Proof you don't need to be a pro photographer or spend a lot of money on strobes.
Model: Janelee Rodriguez
HMU: Jerri Graham
Photos and story by: Jennifer Emery
Recently, while teaching my Commercial Photography Course at LMU in Los Angeles, the students got a chance to shoot with the Interfit Badger Unleashed! Battery Powered, no cords needed!
We experimented with different beauty Lighting techniques
Using the Intefit Foldable Softbox or the Foldable Beauty Dish
Here's the final product:
Sideways clamshell
2 Badger Unleashed w/ 2 soft-boxes (no grids)
Model positioned b/w the lights. the soft-boxes are feathered slightly back toward the backdrop, creating the contrast shadow toward the center of the face.
Light Settings: Equal output on both lights at 5.6
Camera Settings: 1/90th @ f/5.6
Camera/Lens: 5D mark IV w/ 70-200mm L @125mm focal length
This is our softer beauty make-up application
Traditional Clamshell
1 Badger Unleashed w/ foldable beauty dish and diffuser.
Silver reflector used to bounce light into face from below the chin line
Light Setting: 5.6
Camera Settings: 1/180th @ f/8
Camera/Lens: 5D mark IV w/ 70-200mm L @200mm focal length
This is our 2nd look with a stronger "Pat Benatar" beauty make-up application.
Continue reading here.....
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at check out
More great photo discounts from my favorite photography companies:
Lighting Gear: 10% off Interfit Photographic: click here and use code "EMERY 10"
Business software: Honeybook 50% off go to: click here
Want to learn more about lighting?!
Buy one of my two books on Lighting on Amazon!
]]>
The Photography Happy Hour - Episode 2
Beauty Lighting with a Twist
Watch the video for a full tutorial
Episode Two of the Photography Happy Hour
Be sure to subscribe: to the Photography Happy Hour and my blog for updates and new videos.
Here's a great video tutorial on how to achieve beauty lighitng with an interesting twist on the catch light.
All strobes used were the Interfit Photo S1 strobes. Use my discount code for an additional 10% off. EMERY10
Here's the shot
BTS of set-up
A little more info about all the equipment used and where to get it - click on the link to see more
- Background "Vintage Flag Backdrop" from: BackdropOutlet
- 4- Interfit S1 Monolights
- 3- Interfit Foldable Stripboxes as Key-lights
- 1- Intefit Barn-door set, with included gels and grid added.
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at check out
More great photo discounts from my favorite photography companies:
Lighting Gear: 10% off Interfit Photographic: click here and use code "EMERY 10"
Rental Equipment: Barrow Lenses: 10% off go to this link: click here
Business software: Honeybook 50% off go to: click here
Want to learn more about lighting?!
Buy one of my two books on Lighting on Amazon!
]]>Fun demo with my LMU students
So you want to shoot movie posters.....
Here's a great demo I did at Cherry Soda Studios with my Loyola Marymount University Students, for my Commercial Lighting Class.
The assignment was for the students to come up with an imaginary Film or TV show and create a Movie Poster plus individual cast photos. For the demo I decided on a western theme. So Cow-Girl-Up and lets see how we created our lighting design using 4 Intefit S1 strobes and a single red gel.
Our set-up.
Two foldable Soft-boxes as key-lights to the front of the set, barndoor-set w/ red-gel to camera left and inline with the cast, and a 30 degree grid camera right a bit behind the cast.
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at check out
Here's what we got
For the individual cast photos we kept the same lighting for consistency.
Setting
ISO: 400
Shutter: 1/125th
f/stop: f/8
A longer f-stop was used for the group photos so we had more DOF to insure everyone was in focus. The front Key-lights where set at equal power at 5.6 (about half-power for other units). Our gelled light was at 8.0 and the grid at 9.0 because it took more power to push through the grid. (Note, the S1's go to 10.0 which would equal full-power on other units)
Equipment
Camera: Canon 5D Mark VI
Lens: Canon 17-35L and the 70-200 for individual photos
Lights: 4 Interfit S1 mono-lites
Front Key light: 2 foldable soft-boxs
Back Rim light: Interfit S1 can plus 30 degree grid
Side red gelled light, Interfit barn doors with red gel.
The students, cast, and I had a great time.
Check out my instructional videos at:
The Photography Happy Hour
Because after a long day of photography, who doesn't need a good stiff drink.
More great photo discounts from my favorite photography companies:
Lighting Gear: 10% off Interfit Photographic: click here and use code "EMERY 10"
Rental Equipment: Barrow Lenses: 10% off go to this link: click here
Business software: Honeybook 50% off go to: click here
]]>&
Merry Christmas
The Continuous Light/Modeling Light feature on the Interfit Honey Badgers
Staring 18 year old BOB THE CAT
For the new year, I thought I would do a little feature on Interfit's newest product the Honey Badger strobe and its amazingly powerful modeling lights that can double as continuous lights.
I wanted to do a Christmas card featuring our last pet, Bob-The-Cat. He's 18 years old and the last living member of his furry clan that consisted of 2 dogs and 3 cats. Bob has out lived them all. I wanted to use a green gel and a directional grid and really stylize it. But the idea of strobes brought thoughts of a scared kitty running off after the first shot. So I decided to go with the modeling lights on the Honey Badgers that are rated strong enough for continuous light photography.
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at check out
Behind the Scenes
My living room turned into a studio:
To make Bob at home I put his bed in front of the Christmas Tree with his favorite catnip toys.
I placed the camera on my tripod low to the ground and framed up the shot on a stand in.
Setting
ISO: 2500
Shutter: 1/60th
f/stop: f/8
Because I was shooting with the modeling lights and cutting the light with gels and grids, I needed to dial up the ISO to 2500 to at least shoot at a 1/60th of a second to freeze movement, and I wanted f/8 so the tree was in focus and not to shallow DOF.
Equipment
I wanted to get the whole tree in the shot and have the cat front and center. Therefore, I used a wide lens very close to the subject. I pre-set the focus to manual and shot remotely from my ipad when the cat looks at the camera.
Camera: Canon 5D Mark VI
Lens: Canon 17-35L
Lights: 2 Interfit Honey Badgers
Front Key light: w/ 20 degree Grid
Back Rim light: Interfit Barn Doors with green gel.
Kitty Santa hat: Target
Here's what we got.
I only shot 17 photos.
With the final choice being the one with Bob looking right into the camera
Check out the green rim-light, lighting the tree and the back of Bob. Just like Christmas Eve!
And the final product for our Holiday cards.
It was quick and fun.... and the cat was not stressed at all.
Check out my instructional videos at:
The Photography Happy Hour
Because after a long day of photography, who doesn't need a good stiff drink.
More great photo discounts from my favorite photography companies:
Lighting Gear: 10% off Interfit Photographic: click here and use code "EMERY 10"
Rental Equipment: Barrow Lenses: 10% off go to this link: click here
Business software: Honeybook 50% off go to: click here
]]>The Photography Happy Hour - Episode 1
One-Light Headshots w/ the Honey Badger
If you tuned in recently to Episode One of the Photography Happy Hour, this is a follow-up on how to achieve headshot lighting using just one light.
Be sure to subscribe: to the Photography Happy Hour and my blog for updates and new videos.
Here's a quick instructional on how to use the Honey Badger Strobe by Interfit Photographic.
BTW The Honey Badger Strobe list price is an amazingly low $299. and includes a 24" pop-up soft-box. Use my discount code for an additional 10% off. EMERY10
Here's the shot
This was achieved using one light, above head-level of the model, with a large Octobox modifier, and a silver reflector about waist level. The reflector is placed close to the body of the subject to reflect some of the light from the strobe back up into the face. The reflector also creates a nice dewy catch-light in the bottom of her eye.
