Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on the questions below to drop down directly to the answer
Why don't I or my broker take the pictures ourselves?
Why do you produce custom prints if you have a printing service?
Why do some of your images not look like photographs?
Can I pay for the digital file and print the image myself?
Why do I not see you on social media?
What type of boat do you have?
What is the story behind your logo?
Do you photograph weddings or portraits?
Why marine photography?
Photographers need a focus. I love the water, boats and of course photography. The light and the quality of the water have their own unique characteristics and it is often a real challenge to capture them well. Artistically, the introduction of water into any scene when done well can result in stunning images. I moved to the Thousand Islands to pursue this passion after boating in this area for so many years. As you will see from my galleries I do undertake other projects.
Why boat sales photography?
From a documentary viewpoint with regards to selling a vessel, I simply saw the need. I frequently look at boats online. I was amazed that people would attempt to sell vessels, often well over $100,000, with such poor images (out of focus, underexposed, poor file sizes, and junk throughout the picture, in or around the vessel). Today when potential buyers scan the internet, it is usually the image that gets their attention and determines whether they will pause to look more closely. If you cannot be bothered to present a good image, then how interested were you about maintaining your boat? What message are you giving to a potential buyer? Whether your boat is 15’ or 55’ feet it needs to stand out among other boats in the same category. Good, clean and well lit images will do that.
Why Real Estate photography?
I studied architecture at Carleton University for four years where I first developed my skills as a photographer and took a keen interest in design. Architectural photography is a specialized skill I developed many years ago while participating in structural design. I would not simply see a building from a photographer's viewpoint but also from the perspective of what a designer was attempting to convey.
Why don't I or my broker take the pictures ourselves?
For the same reason many people do not repair their own vehicles. Neither one of you is likely a photographer.
Today everyone takes pictures, but very few are photographers and even fewer can present their work. We tend to take masses of pictures now in the digital age while no longer having to pay for film. Hard drives and devices end up filled with hundreds if not thousands of indistinguishable images.
Taking the picture is only the first step. Presenting a dynamic image in your desired format involves an entire process that includes first rate photographic equipment, planning, skilled capture, digital processing often with multiple software applications, strict colour management, high end printing and of course the knowledge and vision to see the process through seamlessly. I take great pride in bringing a vision into a finished product. I would rather walk away from an artistic shoot with one great image rather than a hundred snapshots.
Most consumer cameras, smartphones and tablets capture images in JPEG format. This is a compression format that re-samples your image each time you edit the file. Essentially it is repeatedly throwing away valuable bits of data. In order to save drive space and transmit efficiently online, this file type can deteriorate over time. I shoot in RAW format to capture and maintain the most digital data for processing the image. All the original data is captured and kept. I also employ HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography, blending multiple varied exposures of the same scene and blending them into a single image to capture otherwise lost highlights and deep shadow areas.
I use my artistic and technical photography/editing skills to produce documentary photographs of your vessel:
- I use Nikon professional lenses for sharp capture and resolution
- I use lens hoods, polarizers and grad filters when needed to control light and reflection
- I use remote fill light when needed to lighten deep shadow areas
- In difficult lighting situations I set custom white balance
- 40 years of photography has taught me to visually edit the image before I take it
- Even with an excellent digital capture, all images must be edited
- I examine and adjust where necessary all images for: exposure, contrast range, clarity, colour, physical and digital artifacts, etc.
- I make global adjustments to the image but also local adjustments within the image where necessary
- I will create a file in the size, colour space and format you need for your ultimate output
The following are examples of what not to do if you or your broker are taking the pictures. These are actual photos posted on the web for boats selling in the $100,000 range and have not been edited:
 
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Why do you produce custom prints if you have a printing service?
Custom prints are produced by files I generate specific to the paper type and size of the requested print. The custom print is a piece of art. They are produced from a larger file size and greater colour space than the online printing service, resulting in greater tonal range and sharpness. Each custom print is individually produced and examined by me. It allows me to keep personal control of the process through to the final output. A single custom print tastefully displayed or a beautiful book of images is worth far more to you, your family or your business than thousands of ‘buried’ digital files. I am excited when I see some of my work on the monitor after a final edit. I am ecstatic when I see the custom print displayed. The online printing service simply allows me an outlet for an economical delivery of prints by a Canadian printing service, currently Pikto.
What can I do if some file sizes are not large enough for the size of print I select from a gallery?
Email me and I will upload a sufficient file size if possible. I live in a rural area without high speed internet and consequently it is simply not practical to upload full files for all my images. Since I produce my custom prints on site I have the full files with me. File size is generally not an issue with custom prints.
Why do some of your images not look like photographs?
I use a wide range of photographic and editing techniques. The purpose of the galleries is to demonstrate that broad spectrum. Some images are simply clean documentary images while others appear surreal to painterly. Consequently, I create a look that is suitable to the client's needs rather than limited to my individual style. I use a wide range of in camera techniques and various software programs at the digital editing stage. This gives me the flexibility to take an image in various directions.
Can I pay for the digital file and print the image myself?
