Lately, most of my work has been in marketing Maple Trestle Table. I knew that a woodworking business required a lot of work outside of the workshop and this stage was one of those situations. And I didn’t mind it at all. In fact, I welcomed the variety.
I had begun photographing the table and preparing a slideshow and other marketing materials. Monday, I could feel that I wasn’t quite well, but I persevered. Later that day, I sat outside on the deck with a cup of hot tea to nurse my sore throat and watched the sun set.
I woke up the next morning with a flu. I could barely speak and was in no condition, mentally or physically, to work. Wednesday, I missed Woodchat which I co-host weekly with Matt Gradwohl of Upper Cut Woodworks, and by the end of the week I was feeling only marginally better.
Running a business always has its challenges. Sometimes, I get caught up in the challenge to perform – to get things done well and quickly. And sometimes that results in the need to take time off sick. It’s a tricky balance. At least I know how to make radical furniture.
I took the photographs in this post using a pair of 150W strobes (flashes) with which I was unable to adequately light such a large piece. I will have the table shot professionally.
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 
Incredible…truly beautiful work of art.
Thank you, Brian!
Salut Chris,
You built a magnificiant an unique trestle table. Your idea of hiring a professional to shoot the table is wise. Such work needs all the attention it deserves. Not that you can’t take good pictures of it, but you’re a great woodworker, not a photographer. The photos should be at the same level as the table. Made by a unique woodworker and shot by a unique photographer!
Best,
Salut Serge,
Thank you for the comment. I have spent over a decade to get to this level in woodworking and one thing it has taught me is to value expertise. My experience with a camera and lights does not compare.
Chris
omg. The table is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous! Amazing work Chris. Hope you are back to 100% soon :)
Thanks for the compliment, Holly. Yes, I really need to start feeling better soon.
Chris
Chris,
Great to finally see a full table shot! If you want to send me a full res pic I could make it look better. I might have a BFA in Photography. Just sayin. Let me know.
Brian
Hi Brian,
Sure – I’ll shoot a picture your way for you to tweak. I’d be interested in seeing what you can do.
Chris
hey my friend if you are ever done with that thing on your shoulders I will take it !! Smrt beyond your years with out a doubt! Cheers