Lighting Diagram and BTS of set-up
Here is how it looks side-by-side, with and without, the reflector. The 2nd photo, without the reflector, illustrates how much more shadow the is under the chin. Neither is right or wrong, it's simply preference. With headshots for actors or business professionals, I like the bounce of the reflector because it is more flattering to most subjects, and creates a more inviting look. Notice that creases in the face are more filled in with the reflector - it's an all around softer look.
Here's one more we did for our promo.
A little more info about all the equipment used and where to get it - click on the link to see more
- Background "Dimond Cloth" from: BackdropOutlet
- 1- Interfit Honey Badger flash head.
- 1- Interfit Foldable Octobox as Key-light
- Reflector - 20" x40" Super Soft Silver/Natural White by: Rogue
The Honey Badger specs:
- 320w per second flash
- 8 Groups (that means you can have up to 8 heads set on different power outputs)
- 15 channels
- 7-stops (320ws-5w's) with 10 stop increments
- Sync capablity at 1/250th sec
- 1 second recycle time
- Bowens® s-type-mount for all your favorite modifiers
- And the pièce de résistance- a modeling lamp with a dimmable 5600k bulb that is a powerful 60W LED. (yes folks, that means you can also use this unit as a continuous light and shoot some video.... although it is probably best used for video without sound because of the audible fan in the head)
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at check out
More great photo discounts from my favorite photography companies:
Lighting Gear: 10% off Interfit Photographic: click here and use code "EMERY 10"
Rental Equipment: Barrow Lenses: 10% off go to this link: click here
Business software: Honeybook 50% off go to: click here
Want to learn more about lighting?!
Buy one of my two books on Lighting on Amazon!
]]>
I recently got my hands on Interfit Photographic's newest product, The Honey Badger Strobe. List price an amazingly low $299. Not only that, included in the box with this 320w per second compact flash head, is a 24" pop-up soft-box, power cable, and sync cord. Seriously, what a deal.
This was also my first shoot with my new Canon 5D Mark IV. Check out my upcoming Photography Happy Hour video tutorials, where we use the Mark IV to shoot motion, and Intefit's LEDGO's for video lights.
Subscribe
Coming soon!
My first shoot with the Honey Badger was a "Labor" of love. A Cake Smash Session for my nephew's first birthday that falls on, you guessed it, LABOR DAY!
Meet Silas-The-Destroyer, as his folks like to call him. Honestly he liked the balls more then the cake!
I set this up in my living room, complete with a BackdropOutlet background and flooring, cake, balls, and a balloon I found at the local grocery store.
The specs:
- 2- Interfit Honey Badger flash heads.
- Interfit Foldable Octobox as Key-light, on Camera right
- Interfit Foldable Beauty Dish, slightly lower to the ground, a couple of stops lower for fill, on Camera Left
- I turned the modeling lamps all the way up, and this greatly helped focus on the little bugger as he moved and grooved all over the place.
(Mom & dad, plus my husband/assistant,
flanked the set to keep baby safe and in frame.)
Radio slave: The Interfit S1 TTL Remote slave works with the Honey Badger units too, so I used that with no issues.
Use my discount code "EMERY10" on all these Interfit products for 10% off !!!!!!
We got some great shots in the 10 minutes we had till the cake was destroyed and the baby was on to other adventures.
The Honey Badger specs:
- 320w per second flash
- 8 Groups (that means you can have up to 8 heads set on different power outputs)
- 15 channels
- 7-stops (320ws-5w's) with 10 stop increments
- Sync capablity at 1/250th sec
- 1 second recycle time
- Bowens® s-type-mount for all your favorite modifiers
- And the pièce de résistance- a modeling lamp with a dimmable 5600k bulb that is a powerful 60W LED. (yes folks, that means you can also use this unit as a continuous light and shoot some video.... although it is probably best used for video without sound because of the audible fan in the head)
All and all,
I have to say the Honey Badger is a winner. It's compact, versatile, strong enough for most shoots at 320w's, and has an unbeatable price point.... not to mention the free soft-box and unbelievably strong modeling /continuous light feature. It's a great starter light for photographers and a great addition to any gear list. And it's cute too!
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at check out
More great photo discounts from my favorite photography companies:
Lighting Gear: 10% off Interfit Photographic: click here and use code "EMERY 10"
Rental Equipment: Barrow Lenses: 10% off go to this link: click here
Business software: Honeybook 50% off go to: click here
]]>Why do photo sessions cost what they do?
An article for the photography client & photographer's guidance
Staring nephew SY THE DESTROYER
and lots of balls... because Sy really likes balls....
It all starts with an email from my sister requesting a Smash The Cake Photo Session for my nephew's 1st birthday. And it ends with me hosing off the backdrop flooring in the backyard.
Not that I mind, my husband even had fun helping out. But we were exhausted and everyone went home and had about an hour nap, including my husband.
You can see more on how I shot these photos with the Interfit Honey Badger Strobes HERE
I'm writing this article to talk about what you, the client, should spend on a portrait session, because we photographers often get the question; Why does it cost so much? Or, can you do it for less? There seems to be a disconnect between the photographer and the client about what is involved in producing a portrait shoot. And since I, we, and everyone, were so exhausted after this Cake Smash, I thought it was a great illustration of the cost, skill, and effort that goes into producing any kind of portrait shoot.
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at check out
Behind the scenes:
Studio Rental/office space
My living room turned into a studio: Lets start with the cost a photographer spends on a rental studio or the time involved in setting-up and cleaning-up a home studio. And lets add in the cost of an assistant.
Here is my husband, standing in as cake wrangler.
Time:
The question: Why does it cost so much?... all it took was an hour to shoot it?
Studio set-up: It took me about half-a-day to make the space baby safe and clean the day before. Then on shoot day, another 2 hours to set-up the backdrop and lights and do some tests shots. After the shoot - Another hour to breakdown, and 1.5 hours to clean cake from everywhere.... and everything.
That would be: 8.5 hours: just for prep and breakdown
If this were a regular client I would have had additional pre-production time of about 1 full day/8 hours.
Pre-Production consists of:
Communication and Planning: Multiple emails, phone calls and communication with the client on scheduling and particulars of the shoot. (eg: What kind/size cake should I get? What clothing/ colors are best for the baby? Should we bring the baby dressed or dress him there? What time is nap time and best time to shoot?....) There is never just one email, or one conversation, this goes on for days.
Paperwork: writing contract and invoice... everyone is a little different. Photographers! Check out the timesaving bookkeeping software I use by Honeybook, at the end of this article.
That's about 8 hours: Pre-production
Post Production: Editing - 4 hours. Orders and print making - 2 hours. Post production, client communication and billing - 2 hours.
That's about 8 more hours: Post Production
Shoot time: 1 hour + 1 hour hang-out time with client before or after shoot.
That's 2 hours: Shot Time
It started like this:
And it ended like this:
Skill:
The skill it takes to be able to photograph a baby, or really any person before they meltdown, means training, education and years, and years of practice and honing a craft. Once we started shooting, this was done in about 10 minutes. Babies don't sit still and cakes smash very quickly. An unskilled amateur is not going to get this shot with lighting, a set, and everything that goes into a shoot like this... let alone get it in focus and the exposure correct. Yes I'm tooting my own horn, but really I'm tooting all pro photographer horns. Props to you photogs out there who do baby portraits on a regular basis, they are exhausting!
This takes training and money. What did your education cost you? I wont put a dollar point on this, but I think you get my point.
Equipment
This is the part that I really think is lost in translation with clients. A professional photographer has upwards of 20K in equipment, and that is on the low end. Not only that, we have to replace and update a good chunk of it every 3 to 5 years because of technology updates. Yes EVERY 3 TO 5 YEARS we buy new cameras and computers and more. Although we can make a good investment in lighting and lens, and not replace them, on average, we replace the following items every 3 to 5 years because of extinction and shelf life. This is the digital age, gone are the days of having a film camera and never having to buy a new one. Gone are the days of a computer that last more then 5 years. Gone are the days of software that does not need upgrading.
