A picture is worth a thousand words.
Descriptive writing paints a picture in the mind’s eye.
Melding the two mediums together is essential to creating compelling content.
I call myself lucky because I was able to my passion diving and photography into a viable career.
Soon after jumping into a career as a freelance writer and photographer, I soon discovered that high-end photo equipment was actually a small part of the equation. In addition to being creative through the lens, I also had to improve my skills at writing a story while at the same time develop a highly professional work ethic.
No matter how good you think you are as a “artist”, in the business world, nobody likes dealing with a temperamental, egotistic jerk. You want to win the hearts of ad agencies, publishers and editors, never be late of turning in your work. As for Art Directors; you learn to bite your tongue because they like what they like while looking at you as another hack who habitually ruins good film.
This feature spread that appeared Power Cruising Magazine’s Fall of 2004 issue is just one of hundreds of feature articles from assignments given to me by a host of Boating, Sport Fishing and Scuba Diving publications between 1985 to present.
As anyone in business knows, having the right level of intellectual content is key to driving the proper focus and branding of your product, be it a specific destination, activity, resort property and/or operation, or lifestyle, which sums another phase; Content is King!
Entering the Digital Age
Like anything else, change is invariable. Digital cameras replaced film cameras, print publications had to make room for websites and social media. To adapt, my photographic and editorial skills had to be augmented with additional tools and skills to effectively work in the realm of digital media and graphic design.
Along with developing the necessary skills in properly handle the hardware and software for post processing of my images, I also took up desk top publishing and website development.
In short, if a specific project called for something as small as a 250×250 animated gif ad for web placement or something entirely intended for print media be it a two-page ad for a magazine, multi-page color brochure or catalog with over 100 pages photographically illustrated cover to cover I could take it from conception (design, layout, art/photo selection and placement, editing, etc.) to completion.
This entire 104 page Caradonna Dive Adventures 2020 Travel Guide is a prime example of Walt Stearns content creation and graphic design capabilities all the way to the final printing for the dive travel agency Caradonna Adventures.
Stock Imagery
I retain a large inventory of stock imagery that is available in large jpeg, format on request for commercial publication and advertising applications. Should a project require an image with a larger bit depth, tiff and psd formats can be supplied.
All images you see here under the Photo Galleries pages are also available for a large, limited-edition custom prints for office and home décor as well as for sale for advertising and publication purposes. Contact Us for more information.
