Tag Archives: photography tools

Old Car City USA

Feb
11
2013
by Jessy | 0 Comments

This past weekend I packed up and headed to Old Car City USA in White Georgia.  It’s about 6 hours away but well worth the drive.  I love my cars, and I loved this place.  There are acres of cars and random buildings.  There are cars with trees growing through the grills even!

Everything is for sale or trade, but I would just pay the extra and take your camera for a few hours and enjoy the experience.

*Please note, a few hours will far from cover the amount there to photograph.

Being from Florida now, I was not prepared for the 37 degree weather, but once I saw the place I just could not leave.  Dean, the owner, was very nice and gave advice upon entering and didn’t rush me out the door when I was late to go.  There was a lot of crawling over vehicles and under trees to get to some decent shots that I wanted but the entire experience was more than worth the time and effort.  I left feeling cold, dirty, and very tired, but I am ready to go back, for a few days.

 

So many things and so many opportunities for more photos, or something to buy and fix up.  you can still see the glory in what once was of these amazing cars.  I know there is a photo workshop coming up that RC Concepcion has been talking about.  I would message him and find out the details to go.

While you are there keep your eyes open for amazing HDR opportunities as well as any other edits you can do to increase the dramatics of a photo.  With cars and shooting, the secret is in the details.  I can only hope that I get a chance to make it back out to Old Car City USA some day soon for a few days….

 

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Second Wedding out the Door!

Nov
16
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

wedding bouquet photoThere has been so much going on lately that I haven’t had time to post.  I’ll be doing some back logging to catch up now that I finally have time.  I have done some event photography, workshops, wedding, and surf photos.  Now that the wedding and surf photos are out the door I’m working on a video composite of images from a car show back in my hometown.

Focus of this should be on the wedding of the amazing couple I photographed last month.  These two (if you know them from the photos you will agree) are just amazing people!  Luke and I had a great time hanging out with them prior to the wedding for photos as well as during.  everyone was excited for the idea of photos so it worked well.

Great friends of theirs provided an amazing back yard for the pre-ceremony photos.  The yard was an amazing location and produced some great photos of these two.

Luke again used his canon and I was running both the Nikon D7000 and D800.  I found that during the reception I tended to lean more towards the D7000 due to the speed with it being so dark.  Most of the family and couple photos were done with the D800 though.  I

wedding couple photo

again used BorrowLenses to rent the Nikkor 50mm and 70-200mm.  Those two lenses, I would l

ove to own!  Everything good comes to those that wait. My lenses are good lenses and provide some amazing photos, especially my 105mm macro, but the glass in the 50 and 70-200 is just…wow.

My lesson learned from the last wedding was to sync the times on the cameras, we did that a day prior so editing was much easier than the lastone.  The only thing I didn’t really like is that our naming conventions are still off so when they are exported they export funny.  How does everyone else deal with that?  Do you change all filenames upon import?  Or do you just own all the cameras so that you set it how you want and it’s not an issue?

wedding photo pianoWell I have places to get some photos out to now that the couple has them.  I will wait till Monday before I start sending out the other requested photos, I just feel that the couple should have some time alone with them before they really get released.

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The Importance of Sunrise

Sep
03
2012
by Jessy | 2 Comments

A few weeks back a co-worker of mine was in town.  He really wanted to get out and do some photography but it rained every day!  We finally decided to do sunrise at the beach in hopes that we could get some done before it rained, and it worked!  I am not, normally a morning person but due to the afternoon and evening rains we tried.

The light was amazing and we even had a few surfers out to use as subjects.  Once the surfers saw that I was using them some they even tried to pose a little and ensure they were lined up for the camera so that they could be in the shot and help me out.

We used an app called TPE on my android to line up the sunrise and the pier and it really worked!  We would not have been placed better if we had tried.  The light coming across with the pier in the shot gave an added subject for some dimension.  As much as I hate to admit being a beach girl this is probably one of my favorite places to photograph, especially with my ultra wide Nikon 12-24 lens to get the clouds in.

The pier always adding that extra calming piece in any photograph is just want I need.  shots from under the pier are one of my favorites though this morning I finally got one I truly loved!  This one will be printed and hanging in my office or studio soon I am sure.

