A week ago, I had the great pleasure of photographing a benefit concert at The House of Blues for Mike Conley's family. Mike was the former lead singer of my friend Nick Adams's band - M.I.A. Nick hooked me up with a photo pass, and I shot my first punk concert!
Sweet!
Somedays, you just want to come here and see images. I understand. That's what a photographers blog is for....
Open up an image.
Duplicate the background layer and invert it (apple I). Change the layer mode to "difference" and flatten the layers.
Then invert the layer again and save it with a different name than the original.
Now open your original image and drag the new version on top of the original. Add a layer mask to the top layer and paint with black whatever elements you'd like to see from the original image. Have fun!!
Another fun Photoshop tweak is to pick an image and duplicate the layer. Add a layer mask and paint with black anywhere there is skin on the top layer mask. Then adjust the hue on the top layer. It's lots of fun and you can create some surreal effects.
Have a great weekend!
OK, so what did you do yesterday that was childlike and wonderful? Practice, practice, practice, living as a child. At the very least you'll live longer:)
Continuing on my theme of "children at play", here's a few more from last year. Can you imagine adults doing these things. That would be cool. Enjoy.
I have always loved being around kids. They are so uninhibited. They often do exactly what they feel like doing. We adults often get stuck in doing what we are supposed to do. This week, I thought I'd honor kids at weddings and the freedom and joy they bring to The Big Day.
This freakin' magazine rocks! What a great concept. Check it out here.
Sky, Earth, Water and a beautiful Bride. I thought that this image might brighten up your day too. Happy Saturday.
Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to meet New York Fashion Designer Kenneth Pool at Saks Bridal in South Coast Plaza. He is a charming and talented man. I had a great time getting to know him. I did a portrait of the famous designer and photographed some of his Platinum gowns for Priscilla of Boston.
A few days ago I photographed Kelly Michelle's beautiful assistant, Meghan. We walked and talked as I photographed her around the business complex where my studio is located. These were all shot outdoors with available light an hour before dusk with my 85 1.4 lens. Enjoy.
The D3 rocks. These are images from the corporate event I shot on Tuesday night. The ISO ranges on these images from 800 to 6400. Sweet. It's about time:)
A couple of days ago Armando Florez (a former Nikon NPS rep who is now doing outside sales for Samy's) brought me down a D300 and a D3 to play with. I photographed a corporate event Tuesday evening at The Ritz Carlton and gave the cameras a spin. How fun it was to have full frame on the D3 and the capability to shoot at high ISO with fine grain in both models. They are both amazing cameras. I'll be posting more images over the next couple of days. These are two images of the entertainers from the D300 at 800 iso. For those of you in So. Cal. Armando can be reached at 310-856-9023 to get you hooked on the new cameras. Thankfully, Samy's is now doing Nikon's job of getting cameras in the hands of the pros. Props to Samy's and Armando!! Thank you both for your dedication and service.
It's always fun to play with alternative processes. Last year, my buddy Charlie Samples brought out his infrared converted d1x and I played with it on a wedding he shot with me. Sweet!
I hope everyone got the Valentines they wanted. My lovely wife knows how to make me smile for sooo many reasons. Guess what she got for me? More jewelry:) Yep. That makes me smile.
Another thing that makes me smile, is kids art. I love the freedom that kids exhibit in their art. My wonderful neighbor Emilie brought me one of my favorite new pieces of art to hang proudly on my fridge.
Below is the perfect image for my "Love is in the Air" theme. Benn, a groom I photographed at the Ritz Carlton last July 14 hired the skywriter to do the hearts for his soon-to-be bride. How romantic is that!
Happy Friday!
Rather than stepping, how about placing those fabulous wedding shoes in an unusual setting first. Snap a few images, and you've set the pace for creatively thinking about the rest of the day. You all know how much I love shoes:)
This is a wedding image from last year that I shot while hanging out the window of the videographers' car. Another reason to be friends with the videographer:) Thanks Julie, it's always nice to hang out with you!
I've tweaked another couple favs for my 2007 Gallery. This one rocks. I have about 65 to go. Enjoy.
A couple of you have asked about my next "Best Of" gallery. It's coming, but slowly. I will let you know when it's posted. Happy Friday!
Speaking of Spicy, check out these two from my new Best of 2007 Gallery:)
I've finally narrowed down my favorite 300 shots of 2007. You've seen many of them on the blog over the past year, but I picked a bunch you haven't seen yet too. I began tweaking some of them and I'll finish over the weekend. I thought I'd share one I really like. Cheers!
Sometimes, when the mood strikes, I play a little game. Shoot without looking. Get a sense for the shot without the viewfinder. Use your intuition and create the opportunity to "capture by chance". The other day while I was walking around scouting locations, I saw the sun coming through a tree and I reached out and shot it. I dig taking a chance. Once in a while, you capture something cool. It really helps develop and sharpen your skills.