Think of these expenses every 3 to 5 years:
Average prices
Camera - $4000.00
Computer: $3500.00
Software: $1200.00
And this does not take into account the investment of all the pro lenses that average $1200 and up each, lighting packages at $4000- $10,000. Backdrops, props, rental on business space or studios, website hosting, advertising, insurance, and other costs of doing business.
Lets put a per-shoot cost on this in terms of what it would cost to rent all this. On the low-end a DSLR camera/lens package and lighting package would be $400 to RENT. Yes $400 just to rent lighting and camera package, and on average a photographer will only charge the client $350-$500 for the session... now our eyes are opening.... this is why we must own our own equipment if we do small portraits shoot, renting is too expensive. The rub is, if a photographer does a high-end commercial shoot, they can afford the rent everything, and usually do.
Price
The average price for a portrait session these days is $350-$600. Here's the problem, photographers where charging this same average price in 1999. With inflation, cost of living increases, and the cost of doing business being much higher, this is incredibly low and should be doubled.
Here's the breakdown:
On our time breakdown above, we averaged 24 hours in pre and post production. And 2 hours of shoot time.
Total: 26 hours for 1 photo session!
Running the numbers:
Average prices: $350 • $500 • $600
Price $350 / 26 hours = That means your photographer is making an average of $13.46 an hour
Price: $500 / 26 hours = $19.23 an hour
Price: $600/ 26 hours = $23.07 an hour
Here's the question. Do you think any professional running their own business should only make $13.46 an hour?
California's minimum wage will be $15 an hour soon, so that is not even minimum wage. Not to mention I did not average in the cost of doing business like the camera equipment, rental studio or insurance and things like that, so honestly these wages are even lower.
Conclusion
To the client: The next time you wonder why a photo session cost what it does, think about the value of what your photographer gives you in time and product. Think about what your time is worth in your line of work, then pay the bill with confidence that it is really worth it! Photos are memories that last forever and it's worth every penny.
To the Photographer: RAISE YOUR PRICES. Charge appropriately. Value yourself, your skill, and your product. You are worth it! Otherwise you are bleeding money. Take an inventory of your equipment, and time you spend on pre and post production, then figure out how much you think you should be paid an hour. Depending on your skill level this may be more or less. Depending on the cost of living where you live, this may be more or less. But if you are a professional, and in the business for more then 5 years, you should not be making less then $25 to $50 an hour, period. This means you tally all your hours to produce the shoot, all 26, not just the one hour shoot.
One last note for the Photographer on billing
Get your billing process in order! Want to know how I balance my paperwork of contracts and invoicing, and cut some of this crazy time-involved client dealings? I use HoneyBook - hey more "Honey". And yes, I bought this software, I was not given it for free and now advertising it. I have been using this online platform software for about 2 years, and it has cut the time it takes me to write a contract and invoicing by about 75% less! And it's made specifically for creatives, particularly geared toward event professionals like wedding photographers, event planners and the like. It is equally efficient for my more "commercial photography" world of massive paperwork. And clients can sign your contract and pay all in the same place with a click of a button. The nice people at Honeybook are offering my readers 50% off this fantastic creative's bookkeeping software. Link here to get your discount: Honeybook 50% off: click here
Coming Soon!
The Photography Happy Hour
Because after a long day of photography, who doesn't need a good stiff drink.
More great photo discounts from my favorite photography companies:
Lighting Gear: 10% off Interfit Photographic: click here and use code "EMERY 10"
Rental Equipment: Barrow Lenses: 10% off go to this link: click here
Business software: Honeybook 50% off go to: click here
]]>Coming Soon
The Headshot
Here is blog post #2 on the TEGNA, Inc Daily Blast Live Production Stills. Today's entry will cover the cast headshots. Above is how the final versions are used on the website.
Lets start with the setup.
Learning to do a good studio headshot is essential for Commercial Portrait Photography.
This is the lighting diagram I gave to my assistants for the headshot setup. As usual I'm using my trusty Interfit 500W monolight strobes and modifiers.
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at check out
Image setting and gear:
Canon 70-200mm L series at 135mm
ISO 100
1/125
f/5.6
Why these settings? I wanted a sharp image, so ISO 100 creates less grain/pixelation, and f/5.6 gives a nice shallow DOF, but not so shallow that anything on the face is out of focus. The shutter I wanted fast to avoid camera shake when hand holding a large heavy lens.
Lighting Equipment
Interfit S1 Strobes and modifiers at work: 4 strobes: If you take a look at the lighting diagram above, you can see the layout for each modifier. A large Octabox for the key-light, a smaller beauty dish below for fill, and backlight with a grid for a little hair-light and separation from the background, and a background light to light the cyc.
Erica Cobb's headshot = @EricaCobbMedia
Here is BTS of what that lighting set-up looks like.
Here are the final versions of each headshot.
Al Jackson, Jeff Schroeder, Jen Widerstorm, Tracey Gold, Ebony Steel, Sam Schacher, Tory Shulman, Erica Cobb
We also did some full length photos of each cast member and I simply pulled the bottom fill light down and back to the side so it was not in the shot. I then pumped up the light to give more output to evenly light the body. Here are a couple of samples.
Lighting different skin tones
I'm often asked by clients if I can light different skin tones properly, especially if they are in the same photo together, as in our group shot in the previous blogpost here. And photographers just starting out tend to be daunted by this. This has never been an issue for me, and it is always a pet peeve of mine when I see people lit improperly, especially people of color in Film and TV. You simply light your darker subjects more and your lighter subjects less. Yes I know, easier said then done. But really if you are paying attention, when a darker skinned person steps on to your set, you open up your settings to let in more light, and visa versa for a lighter skinned person. With groups, you may want to have your lighter people back from your light source more, and/or put a directional light on your darker subjects to make sure all are evenly lit. The rule of thumb is not to over expose in digital photography, so we need to error on the side of a little under exposed. Just make sure no highlights are so overexposed that the data is missing from your image.
I hope you enjoyed this bog post. Be sure to subscribe and follow my social media links listed on this page. :)
More great photo discounts from my favorite photography companies:
Lighting Gear: 10% off Interfit Photographic: click here and use code "EMERY 10"
Rental Equipment: Barrow Lenses: 10% off go to this link: click here
Business software: Honeybook 50% off go to: click here
]]>Conceptual Approches to Fine Art Photography
By Jennifer (Zivolich) Emery
My 2nd photography book has been published! You can buy it now on Amazon.com
Use your smartphone to connect with this barcode:
Press Release
I have to say, it never gets old doing a promo shoot for a new TV show. I was totally honored to be hired by TEGNA, Inc, a while back, to photograph the cast of the new show Daily Blast Live. Often I can't post immediately about my shoots so here it is a little late. Above is the final version of the group photo that was used in the press release:
http://www.tegna.com/tegna-announces-host-lineup-fall-premiere-date-for-daily-blast-live/
Below is the original image after retouching.
These beautiful people were equally beautiful to work with. All with wonderful personalities and easy to direct.
From left to right, w/ links to their twitter feeds are....because my friends, this is a live social media broadcast show!!!
Al Jackson, Sam Schacher, Ebony Steel, Jen nepotism, Jeff Schroeder, Tory Shulman, Erica Cobb, and Tracey Gold.
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at check out
So Lets talk shop. How did I shoot this?
Image setting and gear:
Canon 17-35mm L series at 32mm
ISO 250
1/180
f/6.7
Why these settings? This was a group shot, and I did not have enough room to move back on the stage to use a longer lens. Also we were working on a sound stage with a small corner cyc. Getting in close physically was the best option, so I used a wide lens. As for the setting, I wanted a sharp image, so ISO 250 creates less grain/pixelation, and f/6.7 left me with plenty shallow depth-of-field for everything to be sharp on the subjects and still blurs out the background a bit. The shutter I wanted to be fast to avoid camera shake.
