Find the "Hero" of your image

Model: Emilyne MUA: Heather Shelton

Many photographers both amateur and professional alike tend to shoot images of gorgeous people, or should I say people that are deemed beautiful by today's western culture and society.  Travel back in time 150 years and you'll hardly find that that a size 4 was considered to be attractive.  I am not stating that a there is anything wrong being a size 4 or size 24, but I'm rather leading this post to making a point about photographing fashion.
What makes a photograph fit in the genre of fashion?  Is it the outfit, pose, or model?
More after the jump

Le Vino Rouge- A New Behind the Scenes Video

*A Quick Note:  I recently signed up for Google Plus which conveniently links all user account related apps together including this blog.  I was not reading the fine print and accidentally deleted a default album which happened to contain ALL the images this blog ever had posted.  As you can imagine, my frustration cannot be described in politically correct terms as I now have the task of attempting to reload all the images for nearly 2 years of posts.  I cannot guarantee I will get this done as I am having to work on it in my spare time.

On a lighter note, this post is about a recent collaboration I did with Audrey,  a local cosmetologist and part-time model that  approached me with this creative and unique concept about love, wine, and elegance.  I was instantly on board with this concept as I felt it would be a great opportunity to share some basic lighting techniques and film another behind the scenes video and Strobist tutorial.  And Audrey does such great work with hair, I had to work with her again.  I initially met Audrey during the Audrey Hepburn and Jean Harlow shoots as she did the hair.
See more images and the Video after the jump...

Marie + Wayne

I met Marie last year during another wedding I was shooting.  She happened to be a coworker of my friend and partner in crime.  Business cards were exchanged and nearly a year later, I was pleasantly suprised when she gave me call asking Chris and I to cover her wedding.  Chris as usual would be handling the video and I would be producing the the still photography.

Escaping Monotony and Shooting for Yourself

Photo by Warren Workman

I realize it's been nearly three weeks since my last blog post.  I know this is unacceptable. I've got some nice behind the scenes and lighting videos just around the corner.  This summer has been busy with weddings, family portraits, and other film related gigs to where I just haven't had time to shoot for myself and do anything "just for fun".   Although putting all my efforts in attempting to run a successful photography business is my long term and lifetime goal that requires the majority of my time, it doesn't always provide the rewards and benefits a struggling artist such as myself desires.  This includes financial security and more importantly, artistic fulfillment in my work.  This can lead to frustration, loss of passion, and days that make you want to sell all the equipment and walk away from it all.

To escape from the loathes of day to day monotony, I've had the opportunity to work on several local independent low budget to zero budget films as a Director of Photography or Gaffer.  After all, motion and picture and still photography are very closely related and I take pride in titling myself as a Photographer and Cinematographer.  It's funny how many video guys are afraid of still photography, flashes and strobes while many still photographers are afraid of video and motion picture.
I am a hybrid and have bridged the gap that separates the two.
More images and reckoning after the jump...

Brittany + Mike

I had at the opportunity to shoot the events leading up to and after Brittany and Mikes big day.  They ended up getting married in a private ceremony on another continent. However I was there to shoot their Engagements, Bridals, and a Reception held in their honor.  Brittany and Mike are a fun couple and were open to my suggestions and locations as I created images that match their lifestyle, personality, and tastes.

More after the jump

What the Hell is TTL?

This weeks episode on FRAMED Equip Tips is all about Flash and using proprietary triggering systems to fire your speedlights such as Nikon CLS.  We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of TTL modes versus Manual modes.  And for a special treat, we discuss the newer Pocketwizard TT1 and TT5 Flexes and their ability to cheat sync speed.
Basically, we get high speed sync in TTL mode with all the advantages of radio triggering.  Join special guest, Scott Jarvie and myself in this informal conversation jam packed with information.

Our second video is a fun blooper reel of last week's episode with Ryan Muirhead.

Other news is that we've nearly completed post production of Zombie Prom-- The Movie in which I was the Director of Photography, Camera Operator, and Colorist.  The short film was created in efforts to promote Strankenstein's Zombie Prom, an annual community event held in Ogden, Utah where all proceeds go to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  The film will premiere soon to a local theater (to be announced), the web, and film festivals across the country and potentially, world.

Another episode of The Basement as well as more Behind the Scenes Shoots coming soon...

Film Is Not Dead

Check out this week's episode of Equip Tips with special guest, Ryan Muirhead.  Ryan rarely shoots digital anymore and his work and knowledge of the film world is unending.
For those of us who have lived and worked in the digital age of photography, we discuss what it would take to step back in to the film world and how it can make you a better photographer.  Open up your mind, eyes and dynamic range and watch this week's episode of Equip Tips.