This week I'll be getting 3 new 40x60 wall portraits for the studio. Yippee! I'm so excited to have new images for my clients to see. This image will be the first shot clients see as the come through my front door:) Bam! 40x60. Then 2 more as they come up my stairs before I even say Hello. Now that's making a strong first impression:)
I got an email yesterday from a groom I photographed last year. He attached two photos he took of this boat shop and the following request;
I love your editing style and I had a quick favor to ask. I attached a couple of photos I shot while on a business trip in Connecticut and New York, and for some reason I really love this shot and would like to blow it up and print it for a wall hanger. It’s straight out of the camera and I don’t have photoshop on my computer let alone any experience with it, and was wondering if you could pick your favorite of the two and throw a little “Joe-PhotoShop” at it real quick. Perhaps a little contrast, maybe a little texture? Whatever you like! I would be totally stoked! I check out your blog every now and again and it sounds like you’ve been up to some really killer things! The Rimrock Ranch stuff looks awesome!
How cool is that. I have awesome clients that I really cherish and they encourage me to use my gifts. Here's what I did for him. Have a great weekend!
This is the original shot.
I was collecting images for the St Regis yesterday and came across this image I shot a few years ago on their beautiful staircase. I call it "Stairway to Heaven". I know, it's an obvious title, but I dig the shot. Just thought I'd share it with you:)
I really want to shout how stoked I am with the article - From Russia with Love - that RangeFinder ran in their December "Pictures of the Year" issue. I'm so proud of so many people that got involved with this project. First, my wife Ingrid, for her loving support and encouragement. Pastor Craig at Capo Calvary and the family of volunteers that I travelled with. All of our fabulous interpreters. Fujifilm for donating the cameras for the kids. Fotoworks for donating the film processing and prints for the kids. Bill Hurter and the staff at RangeFinder for making the story known to so many of their readers. And finally, I'm so proud of the extraordinary children I had the privledge to get to know. I can't wait to go back and see them again next summer. If by chance some of you reading this are inspired to go with us, I'd love to talk to you. The dates are May 30th to June 10th, 2008. The cost is about $2,000. I guarantee, your life would never be the same. We want to take about 30 people with us. Email me if you're interested. Let's spread the love people. We are blessed.
Yesterday, I took the day off to have a "date day" with my wife. We went down to San Diego to see the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition. It was really interesting. I was completely surprised at the size of the scrolls. It was also fascinating to see the dedication and skills of the translators. I imagine, it was their passion. I'm sure they never imagined that 2,000 years later, throngs of people would be lined up to view their accomplishment. What about imagining for a moment that images you shoot of a client will someday, 2000 years in the future, be viewed under protected glass by thousands of people in a museum. Would that change the way you shoot? Just a thought.
Changing gears, I've given myself a creative project. I'm trying to replicate the color representation of fashion ads I rip out of magazines. Here's one I did in green. The girl below is a model from my first fashion shoot with David August. The green treatment is an action I call "Moody Eerie Green". Enjoy.
Last, but not least, Thank you to all of you who who emailed me and want to sign up with me for Image X in New Orleans! I'm keeping a list (in order) of those who are interested. What could be more life changing, both personally and professionally? Treat yourself to a powerful experience. If you don't like how things are going, make a change.
Man, I've really been designing a lot of albums lately. As I have, I find I'm moving toward extra design elements, rather than just black or white backgrounds. I'd like to know what you all think about this page of Reception shots. Thanks.
Also, photographers have been asking me about Canon or Nikon and the D3. I'm personally holding out to see what happens with the "noise" in the D3. I have not used one yet and I'm certainly not holding my breath either. Canon makes rockin' cameras and glass. If the D3 doesn't blow me away, I'm switching next year. It seems that Nikon is not really interesting in keeping their pros happy. You'd think they'd want to hold on to the few they have left. (sense the bitterness?...) OK There's my answer.
I hope everyone got as stuffed as I did yesterday. We'll be feasting on Turkey for days.
I found a new cup of joe and I'll soon be working on an updated banner. I have a long list to accomplish in December. Have a happy weekend:)
Chicago is an incredibly adventurous city. There is so much to see. The old firehouse on Michigan Ave is now a photo gallery. This is a must see landmark.
The backside of a church from Rush Street.
After buying new shoes from my favorite shoe store "Alternatives" I was directed to the world famous Giordano's. The place was crazy busy so I made my way through the crowd to the one open seat at the bar to eat and have a beer.
On my way to the bar I hear a woman call my name and I turn to see my client with her friends. Talk about interesting. Of all the places in the entire city, I run into my client that I was in town to shoot the next day.
I also lost my wallet there, and again ...amazingly, it was turned in with everything still in it. It was my lucky day!
