Intro by Mark Weber, M.Photog., Cr., M.Artist. CPP, Marathon Press
Whenever I seek inspiration, I open one of my PPA Image Excellence or Showcase books. The variety and quality of work from so many talented photographers never cease to amaze me. These images not only inspire me but also remind me of the high standards required to create award-winning photographs.
Recently, while browsing through the 2023 Image Excellence book, a stunning Santa image caught my eye. Curious about the artist, I discovered it was created by Rob Moorman from Tampa Bay, FL, who also had a second image featured in the same collection. Intrigued by his work, I reached out to him to learn more about the stories behind his award-winning images.
The Santa image is a friend from church. His real job is HVAC install and repair. He became a Santa for hire and has invested a lot into it. He stays busy as Santa now and has his younger crew doing the HVAC work for him. Very simple image. One light with a grid and a reflector. Black cloth background. Rembrant lighting. I find the simpler the image the more it stands out to the judges.
“Contemplating the Season” was created for the client’s Santa actor’s portfolio. Once he was Infront of the camera I asked him if I could photograph him for competition. He agreed once I explained to him what competition was and how it would be used.
This Santa is a professional Air Conditioning HVAC specialist and company owner. He became serious about Santa and is now keeping busy working at the North Pole while his younger employees are running the AC company with Santa’s oversight.
Santa has invested a lot of revenue into his outfits and marketing. He is also a member of the natural beard Santa Association. Who knew there was such a thing? We had a great session, and we laughed and cried over some of his emotional and heartwarming Santa stories he has experienced.
The technical aspect of creating “Contemplating the Season” was simple. In my studio I used one light and a reflector. I retired all my old equipment to studio use only. It all works perfectly and stays permanently setup so that I can go straight from a location shoot with modern gear to the studio that is already set up with the older equipment. Turn on the lights and serve another client without having to set up.
It’s kind of embarrassing how old the studio lighting gear is that I used to create this. I must say I use this old gear every day for paying clients. I have 3 Novatron power pack lighting systems. I know most of you are googling the brand Novatron now. My fill light is a 4 foot X 8 foot soft box with two bare tube Novatron heads mounted in it. It is an 880 Novatron power pack.
My key light power pack runs the key light and separation light. I have one 220 Novatron for background lighting and for high key work when needed. The lighting system is at least 30 years old or more. I had received them from my mentor and had them rebuilt 28 years ago and they are still working perfectly. They produce amazing light.
I must preface that when doing headshots and school pictures on location I use Alien Bee’s. I also use Godox lighting for the beach portraits that we do. I use a rolling salon pod as my studio tripod. It allows me to move around quickly or to work on the floor or from a higher position on a step ladder if needed. All the while providing excellent stability. I am half old school and half new school, I guess.
I am a busy working photographer and did not enter these images into our local or state associations first if I recall properly. I just entered at Imaging USA. It was a long shot in my mind because there is so much great work out there. I believe in keeping the image simple to win. Solid dark background, simple but perfected lighting and drawing lots of attention on a dynamic subject for the judges. Simple is better in my opinion. It also helps that my wife Tina who has a degree in fine art is my biggest advisor and critic.
I have been able to earn my way up at the Florida Professional Photographers Association with my FDPE, FED, FSA degrees. Unfortunately, my father had passed away in 2014 and I had set aside competing for a number of years but and I am back in the competition game with PPA and have hopes of earning my PPA Master’s Degree someday.
The “Street light Soloist” is a high school senior session. I used a rustic alleyway in Saint Petersburg Florida. It is about two miles from my studio. The lighting was a simple old video light with barn doors. My assistant held the light and moved it around for me until I received the look I had in mind. Also a very simple image with attention to detail. We did have to photoshop in a few missing bricks and remove weeds growing in between a few of them.
“Street Light Soloist” is a paying client. He is a High School senior. We also took a very simple approach with this image. I used a simple old video light. The light and battery were mounted on an old monopod. I had my assistant move it around until I found the proper lighting that had a streetlight feel to it. I set my exposure up and created the image. I do almost all my work in manual mode and change my camera settings frequently throughout a session to get the look I desire.
I like to have full control over my camera settings for creative purposes. When it really gets down to it, I am a simple photographer with a huge old school flair though I am using modern camera gear my lighting is definitely not the newest. As a professional I do not chase the technology just because it is new. I usually use my cameras for about 5 years then purchase the latest and greatest from that point.
After 28 years of business, I still feel like I am just starting. Always chasing the next client and keeping up with new ways to attract new clients and to hold onto the ones we already have along with continuing my education in my craft through the PPA.