Lighting Equipment
Interfit S1 Strobes and modifiers at work: We did a 2nd set-up with a couch. The lighting was similar for the standing shot above. 4 strobes: 2 in front and 2 lighting the background to go as white as possible. Because of the shape of the cyc, I opted for the strip-boxes, seen in this BTS photo, because a larger box would have shown in the photo. I could only get the back lights in so far, therefore the background did not go as white as I would have liked. But that was an easy fix in post. The front modifiers are Octaboxes.
Here's me with the cast on the couch set. - Photo taken by my assistant Patty Naranjo
Lighting settings:
4 Interfit S1 strobes
•2 foldable Octabox w/ diffusion for front Key-lights at 6.5 output.
•2 foldable Strip-Boxes w/ diffusion for front backlights.
I'm often asked
How did you land that job?
Students of mine often ask how I get my jobs. Well as a freelancer that varies, and I don't work with an agent. After over 20 years of pro-photography, I can tell you these don't come easy or often. But this one was almost nepotism. I wad referred to the job by a colleague/friend I have been working with off-and-on for pretty much my entire career. Anything Jen Friesen needs done on a show, I will help out with, even if that means being a stand-in or a PA. She always remembers me and refers me for photo jobs when she can. Many moons ago I used to shoot child actor headshots for the agency she worked for. She cast this wonderfully diverse group and will be working as a producer on the show in Denver. Now, know that the client did shop around and get bids from other photographers. I landed the gig because of my portfolio of work and a good referral. A discount price didn't hurt either! My advise to those wanting to do this kind of work, is to go out and shoot similar spec shoots for your portfolio. You need to have something to show that speaks to what the client is looking for. You are not going to get a gig just because of a good referral, nor should you if you are not qualified. So keep honing your craft and you will get there!
More BTS:
Me directing the group photos.
Jen and Jen on the set working together again!
Stay tuned for my next blog on how I shot the cast headshots.......
More great photo discounts from my favorite photography companies:
Lighting Gear: 10% off Interfit Photographic: click here and use code "EMERY 10"
Rental Equipment: Barrow Lenses: 10% off go to this link: click here
Business software: Honeybook 50% off go to: click here
]]>Mermaid Blog Post #4
A fantastic Mermaid Shootout during WPPI weekend in association with Interfit Photographic.
Mermaid in the Desert
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at check out
One last post on the Mermaid shootout. I love this one because the sky opened up a bit and the pose is just so perfect to advertise the sign of the location.
Image setting:
Canon 17-35mm L series at 24mm
ISO 160
1/180
f/6.7
Why these settings? I wanted the background to come out and not over expose.... and as you can see it was a dull cloudy yet bright background. So I closed down on the ISO and shutter and pumped up the light output to match the background as much as possible.
Lighting Diagram
Lighting settings:
2 Interfit S1 strobes
•Key light is the S1 with foldable Beauty dish w/ diffusion.
•Fill light is the S1 with foldable Octabox w/ diffusion
Retro Style in the desert.
Here's the original
Here's the original. It was a little hard to get our model Gabriella into the positions because she could not stand in the tail. I literally picked her up and moved her into the positions. Thank goodness models are light. There was a lot of laughing at my tossing her around......
A reminder about the ease of this set-up with the portable S1's that have a build in battery pack and need no external power. And if you have not checked out Interfit's foldable soft-boxes, your life will change forever shooting on location with these easy to set-up modifiers.
See more about this shoot and different set-ups in the following blog posts.
More great photo discounts from my favorite photography companies:
Lighting Gear: 10% off Interfit Photographic: click here and use code "EMERY 10"
Rental Equipment: Barrow Lenses: 10% off go to this link: click here
Business software: Honeybook 50% off go to: click here
]]>Mermaid Blog Post #3
A fantastic Mermaid Shootout during WPPI weekend in association with Interfit Photographic.
Mermaid in the Desert
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at check out
Image setting:
Canon 17-35mm L series at 24mm
ISO 160
1/180
f/5.6
Why these settings? I wanted the background to come out and not over expose.... and as you can see it was a dull cloudy yet bright background. So I closed down on the ISO and shutter and pumped up the light output to match the background as much as possible.
Lighting Diagram
Lighting settings:
2 Interfit S1 strobes
•Key light is the S1 with foldable Beauty dish w/ diffusion.
•Fill light is the S1 with foldable Octabox w/ diffusion
Retro Style in the desert.
Here's the original
Above I added a filter in Lightroom and a little skin smoothing retouching to achieve the final look below. The Las Vegas National Golf Club was nice enough to allow us to shoot on their property, so I thought it would be fun to do some promo shots they could use from our shoot. Here I incorporated their sign, and used a wide lens to achieve the look.
This was really easy to set-up with the portable S1's that have a build in battery pack and need no external power. And if you have not checked out Interfit's foldable soft-boxes, your life will change forever shooting on location with these easy to set-up modifiers.
See more about this shoot and different set-ups in the following blog posts.
]]>Mermaid Blog Post #2
This image is straight out of camera.
The only photoshop is skin smoothing.
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at checkout
Back in February I conducted a fantastic Mermaid Shootout during WPPI weekend in association with Interfit Photographic. I know, long time to do a blog post, but I thought it was time to talk about lighting and achieving the look straight out of camera.
Image setting:
Canon 70-200L series at 75mm
ISO 400
1/125
f/5.6
BTS: This is the actual set-up for this shot without the green gel as previous post.
Lighting settings:
2 Interfit S1 strobes
•Key light to the front of models face is the S1 with a 40º grid
•Sidelight is the S1 with foldable Beauty dish w/ diffusion.
Retro Style in the desert.
Doesn't this just sing Las Vegas of the 60's?!
I thought this series would be fun with kind of a Star Trek retro look, so I added a filter in Lightroom and a little skin smoothing retouching to achieve the final look below. Here we still work with the lighting as is, and desaturate it a bit in photoshop. If you tried to achieve this in-camera, you would end up with an overexposed image, and not a lot of detail. So, lighting correctly to start is the way to go. Then a little vision after the fact.
See more about this shoot and different set-ups in the following blog posts.
]]>Mermaid Blog Post #1
This image is straight out of camera.
Yes you can light like this. No need for filters later.
The only photoshop here is skin smoothing.
Get 10% off Interfit products now by using code "EMERY10"
enter code at checkout
Back in February I conducted a fantastic Mermaid Shootout during WPPI weekend in association with Interfit Photographic. I know, long time before blog post, but I thought it was time to talk about lighting and achieving the look straight out of camera.
Image setting:
Canon 70-200L series at 75mm
ISO 400
1/125
f/4.0
BTS: This shot is actually set up the opposite, with the modifiers positions switched.
Lighting set-up Look mom, NO CORDS. Notice we are working with the amazingly portable Interfit products. The S1's have builtin battery power and the soft-boxes are foldable and lightweight.
2 Interfit S1 strobes and a canon TTL flash.
•Key light to the front of model's face is the S1 with a 40º grid, Interfit barn-door modifier, with green gel.
•Sidelight is the S1 with foldable Beauty dish w/ diffusion.
•Backlight is a Canon TTL flash, set on the ground directed at the model to separate her from the background. Radio Slave attached to trigger.
Here's another version from a slightly different angel. Again, straight out of camera. Only photoshop is some skin smoothing. No color manipulation. The green you see on the model is from the gelled light.
With a little forethought, you can achieve the image you want straight out of camera and not spend endless hours in photoshop after the fact.
See more about this shoot and different set-ups in the following blog posts.
]]>Blog Post 4 of 4
Use my Interfit discount code for an extra 10% off EMERY10
To followup on my Beauty Photography Lighting Workshop at LACP, this is 4 of 4 short and sweet tutorials that I hope you enjoy.
