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My name is Donte Tidwell and this is my portfolio. I am a photojournalist and graphic designer based out of Los Angeles, California.
BIO:
Born and raised in Los Angeles California, Donte’s strengths are composition, black and white, color and crafting pictures that portray the vision, and the victories of powerful leaders in their most private and public environments, to the everyday person just doing everything things.
Donte's calling is documenting the life he sees in the world with his camera. He hopes that his subjects' stories, told through photographs, begin to break down the boundaries between self and other, countries, religions and cultures.
Unobtrusive and trustworthy, hes earned access to assignments reserved for a select few. His commercial works funds his personal projects, which revolve in "street" or "everyday life" all over the world.
Donte is very versatile and adapts to conditions on the job and loves to take on new challenges. His work is syndicated and has been featured in television documentaries and network news broadcast media.
Donte's cool head and sharp eyes make him a classic among many American photojournalists.
Your feedback and inquiries are welcomed at: tidwelldonte@me.com
clean. functional. fun.
Donte Tidwell Media specializes in affordable, customized web design for your business or organization. Each website is unique in its look and feel, making them stand-out from the competition. We can help you from the beginning with domain registration, setting up website hosting and anything else that you don't want to deal with. Plus, you get the support of an easy-to-reach design company. No tracking down difficult to reach designers. I'm available to help when you need it.
A few of the software programs I currently use:
• Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat
• Adobe Dreamweaver
• Adobe Flash
• Final Cut Pro for Video
• Both PC and Mac Office Programs
• Various other flash and video programs
brochures. business cards. anything.
Whether you need brochures, postcards, business cards, or a full marketing kit, I can accommodate. I've been specializing in designing marketing materials for public speakers, entertainers, technology companies, financial organizations and more. I don't stop at designing your materials. I also have relationships with numerous printing companies, which allows me to personally handle all aspects of your print projects making this process as painless as possible.
Below is a short list of materials I'd be happy to help your organization develop:
• Business Cards • Brochures • Logo Design • Postcards • Book Layout and Design • CD/DVD Label and Cover Design • Plus, just about anything else you can think up...
In order to try to save some time replying to the a set of frequently asked questions that I get on a daily basis, I have decided to post them with thier associated answers. If you still have questions or require a more detailed explanation, my all means, contact me.
1. What do equipment do I shoot with? What's in your "bag-o-tricks"?
I shoot with the following equipment.
Canon 1Ds Mark II
Canon 30d
10-20 mm F4
16-35mm F2.8
28-70mm F2.8
70-200mm F2.8 IS
50mm F1.4
Canon Speedlight 430ex II and 580ex II flash guns.
What kind of set-up do you use for production?
I use my Apple MacPro (quad core) most of the time along with a 30 inch apple display.
when im traveling Im using my MacBook Air.
Software on both machines are
Snow Leopard (OS 10.6)
Creative Suite CS3
Apple Aperture. I do most of the work in this program
2. What other sites do you post your work?
Jpg.com
Usefilm.com
Myspace.com
dontetidwell.net
3. Do I use flash or shoot with available light?
I use both… For weddings, most of my work is shot with on camera flash, unless I find natural light that is both diffused and directional. Receptions are always shot with stand mounted remote flash units strategically placed around the venue. Again, if natural light is as described above, I will opt to shoot with the natural light.
4. My friend has asked me to shoot their wedding. This will be my first wedding. What advice can you give me and what equipment should I get?
First I have a question for you… have you accepted? If the answer is no, then my advice to you is to suggest that your friend hire a professional and allow you to shoot "behind the scenes". This way the responsibility for the pictures will not rest on your shoulders and compromise your friendship. I will rarely accept a request to shoot a friends wedding even though I have been shooting weddings for many years. Anything can happen, and I would feel absolutely terrible if I were responsible in any way. If you have accepted, please ask more specific questions and offer me more information about the venues in which you are shooting.
5. Will you photograph my wedding, head shots, or children?
If you are within our range of travel, the answer is yes… Contact for pricing and to see if your date is available.
6. Can you give me any advice/pointers?
The answer will always be YES. I am more than glad to offer pointers, tips, ect… but please be more specific with your question.
7. What are your camera settings?
It really depends on what I am trying to do, where I am shooting, and what I am shooting, 90% of the time its set to Manual. If you ask me how do I set my camera to do _________, well I can usually answer this question. And if I can't I can always point you in the right direction. You can always click on a image in question. This will take you to my Media page. There you can scroll down and click on "I" to view the meta data.
8. What are your secrets? and hopefully you don't keep these secrets to yourself?
I am completely willing to share what I know… however…please don't be offended at anyone not willing share their secrets, I completely understand why they wouldn't. For many people, photography is their bread and butter, and if someone is lucky enough to have developed a niche in their work, a niche that took them years to achieve, I would not expect them to just give that away.
Anyway, a lot of what I do comes from countless hours of experience and practice. Buying the same equipment as me or any other of equipment, software, or whatever… will never help anyone unless they develop their skills and master their craft. In addition, buying the same type of equipment as me will not obtain you "my type" of photography. A lot more goes into it than you can go to a store and purchase.
9. How do you get your images to look so detailed? And vibrant? So clean?
The best way to end up with great images is to start with great images right out of the camera. Get to know your camera and it's capabilities. Read the manual! Read the manual!!!! Use those capabilities along with good composition, correct exposure, correct white balance, and a solid focus. I am a real stickler about this as I really put a lot of effort into getting the best image I can in camera.
