THE PAT SAJAK TIP

By Gary Bernstein

Quick Tip 1: A shoot is NEVER for one purpose.

Quick Tip 2: Spell out the reason for a photo session before the session starts – right from initial contact - and get it in writing!*

In honor of my client, Pat Sajak, finally calling an end to his legendary run on Wheel of Fortune, let’s take a look at this shot of Pat that I made in my Culver City, California studio. Just to be fair ;), my shots of pretty Vanna—which were taken in New York City--will be the subject of a future tip.

In 1991, Pat Sajak called me asking if I would photograph him and his wife for a series of belated romantic wedding portraits. Of course, it was my pleasure, and Pat was a pleasure as well and just as kind as he has appeared to be on TV over all these years.

STAY TUNED! MY DIGITAL BOOK COLLECTION, DETAILING MORE HELPFUL TIPS, WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON FOR PURCHASE HERE ON DENNYMFG.COM!

RE TIP 1 and 2:

It was spelled out (with a formal contract) that the session images were to be used for personal use only – no commercial usage was granted. Naturally, in addition to a 3-hour session photographing Pat and his bride, I finished by doing a series of images of Pat alone, and his bride alone as well (TIP #3 – you never know who will become a huge star in their own right somewhere in the future).

This image of Pat was made as a publicity shot, obviously for publication (with a photo credit to me) but for Pat to use for fan clubs, signing etc. The image is flatter with less contrast (and less angular lighting) than what I would produce as an art portrait study for Pat. It was made on a 35mm camera with a short telephoto lens on color transparency film (ahhh film...a shout-out to those new (and ever-growing group of) film lovers coming into photography (very exciting really)!

*Read more about the psychology and the specifics of sessions like this in my soon-to-be launched books from Denny. You will also find legal docs and disclaimers you can use to protect your rights (here’s a disclaimer about that last sentence ;): always contact your own attorney before signing or issuing any contacts).

Wishing you happy (and financially-rewarding) assignments!

Gary Bernstien