Recently, I did a photoshoot with a family-owned truck repair company in California's central valley. Ross Roberts's truck repair needed some photos for their new marketing campaign and social media pages. I spent sometime with them, getting to know the crew and how they all work together. I grew up in auto repair shops and this garage felt familiar, but ten massive sizes of the trucks and engine were something new for me.
I recently shot some product photos for a company that's marketing and selling Infrared Blanket. Shoots like this can be fun and creative. I usually try to try and slip in some shoots that the client didn't originally think about as a surprise for them.
Event photography is a specialized genre that involves capturing images during various events such as weddings, parties, conferences, concerts, sports competitions, and other gatherings. Your goal as an event photography is to document and preserve the moments, excitement, and overall atmosphere of the event. The following are some key aspects and considerations as an event photographer.
As a professional event photographer you should use a high-quality digital cameras, multiple lenses, external flashes, and other accessories to ensure they can capture different types of shots in varying lighting conditions. I personally use a Nikon D810, a Nikon 70-200mm and a Sigma 24-70mm lens for these types of shoots.
Corporate Event Photography
Before the event, it's very helpful for a photographer to familiarize themselves with the event schedule, location, and important moments to anticipate and plan for key shots. You may also want to scout the venue in advance to identify the best vantage points and lighting conditions. But in reality this might not always be possible. I recommend bringing more equipment than you need. I would rather bring something I didn't need than be without something I desperately need.
As an Event photographer you are responsible for capturing a wide range of images, including candid shots, group photos, portraits, and details of the event decor or setup. It’s great when the client tells you what they want but that doesn’t always happen. You must be adaptable to any situation you might find yourself in. Be aware of what is happening during the event so you can capture significant moments, reactions, and interactions.
These types of events can often have challenging lighting conditions, such as low light indoors or high contrast outdoor settings. As a skilled event photographer it helps to know how to work with different lighting situations, using natural light, artificial lighting, or a combination of both to achieve well-exposed and visually appealing images. A good flash is really important for this. I use my Nikon SB-700 Flash but I always carry a backup Godox V860III just in case something goes wrong.
Party Photography
One of the key elements of event photography is capturing candid moments. These spontaneous shots reflect the genuine emotions and interactions of the event participants. A skilled event photographer knows how to blend into the background and capture these unposed moments discreetly. This can be the hardest part about shooting an event. It can be awkward photographing strangers while they are having a good time but the more you do it the easier it gets.
Engagement Party Photography
After an event, I typically go through all the images I’ve shot, selecting and editing the best images. I adjust the exposures, enhance the colors, crop images, and make other adjustments to ensure the final photographs are of the highest quality. I use Adobe Lightroom Classic for this part of the job and it works great for me.
Corporate events most likely will want digital files delivered. You’ll want to deliver digital images as well as a photo album for a wedding clients. It's essential to clarify the expectations and deliverables with the client beforehand. This will save you a lot of headaches and time in the post process phase of your project.
It’s important to maintain a professional demeanor throughout the event, working closely with event organizers, clients, and other vendors. They should be able to manage their time efficiently, be attentive to detail, and deliver a high level of customer service. While you are photographing a fun, exciting or joyous event remember you are there to do a job.
If you're considering event photography, it's essential to practice and gain experience in different types of events. Building a portfolio and networking with event planners, wedding coordinators, and other professionals in the industry can help you establish yourself in the events photography space.
Automobile photography can be an enjoyable hobby for the car enthusiast but sometimes the results aren’t what you are looking for. I’ve been shooting cars for some years now with great results (happy clients). Here are my five tips to help you capture stunning images of some amazing vehicles:
2012 Ferrari California
Choose the Right Location
Select a location that complements the elegance and style of the car. Look for clean, uncluttered backgrounds that won't distract from the vehicle. Consider places like architectural landmarks, scenic landscapes, or urban areas with interesting textures and lines.