10. Do you use filters on your camera? In Photoshop?
Seldom will I use filters on camera. All of my images are shot with a standard UV filter on the lens, but the UV filter's main purpose is to protect the lens, not to enhance the image. Occasionally I will use a polarizer if I am shooting a sky or water or if I want to reduce reflection and glare. Most of my post work really depends on the image. I will experiment using standard Photoshop techniques and actions until I create something that I like. Lately, I have been using Aperture almost exclusively for most of my editing.
11. Will you give me feedback on my work.
Generally the answer to this will yes or no. =] It all depends if I have enough time. If you truly want my feedback, send me a link to ONE image and I will do my best to review and critique it.
12. Do you do High Dynamic Range Photography (HDR).
From time to time, I will play around with HDR. Recently, though, I have not. It all depends on the subject, lighting, ect.
CAREER OBJECTIVE
My career objective is to learn everything.
SUMMARY OF APPLICATIONS
MS Office, Pagemaker, Filemaker, Quickbooks, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, After Effects, Aperture, Lightroom, Acrobat, Pitstop, Preps, RFA, NFA, FTP's
SKILLS
•Photography digital SLR digital and film cameras • audio and video editing • graphic production and web and print design.
CAREER HISTORY
CrocMedia News LLC Los Angeles, CA.
News Photographer 2009- Present
Crocmedia is an Australian born independent editorial agency headquartered in Los Angeles. We provide celebrity interviews, fashion, news stories, real life features and lifestyle stories from LA and our bureaus in New York, Singapore and Melbourne.
Donte Tidwell Media
Photographer/ Design and Production Artist 2004 - Present
•Freelance photographer, web artist
•DVD, DVD 9, CD-R replication
•Analog to digital conversions
•Oversized printing
•Audio and video editing
Arvato Digital Services, Valencia CA.
Art Director / Pre Press and Print Operator 2006 - 2008
Responsible for all tasks associated in the daily operation of a high-speed digital color press in a print on demand environment.
•Works very close with Media Factory Director to coordinate print runs to meet customer requirements
•Performs simple to intermediate color corrections on composite images using various application software
•Downloads files from various FTP sites
•Performs various printer maintenance including consumable replacement (paper, toner and developer) to maintain productivity
•Creating and/or duplication of CDR, DVD R and DL DVD compatible with Apple and PC
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
•Strong knowledge of publishing industry software including Quark, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat and any other graphic or imposition software used in the printing process
•Ability to edit and make PostScript and/or PDF’s as needed.
•Excellent knowledge of color management.
•Preflight and/or troubleshoot customer provided files to ensure efficient and cost effective production.
•Able to navigate through established network systems to retrieve customer files. Equipment Utilized: Xerox iGen 3, Docutech and Oce’ black and white printers.
Unlimited Reprographics, Los Angeles, CA
Graphic Design / Production Artist 2005-2006
Successfully managed and coordinate graphic design projects from concept thought completion. Collaborate with clients vision, conceive designs, and consistently meet deadlines and requirements. Effectively build, motivate and direct design and productions teams. create and conduct highly persuasive sales and marketing presentations. Manage all operational, strategic, financial, quote/bid, staffing and administrative functions.
• CD R, DVD R, Cassette and VHS Duplication
• Audio and video editing Equipment/Printers Utilized: HP’s oversized 5500 dye and UV 60’, Canon’s CLC-5000, 7000.
Lowe’s Home Improvement, Palmdale CA.
Sales Specialist, Dept. Manager 2003-2005
Magaging a staff of twelve, Special orders, and follow up’s, IRP Reports, Cycle Counting. Inventory Prep. And Customer Service.
Sony Music - Columbia Records, Santa Monica CA
Assistant, Pop Promotions 2002-2003
Responsible for the National Promotion schedule, and distribute schedule to relevant staff. Coordinated with Product Management and Inventory Management regarding shipping, CDs DVDs etc., while ordering promo product for radio, national and local staff, and liaison with each Promotion Director regarding quantities required. Distributed Top 40 BDS charts and Billboard album/single charts to relevant staff while also, reviewed with independents and supplying them with product and billing arrangements. Supply BDS with all new music, edits, singles etc. Review Hit makers and FMQB for any mention of Columbia artists while updating radio/staff mailing lists. Assisted national/local staff with any requirements. Ordering videos, contacting radio stations, management ECT. While providing administrative support to VP and Director of promotions in answering phones, scheduling appointments, assisting with travel arraignments, expenses, and filing along with other special projects assigned.
Island - Def-Jam Recordings, Hollywood CA
Assistant, for A&R Coordinator Billy Clark, SR., VP of A&R Paul Pontius 2001-2002
While working directly under the SR. Vice President of the Artist and Repertoire department, provided Assistance with screening and answering busy phones, scheduled appointments, arranged conference calls. Arranged travel Itineraries often to the New York and the California office. Assisted with planning budgets who are signed to the label, assisted with working on the annual and semiannual budgets, kept track of all monies spent for studio time and miscellaneous expenses. Assisted the artist when needed with the control room outboard gear.
Capitol Records - EMI, Hollywood, CA
Assistant / R&B Marketing Manager Clyde Jenkins 2000-2001
Responsible for overseeing specific markets, and reporting sales of records to radio stations and trades. Responsible for, creative concept design and direction for the artist, other Responsibilities Include, creating Press Kits of the artist, mailing CD’s and checks delivering packages through out the building, answering multi-line phones and providing any assistance with four different vice presidents, made copies; DAT, VHS, CD-R, CD-RW, ect, data entry, Internet researching ordered supplies responsible for creative marketing programs to create public awareness via television, print (retail and trade) radio and Internet.
EDUCATION
Los Angeles Recording Workshop |
Audio Engineer |
2003-2004 |
UC Santa Barbara |
Media Arts and Technology |
1998-2002 |
Antelope Valley College |
Computer Information Science |
1996-1998 |