Matthew A. Crace
Customer-Centric Creative
I am a team-spirited professional with a strong ambition to return to a collaborative environment where I can continue to grow. Coachable and open to constructive criticism, I attribute my success as a photographer to my ability to listen, learn, and apply feedback effectively. My commitment to continuous improvement and adaptability has shaped me into the skilled photographer I am today. I am eager to bring this mindset to Cash For Arms, where shared core values will allow me to contribute and thrive in a meaningful way.
My career spans over fifteen years of executive-level customer care within Bank of America’s corporate flight department, where I contributed significantly by serving on the safety board and spearheading the first implementation of the “Your Safety Matters” manual and website. This experience has provided me with a solid foundation in communication, attention to detail, and the ability to convey critical information effectively.
In addition, my background in real estate multimedia, business development, and photography, combined with my pursuit of technological trends, equips me with the diverse skills necessary to create compelling content. I am confident that my unique blend of experiences will enable me to contribute meaningfully to maintaining and enhancing Cash For Arms’ superior Google 5 Star Ranking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Requirements
- Photography: Capture high-quality images of firearms and related products, ensuring they are visually appealing and true to life.
With over 40 years of experience in photography, my journey began when my father gifted me my first camera, sparking a lifelong passion. Seventeen years ago, I established a dedicated photography studio in my home, where I honed my craft and developed extensive expertise in studio setup, set design, and lighting techniques. My in-depth understanding of the art and technical aspects of photography enables me to create compelling and visually striking images that capture the essence of any subject. - Editing: Edit and retouch photos using software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to enhance image quality and ensure consistency.
With over four decades of photography experience, I began my journey in the analog era, mastering 35mm film techniques before transitioning to digital photography in the late 1990s. My digital journey started with a Canon EOS Rebel and a robust setup that included an HP computer and Microsoft’s FrontPage with Image Composer. By the early 2000s, I advanced to Adobe Photoshop, utilizing its extensive features and Adobe Bridge to manage Canon .CR2 files. Since Adobe’s launch of Lightroom in 2007, I have used it exclusively, developing a strong understanding of each module and their functions to produce high-quality, professional images. - Styling: Arrange and style products in creative and attractive ways to highlight key features, with a focus on safety and accuracy.
In my photography studio, I incorporate a range of design elements to create versatile and visually compelling images. These include various colored seamless paper rolls, plexiglass for reflection effects, and a selection of patina lumber to add texture and character. I prioritize distraction-free, lightweight setups, often using a lit soft box as a tabletop to achieve a clean, fresh white background. My extensive experience in studio design and setup allows me to craft environments that enhance the subject and bring creative visions to life. - Lighting: Set up and manage lighting equipment to achieve optimal results in a variety of environments.
I possess a strong understanding of professional lighting equipment, including booms, C-stands, soft boxes, grids, and gels. My current setup includes a three-light Alien Bee 800 studio system and a four-light Godox off-camera flash system, which I use for both residential and commercial real estate photography. My in-depth knowledge of lighting techniques and equipment allows me to create precisely lit scenes, enhancing the visual appeal and impact of every shot. - Collaboration: Work closely with the marketing, design, and e-commerce teams to understand image needs and deliver content that aligns with brand guidelines.
Team-spirited collaboration is my driving force in pursuing the open photographer position with Cash For Arms. I am eager to join a team where celebrating successes and navigating challenges together, guided by shared core values, is integral to the work environment. With a solid track record of exceeding realtors’ expectations, I have a deep understanding of the diverse needs of each department, providing content that is properly sized for its intended use. Whether it’s print at 300 DPI or web and email content optimized at 72 DPI for faster loading times, I ensure that every deliverable meets the highest standards of quality and functionality. - Inventory Management: Maintain an organized catalog of all product images and ensure they are easily accessible for use across different departments.
Meticulous organization is at the core of my workflow, ensuring that every folder and file is systematically managed. Whether for print, shared hard drives, or cloud storage, each file is key worded, dated, and filed in a system that is agreed upon by the team, allowing for seamless navigation and efficient collaboration. My commitment to maintaining an organized and accessible digital environment supports the team’s productivity and ensures that all assets are easily retrievable. - Equipment Maintenance: Ensure all photography equipment is well-maintained and in good working condition.
I have extensive knowledge of camera equipment, including its cost and maintenance requirements. My dedication to the care and upkeep of my gear is unmatched, ensuring that every piece of equipment is always in optimal condition. This attention to detail not only preserves the longevity of the tools I use but also guarantees consistently high-quality results in every shoot.
VALUES
At Cash for Arms, our core values are the guiding principles that shape every aspect of our business. They are the bedrock of our identity and the compass for our actions. These values are more than just words; they are commitments we make to our customers, our team, and our industry. They guide us in delivering exceptional service and forging lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
Cash For Arms
SHARED CORE VALUES
RESUME
Hardware Proficiencies
Apple • iMac 24 M1
Apple • iPad Pro w/Pencil
Apple • iPhone 15 Pro Max
EOS Rebel 2000 • EOS Rebel XT • 40D • 6D
Mavic 2 Pro • OSMO 6
X-T20 • X-T3 • X-T30II • X-E4 • X-100V
Nodal Ninja • EZ Leveler • R1
PC
Operating System
iOS
macOS Sonoma
Windows
Continuing Education
CAMERA ROLL
SMOKE’N ACE
FLIGHT SAFETY
SOFT BOX TABLE TOP
CORN MASH
PORTRAITS
LEG DAY
BEFORE • AFTER
VEINS
THE DRIVE
- Conveniently Located
- 2022 Honda Civic
- FL Safe Driver’s License • Clean Driving Record
- Current US Passport
- Readily Available To Pass Stringent FAA/k-12 Background and Drug Screens.
TEXTURES
I have successfully completed three consecutive 52 Week Photo Challenges, where I consistently pushed the boundaries of my creativity. During the 24th week of the 2016 challenge, I created the photograph of my Harrington & Richardson .410 and accompanied it with the following words, showcasing my ability to blend visual artistry with narrative:
24 | 52 Textures
If I could talk to one person today, it would be my grand-dad John Crace.
Beating days light into the woods, my dad and I walked the very land my grand-dad owned
and hunted on. It was on that land I fired my first shot from his 16 gauge that he passed to his
son.
On a ridge, not far from the home place, I held the cold blue steel of my very own Harrington &
Richardson .410 shotgun that my dad had just given me.
My granny fried my first squirrel and the three of us sat around the small kitchen table and ate it.
I will never forget those times, and I will cherish them until my last breath leaves me. I will also cling
to this gun that my dad gave me all those years ago.
Just a few of the textures that make me who I am.
“A guns like a woman son
It’s all how ya hold her.”
Thank You
With nearly four decades of photography experience, 15 years of executive-level customer care, and ten years of business development, I bring a well-rounded skill set that aligns with the requirements of the photographer position. While I acknowledge my limited experience in firearm photography production, I am confident that my creativity, my eagerness and ambition will more than compensate for that shortcoming. My dedication to learning and adaptability ensures that I am ready to meet and exceed the expectations of the role.
I look forward to embracing challenges and pursuing the necessary educational materials to overcome my shortcomings. My goal with securing the Photographer position with Cash For Arms is not only to return to a team environment of artistic collaboration, but also to focus on building a long-term relationship that will be mutually rewarding to each of us and our community for years to come.
Thank you for the opportunity!
Warmest regards,
Matthew A. Crace