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OMP Pro File –
George Hoffmann | by Elias of All Star Photography -
OMP Member #10270
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George Hoffmann (OMP Member ID 98981) of Onyx Photography is a Florida-based photographer whose work stands out for its sharp imagery.
Starting to shoot as a hobby, George has been pursuing it professionally 3 years.
He got interested in taking photos because at the advent of the digital revolution.
"I thought digital photography was cool being able to view
your images right away, so I bought a Nikon Coolpix camera and since then I have been hooked.
I read more, learned more and started shooting lots of pictures. Friends and family were telling me how much they liked my images.
Since everyone seemed to like them so much and I enjoyed doing it so much I pushed further on."
George prefers to shoot models, nature, landscape, wedding and interiors.
"I would have to say I like shooting models and weddings most. I enjoy just taking photos but I think I am a people shooter.
I like to make everyone look their very best."
Using Canon digital cameras exclusively, George’s equipment bag holds a 1Ds MarkII and a 20D, along with all
Canon L glass lenses in varying focal lengths." His home studio is a converted two-car garage in a quiet neighborhood,
with two AC units, fan, carpet, music. "It has served me very well in the last couple of months.
I also have an elaborate computer system so the models can view the images after the shoot."
Preparing for a shoot is a simple task for George.
"Other than the basic checking equipment, charging batteries.
I make sure the studio is in order and neat. I have some ideas planned with the model with color schemes etc.
I sometimes create my own backdrops / mini sets for certain situations. These are carefully painted and designed by me.
When the model arrives and is prepared for the shoot I am ready to go."
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Part of the secret to his photographic success is his use of “strategic lighting” techniques.
"These range from standard basic lighting setups to more complex setups. It depends on the shot
and what I am visualizing at the time. All lighting is electronic strobe. I usually use five lights
some with grids, softboxes, and umbrellas. I am always trying to break the rules."
George relates that OMP has helped his career in many ways.
"It has given me connections to models
who are creative and has helped me to expand my portfolio. Now I am getting leads, making connections
and making a name for myself. I don’t think I could have done it without OMP."
Being on OneModelPlace.com actually helped him land a recent job shooting a CD cover.
"A model who I met at OMP’s networking event ‘In the Click’ contacted me about a job shooting a CD
cover with a group of models. The shoot was to incorporate five or six models in swimwear.
One of the models was very well known and her photos were published in many magazines. It was quite an experience.
I learned a lot, made some money and made the client very happy. I would say all went great.
I have another shoot next week with a video production company with another model shoot."
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George’s other credits include ads in "Florida Design," "Simply the Best," and "Grandeur" magazines.
"I have an extensive background in set design and fine art. I was hired to cover tennis pro Venus Williams interior
design studio grand opening, among other events in the South Florida area.” His goals as a photographer are quickly
becoming reality. “I think things are happening a little faster than I thought. Before I can make a goal I have seemed
to surpass it. But thinking now I would say I will just keep doing my best work and having a good time doing it. Then,
I will see where it takes me."
As far as advice for models, George offers,
"I think a lot of potentially good models post a few images on OMP and think they are set, only to find out that nothing
is happening. My advice for them is to build a large versatile portfolio. The hard work will come back later in a positive way."
He also has some words of wisdom for his fellow photographers.
"Be professional and respect the models.
In return the models will be able to do there best and you will get better images in the end."
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© 2005 by Elias "All Star" Stimac
NOTE: If you are an OneModelPlace.com model and wish
to have your opinions included in "Modeling in Focus,"
email All Star through his OMP page Member
#10270 and write in the subject line "Model Profile".
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