Saturday, August 9, 2008
Photographing large groups of people is easy
Capturing 30-40 people in an image can be a feat of artisty, rather than a sardine line-up. And it can be fun.
If a photographer thinks out of the box, he or she can design an image that isn't the typical view from the company's roofline or the squeezed in crowd positioned on top a nearby football stand.
With a little ingenuity, some budget and the skill of retouching, one can meet the assignment with an image that is refreshing, fun and artistic. There is no reason why professionals can't be positioned like Hollywood celebrities. Afterall, many professionals are celebrities in their own right within their fields.
Recently, we were assigned to capture St. Peter's University Hospital's breast cancer treatment team, consisting of re-knowned physicians, technicians, and researchers. Our client, based in New Brunswick, NJ, asked that we create an interesting image that reflected the significance of these professionals.
The image shown shows the outcome of the assignment. Adding to the complexity of the shot, we had to shoot six people two weeks after the first shoot and add them in. Can you find the six we added? We defy you to be able. Careful planning, measuring and designing of the second shoot makes that exercise seemingly impossible.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
File size does matter!
Recently, Gerry and I had the opportunity to test Hasselblad's newer 39 megapixel medium format digital camera, the H3DII. This amazing piece of technology is every photographer's dream.
The technological improvements made over the past few years are monumental which makes it imperative that commercial photographers keep up with the trends and deliver assignments using the state-of-the art equipment. All the camera companies are trying to out size each other and the choices for the pro are really fabulous now. Does size matter? You bet it does.
Food photography
There's nothing more enticing then pancakes in the morning - smoothered in your favorite pancake syrup. Or....a hamburger enveloped in blue cheese and crispy bacon. Food....everyone's favorite vice and every living creature's fuel for life.
Monday, January 7, 2008
GOOD HEADSHOTS VITAL FOR ACTORS, AS WELL AS PROFESSIONALS
GOOD HEADSHOTS VITAL FOR ACTORS, AS WELL AS PROFESSIONALS
Regardless of your profession (i.e., Realtor, Banker, Author, Model, Corporate Executive, Life Coach, Physician, Artist, Teacher, etc.) take a tip from actors who realize the importance of a great image. The "perfect headshot" brands that person, and is his/her sales tool in the acquisition of work.
A BRANDING IMAGE THAT SELLS – YOU!
Simply put, an excellent and compelling headshot is vital for promotion and is all about selling YOU! Your face, your personality, your demeanor – that’s what sells YOU!
Because, remember…first and foremost, it is YOU who ultimately stands behind the products, services and skills you provide and offer. A Headshot Photographer worth his/her salt will also understand the fine differences between shooting an image for a Corporate headshot, as opposed to one for a model, writer, artist, sports figure or media and theatrical entertainer.
And, bear in mind that aside from including finely executed composition, style and lighting, great headshots don’t have to be boring! They can add and create a sense of fun, play and whimsy, too. So…be it a headshot for use in comp cards, annual reports, marketing and public relations brochures, resumes, customer catalogs and/or for web content… what better way to make a strong initial and positive impact and impression on your targeted audience? You’ll be so glad you did!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
IS FORTY THE NEW TWENTY?
Most recent photo shoots include British Rock Guitarist, Dave Kilminster, as well as up-and-coming 43 year old model, Gina Masters who was featured in the November 2007 issue of "MORE" magazine, and who concurrently appeared on an episode of the "TODAY" show.