Photogeek Blog

Ask a Friend

Art, Beauty, Canon lenses and equipment, Natural Beauty, Soft Lighting, Uncategorized

LuLu (1 of 1) It’s not often when I ask a friend to model for me. Let alone, strip down to her bare essentials to help me tests ideas, such as boudoir set ups I’d like to do in the future. So when it came to asking one particular girl to help me out. At the very least, I was fully expecting a flat out rejection. When she surprisingly agreed. I did everything I could to make her and myself feel as comfortable and pressure free as possible. My goal for this particular session was to project a sense of warmth and intimacy. A mix of subtle lighting, varied backgrounds and a great rapport with my model friend. I think we did a great job. And while my setup will need some adjusting. I’m grateful for getting the opportunity to work with someone I enjoy spending time with.

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Making Time for Art

Art, Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Jersey Beat

While I haven’t quite quit the habit of bringing my camera to shows. I’ve made it a priority to capture less images. Instead of capturing a series of ones I feel best capture the bands live performance. I’ve focused on getting one or two that I feel capture the essence the music, it’s sound and how it resonates with me. In the case of New Jersey’s TRU. I felt their mix of dream pop and shoegaze warranted more of an artsy, conceptualized approach than that of the Punk and Metal bands I’ve used to seeing.

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Roads Less Traveled

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Editorial, Exploring, Landscape Photography, Roadside Attractions

For years now, our weekends have included road trips that have taken us to many cities, states, farms and out of the way eating destinations. Some of my favorite have been out to the countryside where we get to enjoy things that us city folk don’t get to enjoy during the work week. And with all the roadside attractions and calls to “Stop the car. I’m getting out.” It’s a near miracle we ever get to our final destination. With all the recent verbal onslaghts of “People live here, you know.” and “You’re on private property.” I have learned to choose the ground I tread on lithely. In this case, with a 50 mm lens. I was able to keep a safe distance. Though no one showed up or emerged from the collapsing structure. I definitely felt a presence and history as I walked among the ruins.

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Adventures in Lighting

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Headshots, Modeling, Portraiture, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

While many portfolio sessions require weeks of planning and idea sharing. Others can be brokered with minimal planning and just a few key exchanges. Such was the case with Lauren. New images to show off a new look and style that adds an artsy edge to an already fetching body of work. During the two hours we worked together. My goal of recreating a look that was based on my love of black and white Hollywood Film Noir. By moving the main light around I was able to create the shadow and depth that once went missing in my studio work. With little to no instruction, I followed Lauren’s movement and changes to capture a number of looks and moods. In the end, the results had me recalling what drew me to my earliest experiemnts with photography and black & white film. Below are a very small sampling of what we captured.

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How About That!!!

Damion Photo, Finding your Zen

When I was recently sent an invite to an upcoming gig. I honestly didn’t take notice to the fact that the really beautiful illustration was an interpretation of a photo I had taken some years ago of Archie Alone’s Cindy Ward. It wasn’t until later in the day when Cindy messaged me to state the obvious, that I realized what they had done.While it’s not something I see very regularly. It’s a distinct honor when someone thinks enough pf one of my images to consider its use for a worthy cause such as Planned Parenthood or a benefit to raise money and awareness of Cancer treatment. It makes me feel I’ve done good.

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Room to Breathe

Damion Photo, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, Studio Photography

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I was having this conversation with a potential client when my humble studio beginnings came up. I shared how I somehow managed to set up a makeshift home studio in my small Hoboken apartment. Not only was the space incredibly small, but those who dared venture in to the mile square for a session had to follow up their nightmarish search for parking with a three floor walk up to said apartment. Strangely enough, I made it work to moderate degrees of success.

Fast forward a couple of years and I’ve just about quadrupled my space in nearby Jersey City where parking is a breeze and elevators seem to be all the rage.

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Still, with the sizable change. I often find myself trying to find space to set up a full function studio as well as finding closet space to store away equipment while I’m not using it. And while any mention of clutter or booby trapped studio equipment is strictly that of an over worked imagination. I’ve been ever vigilant to keep things, if not out of mind,. At least out of sight.

Needless to say, my new found focal length has given me the space between my subject while having my subject further enough from the background to avoid unwanted shadows and unexpected falloff.

Yes, I’m still clumsy, but I haven’t broken anything or caused any permanent damage since I got here. Hopefully, with a little coaxing and improved balance I’m beginning to feel more confident in myself snd my work. If that continues, doors are sure to open.

Ending the Year on a Positive

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Damion Photo, Fashion, Model Mayhem, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

Below are a couple of favorites from my final studio session of 2016. My two hour shoot with Angel was without a doubt, my favorite of the year. While Angel may be somewhat new to modeling, her beauty, grace and ability to change gears effortlessly should go a long way to insure her success. A second shoot is already in the works. One that we are both eager to bring to fruition. Stay tuned.

Back to Boudior

Canon lenses and equipment, Dramatic Lighting, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

11-14-2016-corrine5790lici For some time now I’ve wanted to get back on track with my boudoir photography. Having moved on from a very small and awkward space to a large and more open one was a major factor. Mostly though, taking the lighting techniques I’ve learned since then and employing them to work I feel I’m ready to produce. While I’ve always strived to provide both a fun and safe environment. Learning the tools to create the mood and setting makes for less guessing and more time to create. As we enter the New Year. Think about finally booking a Boudoir session. They make for a great gift for yourself or a loved one. A time capsule you can look back on with pride and joy. Email me at damionphoto@gmail.com for more information or to book a session.

Vacation Pictures

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Storytelling, Street Photography

blogi-1-of-1 As my first visit to New Orleans began to unfold. I really began to rethink my choice to make it seem like such a photo based trip. While there was a undeniable excitement surrounding my first trip to what was both a historic and storied destination. I couldn’t help but notice what a distraction having my camera had become.

When I look at the images featured here. I can’t help but feel that wherever I go, whether it’s just outside my door or a distant corner of the world. The most important thing is the people I meet and what they teach me about the places I’m visiting. Maybe I’ll stick to my cell phone the next time I travel. Stick to pictures of the people I’ve travelled with and the ones I’ve met.

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Train of Thought

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Industrial Photography

tot-1-of-1 While it’s true that much of what I photograph and want to photograph can often be found on the “off-limits” section of the map. There are times when an opportunity presents itself and I’m left to freely explore and photograph the things that spark my imagination. Such was the case during a weekend trip to Hudson New York’s Basilica Farm & Flea. As if the areas architecture wasn’t enough to jump from the driver’s seat. Turning on to S. Front Street and historically eye-popping visuals. I knew the long drive to Hudson was about to produce many rewards. And while the Farm & Flea provided plenty of eye-catching merchandise. The adjacant train yard was, at least for me, the real thrill.