Humble Beginnings

As I continue to purge past images from my computer and hard drive. I reflect on many of my early encounters. The people I met, the places I frequented outside my home studio, and the countless mistakes I made. And while I’ve built a cottage industry with self doubt and not giving credit where credit is due. In the end. I captured many moments worth keeping. The image below goes back to a timeI often photographed people at Hoboken’s nearby Monroe Center. The five story building deep within Hoboken served as the areas art center and housed every form of art one could imagine. With endless halls of cascading natural light and access to it’s roof. The Monroe Center always provided the right mood and environment to create. This particular woman had beautiful, emotive eyes and became a good friend. This just might be my favorite shot from our several sessions.

Learning from the Past.

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.

Key Ingredients

02-06-17_Nicole7182I recently had the opportunity to work with three incredibly talented  and gifted professionals (Two of which live on just down the hall of my condo.) With the help of model / actress Nicole M. Carroll Word Press, makeup artist Stephanie Perez Website and studio manager / technician Kevin Link Website . I (Or should I say, we.) captured some amazing shots. Having worked together with Nicole in 2016. Her amazing personality and stunning features helped me mark a turning point in my studio work. Inviting her back with fresh ideas and an amazing team was even more rewarding than our first meeting. I just thought it might be a good time to thank everyone involved while I share the fruits of our labor..

Second Time Around

Angel (1 of 1).jpgLess than midway through our first session. Angel leaned in and asked “Do you like working with me?” “Of course I do” I quickly replied. Truth be told. Working with her had been the most stress free session I had worked on in recent memory. Secretly, I was glowing inside. Knowing we had laid the foundation for future collaborations. So when the need to work on something new presented itself just months later. I knew I had an ace in my deck with Angel.  It’s quite rare when I am so eager to work with someone again so quickly. However, the chemistry and the results of our first session created the desire to work on new ideas and themes together. We’ve already set up a third and final shoot that I’m hoping will give us something useful for both of our portfolios.

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Ending the Year on a Positive

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

11-14-2016-corrine5790liciFor 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.

My Instagram Account

07-17-2016 Manya K5168IManya K..jpgFor years now I’ve been  aware of Instagram, but had no idea as to what it offered or what I’d find. In all honesty, I thought it was an app. where people uploaded their selfies and pictures of meals from their mobile devices. Thankfully, through  conversations with my brother and a close friend who’s been mentoring me. Not only was I open to investigation. I was flat out prepared to dive in to the deep end of the pool. Since opening an account, I’ve been posting regularly and building a small, but steady following. More importantly, I’ve found inspiration and ideas by following my favorite photographers, magazines and modeling agencies. And just as I’ve built a following with Photogeek over the years. I hope to grow and share with Instagram. Below is a link to my account. I’ll be posting work from my sessions regularly.

Follow me on Instagram

 

All the Right Ingredients

Having worked with Iya numerous times during my years of shooting in my cramped Hoboken home studio. I’ve been eager to have her over to the Loft to close out my new portfolio in a much more open and for lack of a better word, lofty space. Having someone who was both a friend and an experienced model at my disposal initially felt like a no brainer. However, her inquiry regarding my providing a makeup artist and/or stylist threw me in to panic mode. And while having one of the industries best makeup by stephanie perez living in the adjacent loft went a long way to ease my tensions. Trying to book her only days in advance  was a bit of a challenge. In the end, the m.u.a’s assistant Karen not only stepped in. She amazed. As beautiful as Iya looked walking through my door. *&^%$% had her looking like an absolute goddess. Going forward as a photographer, I hope to incorporate the use of a make up artist and stylist. Knowing that I have such fantastic options at arms reach is very reassuring.I highly recommend you take s look at Satephanie’s site. I assure you, you’ll be inspired.
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Results from a not so Fun Shoot.

Results from Friday’s  grueling two and a half hour shoot. There was zero chemistry between myself and the model. No adherence to the sessions theme or goals. Just one angry looking model.

Headshot or Not.

While I’m not 100% sure I’ve ever done a poll on this blog in the  years I’ve been doing this. I’d like to get feedback on a number of things as I hope to create some dialogue with the people who tune in from time to time to see what I’m up to. CloseIn the past and in recent months to be more accurate. I’ve somehow managed to gain some regular traffic here on the blog. Something that means a lot considering photography is one, if not my greatest passion. Comments, messages and dialogue are both welcome and appreciated. As I decide on whether or not to spend good cash on an intensive headshot course.    I thought I’d reach out and ask some of you for your input. Please take a moment to choose one of the options below as well as share with anyone who might have an opinion on the matter. Thanks.