Doug Holt Photography

Doug Holt Photography | Long Island City, New York, USA

douglasleeholt[at]gmail.com | +1 (917) 650-1132

Q&A with Doug

How did you get into taking pictures for a living?

I started my professional photography career in the revolving doors of JP Morgan on 80 Wall St in late December of 1998 – I was heading OUT the revolving doors, never to return, as analyzing derivative trades just wasn’t for me. So, I made the decision that if not banking, then something I actually love and can do for the rest of my life – photography was a foregone conclusion. I hit the pavement with a snappy banker’s resume and was very grateful to find a job in the equipment room of Soho Studios on Varick Street in Lower Manhattan where I learned to light, shoot, book studios, handle equipment and assist photographers. I assisted on set and in the studio in the wonderful last days of film and 4×5 cameras with Francesco Scavullo, Jose Picayo, David Drebin, Bill Diodato, Peter Margonelli – it was awesome! Tragically, the events on Sept. 11 led to the studios’ closing for 2 months as we were in the “Ground Zero” zone – jobs (and the creative economy) temporarily froze with uncertainty and along with my regular photographer’s assistant gigs – so I did the only reasonable thing – I started calling potential clients and offered 25% of what they were paying their old photographers. Sink or Swim. It worked – and I’ve been shooting ever since.

Tell me about your 360º photography studio setup! For starters, what kind of camera do you shoot with?

I use high-end digital photography gear for my 360º work and shoot in my 1000 sq ft day light studio in Long Island City, New York – which is on the East River in Queens.

What type of products are you particularly good at creating 360º views of? Do you have a specialty?

I enjoy shooting all sorts of objects in 360º, but my speciality is all things shiny.

Describe your ideal client for shooting a 360º view.

An ideal client to me participates in the creative process, understands their goals clearly and loves their product.

For 360º photography, do you prefer shooting in high volume or low volume?

Either one. I enjoy both large and small projects.

What kind of things do you do for fun? You know, outside of work?

I travel as much as possible! I ski, I sail…I have two little girls, three and five years old – so…I do tea parties and sing silly songs and tickle and tackle on a regular basis.

Who are some clients you’ve done work with in the past?

Casio, Versace, Boots Beauty, Ahava, Verizon Wireless, Ralph Lauren…I’ve been very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with blue chip clients on a regular basis – and am inspired by small and upstart clients.

How does your pricing work for 360º product photography?

To use shoes as an example I can generally get 4-5 done an hour, which at my hourly on white, still life set up studio rate of $200 works out in the $40-50 range (per shoe). I can sometimes do it faster than that, in which case the cost goes down.

What’s a memorable project you’ve worked on in the past?

What’s fresh in my memory is a 10 day shoot I did for Land Rover USA on an off-road drive from North Carolina to Kentucky – which came off as cool as it sounds. In the studio, I had a fun, long project with Radko Industries shooting their extensive hand-painted glass Christmas ornaments which was challenging, interesting and kept the studio buzzing for weeks. I also really enjoyed shooting Casio’s new High End MT-G G.Shock watch. The images were for advertising and I had the wonderful opportunity to see my work on a Bus Stop near Times Square.

What’s the best way for someone to get in touch with you?

While I pick up every telephone call that comes in, the best way to get in touch is via email at douglasleeholt@gmail.com so I have a moment to think about your project and request for a bid and can get back to you clearly.

Contact Doug