These posts will cover use of Interfit Photographic lighting equipment. As you know, I am an Interfit Brand Ambassador. And just a note, as an Ambassador I try out, use, and post about their products, but I am not paid to do so. I stand by their products and love the equipment, as well as the company and the people behind the products.
Beauty Post 2: Beauty Lighting w/ Gel Rim-light
Beauty Lighting can have a little play, don't you think? Here we pull out all the stops with an interesting patriotic backdrop from BackdropOutlet, Clamshell lighting, and a blue & green gel on the rim-light. Key-light centered front & above the subject, smaller fill-light below, and a strobe with barn-doors on the rim-light that had two gels sandwiched together. I added the color to the rim-light to give it some cohesion to the backdrop and the blue in the flag.
Shooting specs:
Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L series
Settings: ISO:100, 1/180th @ f/4.5
Adding the gel to the the rim-light really made the image pop. Here I make use of 3 Interfit S1 Monolight strobes . Key-light in front is fitted with an Interfit foldable Octabox , fill-light below and front with a Foldable Beauty Dish , and the Rime-Light is an S1 with barn-door set using the included green & blue gels. These S1, 500w HSS AC/DC powered strobes are only $749.99 currently down from $999 a unit, already half the price of the competitors. Use my discount code for an extra 10% off EMERY10
I hope you enjoyed this 4 part series on Beauty Lighting. Be sure to check out my upcoming LIVE WORKSHOPS at the Los Angeles Center of Photography website!
Here's some BTS of the set-up
Blog Post 3 of 4
Use my Interfit discount code for an extra 10% off EMERY10
To followup on my Beauty Photography Lighting Workshop at LACP, this is 3 of 4 short and sweet tutorials that I hope you enjoy.
These posts will cover use of Interfit Photographic lighting equipment. As you know, I am an Interfit Brand Ambassador. And just a note, as an Ambassador I try out, use, and post about their products, but I am not paid to do so. I stand by their products and love the equipment, as well as the company and the people behind the products.
Beauty Post 2: ClamShell Lighting w/ halo
Clamshell lighting is foolproof beauty lighting 101, and we can make it more interesting by adding a hair-light or even lighting the background to create separation and achieve a halo type effect. One light centered front & above the subject, and a little bounce from a white reflector, so we have some shadow under the chin.. plus a strobe with a 40 degree grid directed at the background. The whole effect with the pose and props, reminds me of a painting.
Shooting specs:
Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L series
Settings: ISO:100, 1/125th @ f/5.6
Using a white reflector to bounce the light leaves a little shadow under the chin, which flatters most subjects. Here I make use of 1 Interfit S1 Monolight strobes with a Beauty dish. The background light is an S1 with a 40 degree grid directed at the background. These S1, 500w HSS AC/DC powered strobes are only $749.99 currently down from $999 a unit, already half the price of the competitors. Use my discount code for an extra 10% off EMERY10
Here's some BTS of the set-up
Blog Post 2 of 4
Use my Interfit discount code for an extra 10% off EMERY10
To followup on my Beauty Photography Lighting Workshop at LACP, this is 2 of 4 short and sweet tutorials that I hope you enjoy.
These posts will cover use of Interfit Photographic lighting equipment. As you know, I am an Interfit Brand Ambassador. And just a note, as an Ambassador I try out, use, and post about their products, but I am not paid to do so. I stand by their products and love the equipment, as well as the company and the people behind the products.
Beauty Post 2: ClamShell Lighting
Clamshell lighting is the foolproof beauty lighting 101. One light centered from above the subject and a second light source below. Here we are simply using a reflector.
Shooting specs:
Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L series
Settings: ISO:100, 1/180th @ f/5.6
Using a reflector to bounce the light creates fill and still allows for some shadow under the chin, which flatters most subjects. Here I make use of 1 Interfit S1 Monolight strobe with 1 Beauty dish. These S1, 500w HSS AC/DC powered strobes are only $749.99 currently down from $999 a unit, already half the price of the competitors. Use my discount code for an extra 10% off EMERY10
Here's some BTS of the set-up
Blog Post 1 of 4
Use my Interfit discount code for an extra 10% off EMERY10
To follow up on my Beauty Photography Lighting Workshop at LACP, this is 1 of 4 short and sweet tutorials that I hope you enjoy.
These posts will cover use of Interfit Photographic lighting equipment. As you know, I am an Interfit Brand Ambassador. And just a note, as an Ambassador I try out, use, and post about their products, but I am not paid to do so. I stand by their products and love the equipment, as well as the company and the people behind the products.
Beauty Post 1: Triangle of Light
Although this is one of the last things we did in the workshop, I want to start with it to wet your whistle. THE TRIANGLE OF LIGHT - This is one of my favorite lighting set-ups to achieve a beauty look with a little pop and amazing catchlights.
Shooting specs:
Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L series
Settings: ISO: 100, 1/180th @ f/4.5
This techniques creates even lighting similar to window light, but adds some interest to the eyes. Here I make use of 3 Interfit S1 Monolight strobes with 3 Stripe Foldable Softboxes. These S1, 500w HSS AC/DC powered strobes are only $749.99 currently down from $999 a unit, already half the price of the competitors. Use my discount code for an extra 10% off EMERY10
Here's some BTS of the set-up
There's More Then One Way to Skin a Cat
Taking lighting equipment on location can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Packing your bag with minimal light-weight equipment can take you from an amateur to a pro with just a little bit of knowhow. Lets start basic and work our way up and compare the differences in use of light sources.
Starting with a basic reflector.
On the left, natural light is nice, but to the right we add a silver reflector and the eyes pop, and the fill light on the face is really pretty. This is the new 20"x40" Rogue 2-in-1 Super Soft Silver Reflector by ExpoImaging that has a great rectangular shape creating a fantastic catchlight in the lower part of the eyes.
Next we tried the gold reflector. Here you can see you need to be a little careful not over doing it, because it kind of creates that flashlight-under-the-chin effect, and is not always flattering.
Notice in both the above samples, the background, hotter parts of the image, where there is brighter lit areas, it's over exposed. Without a stronger light sources, it's rather hard to expose for the background and light the front of the subject to match.
For example if I expose for the background light, it looks like this darker image below left, with the subject in shadow. But if I add a stronger light source, we can get a more even playing field.
Adding a stronger light source makes it so we can better light our subject and match some of the brighter background light. During my Introduction to Location Lighting Workshop for the Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) we worked through these different option. The above example is a Canon TTL flash with the Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro that is like a mini soft-box for your flash, triggered by a radio slave.
Next we upped our game with the Interfit Photographic Strobie Pro Flash 360ws, with a foldable beauty dish. Now we are talking! check out the different in the quality of light below. With each step the photo looks even better.
Lets look at the set-up.
We used an Interfit Strobie Speedlight Bracket - This backet can hold any Bowens® S-mount modifier and you can use any flash unit with it. It's only $39.99.
Now lets take it one more step and add a second Strobie for a hair-light behind our subject. Notice the separation from the background and how pro the images looks.
Lastly, what happens when we don't have this nice shaded area to work with. How can we create our own cover and do some similar lighting on location in direct sunlight. I got you "cover"! Enter the Scrim.
Lets run through this. Same as with direct shade above, we just made our own shade with a scrim (which is a panel with some diffusion cloth. You could use a diffused shower curtain for this.)
The first photo above is natural light with the scrim. Below we work through different options to fill in light and offset the background "brighter/hotter" light. Note, our main light source is the sun, which is "diffused" by the scrim.
Next Scrim with reflector.
Next Scrim with Strobie Set-up
I'll leave you with this. The more powerful the light source and the larger you can make the light source (like with a larger soft-box) the better the quality of light. All examples are good, it's really a matter of preference and what you can take with you on location.