Just take my reminder of sunrise as a reminder for yourself and get out there in the early morning to get some fabulous shots!  Then you can of course take a nap in the afternoon, I won’t laugh.  If I didn’t have a full time job that I had to be at that afternoon, I would have taken a nap.

Thanks again for reading and have a great day!!

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Hurley ProBoard now available – and there’s a challenge

Jul
20
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

Just a quick happy post for your Friday.  The Hurley ProBoard from Peter Hurley is now available for sale!  This is a great product for portability, backgrounds, to put on the ground with a fantastic reflection, and so many other things.

To go with this amazing news of the ProBoard on sale and shipping with an official site was the announcement of a head shaving!  If Peter sells 50 ProBoards by August 1, 2012 he will shave his head on August 1st on a G+ hangout!  The HurelyProGear site has been updated with a counter.  If you are going to purchase one anyway this may be a great time!

 

Watch the 2 hour hangout announcing the Head Shaving Challenge

 

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Album Cover Images – Sound of One Hand Clapping

Jul
10
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

A few weeks ago I had the oopportunity to go to Denver for my company and shoot even photos.  You can read about the amazing opportunity that they gave me on my blog here.  While I was there I was able to stay a few extra days and stay with my cousin, back in the day we were great friends.  Our families did everything together and shortly before I moved to Florida she moved from the piano to the guitar and singing.  Even then I was amazed with her talent.  I am so happy she kept it up and has formed a band.  They have some great music, if you are looking for something new check out Sound of One Hand Clapping on Reverbnation.  If you want more information on them or are in the Denver area and what to keep up on their upcoming shows then like them on Facebook.

Erica and Dan asked me to do a photo shoot that weekend for album covers of their upcoming release.  I was absolutely ecstatic to do something like this for a band, and especially my cousin.  She is such a talented individual it was a great feeling that she thought enough of my photo work to ask something like this of me.  This was one of my very first portrait type of sessions and I’m thankful that it was them.  They are both so easy going and laid back, we were able to just have a lot of fun and not do too much posing other than what they wanted.

Maybe I’m crazy but I think the images came out great just by talking with them and having them talk to each other and have fun rather than trying to get the perfect posed shot.

All of these photos were  of course shot in color, with my Nikon D7000.  I switched between the kit lens, my 105MM and a 12-24.  Any black and white conversion was done post processing in Lightroom, or photoshop.  I did also use On One software for a few things, just because I am very specific about what software I use for what and when.

Even after completing the shoot and going back I was almost nervous to drop them on my machine and see what they really turned out like.  Having not done my portrait shots and it being so important for them I was just worried.  I had scheduled to go hang out with my parents for a while so I left Erica (my cousin) with the SD cards and my laptop so she could load them and go through them.  When I got back and saw how happy she was that before editing she saw images she liked it relieved my fears.

Going through and processing the images I found a new love for this kind of work.  I had such a great time taking the photos, and they have become some of my favorite to process with all the personality that they each have.  From this I shortly after accepted a gig to do engagement photos for another set of friends I have.  Those photos have just completed processing and are out the door and in their hands.  I have even agreed to do a wedding this upcoming week.  I have found a second shooter to assist and am more excited than nervous.

Peter Hurley taught us at G+ Photographers Conference that when shooting portraits you are 90% therapist and 10% photographer.  I think I am loving that combination and having a great time.

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Google + Photographers Conference

Jul
02
2012
by Jessy | 1 Comment

The Google+ Photography Conference in San Fransisco is now over, I do hope they are already planning for next year.  The conference itself was not expensive, the travel from Florida and the hotel is what cost the money.

The conference itself was amazing!  I learned a great many things about different media and different ideas and ways to get involved.  Jeremy Cowart had his keynote with a G+ hangout and Moose Peterson was making jokes as always.  The media show that Jeremy gave us of the drawing to video was really quite impressive!

 

Then of course we had Lindsay Adler doing a full session on Fashion photography!  Lindsay had models on stage with her, the lighting set up, her camera, assistants, and everything was tethered to display on the big screen above her.  To instantly see and better understand what she was explaining really was the polishing factor.  Many of the things she talked about are on her blog but to see them in action gave a whole new meaning to the many things I have read.  It’s hard to find people that will just let you point lights at them in different ways all day to understand what she is really describing.

