Thomas S. Koto
Mobile: 415-385-3705
tomkoto@me.com • www.tomkotophotography.com
Summary
A Professional Commercial Advertising Photographer with more than 20 years experience in Retail and National Advertising Photography. A self-motivating professional, who constantly demonstrates the ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects. Known for good energy and flexibility in working with diverse audiences, with an upbeat approach and a good sense of humor. A dedicated professional, who constantly exceeds expectations and who is open to new and challenging creative environments and photography assignments.
Technical Skills
• Digital Imaging • Color Management • Project Management
• Digital Retouching • Digital Photo Training • Digital Camera’s
• Camera Software • Location Photography • Photoshop
Professional Experience
TomKotoPhotography.com, Redwood Shores, CA 2009-Present Owner/Freelance
Photographer
ï Client list available upon request
ZGallerie Berkeley Buying Office, Berkeley, CA 2009-2022 Lead Freelance Photographer
Responsible for all Advertising Photography, Retouching and delivery of images.
Macys Inc. Macy’s West, San Francisco, CA 2005-2009 Starpoint Studios Senior Photographer
Responsible for creating up-to-date digital imagery of Macy’s advertising concepts. Used Photoshop skills and knowledge of digital workflow to ensure on-time assignments for Direct Mail and Newspaper ads, including taking digital photography on location.
Merged Studio and Location shots into believable and exciting images that turned a simple in-store Summer Scents pamphlet into a Direct Mail “A” Book.
Tested and determined special lighting for special Direct Mail and Newspaper projects.
Received Creative Vision award in for contributions to Macy’s National “New Years” Project.
Contributed to the successful integration of Vertis Studios to Macy’s Inc. Sales Promotion Group.
Worked with Photo Art Directors to ensure photography trends are current and up to date.
Requested to Photograph Special Projects using Creative and Digital Skills.
Vertis Studios Group, San Francisco, CA 2000–2005 Senior Photographer
Provided excellent digital images including photographic retouching; focused special attention to detail in color reproduction within the color management systems provided. Executed promotional concept and test shots to help gain new businesses. Maintained excellent client relations with Art Directors and members of staff to ensure successful project outcome.
Trained Analog photographers in Digital Production, Digital Camera’s, Lighting, Computer Hardware, Software and Digital Workflow, in order to produce first Digital Images for Macy’s West Advertising.
Photographed high profile clients and helped gain new clients by Photographic Testing.
Selected for Lead roles in Macy’s first tabletop and large set production Digital Photography.
Developed strong sense of urgency, by working with deadline-driven environments, while implementing highest level of quality and integrity.
Robinson’s May, City of Industry, CA 1993–2000 Senior Home Photographer
Researched alternative methods of conventional photographic techniques and incorporated up-to-date ideas of digital imagery using Photoshop, and other graphics programs. Maintained digital imaging back-up systems. Participated in pre-production meetings for upcoming projects and offer suggestions and ideas pertaining to photography and schedules.
Produced the first Large Set Digital Advertising Photography for a major retailer in the country.
Reviewed performance of Home Photographers, Assistants, and Large Merchandise Supervisor, enhancing the overall production quality of the Studio.
Managed the first Large Production Digital Location Photography for the company Successfully.
Robinson’s Advertising, City of Industry, CA 1990 –1993 Senior Photographer
Supervise freelance and staff personnel. Responsible for distributing workloads, meeting deadlines, ensuring proper execution and interpretation of the AD layouts. Attend meetings between Photo Studio, and Art Production Department. Interviewed freelance photographers, stylists, and assistants.
Overviewed all images for photographic quality and styling.
Established and instructed lighting techniques for ROP and Direct Mail.
Provided assistance with scheduling, coordination and maintenance of photo production.
Tom Koto Photography, Santa Monica, CA 1981-1990 Owner/Freelance Photographer
Provided full photographic services, negotiated contracts, produced High quality products and creative campaigns with cost effective Considerations; resulted in savings for clients.
EDUCATION
Santa Monica College, AA degree, Certificate in Commercial Photography Santa Monica, CA Santa Monica High School, Diploma Santa Monica, CA