Get Your First Paid Client | Stoke-Ness
I recently shared some photos and video of a moto camping trip I did mid October.
It feels like it was a lifetime ago. Now we have several inches of snow and I’m looking forward to the start of ski season. Until then, I’ll be riding two wheels in the snow and paddling the river until it freezes over.
In this month’s issue, I share a guide to getting more work with clients, a book to help motivate you to do it and a video I made using the techniques I learned in both.
Be stoked,
Isaac
Who I'm loving on Instagram
Curtis Morgan
Primarily known as a director and master editor, if you’ve seen this year’s Sony Alpha branding video (a masterpiece) then you have seen Curtis’ work. You can see that video Here
His IG is no different. He is constantly creating with mind-bending concepts and gear only a creator of his caliber has access to. The results are videos and photos you won’t see anywhere else.
Give him a follow Here
Photo/Video Technique
Pitching by Peter Corbett
So you are confident your work is good. You know that if given the chance, brands will pay for your photos and videos.
Well, you have the chance and it’s called “Pitching”. It’s unlikely that anyone is going to hand you a project, so its time to learn the skill most photographers and filmmakers aren’t good at.
I recommend The Entrepreneurs Guide to Pitching Clients and Getting Sales by Peter Corbett. This online workshop by Creative Live is the perfect way to learn simple concepts and make your “reach out” the most effective it can be.
This is the next step if you want to do this full time. You don’t need 500k followers, you need to know how to understand your client’s needs and offer a solution they belive in. Buy this class and complete it before next month and you will be thanking me you did.
Get it Here
New Places
Puncak Jaya peak, Indonesia
Raise your hand if you know where Papua, Indonesia is on a map. OK, now raise your hand if you know where Puncak Jaya peak is. No one?
I was surprised to learn about a massive (16k feet high), glacier-covered peak in Indonesia that looks like part of the Himilayas. As usual, when I find something this crazy that I had not expected or ever heard of, I’ve added it to the list of future project locations. I’ll be using the knowledge I learned about pitching in my technique section to get a client on board for the project.
See where it is on Google Maps HERE
Read more about climbing it HERE
Gear
Trekking Poles for hiking
I recently went on a hike with a friend who was using trekking poles for the first time. After 16 miles and 4,000 feet of elevation change, he said “I always laughed at old people using these things, now I know why they do! So much energy saved!”.
That is precisely the reason I use them on all my hikes over a few miles. They allow you to use your leg muscles for forward momentum and your arms for balance. I also use them to help me slow down on steep hills, and push me forward going up (like a cross country skier).
You might look like a nerd, but arriving at your destination with energy to climb a few peaks on your way is worth the ridicule of other hikers.
I use a cheap pair from Amazon while my friends use super light weight carbon fiber poles from Black Diamond.
Find them both HERE
Music I'm Diggin'
Swordfighter by Andrew Applepie
I think most people know Andrew as the man behind the wildly popular songs on the Casey Niestat vlogs. That lo-fi “chillhop” sound seems to have faded out, but Andrew is constantly finding new sounds and genres to add to his signature style.
Swordfighter is a song for a November work day or that long cold walk to your favorite coffee spot. You will be hitting the repeat button on this one all month.
10/10 would recommend
Give it a spin on Spotify here. (or hit the play button above)
Videos, Movies, and TV
Better Than Hiking? | Sherco 300 Review
I know that not all of you are into motorcycles. I get it. But I honestly think you will love my new video.
I spent months making this in a way that I think appeals to even the most anti motorhead among us. I’d consider it a personal favor if you watched it and let me know what you think. If you subscribe I’ll owe you forever =)
Watch it HERE (or click the play button above)
Reads
Discipline Equals Freedom.
If you are creative, then discipline is probably not your natural tendency. I know I seem to drift wherever the inspiration takes me, then look up a few weeks later and wonder what I have been doing with my time.
This book was recommended by my friend Tom at Aspect Science.
It was just what I needed. No fluff, no beating around the bush, just a swift kick to get you back on track. It’s an easy read and you’d be missing out if you don’t pick this one up.
Buy it Here
or Listen to it for free using a library and the Libby app
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