No matter your level of photographer from armature to pro, I think it brings a whole new perspective to your life when you get to watch someone else work and really understand their process to use any tips and tricks they have yourself.  There’s many things each of us do to make our lives easier that we don’t even think of when teaching another person.

I firmly believe Peter Hurley stole the show!  He came out throwing t-shirts and hats…he was jumping around and super excited.  He walked through his issues when doing head shots and some of the things he does to assist his clients.  He was very clear that each person has to find what works for them.  I thought that insight was great as many people tell you what to do, they do not take into account that what I may be comfortable with, you are not.  I was so involved and riveted through his presentation I did not get any images, glad it was posted to YouTube! Peter Hurleys Presentation

 

The last night was an epic keynote with Trey Ratcliff.  Trey was interviewed by Scott Kelby and the interview responses did get a little dark and concerning.  This is the way with Trey, he looks so deeply into the meaning of the technology and future.  It is always amazing to listen to him speak his thoughts as it gives you another perspective that you never had.  Trey is such an open and honest person it’s amazing he has become as well known as he has.  Many people that are honest to the level he is are often much more hated than Trey, it’s fantastic the following that he has created just by being him.
Each and every presenter did an amazing job and was so personable.  Between sessions you could find them walking around and many would come right up and speak to you if you didn’t go to them first.  Though there were many people around everything was friendly and looking to meet everyone else there.  I have never been at a conference where people offered to let you use their camera that was worth thousands, or lenses, etc.  It was such an open and sharing environment that was created that way by the work from Kelby Media group but reinforced by the speakers themselves, then even those attending.

If there is another one next year, I hope you go, I’ll be there.

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Use What you Have

Apr
29
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

Today on G+ is SacredSunday.  There are many themes for each day of the week and I try to contribute when I can because it’s great to get the feedback on images and to continue learning.  I didn’t have much to contribute today but I remembered the great ideas so many others always have.  Many times the images are created with the smoke from incense, flowers and vases around the house, etc.  They always have such great ideas and I have never been able to really put things together like this, so today was my day!

I tried to think of what I had around my studio that would work for this theme and how to mix and match to make a great photo and something that would work.

I have this great little bistro set I purchased a while back that has some words and sayings painted on the top of the table and stools that say “Everything grows with love”, and “a dream is a wish the heart makes”.  I thought this was very inspirational and would work….so now how do I make it even more perfect for a sacred sunday…something that will make it pop.  Thinking I remembered my necklace that I always wear, people tend to think it’s a cross.  It’s actually a cut out from a spoon and is a dragonfly but the wings do make it look like a cross.  I took it off and put it on the bistro set to see if it would work.  I was quit impressed with what I had put together!

With the cross from the necklace the wonderful inspiration from the set it was perfect!  I moved the necklace around between the words, on the stool, on the table, etc.  I took about 50 images using my NikonD7000 and my Nikkor 105MM macro lens.  Using this lens gave great clarity to the images but was so tight on the subject that I found myself standing on the bistro set to get some distance.

I think the images turn out rather well.  This just goes to show that with anything you have on or around you current location you can make great images and things that will not only inspire others, but yourself as well.  If you have tried this before, post some links so that others can be inspired by your story.  If you have not tried this, then go out and try it today, don’t wait for something great, make something great!

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Baby Showers

Apr
21
2012
by Jessy | 1 Comment

It is the season for babies and baby showers again.  Yes, there’s  a season when more children seem to be born than others.  A while back I was hired to photograph a baby shower.  Since I love to get to observe people and photograph I of course welcomed this idea with open arms.  I was told this would be a real baby shower where men are welcome to smoke cigars and there will be no games.  I was not sure what that meant but was happy to go experience this and learn all about it.

When I arrived there were not many people there yet (thank god because I got lost, yes my GPS failed me!).  I took this opportunity to wander around and get the shots of the decorations as people seem to love those shots as well.  This family had put a lot of work into the decorations and making everything just dreamy!  There was a huge set up out in the perfectly manicured back yard, round tables with chairs, table cloths, and each had a center piece similar to the image here.  There was coffee, drinks, cigars, etc.  Everything had chalk boards with the painted pens used to label what was available at each location.  Not only did it look fantastic but I was also jealous of the hand writing (little things right?).

