Uncategorized – Page 5 – Photogeek Blog

Headshots; Affordable, Painless and Very Necessary

A headshot is an important networking tool to have at your disposal whenever promoting your service and/or skills. Having learned from experience. People will forget a name long before they ever forget a face. Having a good headshot allows you the opportunity to make a great first and lasting impression. Having many of my original business cards get placed into someone’s wallet only to be forgotten before eventually being tossed. It wasn’t until I found a company that offered me the choice to feature one of my images on the front side of the card while housing my contact information on the other that I not only got noticed. I got business. Further proving that how important image is in this day and age. Below is just a brief description of what I offer. Be sure to contact me with any further questions you might have. Thanks, James

Headshot Session; I’ll work with you to give you the desired look and feel you’re looking to present.

I’ll give you three different looks depending on your needs.

Images taken in studio or nearby outdoor location.

Three business day turnaround policy

Cost. $150

Contact me here or email me at damionphoto@gmail.com

An Unexpected Education

Finding your Zen, Friendship, Happiness, Studio Photography, Uncategorized

07-17-2016 Manya K5010IManya K. I was sitting with my friend going over the weeks sessions when I half jokingly said, “You’re going to put me in the poor house.” The remark was in response to his pointing out the next expensive item I needed to invest in. Being that the last six or so months had seen me purchasing a new camera, a lens, photo software, a sturdy tripod, new umbrellas and a studio light to name a few. It seemed a proper reaction. Then I thought about the education he’s been giving me and I suddenly found myself eating my words.

As I took a moment from my mason jar of home-made tea. I thought about how much time and effort has been invested in bringing me back and making every studio session better than the last through honest critiquing and continuing building blocks. And I continue to book shoots and regularly use the tools and knowlege given. My confidence builds, allowing me to have more creative control and in the end, satisfaction. For now I’ll keep my “thank you’s” to a minimum and use my time to listen, learn and appreciate. 感謝、私は残っています。

Remain Calm and in the Moment.

Uncategorized

As I look back at my session with Yesenia. I can’t help but wish I had the time to better capture the exquisite beauty I had with me in the studio. Yet due partly to some unavoidable lateness and being plagued by some cable issues throughout. Time and attention were diverted to other things.

Yesenia’s gorgeous lips, perfect skin and incredibly expressive eyes were enough to cause a power outage. Her hair flowed naturally in every direction, giving her a new and unique look with every turn. In the end, it was her patience, grace and calm presence that kept me relaxed and somewhat poised as I attempted to fix the issues that were keeping my lights from communicating with my camera and the computer. In the end we managed to get plenty of beautiful images and didn’t go beyond our sessions two-hour schedule. In hindsight, I feel I’m learning that it always helps to have a backup plan in the case something goes wrong. It also helps to have everything you might need (for example, extra cables or batteries) at arms reach. Thanks Yesenia, I had a blast.

Piece by Piece. Day by Day.

Anxious, Damion Photo, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, James Damion, The Art of Studio Lighting, Uncategorized

As I find myself working harder and harder to point my way back towards becoming a full time, or at least more consistent studio photographer. I feel my doubts and insecurities reaching a boiling point. The combination of learning new things while unlearning others that once worked just fine for me and many of the people I worked with. With shoots being booked and sessions coming in. I find myself overloaded with information and ideas. I have to admit, it’s a little overwhelming.

As I was setting up for a upcoming shoot and getting familiar with some new software, gear and switching up backgrounds. I had to stop, take a deep breath and step a bit back to find comfort in some older sessions to remind myself “You got this. You can do this.” I can always go back to the things I already know and relied on, but that wouldn’t get me anywhere but where I already am. In order to grow you have to learn, take chances and try new things. In order for me to continue doing what I love. I have to get past my anxiety fear of failure. To quote a wise green guy. “There is no try, only do.”

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One Size does not Fit All

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Drop Box-35 During the week or so before our session. Melissa and I spent hours exchanging ideas about our upcoming session and what we were both looking to achieve during the short window of time we’d be collaborating. During that time, she shared a number of images taken by other photographers. None of which, in my very humble opinion did her any justice. Basic things such as lighting and keeping her beautiful eyes under dark shadows. So during the final days before our session, I assured her that while I was just getting back in to studio work. She would leave that day with photos that would put her in a better light.

From the moment we met. I couldn’t help but think”This isn’t the woman I’ve been talking to for the last week or so.” Her presence and personality were glowing. Her beautiful eyes and smile, yet to be highlighted by the cameras lens. There was a look and a spirit I wanted to portray. My goal for the shoot was suddenly revealed. Due to my usual nervous, anxious nature. I tend to talk a lot. In this particular case. I was so intrigued by her story. I just shut my mouth and listened. I was surprised by how many common interests we shared. The chemistry we shared during the shoot eased all of the usual nervous knots and anxiousness I get when beginning a session.Having been raised by a Mother who always appreciated and shared various art forms with me. I grew to love and appreciate women with curves. Maybe it was the Latin influence in our home. I don’t know. I’ve always been one to go with the “Good things come in all shapes and sizes.” Beauty isn’t a one size fits all affair.