Well, that depends. The answer is generally 'No' for images in the public galleries. I make my earnings from those images. As a client accessing your own gallery, it will depend on the terms of our agreement for that particular project. The difficulty with printing files yourself is the colour management process. Sophisticated software and hardware is required to manage colour spaces from images seen on your monitor to their output as a print. You need to profile your monitor, manage all software settings and ensure you are using the correct ICM profile for your particular printer and the specific paper you are using. If you do not, the image on the screen will never match the printed file. Many professional photographers do not print their own work, preferring to contract the process out to a lab. I use the gallery printing service to make images more affordable for you. However, for that special print and enlargement, I certainly recommend I create a custom print for you. I love producing custom prints since it completes the process. I do leave the framing to you.
How do I make payment?
All standard prints and products ordered through my galleries are managed Pikto which offers PayPal and a credit card option. Orders are fulfilled through an agreement I have with Pikto. All custom work or other services require payment at the time of delivery. I will accept cash or cheque for those orders. Large custom orders may be subject to a deposit.
What about shipping?
All standard prints and products ordered through the galleries will provide shipping options at the time of checkout. All custom work or services will be discussed at the time of the order. Custom orders may be picked up or I will deliver locally at no charge.
Why do I not see you on social media?
In many ways I am a little more old school. I think social media is great for many people and businesses. For me at this time, it is a distraction. My digital studio has about 50' of custom counter filled with technology: computers, printers, scanners, umpteen peripherals, copy stand, racked AV equipment, etc. The connecting theatre room provides a great environment to view finished products. Although one to clearly embrace technology I like to be able to focus on my work without interruption and be the manager of my own time. That is why email is the best way to contact me. We can arrange a phone call or a personal meeting if necessary. Apparently I am not alone in my thinking, Albert Einstein wrote: "I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction."
Who is Paul Holland?
Paul Holland is Presentation Photo. He is a boating enthusiast with a love for the water and of course photography. For Paul, careful capture of the image is only the first step while the ultimate goal is to successfully deliver the product. Processing the capture and presenting it in an exciting and purposeful manner such as a fine art print or within an AV production is what Paul takes pride in. He handles all the work himself, the photography, the digital editing, the fine art printing and the AV Production. Complete control and quality are maintained throughout the process.
Paul was a professional tennis coach throughout his university years where he studied architecture at Carleton University. It was there he developed a love for photography and audio visual production. Architecture, much like photography, had an artistic side but required great technical skill to be successful.
After four years, Paul knew he no longer wanted to be an architect and would rather pursue his love for photography. However, he also had a deep desire to become a police officer. Paul spent another year at Carleton to complete an Arts Degree before joining the police. He knew he could still pursue photography throughout and at the end of his police career, but would not be able to do the reverse.
Paul completed a very rewarding career with the Ottawa Police and during that time was also able to run a small photography and AV production company for a few years as time permitted. He completed productions for both government and the corporate sector. He presented at City Halls, the National Arts Centre and the Ottawa Conference Centre. His contributions to the RA Photo Club led to a Life Member Award.
A love of boating developed following his investigation into a serious marine incident. Boating and the Thousand Islands became the escape from the intensity of police work.
After retiring from the police service in 2011, Paul brought the photography, boating and the Thousand Islands together. The purchase of a 35' Donzi was a dream come true. Building a new home in Gananoque and the heart of the Thousand Islands was the next step. The home was completed with a full digital studio, art size printer, theatre room and gallery area.
2014 saw the construction of the website, the first real opportunity to settle into the area and begin the pursuit of photography in this region.
Looking back, Paul would not change a thing. Police work was both challenging and rewarding. Paul had realized his passion to serve and help others, often while working under extreme pressure and scrutiny. Many skills were learned. Paul was awarded exemplary service medals and a Governor General's Award during his career. More importantly, many people were helped; many friends were made.
Paul has a variety of photographic interests, but is hoping he can find a niche market in marine and real estate photography, from documentary boat sales to artistic capture of the region for potential clients. You will also see that a career in policing left him with a great respect for those that served and can be seen in a current project he is working on, the: Civil War
Please do not hesitate to contact Paul directly with your project, questions or comments: [email protected]
What type of boat do you have?
I have a 35' Donzi ZR with twin 496's. I prefer reliable stock power. The boat is always stored on the trailer and it is in immaculate condition. I love the classic styling and graphics. It touches 80mph when needed.
What is the story behind the logo?
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It is representative of many things that are important to me personally and in a photograph. The image is of the Vietnam War Memorial in Virginia Beach. I have been photographing war memorials for 40 years. As a former police officer I have a deep rooted respect for those that serve and are prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice. I am currently working on a personal project entitled, "They Fell Here", landscapes and images of the Civil War. Please explore my Civil War Gallery and I think you will see the passion reflected in my work: Civil War I love this particular image. At the time there was heavy construction about and a strong mid-day sun, both contributing to a photographer's nightmare with the distracting background and harsh light. I believe in the simplicity of an image, with no distracting details and enhanced by the light. By choosing a low vantage point, shooting directly into the sun, adjusting my position to get the desired number of repeating shapes and selecting a telephoto lens to compress the shapes, I was able to obtain this image. The shapes also appear to represent a repeating letter 'P' which is a bonus for someone named 'Paul' and a company called 'Presentation Photo'. A successful capture of the image in the field meant I only required limited digital editing to remove a couple of imperfections in the concrete and add the rays to the sun. I then 'framed' the image digitally. |
Do you photograph weddings and portraits?
No! I don't even want to talk about it. :)