The sun started to go down and more people began to arrive.  The men tended to gather outback around the fire pit and smoke their cigars, it was really more of a cocktail party than a baby shower.  About 30 people arrived and all mingled and congratulated the happy couple on their new addition to the family.  The little boy is going to be very loved by this family, they were all so very happy and excited for his arrival!  I have never been invited to an event where everyone was so welcoming and glad to have someone there to do something for them.

 

The family also owns a few restaurants and had their waiters cater the event for them.  The food set up was gorgeous as well as delicious.  No, I did not eat the food, but just the smell going through the house was enough to fill you up.  You could smell the different flavors and even imagine the taste of each thing you smelt.  It was really quite an amazing and eloquent event.

The images were rather difficult to get with decent white balance due to the yellow painted walls, candles, and the fact that was dark outside.  With no way to set up lights and no real natural light to work with I was challenged during the processing to get the right white balance back into the images but it was worth the time.  The family was overjoyed with the images I provided and the way in which they were provided.  I of course provided a DVD with print files and web files so they can easily Facebook and also easily print.  I light scribed the event and date onto the disk and purchased a case with an image of the happy couple and date on the front.

I had taken my Domke camera bag with my extra lenses, batteries, and memory cards.  This I tucked back in a hallway out of the way but with easy access to get to and switch lenses.  I had several with me but seemed to only use my 105MM and randomly used my kit lens due to the small space.  This worked out rather well for me though I would love a 50MM prime, but someday I’ll give in and buy one.

Being my first baby shower photography shoot with my D7000 I think I did well and produced photos that the family appreciates as well as providing them in a way that will be a great keepsake.  Just remember to think about the way in which the images are provided after the event as that is the way that you will be remembered.

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Work on Good Friday

Apr
06
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

I’m still new to the photography world so I was thrilled when I was asked to do company portraits for Oyova!  I spent a little time this afternoon taking pics of the guys standing in front of a white wall.  Several months back I had done the images for the President so I was excited that he thought enough of it to have me come and do the rest of his team.

They are a great set of guys and seemed to have a little fun giving me profile shots, and randomly making faces. I used my best/only portrait lens, my 105MM to take the pics.  Due to the focal length I had to be a ways away.  I can’t wait till Adorama has a 50MM back in stock for me to order.  A fixed lens of that length will be perfect and not require me to be so far away.  I’ll be able to make the experience a more comfortable one as well.

I got the images all converted over (color, black and white), updated, and resized.  They are back out my door and the team seems happy with them!  Hopefully this will lead to more opportunities in the future!

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A few critiques

Apr
01
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

Like many photographers I listen watch several of the online shows with Scott Kelby, RC Conception, etc.  Kelbys tip to have pro’s review you work is one of those things I have always been scared to do but finally decided to suck it up and try it.  On “The Grid” a while back Kelby offered to do some critiques on his show so I submitted these images.  Of course he told everyone how horrible they were.  Kelby provided some really great feedback about what is good and what is bad in the images as well as how to make them better.  His feedback and insight is very valuable.  I believe most of the people that were critiqued during that episode understood what Kelby was getting at with his critique and appreciated the feedback he gave.

I was also able to get a few minutes of Andrew Howells (from Aplebox.net) time to review my site.  He also provided some valuable insight and restated some things I had already known.  I have since cleaned up my site and the images on it per his feedback and feel better about taking another step forward.

My advice to others looking for the same feedback would be:

  1. Seek out people you trust for feedback.  Not friends and family, but others in the photography community that have more than their gut feeling of like or not.  This will give you more of the why and why not.
  2. Take their feedback as it is meant to be given.  When you ask for feedback and someone gives you an honest critique of your work it’s not all butterflies and kittens.  Sometimes things can sound very harsh, just listen to Kelby provide his critiques.  Remember that as harsh as it sounds it is meant to provide you with the information and the push you need to move into the right direction and away from what you are doing poorly.
  3. Final, but not least…Remember that their feedback is biased with their opinion.  With my critique from Kelby I had a laugh a little because an image he trashed during the critique is one I have actually sold some copies.  I have not sold hundreds of copies, but many more than you would have thought had you only listened to his critique.  I think Andrew said it well in his critique: “I don’t care much for the bright stuff but that’s just me, it’s not my style.”  He acknowledged that the work is good, but he prefers one type over another.

I hope that I am able to continue to get these random critiques as time goes on and my skills increase, this information and feedback is very helpful and valuable in my continued development.

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