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Making a Rare Radio Appearance

Anxious, Damion Photo, James Damion, Marketing, Self Promoting, Uncategorized

On Tuesday, March 22nd at 11:00pm. I’ll be joining Al Crisafulli and Katie Kazimir on WFDU HD2’s “Signal to Noise”. Over a thirty minute time slot I’ll be answering questions about my photography while playing some of my favorite songs from some of the bands I’ve photographed along the way. As someone who prefers to use imagery to express my thoughts and emotions. This is somewhat of a rare opportunity. A bit scary too. Be sure to tune in. JD

WFDU Fairliegh Dickinson University

Signal to Noise

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Respect to Sniffling Indie Kids

Uncategorized

Along with playing in a fist full of local bands. My friend Frank runs an indie label by the name of Sniffling Indie Kids. Since it’s formation I’ve had the chance to capture a number of the labels acts live. This morning, shortly after reposting some images from a summer 2015 show. He asked me if he could use a shot I had taken of the band LKFFCT (Lake Effect). Happy to oblige, I sent him a large file. Low and behold, the image was added to the site within minutes and my road to famed music photographer was paved.I’ve posted the image below. Along with a link to the page it’s posted on. If you’re a fan of indie rock. I highly recommend a thorough investigation of their catalog. Each and every release is a stand out and a perfect document of what’s happening musically in our neck of the woods.

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Look to the Sky

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Exploring, Landscape Photography, Light Modifiers, Location Shooting, Photo Filters, Street Photography, Sunscapes, Sunsets, Uncategorized

Armed with a recently purchased tripod and a fresh out the box circular polarizer. I headed south on Rt. 9 to Fords Ave. for one of my favorite spots to photograph sunsets. After an over priced and underwhelming slice of pizza and a quick stop in at my friendly, way out of the neighborhood record store. (You know the one that prices every fucking item in the store higher than anyone else on the planet.) I made my way towards the power lines and set up my tripod in time to watch the sun slowly set over the industrial setting.

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To add to the industrial feel the scarecrow like towers offer were too larger than life objects that looked to be a skateboarders wet dream. The barrels, wide enough to drive a car through and hollow enough to deliver ear shattering echoes. While it’s taking me a bit of time to get used to working on a tripod. According to a friend and mentor. It’s a much needed step in my growth as a photographer. As for the filters. I owe a thank you to the sales woman at Adorama for her recommendations and taking the time to make fun of the old, crappy filter that was attached to the lens I brought in.

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Third Time’s the Charm

Beauty, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, High Key Lighting, Natural Beauty, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography, Uncategorized

Having worked with Tory on two separate occasions. We’ve worked towards creating some noteworthy images. Ones that displayed both her talent and beauty. Strangely enough, each of the two sessions left me scratching my head, thinking, she is far more beautiful than I’ve portrayed her to be. Far to beautiful to be hiding under all the clothes and makeup that only serve to mask any of her beautiful features.. Just an opinion, but one that cried out, begging for redemption on my part. For, in my heart of hearts. I had failed in not portraying her as the beautiful woman I saw her as.

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Armed with ideas and a sense of determination I reached out. Much to my surprise and slight confusion, she not only agreed, but thanked me for the second (actually third chance.) Knowing, as well as accepting that each individual has their own sense of style and look that they’re comfortable with. It can make for a difficult task in attempting to have someone give in to a look other than their own. In Tory’s case, she made it incredibly easy for me. My suggestion to wear a comfortable tee shirt and go minimal with the makeup could best be equated to a less is more theory. Personally, I felt that those small changes went a long way to bring out her true beauty. I was finally given the chance to see the woman I always envisioned was under the makeup and clothing.

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I can’t go without thanking her for both the opportunity and trust she gifted. I’m more than happy to report that I finally got it right.

Day 15; Roppongi (Tokyo)

Art, Art Exhibition, Finding your Zen, Japan, Uncategorized

After a late night and little sleep. The chances of getting very far from our home base seemed pretty remote. However, with a little digging and a lot of scrambling. I managed to convince Kayuri to join me on a two plus hour train ride that included two transfers. The ride itself was not going to be a pretty one. As the man sitting directly across from me ate, drank, clipped his nails, applied eye drops and picked his nose for most of the trip. Fortunately for us, this was one of one of those occasions when the destination was far better than the journey.

As we arrived Takashi Murakami’s “The 500 Arhats”at Roppongi Tokyo’s Mori Arts Center. We were met with a line that extended far outside the center. A the door a sign welcomed visitors with an intimidating “Expect twenty minute wait on line.” While I’m not sure if the people were there for the Ancient Egypt exhibition or for Murakami’s exhibit. I’m glad we waited it out, because “The 500 Arhats” was incredible. While this is my usual kind of post. Being that I don’t tend to post pictures I took of other peoples work. Both my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d highly recommend a visit. Below are a few images and a link to the Tokyo Time Out article that inspired me to go.

http://www.timeout.com/tokyo/art/takashi-murakami-the-500-arhats

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