Project in the works

I got this idea from a peer. He was doing a big mess with a model, and asked me to help him. I figured since she was already a mess, why not just throw the paint to her? Then I decided to do my own take on the concept. So far, this is what I have. I need to experiment with colors and techniques. Any takers to model?

Nervous? actually, it's a lot of fun!

 I have many clients who keep coming back, over and over. I think the record so far is a lovely lady who drives 3 hrs, just to have her sessions and then drives back home. She's been at the studio 5 times! That got me thinking, that there must be something else, besides getting great pictures, that makes my clients come back. Then I remembered the images that never make it to the prints, sort of 'behind the scenes'. That gives a better idea of what really goes on on a session.  I figured I would post the 'official' image, next to the 'BTS'

It's quite fun to have such lovely and interesting ladies come over, be so nervous and then, within minutes they are already enjoying themselves. I guess it doesn't hurt that I'm a bit of a dork :)
Many ladies tell me they just don't know how to be sexy. I always tell them that their problem is that they try too hard! The secret is not to try to be sexy, but to relax, enjoy and have a good time. Then, when they least expect it, click... I got my image.

Some choose to have a glass of wine, some bring their favorite music. Some bring their hubby, or BFF. Whatever makes them feel great, is certainly welcomed.

It's not only about the images. It's also about the experience. The adrenaline rush, the fun, the excitement and empowerment that confidence gives us as human beings. And what a better way to feel confident than have beautiful hair, make up, sexy outfits and a photographer that knows how to find your angle, the perfect light for your features, and makes you feel at ease?

And some other clients just feel pretty comfy :)

Male Boudoir? Just for my lady customers :)

This was actually a request, from one of my favorite models. We had done some couple's work before, but he now wanted a solo session. I must admit, Males are a very small amount of my work.
However, I was willing to give it a try.

 

I was quite pleased with the results. It didn't  hurt that he brought his bike to the Studio. Such a trooper actually, he rode it 3 hrs for the session, and rode back home right after the session. 

We did quite a bit, not all images I can show but it got me thinking, it's quite fun to do males sessions.

I can't wait until it gets warmer so we can do more images, outdoors this time :)

The simplicity of white seamless - NSFW

It just has something. It's simple, elegant. The whole image revolves about one thing only: The subject. 

I know, even on white seamless, I have to make it dark. But what's the fun on leaving it white? I mean, we can turn it gray, whatever shades of it, or even black, right?

 

Here's a truly white one. 

 

I admit, my way of utilizing seamless can be a little less conventional than other photographers. And that's how I like it :)

 

So there, even I like clean and high key images.

Adrian

The posing trend.

When I shoot, either weddings, models, boudoir, kids or pretty much anything, I'm an advocate of capturing emotions.
You see, there's a trend to make people look perfect. Family members will stop a photographer to 'fix' the bride, to move the dress, to ask her to smile.
Truth is, the more people tell the bride or the groom what to do, the more confused they get.
They hired a photographer to make them look good, but their friends, family members or bystanders keep interrupting and giving them all sorts of advise. Most of it contradictory and confusing.
By the time we get to take a picture, the look in their faces is truly the look of confusion.
What happened with spontaneity?

Years ago, the trend was photojournalism. Although most people really didn't understand the concept 100%, there was a hunger for pictures that looked honest, non-posed, true to reality.

Hereby I ask:
What's of more value to people, A true emotion or a posed and daunted look?
I choose the first one.
Granted, a professional already thought of the basics of composition, light, technique and overall mood before he/she takes an image. But there's this element of intimacy that a couple has, that a true professional tries to bring out, instead of eliminating it with constant interruptions and posing. Some guidance is great. Telling people what to do every moment is not.

This is true even more with the flood of 'perfect' images that people pin in their pinterest walls, or gather through months of research.
People are so desperate to have those 'perfect' shots that they loose track of what matters the most:
Each couple is different. Their language and story is different. The photographer may not do the images you saw on pinterest. And... would you want to have the same images another 1500 photographers are doing on every wedding?
As photographers, we see the new trends and try to balance what couple's want with what we do.
The most amazing images I get from my weddings is when I have freedom to do what I feel like doing, just for that couple.

On the following image, the couple was getting ready for the 'official' image. They are not even looking at the camera.However, you can feel the emotion and excitement.

So here, some images that show true emotions, without been technically perfect. I value these more. And all were taken on the flight, just casually between other images one the list.

Love the true love these guys have in their eyes :)

 Often times, all it takes is to have the perfect setting. The rest just happens.

Why photographers need exclusivity. The Cousin saga.

A couple weeks ago, I shot a destination wedding. The place was amazing. A castle by a lake!!
I had quite an interesting experience there.  It's always so uncomfortable to have to ask somebody to please stop shooting over your shoulder, or just to move out of the scene.
Have you heard those horror stories, where the most important image from the shoot is lost?
Well, that didn't happen, but quite close!
See what happens when a cousin believes he's a pro-photographer...
Let's see who can figure out who is our dear Primo!

 Groom is ready to take his place down the isle, nice arch, stone and...Primo!

 We have father of the bride, Groom, Pastor, Bride, somehow DJ was also there and then...Primo!

 Primo is busy checking his images.

 What a lovely scenery in the background.

 Flower girl and Ring bearer, plus photo- relative.

 Some nice jacket and elbow.

 Primo didn't want to miss the shot.

 I bet his image looks awesome with me in it too :)

Primo also doubled as entertainer!

Al joking aside, these are some examples of why is important to keep things under control. Many Brides are now opting for electronic-free weddings due to this very reason. The number of images where all the guests are staring into their little electronic screens instead of looking at the newly weds is just breath taking. When your professional photographer has to continuously ask other members of the ceremony and guests to please move so he can get the shot, is just uncomfortable for everybody.
Our goal is to get you the best images, so help us and make sure somebody keeps an eye on all the uncles, cousins and friends who have a really nice camera and are so eager to become the next family pro.
Certainly, we can take charge and just ask the other people to stop. But then again, why ruin the most important day for a  relative if all could've been avoided?
Just my 2 cents :)

Going Guerrilla Style

From one of my Mini session calls in Facebook, I choose to work with a previous customer,
who not only is tough but also adventurous.
The idea was to start at sunrise. She actually had to be ready with hair and make up by sunrise...Ouch!
So we met at a coffee shop, she followed me to the previously scouted location, by a lake.

This is summer. full of bugs. I got ticks as I went through the woods to set up my lights. I guess when you have passion for something, you just don't care :)
It was hot, humid and we moved rather quick. All in all, we shoot for about 30- 40 minutes tops.
So, are you up for some of my Mini sessions? keep an eye on my FB page!