Special thanks to Patty Lemke for the BTS photos and our model Sheena Graves. And be sure to check out discounts from Interfit Photographic and Rogue below:
Interfit Photographic: 10% off use code: EMERY10
Rogue by ExpoImaging: 20% off use code: EMERYLACP through April 30th, 2017 only.
More sponsor discounts:
Need to try out some gear. Rent from Barrow Lenses, they have everything you need at your doorstep.
Barrow Lenses: 10% off go to this link: http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=604259&U=1424259&M=12808&urllink=
Are you a creative in need of a billing and invoicing system: I use Honeybook- check it out!
Honeybook 20% off go to: http://share.honeybook.com/gSDCm
]]>If you have not been paying attention, less then a year ago, I partnered with a friend to form a Photography Collective called Arts District Los Angeles Photo Collective...
ADLA Photo Collective for short.....
ADLA is a coop form photography collective, that shares a 2500 sqft studio space for a very low fee and bands together to help in our joint pursuit of photography work and art. We welcome fellow pro and amateur photographers to submit to the art show for only a $25 entry fee.
And BTW we have a few opening for members if you are looking for a photography studio space. Check out all the info below!
CALL FOR ENTRY: COLOR POP
A juried photography show at the Arts District Los Angeles Photo Collective exhibiting June 25, 2016.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: MAY 27, 2016.
Submit vibrant photographs with color "POPping" in, around or throughout your creative vision. Fill your frame with the dramatic and bold or with sublime and ethereal imagery. All subjects are welcome.
http://www.adlaphotocollective.com/submit/
CHOCOLATE AND ART SHOW - SAN FRANCISCO - APRIL 21 - 22
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Canon Live Learning
Free Seminar
Lighting equipment sponsor by PHOTTIX
learn.usa.canon.com/events_calendar/event_details/cll_events/oc/20160412_oc_lighting.shtml
"High Fashion Outdoor Location Strobe Lighting Techniques with Jennifer Emery"
April 12th, 2016
6pm-8pm
Canon Live Learning Orange County
Award winning photographer, educator, and author of "Lighting Design for Commercial Portrait Photography," Jennifer Emery, will present a look into the Outdoor Location Strobe Lighting Techniques of the fashion photographer and how to apply them to many genres of exterior photography. Learn to make your location lighting of weddings, senior portraits, headshots and more look like high-end fashion location photography. Subjects, such as, overpowering the sun, proper exposure with strobes, location acquisition, posing, and preparing your shoot like a professional production will be covered.
]]>http://variety.com/2015/film/news/thor-ragnarok-writer-stephany-folsom-1201652254/
Recently I shot some new promotional headshots of my friend screenwriter Stephany Folsom. It was just announced on Variety that she has been tapped by Marvel to polish the Script for the new "Thor: Ragnarok" movie. She is also currently working on the new Disney film "The Princess of North Sudan". I don't know where she gets the time, but I am very proud of her!!! Thanks for thinking of me for your photography needs and sore high my friend, GirlPower!
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Shooting one weekend only
Dec 4th, 5th, 6th
Book today. Space is very limited this year! Cheer!
Deadline to Book you session is
Nov 25th, 2015
A deposit must be made to hold the date.
Contact today: [email protected]
888-817-4686
]]>
A look back at my work as a volunteer photojournalist with an animal rescue group.
IMG_6477Animal Rescue mark a house "2, dogs, 1 dead & 1 taken".
30 days after Hurricane Katrina, I lead a group of 3 volunteer photojournalist to document the effort to rescue animals in the Lower 9th Ward. What we saw was a neighborhood devastated by the hurricane. Now mostly unpopulated there was not much in animals. Some dead, some abandon, many strays. But the team saved a few and even reunited one dog with it's owners. We tromped around in waist-high toxic floodwaters with our cameras strapped on. We bed down in the parking lot of a Winn-Dixie, in tents, on the asphalt parking lot, in 90 degrees of humidity. It was quite an experience.
Jennifer Emery working in Lower 9th Ward. Photo by: Ian HornJennifer Emery, photographing animal rescue after Hurricane Katrina
Jennifer Emery working at Hurricane Katrina Animal Rescue base-camp. Photo by: Ian HornJennifer Emery climbs a sign to photograph the Animal Rescue base-camp at the Winn-Dixie. Hurricane Katrina.
shooting with actress/model Alexandra Anthony
What a great night at the ADLAPC Open house
Here's a video of all the fun.
Special thanks to my sponsors:
Rogue Photographic Design, Backdrop Outlet, Phottix, Delkin Devices, Freestyle Photographic Supplies, Amherst Media
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IMG_2424_webnatalie_Ian_Wedding
A Hurricane you say?! ...remnants of which blew an epic storm up through Southern California on Sunday July 19th, 2015 you say! And I'm shooting a wedding on a hilltop at the Champions Club at the Retreat in Corona, as the winds blow and the water gushes, what?! NO! Not at my wedding day shoots. Well yes, it is true, and it was hot an humid too, yuck. The last time I shot a wedding in weather that felt like this, I was shooting in Playa Del Carmen, and it did not rain but for a few minutes, and who can complain about shooting a wedding in Mexico, humidity and all.
Sunday, one of my old assistants, got married. Natalie and her sister Lauren (who's wedding we shot last year) used to be assistants for Serena and I for years, since Natalie was 14 years old that is. Now both successful nurses and fantastic women, are all grown up, and Serena and I were once again called on to team up for the wedding photography, and.... IT RAINED LIKE A MO-FO.
The weather did not stop us from getting some epic photos. With my trusty Neutral Density Filter, I got some great landscape shots even though we were sitting right in the clouds and the fog obscured the view of the mountains.
IMG_2763-2_webnatalie_Ian_Wedding
And as the wind blew harder and the rain fell faster, we setup our flashes on stands and I pulled out my Rogue Flash Grid, and in the darkness of the "midday" I got this fantastic dramatic shot.
IMG_2505_webnatalie_Ian_Wedding
The weather made us create images we would have never done on a sunny day. Cheers, Natalie and Ian for hanging in there with the weather, it was a fantastic day!
IMG_2395_webnatalie_Ian_Wedding
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My official Los Angeles Book Signing.
Photography, Food, Wine, Raffle Prizes
Find out more and get your free tickets here:
http://www.pbjcandids.com/adpc-openhouse
Special thanks to my sponsors:
Rogue Photographic Design, Backdrop Outlet, Phottix, Delkin Devices, Freestyle Photographic Supplies, Amherst Media
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Today the demo was a Lecture covering some parts of Chapter 5 from my book Lighting Design for Commercial Portrait Photography on multiple light set-ups.
Lumino Studios had it's grand opening today and I was honored to be asked to do a lighting demo and book singing at the new space in Placentia, CA. It's a great space with 4 studios to shoot in with all the lighting equipment, backdrops and props you could ever want. Including mobile flats with great textures and designs for building backgrounds and sets. Backgrounds and props from Backdrop Outlet. A great place to shoot in the East Orange Co/Fullerton and surrounding areas.
The opening was packed with action, including a catered lunch, a raffle, several models to shoot on the numerous sets and a VIP boudoir shoot with more pro models. They even hired 3 make-up artists to make sure the models were looking their best.
During my presentation, I focused on creating a multi-light set-up similar to those covered in Chapter 5 of my book; including use of gels, grids, beauty dishes, strip boxes and more.
Here are a few of my favorite shots straight out of camera. More to come of the finished product.
Special Thanks to my fabulous Crew who I can also call my friends.
Patty Naranjo, Rollence Patugan, & Mitch Wojcik.
The fantastic, always prompt, and professional Actress and Model, Alexandra Anthony. Make-up artist extraordinaire Jerri Graham, and Corey and Jason from Lumino Studios for inviting us to the grand opening and providing a great space to shoot in.
Here we are after a great day!
And Rollence striking a pose standing in for the model.