1972 Chevrolet Camaro
Pay Attention to Lighting
Lighting is crucial in automotive photography. Shoot during the "golden hour" (early morning or late afternoon) when the sunlight is softer and provides a warm, flattering glow. Avoid harsh midday sun that can create strong shadows. If shooting indoors or at night, experiment with different lighting techniques, such as using studio lights or light painting, to highlight the car's contours.
1957 Chevrolet 210 Wagon
Use the Right Gear
Invest in quality photography equipment to capture the details and beauty of the expensive car, I use a Nikon 810. A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture the entire vehicle in a single shot, while a telephoto lens can help you focus on specific details. My lens of choice is the Sigma 24-70mm. Consider using a tripod to ensure stability and sharpness in your images.
1956 Chevrolet Corvette
Pay Attention to Composition
Frame your shots thoughtfully to highlight the car's lines, curves, and unique features. Experiment with different angles and perspectives, such as low-angle shots to emphasize the car's power or high-angle shots for an overview. Incorporate leading lines, symmetry, and negative space to create visually pleasing compositions.
1957 Porsche 356A replica
Highlight Details and Exclusivity
Expensive cars often boast luxurious interiors and intricate details. Capture close-up shots of the car's emblem, grille, wheels, and unique design elements. Focus on highlighting the craftsmanship and exclusivity that sets the car apart. Experiment with different focal points and depth of field to draw attention to specific details while keeping the rest of the car in context.
2018 Porsche 911 GT3
Remember to always respect the property and privacy of the car owner, and if you plan to use the photographs for commercial purposes, make sure to obtain proper permissions and releases.
Having a great headshot is crucial in today's visually driven world, whether you're a professional looking to establish your personal brand or an aspiring actor seeking auditions. Here are three key reasons why it's important to invest in a high-quality headshot.
Professional Headshots
Corporate Headshots
In many cases, your headshot serves as the first introduction to potential clients, employers, or recruiters. It's the first impression they have of you and can significantly influence their perception of your professionalism and suitability for a role or job. A great headshot showcases your confidence, approachability, and professionalism, leaving a positive and memorable impression. It conveys that you take your career seriously and are committed to presenting yourself in the best possible light.
In today's competitive landscape, personal branding is crucial for standing out from the crowd. A great headshot can help you establish a strong personal brand and communicate your unique identity. Whether you're a business professional, entrepreneur, or actor, your headshot should reflect your personality, values, and the image you want to portray. It can convey your industry expertise, confidence, and approachability, making it easier for others to connect with you and remember you among the sea of faces.
Acting Headshot in Studio
Acting Headshot Outdoors
A high-quality headshot can instantly build trust and credibility with your target audience. When someone sees a professional, well-executed headshot, it conveys a sense of competence and reliability. It shows that you take your work seriously and are invested in presenting yourself professionally. This level of professionalism can make others more inclined to trust and engage with you, whether it's for business collaborations, networking opportunities, or casting decisions. A great headshot establishes a visual representation of your credibility, helping you make a positive and lasting impact on others.
In summary, a great headshot plays a crucial role in making a positive first impression, establishing your personal brand, and building trust and credibility. It's an investment in your professional identity and can open doors to various opportunities in your career. With the right headshot, you can effectively communicate your unique qualities and stand out in a competitive landscape, making it a worthwhile endeavor.
College graduation marks a significant milestone in one's life, representing years of hard work, dedication, and personal growth. Amidst the excitement and celebrations, capturing this momentous occasion through professional graduation photographs holds immense importance. In this blog post, we will explore why getting college graduation photographs done is a valuable investment and how they become cherished keepsakes for years to come.
Graduation Photograph San Francisco State
Preserving the Achievement: Completing a college education is a remarkable accomplishment that deserves to be preserved and celebrated. Graduation photographs serve as tangible reminders of the dedication, perseverance, and academic success one has achieved. They symbolize the culmination of years of hard work, late-night study sessions, and overcoming challenges, and provide a tangible representation of this significant milestone.
