About Chili Pepper Pictures

Update as of October 2006

Business is going better than I ever would have imagined.  I am almost to the point where I will have to start turning customers away because I don't have enough time.  Every photo session I have done has been thoroughly enjoyable.  I even enjoy editing the photos, showing the proofs, and delivering the final product.  I have had repeat customers and several that plan to call me back.  I have mainly stuck to the photography, while my daughter has stuck to the videography.  She has had several customers who loved her videos and she has exponentially improved at editing video.

I was recently approached by a group that wanted "photo" Christmas cards.  I quickly accepted the job hoping mainly to meet some potential clients.  After doing a little market research, I quickly discovered I could offer just as good a product, probably better,  for a cheaper price.  So now I also enjoy designing Christmas cards and will likely branch out from there to other "press printed greeting cards" over time.

March 2006

How did I get into this?

The Lord works in mysterious ways.  I am a Christian man who feels compelled to offer these services to the Del Rio community for two reasons.  First, I have a daughter, "Chili Pepper", who wants nothing other than to serve the Lord and work in the acting, producing and arts community.  Being in a small town that is by no means Hollywood, there are opportunities, but not many to grow her skills.  I have encouraged her by helping her (watching mostly) cast and produce a couple of plays.  It has been a great success, but now it is time for the next step and that includes video.  I bought a few ridiculously expensive cameras and some professional equipment and I pray that it will be a good investment in her future.  Second, I enrolled in a digital portrait class in order to escort my daughter to a digital video course she wanted to take.  I was instantly hooked on creating beautiful images and thought, wouldn't it be nice, if some of the cost could be offset by offering services to the city and encouraging her to learn to use all the tools of the trade.  Thus the idea: "Chili Pepper Pictures" was born" in January of 2006.

Do I have photography experience?

Yes, but only digital still images, and analog/digital video.  I have not worked with film.  If you want film, try someone else (see the helpful links).  I have used 8mm, super8, Hi8 camcorders to videotape our family events for over 15 years.  I have taped recitals, plays, and my daughters productions.  I have edited these videos to obtain a professional feel.  I have taken wedding pictures and delivered them in portraits, wedding albums and on compact disk for long term storage.

Do I have computer experience?

Computer experience goes hand and foot with digital/analog video and stills, as well as developing web sites.  I have a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science.  I have programmed, networked, and administered computers 5 of the last 15 years.  Computers were what kept me  interested in academics during high school and college, but eventually my work turned to flying for the Air Force.

Do I have a drive for customer service?

I despise poor customer service.  If I can not serve you and provide you the product you want at a price we agree on, then I will be the first to feel disappointed and do everything in my power to make the situation right.