That afternoon I hung out with my friend Heather Kingensmith who showed me around town.
I insisted that we go on the swings as my immaturity often compels me to play:)
This was a classic scene as we stopped to view the city from the Aquarium. A bus of tourists poured out and started snapping. I had to do the same:)
We went to visit my buddy Peter at his newest home. The inside is insane. Peter designs great homes.
The next day I spent time in Millennium Park walking around by myself. What a blast!
The Jellybean is so cool.
What can I say, you're only as old as you act!
I'll be teaching out at Rimrock Ranch for my workshop this week (without email and cell phone reception). So each day, I've preloaded a new sample album page for your comments. I look forward to reading all of your comments on Friday. Have a blessed week.
I'll be teaching out at Rimrock Ranch for my workshop this week (without email and cell phone reception). So each day, I've preloaded a new sample album page for your comments. I look forward to reading all of your comments on Friday. Have a blessed week.
I'll be teaching out at Rimrock Ranch for my workshop this week (without email and cell phone reception). So each day, I've preloaded a new sample album page for your comments. I look forward to reading all of your comments on Friday. Have a blessed week.
I'll be teaching out at Rimrock Ranch for my workshop this week (without email and cell phone reception). So each day, I've preloaded a new sample album page for your comments. I look forward to reading all of your comments on Friday. Have a blessed week.
Today I'm shooting in one of my favorite cities - Chicago. I lived in Chicago before moving to California in 1985. These are a couple of my favorite images from this killer city. Have a great day!
I'm nearly done with a super cool new sample album design. Templates suck. You look like everybody else when you use them. Photographers are artists. Be original from start to finish! Here's a teaser.
Have a great weekend:)
I really like the old cyan toned vintage look and I've been applying it to some new sample images. Enjoy.
Unknown - “Sometimes the most urgent and vital thing you can do is take a complete rest.”
I'll be getting back tonight from a 3 day wedding in Las Vegas. You can bet that tomorrow I'll be taking it very easy.
Have a blessed day! I can't wait to show you images:)
I really like this image too. It's tough to coordinate 4 models in lifestyle moments under extremely tight time considerations at the airport. I'm stoked on this image and I'm having a blast shooting fashion. I'm still in Vegas and having a great time. Enjoy.
Here's a couple more images from the Fashion shoot. I'll be in Vegas for the next few days. Enjoy.
Check out this Eye Candy! I used a Profoto 5 foot Reflector for this shot and took my style to a whole new level. This is straight out of the camera! No Photoshop! Amazing. I'm in love with portable lighting.... Enjoy. Tune in for more images through the rest of the week.
It's fall again and I shot all day yesterday on David's Fall fashion shoot for SPACE magazine. Fashion is fun! I have much more to do for editing, but I thought I would at least tease you with one of my favorite images. We shot this on top of a Heliport in Newport Beach. Stay tuned for more.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing two extraordinary men for an upcoming article in SPACE magazine. Paul Ecke and William Merrell have dedicated their lives to the Arts. This is one of my favorite images of them (a la joe photo grunge). Enjoy!
Delays happen. I wanted to post these images last night. But, after hanging out late with family and friends, drinking wine, smoking cigars, and discussing our purpose in life, I sat down in front of my computer and found out that Typepad was unavailable for posting as they were doing routine service updates. I was tired and went to bed. This morning brought more inspired conversations and it seems as though the last 18 hours have been an exciting environment for deeper thinking. Diversions happen. It's not the end of the world because this post is late. To the contrary, I have information to share that would not have been posted last night. Changes happen. I have the opportunity to learn from every event, twist and turn that appears before me. I am embracing change and delays and diversions are part of my process. Perhaps today will present you with an invitation for change masked in delays or diversions. How will you respond?
Please enjoy a few more of my favorite images of Alysha and Evan at Sunset.
Here's a few more images from the bridal sunset series I shot a few nights ago. I rented a 1200ws Hensel "Porty" with a single head. All of these images were shot with the bare bulb head in bright sun at the full 1200ws. Which one is your favorite?
I'll show you a few more tomorrow too:)
Yeah for portable lighting! I've been playing with a 1200ws Hensel Porty this week. How fun it is:) Portable lighting gives a whole new twist to my location lighting. I was like a kid in a candy store last night photographing my clients who were just married at The Montage Resort and Spa. You'll be able to see many more of their wedding images next week.
Have a blessed weekend.
Well, I'm way behind on getting my Best of 2006 Gallery online:) I have, in previous years, had my "best of" galleries online by February for all to see. This year however I've been blogging..... And that takes a lot of time. So, as the saying goes, better late than never.
Thank you to all of the magnificent clients who have allowed me to capture the biggest day of their lives. Cheers to all of you! Enjoy.
