Learn how to be a director with Thomas Ingersoll.
This week our Blok EDU instructor, Thomas Ingersoll, gives some vital information on how to make sure you're an effective director! His post takes you on a step-by-step process from meeting the client(s), to delivering the final images. You can check the entire post HERE!
Productivity.
People often assume that being more productive is simply about getting more done in less time. If you are a productive person, you definitely accomplish more in months than many people do in years, but productivity is more of a way of being. You could be doing less and at the same time, be more productive. What do you think of when you think about ‘being more productive in your life’?
Here are a few tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your day.
Wake Up Early!
Decide what you’d like to accomplish each morning, and build your morning routine off of that. The mornings are a fresh start, peaceful and free of ringing phones and constant email notifications. If you get your most important things done in the morning, the rest of the day is a breeze.
Declutter your workspace!
The decluttering your workspace part of it is simply to remove all extra distractions, on your desk and on your computer. If you’ve got a clean workspace, you can better focus on the task at hand. We often believe we can efficiently multitask, which is false. Work on that one task, and work on it with concentrated focus until you are done. This ensures you are giving your best efforts.
Make a productivity playlist!
Create a playlist that includes lyric-free music and that plays at a medium volume. This can help you stay on task and can even enhance your focus on the task at hand.
Do the tough tasks before lunch!
The task you've been putting off the most is usually the one you should tackle first and we all know which tasks those are. Often when you put things off, they end up being things you don’t really want to do. But sometimes they are things you just gotta do. If you can do them first thing in the morning even better!
Around The Blok. Vol 1. - Daniel Primero
Phoenix is the 6th largest city in America (Population: 1,563,025), so there's no shortage of talent across the valley. However, Phoenix does tend to have small-town vibe at times. In our new segment "Around The Blok" our goal is to spotlight individuals making an impact on the city's ever-growing creative community. Today, we are thrilled to feature Phoenix-based Photographer, Daniel Primero.
PHOTO BY: Daniel Primero
Favorite Camera:
The Contax G2, people would argue that the autofocus is slow and inaccurate. Using the camera takes a bit of patience. The structure is exactly what I look for in a body, sturdy and simple. The camera partnered with its Carl Zeiss glass has been my go-to for a while now.
Favorite Lens:
The Canon 24-70 2.8. Versatile, fast, and sharp. I don't really care to shoot anything lower than 2.8 and it's really nice to be able to have that option of an ultra wide and portrait lens in one. If I were to have one lens for the rest of my life, the 24-70 would be the choice.
PHOTO BY: Daniel Primero
What is photography to you:
My Pops raised my siblings and I with a camera in his hand. So photography has a bit of a sentimental value to me and that’s how I got started. Other than that, photography is work and play. It’s what pays the bills, but also gives me some sort of solace.
Favorite aspect of Blok:
My favorite thing about Blok, besides the team that runs it, would have to be its versatility. I’ve had clients wanting natural light and strobe work in the same shoot. I’ve always been a big fan of natural light, and Blok has it. The early morning lighting the Van Buren studio offers has created some heavy contrasted and dramatic work. On the other hand, Blok has offered a great space for studio work. I’ve never had an issue with natural light leaking onto the subject when I’m working with strobes. The versatility of both Blok Studios is incredible.
PHOTO BY: Daniel Primero
If you weren't a photographer what would you be:
If I weren’t a photographer, I’d probably still be somewhere in the creative field. If not, then I’d be some sort of small shop owner. I’ve always been into quality goods. My dream has been to have a small shop. Not to make a killing, but to have a place where my friends and I could kick it and talk about our days. A place where the neighborhood kids would come by just to hang out. That kind of hometown hub that you’d see in cinema.
PHOTO BY: Daniel Primero
You can follow Daniel on Instagram HERE
We Are Brothers.
Caleb Alvarado is an architect turned commercial & editorial photographer/cinematographer based in Phoenix, AZ. His work constantly conjures human connection and creates new perspectives for the viewer. We were lucky enough to have front row seats to this masterpiece created at our Pierce location.
The artist statement can be found below.
'We are Brothers. You are my blood. We have fought and we have loved each other. I know we know we will never cease our love, there is nothing greater than the “love that allows us to share our name.”'
“We are Brothers”
featuring @slawek_wozniak @mwozniak1 @masterballetacademy
#Choreography: @slawek_wozniak @mwozniak1
Cinematographer & #Director: @CalebAlvarado
Shot at @blok_studio
Postproduction @CalebAlvarado
Music: Dead Island Theme composed by Giles Lamb
Special thanks to @jrrevolver @revolver_creative @chavezcarlos1 @raininggreenbug
WORK-LIFE BALANCE.
In today's busy world, prioritizing between your work and your personal life can be a huge challenge. Poor work-life balance can result in high levels of stress, unhappiness, and even reduced productivity. Here are a few tips to help you stay balanced.
Taking Time for Yourself.
Taking a little time for yourself refreshes and re-energizes you. It allows you to think more clearly and make better decisions. If you take part in something you enjoy during your personal time-out, be sure that you use your time for leisurely activities. Do not push yourself to complete anything. Simply enjoy the time. Other benefits include the ability to sleep better, less anxiety, and less tension overall.
Become self-disciplined.
Self-discipline is the ability to do what you know you should do, whether you feel like it or not. It's the most important quality for any person who is juggling daily task. Without it, we struggle between the forces of doing what is necessary and what is fun. Fortunately, self-discipline is a skill that can be developed. Focus on the task at hand, and avoid multitasking.
REGULARLY COMMUNICATE WHAT’S WORKING AND WHAT IS NOT.
People who are good at staying on task make a conscious choice to continually talk to the important people in their lives about what is working or not, and make decisions to change direction if needed. While life happens and situations change, they avoid ending up in a place they didn’t want to because of their clear intentions.
MAKE DELIBERATE CHOICES ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT IN LIFE.
People who achieve work-life balance make deliberate choices about what they want from life and how they want to spend their time. It’s critical to have that conversation with the people around you to properly communicate your priorities.
LIVE, LEARN, LIGHT.
LIVE, LEARN, LIGHT. These words encompass Blok Studio's entire purpose for existing. We believe that promoting a healthy lifestyle allows a more effective creative process to ensue. At Blok Studio, we provide a platform to cultivate new ideas and collaborate with creatives through our many classes and workshops. Through continued support from our community, we are able add to a wide range of educational services to our programs. These programs provide a supportive setting to creatives from all different types of backgrounds and knowledge. We truly believe it takes a team to build something special. This ability sheds light on the many talented individuals that have helped to shape the new Downtown Phoenix area and beyond.