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July 11th @ 12pm
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Book Signing
@ Backdrop Outlet in Oceanside, CA - Free event
Book Signing
Free Event
Book featuring products from:
Backdrop Outlet, ExpoImaging, and Light Blaster
Special thanks to my additional sponsors:
Mel Pierce Camera, Delkin Devices, Phottix
Photography Lecture and Book Signing
Free -Registration is not Required:
Description:
I will be doing my first book signing
@
Backdrop Outlet's "Giant Warehouse Sale"
on June 26th at 11am in Oceanside, CA
More info here:
http://www.backdropoutlet.com/Warehouse-sale.asp
Take the train and get off in "OCEANSIDE"!!!
Buy my Lighting Design book on Amazon: Here
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This Saturday - June 20th
Intensive Workshop
Space is limited to 5 people.
And check out a video sample here:
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cover2
Learn about my new book - Post 4
Chapter 7 - Speedlight Techniques
buy the book on Amazon here
In my new book "Lighting Design for Commercial Portrait Photography" check out some of the fun ways to use ExpoImaging Products and light like a pro using Speedlight flashes.
I love ExpoImaging products. A Ring Light on your speedlight.
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Ring lights can be unwieldily. But the Ray Flash by Expoimaging is light and easy to use. If fits right on your speedlight flash.
In my book I use the Ray Flash by ExpoImaging, along with a fantastic backdrop from Backdrop Outlet for a fashion look. The Ray flash is an adaptor, it is not a light itself, which is great. You just attach it to your flash and go. This is the only light used in these photos which is my flash, right on my camera, using the RayFlash. To avoid shadows on the backdrop I pushed the model right against the backdrop. Learn more in Chapter 3 of my book in the section on beauty and catchlights.
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cover2
Learn about my new book - Post 3
Chapter 7 - Speedlight Techniques
buy the book on Amazon here
In my new book "Lighting Design for Commercial Portrait Photography" check out some of the fun ways to use ExpoImaging Products and light like a pro using Speedlight flashes.
I love ExpoImaging products. They are great when you are shooting on the go,
and want to design your lighting using SB/TTL flashes.
Chapter7_7-18
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What about Grids. What, you don't own big strobes and you don't know how to use a grid?
In my book I use the Rogue Grid as a backlight that creates a circular light. Here, there is a speedlight lighting the front and the ExpoImaging Rogue Grid with a 45º honeycomb grid set on a flash on the floor pointing up at the model. Learn more in Chapter 7 of my book.
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cover2
Learn about my new book - Post 2
Chapter 6 - Body Contouring
and Gobos and the Light Blaster
buy the book on Amazon here
In my new book "Lighting Design for Commercial Portrait Photography", I cover a little about using Gobos and the amazing Light Blaster "strobe-based projector" system.
This is another fantastic item that you can use with your speedlights. They also have a new adaptor to use with strobes. I can't wait to try it out!
Chapter6_6-32-blog
Pictured here is the "star pattern" slide-gobo from the "Pro-Gobo Kit1STR"
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This is what the Light blaster looks like. It is the unit in the middle of what you see in this photo. You put your own lens on the front and your speedlight on the back. Inside the Light Blaster there is a place to put a slide-like gobo (you can even use an actual slide).
Here is the set-up for the nudes I decided to try with the Light Blaster. The only other source of light I had was a strip-light to help fill in the face of the model.
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They have some fantastic patterns to play with and I love the fact that you can use slides or even make your own. The Light Blaster is basically a projector, but instead of having to plug something in to an electrical outlet, it is fully portable and takes no power. It is very light weight, maybe 8oz.
As you can see below, depending on how you position the model and the Light Blaster, the pattern can take on a very different feel. I used a 28-105 lens and zoomed to a place where the pattern of stars fit on the model's body like a canvas. Then focused the lens to it's sharpest point so the pattern was sharp. It's basically painting with still flashes of light. AMAZING!
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Below I used one of the backdrop gobo slides from the Creative Backdrop Kit. These can be use as portable backdrops behind a subject too. I again choose to use it on the body of my model like a painting. This was an orange and yellow scene of planets in space, (Image artwork by Phyllis Wirick)
There are endless gobo patterns to use. Below is one that mimics a very Film Noir look of light coming through blinds. And one like tree branches. Both just beautiful. Both from the Pro Kit. You can learn more about how to light with Gobos in my book in Chapter 6.
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cover2
Learn about my new book - Post 1
Chapter 7 - Speedlight Techniques
buy the book on Amazon here
In my new book "Lighting Design for Commercial Portrait Photography" check out some of the fun ways to use ExpoImaging Products and light like a pro using Speedlight flashes.
I love ExpoImaging products. They are great when you are shooting on the go,
and want to design your lighting using SB/TTL flashes.
Think you need big strobes and expensive lighting modifiers to get a cool snoot lighting look? Think again.
In my book I show how to use the Rogue FlashBender by ExpoImaging to make a snoot effect by bending it around the flash head. It's small, light weight, and molds the light just right. it can also be used to bounce light or like a "gobo" More on Gobo's in Chapter 6.
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Press Release
Lighting Design for Commercial Portrait Photography
Buy it now
at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or
at a book store near you (search indieBound.org)
Buy it here
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Faculty Art Exhibit
w/Instructor Jennifer Emery
May 15th, 2015
7-10pm
1515 Wilcox Ave, 90028
Please join me and LACP for a group photography exhibit featuring the work of the faculty. I will have one of my pieces from my "Painted Ladies" series on view and for sale. With part of the proceeds to benefit LACP, a non-profit photography school.
Info here:
http://juliadean.com/lacp-faculty-exhibition-may-15/
I wanted to share this fun adaption of one of my photos by my client and good friend Jen Friesen of Jazz Fondue. I always tell my students to give copies of their images when they test shoot and they often have this unfounded fear about what the model or subject will do with the image as far as photoshopping or changing the image because it's "my work", the student photographer will say. Well here is what my client did with the photo, adding the text and different color background, and it's fantastic. Although this was not a test shoot and a little different circumstance, I still want the client to use the photos the way they want. I'm not sure what there is to be afraid of, if the client is happy with the images they will refer you more work, and isn't that the point. I don't have to have control of every manipulation of every image and it's fun to see what other people come up with.
]]>It will be released on June 9th, 2015 on Amazon
amazon.com/author/jenniferemery
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Update with final images
Lighting Design for Commercial Portrait Photography.
Click here for more information. Click
Screen Shot 2015-03-06 at 9.56.49 PM
Makeup artist Andrea Yocky came up with the idea of painting their lips like the Detales Logo.
Fun stuff with models Amanda Derzy and Alexandra Anthony
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I just started working on my first Living Portraits. I will be offering this to my clients. Take a look!
More to come on my Motion Page here: Motion by Jennifer Emery
Edu_living_1Living Portrait © Jennifer Emery
Edu_living_2Living Portrait © Jennifer Emery
flutterfinal2Living Portrait ©Jennifer Emery
]]>@ Descanso Gardens
I'm just starting to do my edit on this wedding and thought I would share some of the great images from this fantastic couple's wedding at Descanso Gardens yesterday 3/14/2015.
It was a the venue's first wedding of the year in the Rose Garden and the weather just broke the day before for a wonderful warm Spring day. The cutest couple with bridesmaids and bride sporting the most infectious smiles and laughter.
The grounds and the light of the day was photo inspiring. Great day for my PBJ Candids photo team and I.... and the squirrel that was so worried about his buried acorns at the ceremony site that he had to go dig up 4 of them and eat them before the bride came down the aisle.
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More at the link below.
http://www.pbjcandids.com/learn
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I got word today, from my publishers at Amherst Media, that my Fashion Photography Book is on it's way to my doorstep with it's first edit.
After all the hard work writing the book and compiling photos, I'm excited to see the input of the editors.
