B&W – Page 10 – Photogeek Blog

Second Chances

As I opened the door to greet Tara earlier today I could hardly believe my eyes. The beautiful woman with the flowing hair that reached beneath her waist now sported hair that barely touched her shoulders. It framed her face perfectly and brought out the glow in her porcelain skin. The change added a layer of beauty that I hadn’t noticed before. There was something about her new look that made her seem warmer, more mature and open. The smile and hug made my nervous knots disappear.

The girl who came to me as a model last year was now blossoming into an actress. As we talked and sipped coffee we talked about the changes in both of our lives since our last creative collaboration. She seemed happy, focused and excited about the future. It was a cool and relaxed vibe that made for very natural shots. Our last shoot had it’s tensions due to some lateness on part of her makeup artist and perhaps a lack of planning on both our parts. Today’s session just felt right from the jump off.

The dramatic makeup and theme of last years shoot was replaced by minimal, self applied foundation and a chill urban feel. The only similarity today’s session had to last years was getting her to try some things that she might have felt, were out of her comfort zone. Later, when I went over the shots more thoroughly. I only noticed one or two that were decidedly similar to those of last year. As for me, I’ve noticed my confidence grow with each and every shoot. Overall improvement in preparation, lighting and ability to manage time are noticeable and I’m not quite as clumsy as I used to be. Not bad if you ask me.

Second Time Around

Beauty, Nudes

Every so often a model I’ve worked with returns to update their images or perhaps go for an entirely different look. Tomorrow afternoon I’ll have just such an opportunity. I first worked with Tara a little over a year ago. During that November shoot Tara and I worked really well together. However, there were some challenges. There have been times when you don’t really gel with the people you work with. It’s not that you don’t like or trust the person. It can sometimes be a simple difference in approach or vision. This was one of those times. On this particular night I think I challenged her to look outside of the box a bit. Perhaps to step outside of her comfort zone. Looking back I was really happy with the results and recall her thanking me for taking her out of her comfort zone.

I’m really looking forward to shooting with her again tomorrow as we go for a more urban vibe. I’m sure I’ll have some good stuff to post and a new story to tell.

Different Looks and Concepts

Beauty, Canon lenses and equipment, Portraiture, Studio Lighting

Whenever setting up a shoot I like to have a game plan in place. I always go over everything with the model or subject I’ll be shooting with that day. The topic of clothing, hair, makeup and approach are all addressed. I always stress, “The more clothes you bring the better”. I provide a basic guideline of three distinguishable looks but remind them that they know their wardrobe better than me and know for sure what really brings out the best in them. There are always looks that click and those that don’t. Most of the time I find them ultimately wearing one of my dress shirts, ties or hats by the end of the shoot. “Why not?” “They always look better on them anyway.” The ultimate goal is that they’re relaxed, comfortable and in the best light possible.

For this particular shoot I had several looks I was hoping to achieve. My friends band My Rifle was set to release their first EP and I had just received their new T-shirt with the band/record logo. The second look was to capture a classic B&W vibe with a bit of a modern fashion twist. The third was to promote her naturally sexy look while adding a sense of warmth and comfort.

My goal with anyone I work with is of course to bring the very best out of them. Showing off their unique beauty and personality. There are many times when I’ve been able to see something in them, they themselves never saw. Getting someone to take chances and maybe think out of the box can often be rewarding for all parties involved.

Here’s what this particular model wrote about yours truly;

“I love James. He is amazing, I’ve never had so much confidence in my life… I was a cocoon hiding in the dark. Now I am spreading my wings and so proud to put myself out there and socialize with people all over the country. The more i work with him, the more i see how he brings out all of my beauty! Hence, I walk with better posture :)”

In closing (kinda formal, eh?) I find that as I grow as a photographer, so does my focus and attention to detail. I’m developing better concepts and ideas. Though I’m still a bit clumsy I’ve found that the confidence to work quicker at both communicating and executing my ideas without sacrificing any sense of focus or intimacy.

On the Way Home

Canon lenses and equipment, Documentary, Editorial, Fisheye Lenses, Location Shooting, Lower East Side, Portraiture, Portraiture in natural light

After a long day of good food and gallery hopping in Chinatown, SOHO and The Lower East Side we began to head West on Houston to catch the Path Train back to Hoboken. Stopping here and there to check out some of the artisans that sell their gear in front of that church I came upon one particularly interesting table. The man and his wife were selling these intriguing artifacts they cleverly restored and made into jewelry. As I listened to the man explain the background and process to an interested party I started to set up my camera to sneak a shot of this very interesting looking gentleman. I could have pulled it off without him noticing but would I get a really honest telling shot? I got over my shyness and began an interesting conversation with Scott. I then asked him nicely if I could take a picture of him. He obliged and I left with both a story and a picture. You can check out some of Scott’s work at www.newyorkartifactart.com I’m sure you’ll be impressed.

The People You Meet.

Documentary, Editorial, Location Shooting, Lower East Side, NYC, Portraiture in natural light

As we left the bar Shell and I passed this gentleman standing outside what seemed to be a community center. We made as far as the corner when I turned to my friend and told how much I would have loved to get a picture of him. His face had so much character, I’m sure there was one hell of a story there. I explained to her that I had become so introverted lately and just felt weird asking. Shell, being the awesome woman she is walked back with me and asked him rather sweetly. How could he refuse? The man obliged and began sharing stories about his life, loves and adventures. I’ve been a bit of a sniper as of late with my street photography. This however was a defining moment and reminded me the NYC is unlike any other place. Add this to my “Tales from the Lower East Side” series.

