Bryan Linden: His Secret to Success? Just Do It!:
Page 2 His lens choices include the Nikkor 80–400mm VR (Vibration Reduction), which he really enjoys because he’s able to hand-hold it at 400mm. Other lenses are the Tamron 28–105mm f/2.8, the Tamron 14mm rectilinear, for ultra wide-angle work, and the Tamron 28–200mm Super II, for everyday use and personal work.

Linden also uses a Nikon SB-80DX Flash, a Sekonic L-608 Light Meter, Pocket Wizard Transceivers, Benbo Tripods, and Lowepro Nature Trekker and Stealth camera bags.

As for computer equipment and software, he’s used various Apple Macintosh computers throughout the years, and “can’t wait to get a new G5.” He works with Adobe Photoshop 7 and many other image-editing applications. Linden also uses nik Color Efex and nik Sharpener Pro, iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto, iView MediaPro, Macromedia Dreamweaver, and a number of other programs.

Carlos Santana performs in concert.

Linden uses the Epson Stylus 7600 (currently his favorite) and 2200 Printers. He says he chooses Epson’s new ultra-smooth double-sided paper, for its “durability, resiliency, and great feel.” His favorite peripherals include the 21-inch Sony Artisan monitor, Gretag Macbeth Eye-One, Wacom Intuos Tablet, Fortress portable HD, Powerfile DVD-RAM Jukebox, and his Apple iPod.

Taking Action
Linden says he’d like to work more closely with movie studios and record companies, shooting promotional materials, posters, production stills, sets and billboards—work that’s become more accessible since he’s relocated to Los Angeles from Orange County. “I moved out here to become closer to my clients.”

A team of racers take a last kayak practice the evening before the 2002 Balance Bar 24-hour Adventure Race begins.

Part of his success, he adds, is to put himself in his client’s shoes to figure out what’s most beneficial to them. “Treat everybody you way you want to be treated,” he emphasizes. This has also paid off with word-of-mouth advertising. Linden says that everybody who’s hired him has rehired and/or referred him to others. Linden does most of his own retouching and says he’s been fortunate to learn from and become friends with many of the industry’s best. With so many achievements under his belt, what’s left? “I want to conquer the entertainment world,” he replies with a laugh.

Linden is often asked how he gets clients, and his philosophy comes straight from the Nike slogan, “Just do it!” In addition to taking action, he says there’s nothing wrong with letting people know you’re good as long as you back it up. “Have confidence in your skills, and be proficient,” he advises. “Be persistent and give customers what they want—and don’t be afraid to try new things!” He’s a firm believer that photographers should concentrate on effective marketing, especially with all the competition out there.

Recording artist Pink, backstage before a concert performance.

Getting the Word Out
Linden sets himself apart from the competition by offering his clients custom coffee-table books and multimedia DVDs or CDs. For example, when he shoots an event, he puts a montage of the day’s images on the front of the DVD or CD cover, along with the client’s logo, and Linden’s Web address and phone number. He says he gets a creation fee for making the books or DVDs, and then offers them to the clients at very affordable prices, “so that I can get them in the hands of as many people as possible.”

In developing his corporate identity, Linden emphasizes that everything he does has “a similar look and feel.” He’s produced a variety of promotional pieces, depending on the job. He also has varying arrangements with his clients, and retains the copyright to some of his images to re-market them or to provide distribution for his clients. When considering sponsorships, he researches the companies and products thoroughly. Linden says he does sponsorships for organizations that make equipment he believes in. “I want to tell people with good conscience that it’s a good product!”

Linden is also a member of PPA (Professional Photographers of America), an organization through which he enjoys meeting fellow pros. As he puts it, “I enjoy the communal spirit among photographers.”

To see more of Bryan Linden’s work, visit www.lindenphoto.net.