Damion Photo – Page 4 – Photogeek Blog

Catching Up with a Dear Friend

Beauty, Damion Photo, Dramatic Lighting, Finding your Zen, Happiness, Natural Beauty, Portraiture

When my long time friend and favorite expatriate messaged me that she would be returning to New Jersey for a short, yet important visit. I knew the odds of me seeing her this time around, let alone catching up on her three years in Germany were about as good as the Cleveland Indians winning the World Series. Still, any chance to see such an old and dear friend was worth taking. Imagine my surprise when she was both available and looking forward to indulging me in one of my truest passions, studio photography. The hours we spent together were more of a gab session with me sneaking in a shot or two whenever I could.

Mandy (1 of 1)

Having met Mandy in the parking lot of a strip mall adjacent to my high school when I was sixteen. The likelihood of us ever becoming friends seemed improbable to say the very least. Yet, despite being polar opposites we became trusted, close friends before long. Supporting one another through sickness and health.Through the good times and bad. She’s been a huge supporter and influence on me as a photographer and as a volunteer to worthy causes. She’s one of the few people in my life who crosses the lines between friends and family. One’s that, no matter the distance or time. Remain, unspoken, an integral part of my life. And as my Mother put it “Damn, that woman does not age.” Looking at this picture. I think it highlights both her beauty and unwaning strength. I’m incredibly grateful for having the chance to catch up with her. One of Jersey’s best, no matter where she goes.

Back to Basics

Beauty, Damion Photo, Finding your Zen, High Key Lighting, Modeling, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

While my prior studio session helped me get on solid ground as far as my studio lighting was concerned. This weekends session with Audrey allowed me to take things a bit further. During my previous session I took full advantage of lighting the background from behind with a soft box while lifting the shadows at 45′ degrees with my new Photoflex 72′ SRP umbrella. This time around, I added a beauty dish that really highlighted the models skin and features while adding depth to the images overall quality. Moving the lights around and playing with photography’s rule of thirds More on that Here Most important was Audrey’s presence. With a sense of grace and an intuitive nature to know what I’m about to say before I utter a single word. She has made our annual studio sessions an opportunity to grow and learn while having an absolute blast. As the years comes to a close. I’m beginning to see where the next year might take me creatively. From here, the view looks pretty damn good.

The Blog’s Evolution

Damion Photo, Photo Geek, Storytelling

In recent weeks and months I’ve had both friends and followers of PhotoGeek tell me they really like the direction the blog is taking and how they really enjoy and relate to the stories I post about my family and in particular, my wife. I’ve also been told numerous times by my loving, yet overbearing mother that I seem to have broken away from a lot of the anger I held on to for many, many years. While the change and direction of the blog itself came very naturally. It wasn’t without much trepidation on my part. Anyone that knows me will probably tell you, while I am very personable and open about myself. I can also be quite repetitive as well as absent minded.

For years and even decades I’ve written and spoken about many of my life experiences with a somewhat of a dark sense of humor and irony. Often finding myself spinning tales from my past with trusted friends and to some degree, clients. Some years ago, I was shooting the shit with a model I had worked with a number of times over the years. As we were talking she paused before telling me I needed to work on writing a book about your experiences. I explained that, while I was comfortable sharing such tales with a select few. I felt that I would not be able to write about my experiences until I had come to some sense of closure. Without going into any unnecessary details. I found that closure and was able to move on to a point where I approach those stories with a sense of humor and strength. Ready to move forward. Ready to write without any sense of regret or resentment.

Thanks to those who shared their thoughts on the subject. While I could certainly continue posting story free photos. I prefer to express myself more openly. Until the next time.

Priced to Sell

Advertising, Art, Damion Photo, Digital Printing

From time to time I get emails regarding the possibility of purchasing images they see on the blog. As recent as last week I sold a poster of a particular image to someone who has visited the blog on a regular basis for years now. Due to some recent inquiries I thought it would make sense to let people know that all of the images seen on Photogeek are available for purchase in various sizes and formats. Feel free to contact me at damionphoto@gmail.com with any questions or inquiries. I offer everything from 5X7 matted prints to posters and aluminum prints. When contacting me, please be aware that I use one of, if not the best lab in the country and possibly the world. I do not, under any circumstances, send files through the mail. When making contact. Be sure to let me know what image you’re interested in. (Date of blog post might be the best approach.) As well as your preference for size is so I can quote you the right price. All payments are to be made to my Paypal account. No exceptions. Thank you very much for your interest.

Interpreting Art. (For Jenn)

Art, Damion Photo, Interpreting Art

Recently I was asked a very tough question from a friend and fellow artist in regard to some images I had posted from my trip to Mana Contemporary’s open house studio tour. The question “How do you go about photographing someone else’s art?” was about as good as question as they come. The fact that it was coming from an artist I respect and love gave the inquiry weight and importance that deserved a thoughtful answer. Photographing another artists passion and hard work may not be as easy as it sounds. From my early day Art and the way we interprit it. s in the late 90’s photographing paintings and sculptures for Cooper Union students on the streets and rooftops of the east village and the lower east side of NYC. I’ve always made it a point to portray the artists vision without giving it the look and feel of a carbon copy office memo. I’ve found that lighting, contrast shadow and unique angles all add to the depth and personality of the chosen piece. As a documentarian, adding my own understanding, perception and appreciation of the piece helped warrant such intrusion. Photographing another artists passion and hard work may not be as easy as it sounds.

