As a photographer, you are always looking for what’s new and different.  You are always looking at other photographer / artist’s work for style, technique and interesting ways to handle a subject matter.  This is true of new photographers just starting in the industry looking for inspiration and for grizzled veterans, watching for what the competition is up to.

As I return to the world of photography, I find myself not only looking at other artists work, I also look at their business, or at least their business model.

Enter Trey Ratcliff.

Trey is a phenom in the digital photography world.  His work with HDR, (high dynamic range), photographs has not only set the standard, but keeps raising the bar.  But as fantastic as his photos are, it is his business, his business model and his business philosophy that intrigues me the most.  Rather than getting into a whole “Trey Roast” deal here, go check out his website, www.stuckincustoms.com and see for yourself.  The photos are great, the website is fun and the information he offers freely is worthy of an expensive semester class at Brooks Institute.

While so many photographers are trying to change their business and embrace the web, the internet and the new marketing world, he has immersed his whole photographic world right in the middle of it.  It’s all web based…no clients, no art directors, no knocking on doors with your book.  His plan is simple and it works: “Come to my website”.

To get a real feel for who this guy is, check out the video interview with Dane Sanders, (another photo business guru).  It is on he site Stuck In Customs.  Rather then link the video, go to his site and find it.  It is well worth the time looking though his site to find it.  Really, you’ll thank me later.

It is so refreshing to see a photographer follow his dream and succeed.  His philosophy of staying true to the art you make, concentrate everything in creative endeavors and, most importantly, share everything you have and have learned.  Wow.  So many “old” school photographers worry about what the other guy is doing and how to beat the competition, they forget why they got into the business in the first place.

Trey has it right.  Share everything, stay true to your art and heart and be competitive only with yourself.

When I grow up, I want to be just like him.