Graduation Photograph UC Davis
Creating Lasting Memories: Graduation day is a unique event filled with emotions, laughter, and joy. It's a time when you are surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones who have supported you throughout your educational journey. Having professional photographs taken during this special day allows you to capture the genuine emotions, happiness, and pride shared with your loved ones. These photographs become cherished memories that can be revisited and shared with future generations.
Commemorating Personal Growth: College is not just about academic achievements but also personal growth and transformation. Graduation photographs provide a visual representation of how far you have come as an individual. They allow you to reflect on the person you were when you first stepped onto campus and compare it to the confident and accomplished individual you have become. These photographs can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, reminding you of your potential and the challenges you have overcome.
Professional Networking and Job Search: Graduation photographs are not just mementos; they can also serve practical purposes. When entering the professional world, having a professional headshot taken during your graduation can be invaluable. Your graduation photograph can be used for resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and other professional networking platforms. A well-crafted, high-quality photograph presents you as a polished and professional individual, enhancing your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers and networking contacts.
Celebrating Family and Support: College graduation is a shared accomplishment, not only for the graduates but also for their families and support systems. Professional photographs capture the pride and happiness radiating from the faces of your loved ones as they witness this momentous occasion. These photographs become cherished heirlooms, passed down through generations, symbolizing the support, sacrifices, and love that surround you. They provide an opportunity to celebrate and honor the family and friends who have stood by you throughout your educational journey.
Graduation Photograph Sacramento State University
Getting college graduation photographs done is an investment that goes beyond capturing a single moment. They serve as tangible reminders of the achievement, personal growth, and the bonds forged during the college years. These photographs encapsulate the essence of the graduation day, preserving memories and emotions for years to come. So, when the cap is tossed, and the diploma is in hand, don't miss the opportunity to capture this significant milestone through professional graduation photographs – they are truly priceless.
I’ve been working on a series of Black and White Portraits of late. Here are a few samples. I’m happy with the progress. Reach out if you would like info on getting something like this done for yourself.
There is a stillness in the desert. We leave our safe environments and venture into a place that are hard on our fragile bodies and minds. Life and death are at every turn in the desert, yet humans try to make it their own. Joshua Tree is a magical place to photographer or just to mediate.
I shot this photo a bit ago.
And i’ve added a new image. New Roma Bakery sign in Sacramento Ca. Buy it NOW!
I’ve been working on setting on setting up an Etsy store to sell my Fine Art prints. You can follow this link to see the shop. Below are a few samples of what’s new to the shop.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Boston for the first time a few weeks ago. I was only there for a few days but I was in awe of how much historical charm exist there. Old and new architecture interacting with each other on every street. Most of my time was spent in Back Bay and Downtown. I look forward to going back and exploring more of the entire city. Here are some select images from my trip.
This is the first photo I did for the Mural Project I’m working on in Sacramneto CA. This mural was done for the 2018 Wide Open Walls project by Shepard Fairey of the “Man In Black” himself, Johnny Cash.
The city of Sacramento has a really cool Mural Festival called Wide Open Walls. This event happens in August 9th to the 19th if you happen to be in the area. I mention this only because A. It seems like a great idea and more cities with boring, run down buildings should consider doing something like this. B. I've been inspired to photograph these mural/this city with the idea of making art out of art. This is going to be an ongoing project some check back updates.
I've been doing a lot of work as a food photographer lately which has been an awesome new challenge. These shots have all been taken on location. the plan is to set up a studio space to shoot these types of images so I can have more control over everything.
California has a lot of amazing things to photograph. I personally love when the green hills of the turn golden in Summer. I shot this image close to where I live early one morning to explore the idea of the Golden State. This image is really a test shoot of something photographs hope to expand on in the near future.
I've launched this new version of my website and I pretty much like it. There are a few things that still need to be fiddled with here and there but over all it's close to where I like it.
I will be using this space to showcase things I've been working on that are necessarily ready for prime time, it's a venue for me to publish more images for people to look at. Keep checking this space and thanks for stopping by.