Beauty and the Heat.

Beauty, Portraiture, Portraiture in natural light

As the temperatures soared into triple digits I sadly had to reschedule my upcoming follow up shoot with Salley. After almost six months of scheduling issues and near misses due to everything from being buried in snowpocalypse 2011 to a broken ankle. We were able to finally connect for a quick yet awe inspiring session a few weeks back. After shooting some outdoor work that day we eagerly planned for some studio work. Being in the studio allows me so much more control over lighting and background. It also gives me more of a sense of mood. During the next week or so I’ll be working on a concept and vibe for our shoot. No matter the theme or wardrobe I’ll have one hell of a canvas to work with Salley is one of the coolest people I’ve worked with recently. Here are some of my favorite shots from that cool Sunday.

The Pictures I’ve Always Wanted to Take at Shows.

Documentary, Editorial

As much as I’ve always loved concert photography and capturing bands as they poured every ounce of energy into each song. It was always the before and after that I wost most enamored with. As a kid I would pour through fanzines and books like Dance of Days and Banned in D.C. so engaged by the shots of the kids at the show or the bands just hanging out. “Oh my God. They’re like… real people.” These were the shots that really told the story of the friendships and intimacy formed through the music. I always wanted to take those kind of pictures. I always wanted to take the “UnBand” picture. The one where they were just being themselves and not (as the Agnostic Front song goes) “Not another character in a Hardcore handbook. This past Saturday some friends, old and new, gathered to see GO! and others play the final ABC No Rio matinee before the ball and chain rebuild the aging landmark. I did my best to capture some of the friends who gathered. Some of which live on separate coasts. Others I only see sporadically at events such as this one. All near and dear to my heart. These are the kinds of intimate images I always wanted to take. I did my best to get some unguarded shots but people have a way of spotting a camera and wanting to ham it up.

“Take My Picture.”

Uncategorized

We’ve all been there. Your walking down the street minding your own business when a stranger asks you if you wouldn’t mind snapping their picture. Whether it’s tourists, a love struck couple or some random loner who wants to have their head pictured next to a monument or random crime scene. On most occasions I’m handed a phone or tiny digi-thing that I have no idea how to operate. I guess it comes with the territory. Walking around with a professional looking camera all the time is like wearing a bulls eye. The weird thing is when you’re at a random club or bar and a complete stranger asks you to take one with your own camera. The person usually does their best to make a sexy party face (looking like an idiot) or do something tasty, yet tasteless like licking their friends face or sticking their tongue down their partners throat. Then following up by not giving you their name, business card or number. Or saying “Dude, I totally want to see/buy those. All while never getting in touch. Here’s a series of pictures of random people who said “Hey, take my picture!” . Most of the people pictured were the exception to the rule. See if you can guess by the captions. Enjoy.

Seaweed Reunion Proves….. The Sequal is in Fact, Not Lame.

Seaweed Reunion

I’ve spent much of my morning going through images from Friday nights Seaweed Reunion over at Brooklyn’s Bell House and trying to write this review for Jim over at Jersey Beat but the words just don’t come close to the emotions. Music has been such a integral part of my life. It’s the reason why I started writing and taking pictures. Seaweed is one of those bands that blew me away from the first note. When I heard they were playing a show in Brooklyn I felt like a little school girl. Seriously, I was so excited I could have shit myself. I got to see them a handful of times in the 90’s and till this day listen to their album ‘Four’ in it’s entirety on a regular basis. The record is flawless. Needless to say the show was one for the ages. Honestly there was not a sad face in the entire crowd. Complete strangers became best friends while packed in front of the stage like sardines. As I write this I have to remind myself that it’s not my intention to turn this into a show review. I’ll save that for the article. The point of this is that I am constantly being reminded how much music inspires us. Takes us out of the gloom and doom of the world around us an inspires us to move. During and after the show I ran into so many friends and familiar faces. Seeing Tom, Ticia, Amy Edge, Pete Tabott and TKW who traveled all the way from Richmond just for the show. I appreciated the records from Alf Bartone. His band (Damn) This Desert Air’s sound was epic. I’ve been hearing about All Eyes West for a while now and they were amazing. So much energy coming from those guys. Incredibly special thanks to Jordin and Brendan from Bad Trip for bringing me the “Elevator” and “Seeing With New Eyes” 7 inches. It’s times like these that make me realize I live a charmed life. I’ll be sure to post something more show related later. For now, it’s off to the Taco truck for a late lunch.

Thinning the Herd Meet and Greet.

Uncategorized

Thinning the Herd is a band I’ve been following for some time now. They were and are one the many bands I’m interested in talking to for Unite. When my bestie Rich Trash told me he was friends with the band I asked him to do the interview in order to possibly gain a more personal insight as to what makes them so fucking awesome.
When I heard they were playing the Lit Lounge I figured I’d swoop into Manhattan, gets some pictures and introduce myself. Seeing them live for the first time in over a year was great. Getting to hear the newer songs and get up close. Hopefully Rich will get back to nYc soon to sit down with the guys.
Thanks to Gavin for the Cd’s. I appreciate it. The bands new release Oceans Rise is amazing.

Thinning The Herd on FB