Photography to George is not just a job. He first became interested in this art back in high school where he contributed photos to the yearbook and school newspaper and used his family and friends as unwilling subjects. Following a formal education at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, where he earned a BFA, George did postgraduate study as an assistant to a prominent New York photographer. This later led to a staff position as photographer at Fortune 500 giant, Nabisco. He gained experience and about 15 pounds photographing food for packaging and ads of their tasty products.
Seeking to shed not only pounds but also the limitations of only photographing food, George struck out on his own, forming George Mattei Photography Inc., originally in Hackensack, NJ. His workload increased quickly, and he welcomed forays into other consumer areas, as well as business-to-business, and industrial photography. His firm has grown fully over the last two decades with a very diverse client base.
A personal interest in alternative medicine and nutrition found George specializing in work for the pharmaceutical/healthcare industry, though he ever remains able to tackle assignments that range from products in studio, to location, to the people on location – the people who keep things moving and shaking.
Speaking of ‘tackle,’ in his “off” hours (when not in his studio), George (always the sensitive environmentalist) can be found providing free lunch to needy fish along the Jersey shore, with the help of a long stick, a string, and not much hope. Of course, this pales in comparison to the volume of free blueberries his garden at home provides seasonally to local area wildlife.
Who am I?
I am an advertising commercial photographer working in the North Jersey area for the past 20 years. Currently the majority of my work is done on location with studio assignments done as needed. My photography has been used for annual reports, ads, brochures, catalogs, sell sheets, packaging, and FSI’s. Some subjects photographed have included food, toys, electronics, pharmaceuticals, eyeglasses, nuts, bolts, interiors and a tortoise & hare. Some of my clients have included; Siemens, Becton Dickinson, Prentice Hall, BASF, Ricoh, Helen Hayes Hospital & Berkeley College.
What do I do?
Briefly, it is take pictures. However the more accurate answer is taking your concepts and giving them life by working with you to find the best composition and lighting for your idea. What is the client trying to say, what are you trying to convey? I ask questions about your project and, if necessary, I speak with stylists, model makers, and retouchers etc. to see how they can contribute to making the final photo fabulous. A comprehensive accurate estimate is given before the project begins. The project is delivered on time and on budget. What do I do? I make you look good!
What do I charge?
Good question. Over the years I have had clients tell me “You are too expensive,” others tell me to “Charge us more.” and still others say, “Your price is just right” (Sounds like the 3 bears, doesn’t it!) Pricing is a combination of the complexity of the project, time, usage, & production costs. No one price fits all requirements or budgets. Let me know what your budget is for your project. When buying a house the first question a good realtor will ask is your price range. When showing houses the most effective use of time is not to show you a house overlooking the ocean when what you can afford is a small ranch. I will estimate the most cost effective way to complete your project while keeping your original message. Some of my clients have been with me for many years. I appreciate their loyalty and welcome the win-win benefit of long-term relationships.
Stock Agencies
I am fortunate to be represented by 2 great stock agencies.
You can see my travel, healthy food, herbs, farms & produce at http://www.envision-stock.com
Time, space, medicine, mental illness, heart & soul can be found at http://www.sciencesource.com