have nothing to do with their company or even the industry. Nowadays people connect with people first and when you have a story that is relatable to the person reading it the connection to your company  is stronger.

This is what I love to do and what I have built my photography career around and when I give my elevator pitch to prospective clients I suggest to them to showcase the companies story through the people that are representing the company from the bottom up. Highlight them, showcase them and inspire others through them.


11
Jan
Shoot Smarter Not Faster
Uncategorized / 0 Comment / January 11, 2019

Came across an article I wrote in 2012 in regards to quality vs expectations.

A quality photograph is much more than a click of the shutter, but today’s society is programmed to think otherwise in my opinion. Just look at the cellphone cameras with all the photo manipulation apps. Photographing in the Mining/Industrial fields I am constantly faced with educating my clients about what it takes to create an Eye Popping High Impact image.

On the job site my subjects really don’t have the time to wait around for the photographer to get things setup and the longer it takes, the more impatient they become. I always get the “Can’t you just take a quick snap?”
The mining/industrial employers that hire me know the difference (that’s why they hire me) but the employees always need more convincing since the information very rarely get’s passed down the chain of command. Don’t be shy to SHOW your clients the difference between a good photograph and a bad one. Include this in your marketing materials, on your website and even during the shoot. This has a HUGE impact on their expectations. Once they SEE the difference, they are more inclined to give you the time you need to create the quality of image you are known for.

I quickly took a snapshot with my point and shoot camera so that I could show them the difference at the shoot. I still see a lot of professional companies using point and shoot snapshots for their marketing materials so don’t be shy to educate your clients about the process of creating your high impact images.

Note: This image was created using 3 Lumopro flashes with Pocket Wizards, A Canon 5dMarkII with a 24-105 lens.
James Hodgins

Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list below and receive my latest posts once a week every Monday morning.

Mining Photog Subscribe Link


10
Jan
Industrial Shops Around The World
Uncategorized / 0 Comment / January 10, 2019

It’s that time of year again when I hit the road and explore the industry in other countries. I love visiting other Countries and exploring the industry around the world. Although there are challenges creating images in other countries like travel logistics, language barriers, environments as well as safety procedures I do enjoy creating images for people that don’t necessarily have professional photographs on a regular basis.


2
Jan
The Last Portrait of 2018
Mine Photos / Mining / Photography / Sudbury Ontario / The People / 0 Comment / January 2, 2019

2019 is now upon my doorstep and I only have a remaining few days off before I start implementing some 2019 goals.  2018 was a great year and I truly enjoyed all the travel and clients I interacted with throughout the year.  I learned a few new things in the direction of my photography as well as some new marketing strategies that work as well as lots that didn’t work.  It’s a learning curve every year as industry changes with the times and so our business strategies must adapt.  Thank you to all my clients new and old for allowing me to capture images that showcase your company, who you are and what you do.  Here is my last portrait of 2018 at the end of my shoot with www.nsscanada.com


21
Dec
Faces In The Industry
Marketing / Mine Photos / Photography / Sudbury Ontario / The People / 0 Comment / December 21, 2018

I created this quick portrait of Kaija yesterday after we finished a shoot for one of our mutual clients Northern Survery Supply.  Kaija creates custom content for their social media platforms via www.socialriseagency.com   I met Kaija last month and we discussed the importance of good content accompanied with good photography can make a big difference in a companies branding and social media influence.  I enjoyed working alongside her yesterday and look forward to future content creating sessions.

 

 


14
Dec
Mines Of The Future
Marketing / Mine Photos / Mining / Photography / Sudbury Ontario / 0 Comment / December 14, 2018

With the advancement of technology and the demand for resources mining companies are constantly discussing and implementing new strategies for the sustainable future.  Here is a recent post from Craig Thornton of Hatch that discusses Five Challenges That Mining Needs To Address Today

 


12
Dec
The Tool Is Only As Good As It’s User
Commercial / Industrial / Marketing / Mine Photos / Mining / Photography / 0 Comment / December 12, 2018

Technology is at the forefront of everything these days, making things faster and more efficient as well as simplifying the process.   In photography we often hear the comment “your photos are amazing, you must have a good camera.”  Yes, I do have a good camera, in fact I have 2.  I have also heard people mention that eventually photographers might be out of work since everyone will be able to take high quality images with their phones.  I agree everyone will be able to capture high quality images, but a high quality image of crap is still crap.  We used to have saying in photography  “garbage in, garbage out” which roughly translates to if you have a crappy scene, you are going to capture a crappy scene.  Just because someone uses a good tool doesn’t mean they are going to get great results.

The tools are only as good as the users and in photography there is a lot more going on than just snapping the shutter.  I need to know where to place my subjects for composition, I need to know how the images will be used for marketing, I need to know where to put negative space for copy and graphics as well as I need to know how to properly light the scenario so specific elements in the image are brought to the viewers attention.  I also need to know how to direct my subjects in a situation that is constantly changing all the while keeping track of time for maximum efficiency.  The only way you will get the same image with a cellphone is if you manage all of the fore mentioned elements or shoot over my shoulder lol.    Photography technology has been advancing since the pinhole camera and will continue to advance but the fundamentals of good photography have not changed.


4
Dec
Work Safe – Always.
Mine Photos / Mining / Photography / The People / 0 Comment / December 4, 2018

They are the faces you know and you hope you never have to see in action. ~ Mine Rescue


3
Dec
Just Ask Any Of My Clients
Mine Photos / Mining / Photography / 0 Comment / December 3, 2018

“James Hodgins is a highly professional photographer that has always delivered great images of both our mining equipment products and our employees.  It has always been a pleasure to work with James and would highly recommend his work.”

Mariolen Hagen

Marketing Communications Project Mgr
Komatsu Mining Corp. Group

 

I strive to create the most dynamic images within every situation I am presented with while on site.  I try to create a photography experience that is professional and productive so that my clients know they are receiving images that will be an asset to their companies branding and marketing materials.

 



Page 1 of 11