Deneb Catalan

I never chose photography. Photography chose me.

Before moving to Portland, I was into Graphic Design and Acting.
For two years, I've photographed textures and HDRi Environment maps for a production house that worked on special FX for Film.

I would point my camera at this half-chrome/flat matt gray ball looking thing...

...to capture the reflection on the chrome ball. The grey sphere is used for light direction and shadows. These images (shown below) are to be used for digital lighting algorithms in CG Environments.

Years before my world of CG, I lived in Hawaii

where I worked on my fifth job as a part-time photographer assistant, for this Photo Studio/Rental house. Before B&H.com, it was known for being the one-stop-shop for photographers. It was one of my most favorite jobs. I would assist on weddings, senior portraits, corporate portraits, high-fashion, conceptual, group shots, rock shows, baby pictures and pets. Sometimes, I would be waist deep in the ocean and 'bouncing' sunlight on a bikini model with a five foot reflector, under the blazing tropical sun.

Kinda like this guy.

I was really good at my job. I enjoyed the hustle and the many types of attitudes and personas each of these photographers had. I observed their work ethic and how they presented themselves to people. It was interesting to see contrasting point of views and opinions. Although, I must say, it was no day at the beach (pun intended). These photographers worked me to the fucking bone.

Years had passed, jobs came and went. I finally moved to Portland, Oregon

I worked for a company that claimed to be a graphic design house, but it turned out to be a scam to sell something that Wordpress now gives out for free. I was given my last check and it was only half of what they owed. That stung quite a bit. I started to get back into acting and got an agent. Back then, I was actually hired by my agent to sort out headshots part time and later promoted to Front Desk. I began to learn about the inner workings of an industry that I wanted to be a part of, in some capacity. I had to leave the Agency because things were getting heated between the people running the show. So, I worked for Starbucks. I figured I haven't suffered enough as it is. lmao!

My barista life took a pleasant turn

when a coworker, Nouel Riel, showed interest in Modeling and Acting, but didn't have a portfolio or headshots. I offered to do it for her! Using her own DSLR and a basic kit lens, I shot some portraits and lifestyle shots around Downtown and came up with some amazing sets. All the training I had in Hawaii began to switch in my brain. Nouel was a natural in front of the lens and she continues to inspire me.

After Nouel gotten the proofs, she began to upload them onto Facebook. People began to buzz about the images and calls started to come in, asking me what my rates were. Something I never knew about. The business part of it. Oops. I wasn't prepared for anything. The photographers I knew never shared their rates with me. Why would they? At the time I didn't really care. So, I had to test this out before calling myself a 'pro' anything, and get paid at the same time. So I said the first number that came to me, "uh...Sixty?" Half a year later I got my business license, I gave Starbucks my two weeks and never looked back ever since.

Nouel Riel - the muse
www.nouelriel.com

Obviously, being a photographer was the last thing on my mind.

Few of the many lessons I've learned through this venture; $60 is way too low, digital is not free and dropping a difficult client is not the end of the world. Since then, I've photographed hundreds of portraits, headshots, fashion, events and behind the scenes for film productions. Photography became my new obsession.

I met amazing people along the way, met a great deal of people from around the world, including a client turned best friend, Monica Marteau, owner of French Cut Hair. We've collaborated on a few film and photography projects. We helped each other out with many challenges. She's good people. We are currently working on a documentary together, but I'll get to that some other post.

Left to Right: J. Marie Hall, Daven Hall, Monica Marteau and I'm circled in red.
Paris, France - www.frenchcuthair.com

BTS (behind the scenes) of Chuck Palahniuk's project Lulluby with Film Director Adam Mingo
At Cine Rent NW, Portland Oregon

The world is my studio.

I was told by several photographers that I need to have the best-of-the-best or even a studio to be successful. Despite what these photographers say, this is simply NOT TRUE! Most of the photography I've done in the first two years, were shot with a Semi-Professional camera with a basic plastic kit lens and reflector. I made good money with a camera that cost me less than rent! I used every inch of that camera. It served me well.

Nebcat Photography - nebcat.com

Currently, I'm doing pretty good!

I apologise for terrible writing and structure. Steemit is a great way to share knowledge, build a community, make some cash and improve on writing. Which is one reason why I am on Steemit - to write better by sharing stuff kept in my brain for decades. Maybe I could finally fund my own project with STEEM. Time will tell, but it's gonna be fun. ;)

In closing, I really want to make a difference, somehow. I'm pretty easygoing, but may be too honest for most people's taste. I would love to write some comedy! I believe steemit could very well be that creative push that I've been looking for! Why not? I'm forty years old, after all. I don't ask for too much, I'm continuing to learn and grow and I value my time. Like this very moment, I am spending my time sharing a slice of my life with you and I'm gonna do my best to stick to it. I am grateful to have wonderful friends, loves, family and even people plotting to destroy me - I am grateful for it all.

Thank you for reading this.

I'm really looking forward to what Steemit will bring to this planet. Steemit is a total game changer!

All the very Best,

Deneb Catalan
@nebcat
nebcat.com

Ps, I <3 Portland!