From my early days in the late 90’s photographing paintings and sculptures for Cooper Union students on the streets and rooftops of the east village and the lower east side of NYC. I’ve always made it a point to portray the artists vision without giving it the look and feel of a carbon copy office memo. I’ve found that lighting, contrast shadow and unique angles all add to the depth and personality of the chosen piece. As somewhat of a documentarian, adding my own understanding, perception and appreciation of the piece helped warrant such intrusion. Thanks for the thoughtful question Jenn. You are an inspiration.

To check out Jenn’s work. Click the link below.

It Does Art

Exploring My New Surroundings

Damion Photo, Jersey City, Location Shooting, Mana Gallery

Since moving in to the new place less than two weeks ago. I’ve made a point to take time out of each day to explore my immediate surroundings. When we originally learned about Canco ( I admit that I had some concerns.) Though our loft offers all the modern amenities, features and space a resident could offer. I was somewhat concerned about it’s location and accessibility. Since those initial visits, I’ve quickly come to learn just how close we are to everything and anything while still maintaining somewhat of a remote and very private personality. Just steps away from Rt. 9, 7 and 139. Dey St. is just a short walk to Kennedy Blvd., the Journal Square PATH train (there’s actually a free shuttle bus you can pick up a block away that takes you right to our door step) and downtown shopping area. To finish, Canco is surrounded by some of the most unique and awe inspiring factories, warehouses and industrial beauty. Enough to keep me busy documenting my surroundings for years to come. I can only hope to find a healthy balance between my studio work and my urban landscapes. Learn, I will. Until the next time.

Damion Photo is Moving

Damion Photo, Jersey City, Studio Photography

In the coming weeks myself aka Damion Photo, aka Photo Geek will be moving to the Canco Lofts at 5o Dey st. in Jersey City. The move, a long time coming, hopes to provide the perfect live/work space for my wife and me. In recent years I’ve had a makeshift studio in my living room, and though I was able to make it work, it was always far from perfect. The three floor walk up and cramped space served as two major obstacles. Obstacles that limited the kind of work I’ve always been capable of. The new space more than doubles the size of my current spot, provides plenty of natural light and areas to shoot outside the loft and the building itself. I’ve already mapped out the area I’ll use as a studio and can’t wait to explore more of Canco and the surrounding blocks.

Within the coming weeks I’ll be focusing on expanding Damion Photo’s reach to include family friendly packages that will include children, family, maternity and more. Like I said, this has been a long time coming. I haven’t felt this positive and energized in a long time. I look forward to focusing, once again, on my passion and all the things that made me fall in love with photography in the first place. Feel free to contact me via email at DamionPhoto@gmail.com for more info or to book a session in the near future. Now, back to packing.

Attention You Seek

Damion Photo, Documentary, Editorial, Finding your Zen, Humor, Philosophy

Wherever you go these days, make sure to your camera in tow. For the world is a stage and there is a long line to get on it. It seems that everyone and their uncle Sally are looking for the fifteen minutes of fame or moment in the spotlight. For better or worse, good, bad or ugly. It matters not the presentation. What matters is your documentation of such. Since my days in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen to my current Hoboken state of mind. I’ve always made a point of documenting my surroundings. It provides a sense of history and boatload of fun and frenzied images.

Raise Your Voice

Damion Photo, Finding your Zen, NYC, Poetry

During a recent meeting with my consultant Louisa, she suggested I use my down time to do things that keep me inspired when I’m not actually working. Whether it be working on a show, book or a trip to the printer, remain in an artistic state. Well, for me personally, I get inspiration from the city and it’s many parks. No matter the time or place, there’s always something brewing and something worthy of training my lens and putting the world in focus. This past Thursday, with no sessions planned until the late afternoon I head to the city for some extra inspiration. As I made my way through Washington Square Park, I came across a group of poets assembling by the west end of the fountain. What began as a quick stop quickly turned into an extended stay as one passionate voice after another recited personal works. The group known as P.U.P. (Poets in Unexpected Places) were all the expression and inspiration I needed to get through the early part of my day. I often wish I was brave enough to raise my voice without fear. Maybe someday I’ll learn to speak with more than my camera. Until then.

New Additions to Damion Photo

Advertising, Damion Photo, Event Photography, Family, Family Portraits, Finding your Zen, Location Shooting

Last night I added a KIDS section to Damion Photo which includes studio and location shots taken at local parks and beaches. Working with children and families has been one of the most rewarding parts of my photography life. Something I hope to dive head first back into in the coming months. I’m currently booking Spring sessions which include visiting clients homes where kids seem most comfortable. I also plan to continue taking advantage of Hoboken’s Parks and beautiful Hudson River view. There will be many updates and additions in the coming days, weeks and months. Come visit and watch for the coming updates. Yours Truly, The Photo Geek