OK, it's Saturday and I thought I would tease you with the last of my favorites from Rimrock Ranch. Just when you thought they couldn't be any better.... Have a great weekend!!
Check out this killer old train car. What a great background for a bride. I also shot some insane textures. If you are interested in a high-res texture image from this shoot, I will send one out to you FOR FREE if you send me an email TODAY. Send the email to joe@joephoto.com and put in the subject bar "Free on Friday". I'll send it out to you tonight. Only emails received today before 5 pm PST are eligible! Have a blessed weekend!
As promised, these are some of my favorites from a shoot that John Mireles and I did at this killer ranch outside of Palm Springs on monday. We had a total blast. Thank you Priscilla for allowing us to photograph you in your beautiful dress in the dust of the desert. You seriously rocked, and made it extremely fabulous!!
What was supposed to be a half day shooting early on Monday, turned into ALL day and I got home to late to tweak my favs from Saturdays' wedding. I'm tired and a bit sun-burned, so stay tuned. All week I'll be showing the killer stuff I've been shooting. Here's just one shot I lit in the desert with the help of the famous John Mireles. I'm going to bed. Enjoy:)
These two speak for themselves. Photography is awesome:) Enjoy!
Because you asked, this is how I got from start to finish.
Original Image
Step 2 add a blue solid color layer to make the water more blue. Then choose soft light for the layer mode.Then flatten.
Step 3 duplicate the layer. I made an adjustment for the top layer for more contrast and added a layer mask. I painted with black over the bride on the mask so that she would show through on the bottom layer. (For this illustration I exaggerated the brush strokes so you could see the concept). Then I brightened the bottom layer so that the bride would be lighter.
Step 4 I flattened the image and added a vignette and a rough/gritty texture in overlay mode.
Lastly, I bumped the midtones as a curves adjustment, and viola! The final image.
I'm not going to lie to you, this took a while to do. Perhaps 10 minutes. When I get into my zone though, I have fun and time flies. The more you practice, the easier it gets:) Have fun!
My final images are sometimes very different from what they were captured as. I often see the dreamy image in my mind's eye when I capture it. Then, it's off to play in Photoshop to transform it to the dramatic. This treatment emphasizes the stormy water. Which do you prefer? I'd love to know. Either way, have fun with your brides and grooms:) You'll be happy that you did.
As many of you know, I love shoes:) I regularly go shoe shopping for new styles. I also like shooting images of the shoes that each bride chooses to reflect her style on the wedding day. I was reflecting on shoes that really made a statement, and I think these are some of the most dramatic I've shot. These are definitely outside-the-box. Right on! Enjoy:)
I'm pretty stoked on this image. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Live on the edge, and shoot something out-of-the-box!
Enjoy.
I finally finished the Ray Friesz Retrospective video - "The Art in Me" late Saturday night. Whew, video is a huge job. I'm so happy that I'm a still photographer. I did tweak a few more images this weekend and wanted to share them with you. Ray's memorial service will be this Friday night at 6:30 at Capo Beach Calvary.
The life of a photographer is good. We see the world in a special way. I can think of no greater expression of art for me. Here's just a few more from the photo field trip on Monday. Enjoy.
It was such a good time shooting infrared these past few days. I love the look, it's dreamy. Having a camera dedicated to shooting it makes it sooooo easy. These are more from Julian, CA. What's your favorite?
I have two things to say today. First is green. I'm pretty stoked with this infrared shot from Monday's trip to Julian. Charlie and I hung out with Becker and John Mireles for a photo field trip day. I'll be posting more images later. Until then, enjoy this.
Second, and equally important to the nature issue, is the long awaited release of my favorite movie from last year, 300. If I were making movies, I'd be making them like this. It became available yesterday, see go out and get it. (Parental discretion is advised:)
This weekend may be the perfect time to take a moment to behold the power of a flower. Flowers make people happy! It's interesting to note that there are always flowers at weddings. Flowers are an item of beauty. I had the great pleasure of photographing these flowers a few weeks ago at a time when I was stressed. Watching and shooting these flowers gave me peace of mind, and deep joy. Kinda sappy I know... I hope that you'll enjoy the happiness of flowers this weekend.
After I tweaked the original, I had a very nice Cool image. Then, I thought, what if I added a warm sunset to the sky. I started by adding a "solid color" fill layer. I selected an orange color and then used the gradient tool so that the top remained solid and the bottom was now clear. I changed the layer mode to Multiply and then used the paint brush to remove any orange layer from the top of the couple. Viola! Warm is the new Cool.
Try it yourself. Drag the cool image and the warm layer to your desktop. Put the orange layer on top and change the mode to multiply. Enjoy!
Sometimes I give my clients choices on their wall portraits. I often make more than one version to choose from. In this case, I made two. I'd love to know which you prefer. (remember, there is no wrong answer).
Do you like cool or warm?
