Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Rogers.
Hi Doug, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been interested in software, graphics and photography for a long time.
My career has been software/graphics engineer, but I have always been interested in photography for personal projects. I worked on Photoshop plugins for game developers and became knowledgeable about Photoshop internals. I have used Photoshop frequently over the years. I loved working with the artist creating content for games and developed many tools for them.
I first started photography in the days of film, but jumped on the digital photograph bandwagon because of my software background. Since then, I have combined my love of software and photography.
In 2019, I bought a digital camera and drove by a local event called “A Taste of Morgan Hill”. The streets were closed off and food vendors had many foods available to sample. Fortunately, I had my camera with my and walked around taking candid photographs of people enjoying the event. I was in heaven and I was hooked. I got some very memorable photographs and I will always remember that event fondly.
Since then, I have sought to photograph local events. I have been a regular at many of the local events and have had the opportunity to meet many very wonderful people that I otherwise would never have met.
One of the biggest events is Morgan Hill’s Freedom Fest. One of the largest fireworks displays in California and I am one of the core group of photographers. It is a lot of work, but it is a labor of love. Our team always does a great job and I really like working and learning with them.
I am always happy to volunteer to photograph local events that benefit the community. I photograph animals at a local shelter to help get them placed.
I take a lot of photographs at events, usually in the thousands and I spend a lot of time afterwards selecting the few photos I want to publish. The process of culling, or deleting unwanted photos, can take a lot of time.
Using by software background, I developed software to assist in the culling process to greatly speed up the process. My latest software product is PhotoCull, which I have publish as a one man company on the Windows Store. I use it after every photoshoot. I get my photography and software fix at the same time.
I get paid work, too. Since I have volunteered so much, people know me and refer clients to me.
As my website says, I am “An enthusiastic photographer who enjoys photographing events, people, wildlife and shelter animals.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest challenges have been shared by all. Covid really put a dent in events and many were cancelled. Photographs of people wearing masks just aren’t complelling.
Events were, and still are, affected by senseless shootings. I am so saddened that this is so common in the U.S. Events were cancelled because of security costs. Events are enclosed in fences.
Still, we have to make the most of the current situation and enjoy the events as they are.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been a volunteer photographer since 2018 for the local community. That is who I am now. I write software to support my photography.
I am also a videographer and have booked video events. Video is an important part of how we experience events.
I love working events and working with my fellow photographers from the Morgan Hill Photography Club. I have been a member for years.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have watched a lot of videos on portrait photography, which inspired my to do studio work. I have a full studio can take to events. Strobe light, light modifiers the whole works.
Pricing:
- $175/hr on site. Either event or photoshoot.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DougRogersPhotography.com
- Other: https://PhotoCull.com
