Studio Photography – Photogeek Blog

What Did A Shadow ever do to You?

A long time ago in a studio far away. A photographer friend and mentor asked the question. “What did a shadow ever do to you?” At the time, I had worked for several retail studios and was hoping to take my studio experience, and knowledge of lighting to a new level. Terrified of making mistakes. After starting out on my own. My lighting setups were basic and lacked any depth. However, through working with this gentleman, I learned that mistakes were essential in learning and experimentation was key to becoming an artist. That question opened a lot of doors for me. Not only did it help me erase my fears. But it changed my studio work forever. The shadows, the contrat, the highlights and the ability to adjust and properly see the light. Game changers that gave my photos new life and depth. Once you ask yourself, “What did a shadow ever do to you?”

Keep it or Let Go.

Memories, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

As a photographer who has a hard time letting go. Often thinking, once the image is deleted, so goes the memory. I can assure you, that train of thought might score you an appearance on the show “Hoarders”, if not in a chair with a licensed psychotherapist. Therefore, I highly recommend that you regularly revisit and delete photos that no longer feed your art. Trust me. Your closet and computers hard-drive will thank you.

As someone who’s been a slave to that before mentioned belief, I’m incredibly grateful for both the space I’ve created and the emotional freedom of not holding too tightly to the past. When I think of my earlier days of getting peple to show up at my tiny home studio in Hoboken.

Looking back, I can’t help but recall Roksolana. Her energy and personality were and are unmatched. She was always two steps ahead of me while often sharing her own ideas. And rather hard to keep up with. In the end, she helped to teach me about patience and expression through her beauty and personality.

Taking Musicians Out of their Element.

Rock Photography, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

For thirty years, I brought my camera to every show I attended, from the bars, basements, and cavernous venues of NYC and beyond to the clubs and concert halls that required a negotiated photo pass. My camera was my excuse to get close and stay close. When all was said and done, I always envied the photographers who got closer by photographing their heroes in a more intimate setting like their photo studio or somewhere on location. Those were the shots I worshipped and hung in my own home.

An Obsession of Sorts

Portraiture, Storytelling, Studio Photography

My obsession with photographing people goes back to my teens, when I got my first 110 film camera to take pictures of my two-week trip to Ireland. From that day on, my passion grew. Throughout my teens and early twenties that passion turned into an obsession. My camera was always the magic wand that allowed me to start a conversation with complete strangers and invite them into my world. While I’ve become somewhat as an introvert in recent years. I’ve turned ti carrying a business card that features one or ten of the countless people I’ve worked with. While time has moved me towards landscape and travel photography. Portraiture of any kind is where my heart remains.

It’s in the Eyes

Expression, Portraiture, Studio Photography

While popping into my local camera store to pick up a print, I asked one of the salesmen what he thought made a great portrait. For whatever reason, he shared it with the rest of the staff. In what seemed to be a choreographed answer, they replied, “The eyes,” in unison. Here’s an image I feel represents their unanimous answer.

And You Can Dance…

Anecdote, Beauty, Expression, Finding your Zen, Natural Beauty, Studio Photography

It was a short, yet fun session with two girls I met through the local music scene. Music is always a source of inspiration to me, but I have no idea what inspired her to suddenly break into dance mode. Regardless, these images remain favorites after all these years. I’m including a video of Superchunks “The First Part” due to the simple fact that these images always remind me of it.

Lost and Found

abstract, Art, Beauty, Portraiture, RAW Files, Studio Photography

So, here I am, listening to the criminally under-acknowledged album “Broken Hearts Are Blue.” by Minneapolis indie rock standout The Truth About Love and mulling through images I might have overlooked. Perhaps something that just needs a crop or touch-up to give it new life. Funny how I can easily recall a photo shoot and whatever chemistry or connection that was made over that thirty or so minutes we shared, while allowing countless images to go unexplored. This one image of a badass musician / artist I met on the lower east side of Manhattan jumped out at me while appeaing to my recent obsession with edgy punk rock captures. It also draws me to the core of a style in which I’d love to photograph going forward. Please, share your thoughts. If you think this image and it’s dramatic style suck. Let me know. I get so little feedback on this blog. Let me know you’re thoughts on the matter.

The Challenges and Rewards of Photographing People.

Beauty, Finding your Zen, Storytelling, Studio Photography

While photographing people has been my passion since day one. It wasn’t always easy. From my earliest days photographing friends and working for retail studios. To working with models and complete strangers That personal connection peels away the layers and depth of people’s personalities was one of the best feelings I could describe.. Forging a trust in a matter of minutes. One that allows you to peal away layers to show them in a way they may not have expected. I want to get back to that, while exploring the stories and experiences behind the session and image. As much as I’ve enjoyed and benefited from travel and landscape photography, I’ve dearly missed the challenge and rewards of portraiture and studio photography. What once looked like a closed chapter seems to be opening up again.

Learning from the Past.

Beauty, Communication Breakdown, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, Studio Photography

Earlier this week, I came across some photos from a session I often refer to as, the worst due to the lack of communication between myself and the model. Regardless of the fact that she was, by all means, beautiful and a great canvas to work with. Much of the hour we booked was marred by her insistance on looking tough and making what would most be considered a gas face. Luckily, my friend and mentor was willing to step in to make some suggestions that really turned things around. Shortly after her departure, we shared a deep exhale, grateful that the worst part of our day was over. Looking back, I’m thankful for both. The model for testing my patience and pushing me to become a better communicator. My friend for stepping in and showing me how a true professional gets things done.

Once Upon a Time in Hoboken.

Dramatic Lighting, Finding your Zen, Natural Beauty, Portraiture, Studio Photography

As I continue to make room on my computer for future uploads. I’ve found myself examining sessions from as far back as 2002. Though my editing and ultimate deleting has created some much needed space. I’m not nearly as deep into my dive as I hope to be. Upon opening the particular session. I can’t help but note it as hybrid moment where I began to shoot with purpose and not with the fear of making mistakes or moving lights around while I let my subjects story unfold. Below is a slideshow of a Broolyn woman who modeled, worked as a stunt woman and was a martial art master who specialized in knife and sword combat. During our brief time together. I was lucky to capture many moods as well as levels of strength and beauty. Enjoy.