Coming to a store near you in June of 2015!
Here is a sample from a draft of the book and what you have to look forward to. Great photo samples along with lighting diagrams. There will be lots on producing commercial shoots and how to get started working with clients.
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THE DATES HAVE BEEN PUSHED. CLASS STARTS NEXT TUESDAY JAN 20TH.
Space is limited. Sign up now!
http://www.ssreg.com/juliadean/classes/classes.asp?courseid=28991&catid=1809
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I was honored to be asked to photograph one of my former Photography Student's Weddings a few months ago. My business has turned more commercial and I only do a few weddings a year these days, so I forget how much you learn about people on this special day. Not only am I a big fan of Chris as one of my students, but to learn that the couple have been together for 16 years and to meet all their wonderful supportive friends and family, just made me love the two more.
Here are a few of my favorite photos from the big day.
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I have 3 upcoming Photography education opportunities coming up for Spring of 2015.
See all the details here:
http://www.pbjcandids.com/learn
Fashion Photography on Location - Jan 20th -Feb 17th 2015 (4 Tues & 2 Sat)
at the Los Angeles Center of Photography
Jennifer-Emrey_NEACT
Introduction to photography - Wed nights - Feb 18th - June 17th, 2015
at Santa Monica Community College
learn
Boudoir Photography - June 20th, 2015 - 1 day workshop
at the Los Angeles Center of Photography
Jennifer-Emery_NEACT
Jazz Fondue
Jazz Fondue is a "Retro Lounge Music" group, lead by singer Jen Friesen, my good friend, who's day job is that of a Television Producer. We had a great time working together on creating photos that fit the vision of the group. Put the 2 Jen's in creative mode together, and we "produce". The guys had their hair cut and styled, MANicures, and shoes shined at John Allen Solon, the home of the shoot day make-up Artist, Mosha Katani.
I love to see how the images are used after the shoot. Below is how one image was used on their website.
Jazz Fondue WebsiteJazzFondue.com
Here's a few more of my fav's and see more about the band here: JazzFondue.com
Make-up Artist: Mosha Katani -- www.krop.com/mosha/
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I just thought I would share this great shot from a shoot I did with Triathlete Kristen Hetzel. She went off to compete with Team USA in a 2014 Duathlon World Championship in Spain and came in top ten to finish, and 2nd for USA. Not only is she a pro Cyclist/Triathlete she has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Yeah girls can have brains, brawn and beauty.
This was both of our favorite shot!
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It was great to photograph our friend Lauren's wedding with Serena Montenegro. Lauren used to assist for both of us and was a beautiful bride. Martin, the groom, was looking awesome as well!
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I can't tell you how much fun I'm having teaching Photography at a local college here in Los Angeles. The students are great and we all just "geek out" on photography 3 hours at a time. I find doing hands on demos are the best to get the information into the students heads. Here's some photos from my latest Lecture/Demo on "People & Products" Sort of a stylized LookBook.
PBJ Candids headshot deal for new clients. Check it out!
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Western University of Health Science White Coat Ceremony photos are posted online. Order deadline is Aug 26th, 2013. Congratulations new students!
http://www.pbjcandids.com/western_whitecoat
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Same-Sex Wedding Photography
Whatever you you want to call it, it's just love. I'm proud of our supreme court for making the correct decision in the case of same-sex marriage and holding up everyone's rights to equal protection under the law and human rights in general.
Here's a big shout-out to some great clients of mine who I photographed this last December... Becky & Christine, who are not only the most wonderful people but, as I found out from the reception and friend's speeches, two good-doers that are super smart over achievers.... as well as good looking.
My husband assisted me on this wedding and he had never had such a good time at an event. We just loved these two and their friends and family. What an amazing group of people!
Here's a link to some of my favorites:
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Possible Headshot discounts for this Friday!
Deadline to respond is Wednesday Aug 29th, 2012.
The more people I have, the cheeper it will be for all.
Studio is in downtown near the Staple Center. Great natural and studio lighting. Fun backgrounds and outdoor street scenes available.
Anyone who wants to shoot can do up to 3 looks with multiple quick changes per look.
Depending on the number of people I get signed up, price will be b/w $150-$100 per person no matter how many looks you do...1, 2 or 3. This studio shoot would normally cost $600 minimum.
I will see about getting a multiple person deal for make-up.
Let me know asap and I'll get you signed up.
For samples of headshot by me see:http://www.pbjcandids.com/p402141274 (Keep in mind, Friday's shoot will have more of a "studio feel" and my portfolio shows more of an "outdoor environmental" feel. But we can add a few outdoor shots in too, if you like.)
Thanks!
Jennifer
PS: This is still a maybe shoot, I need to confirm booking of the studio and number of people who want to sign up. You will need to put a $50 deposit down through paypal. You can pay the rest, cash, check or credit card onsite.
70% off a Photo Shoot & Make-OverCheck out this great deal from PBJ Candids and Stylist Amy Cole.This group offer is limited. Tickets must be purchased by July 29th, 2012.Choose from two dates: August 26th or 27th.Click here for more details and to purchase tickets:Great gift idea!Use for:Glamor portraitsIndividualBusiness headshotsFamily portraitsPregnancyNew mom w/ babyCouples/Engagement photosSweet 16Senior portraits
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The PBJ Candids Fashion Photography Workshops these past months where great fun! Along with the class the students were able to enter our photography contest to win an EXPODISC from ExpoImaging.
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| Students at work during the workshop |
The Workshops where held at Disney Hall. An amazing backdrop for modeling photos.
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| Photo by: Brent Ambrose. Winning photo |
What a fun great light modifier for external flashes. I had a similar product years ago, but it was so unwieldy. The best thing about the Rogue FlashBender is the "Bendy" part and the built in Velcro that attaches to itself. No sticky Velcro to attach permanently. It’s like having your own built-in white ceiling to bounce off of.
Ever been in that dark brown wood ceilinged hall, trying to get a nice bounce photo and you can’t do it. Add a Rogue FlashBender, and you are ready to go. Also, a lot less light lose then using other items like the Omni-bounce or Light-spires...since it’s bouncing off something so close. Therefore, your recycle time is better. The great thing is, you can bend it to direct the light where you want it.
I set one flash on a tripod with the flash pointed up for bounce and added the Rogue flashbender and slightly bent it down and around, to bounce the light at the subjects from the side. I also used a flash on my camera and added and Omni-bouce to just slightly fill the front from the same direction as the window light coming in behind me.
One last tip. If you have been dragging around a light stand with you, consider using your tripod. Most flashes come with a shoe-mount now and the tripod shoe attachment will screw right into it.
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The ExpoDisc is a color balancing tool and makes "custom white balance" a snap.
More and more we are spending time in front of the computer working on our images instead of out shooting. Why not get it right the first time and be done? It's so easy with the ExpoDisc. Simply put it in front of your lens, take a photo of your light source, and set your custom white balance. Your done.
Here are some samples of before and after with the use of the Neural ExpoDisc. If you like your images warmer, go for the "ExpoDisc Portrait" version. If you are trying to get the exact color, especially for skin tones and product shots, use the Neutral.
And check out the bonus "learn the business of wedding photography" workshop. Only open to those who attend the wedding or engagement workshops.
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Choose the Right Photographer for You
Consider Timing Photos to Baby’s Stages
What To Look for in a Baby Photo Session Package
Bundling Baby Photo Sessions
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"Jennifer really brought out a different look that I never thought I could capture. Recently I was called back for shows like 'Detroit 187' and CSI: New York'! These pictures have worked wonders! And she is great to get along with during the shoot!"
Warm Regards, Warren Burke
"I've gotten a lot of positive feedback from my headshots, my agent was very happy with them!"
Gloria Perez
The shots turned out great. Thank you very much!!"
Thank you so much for the headshots. I've picked my fav 13...and loved them. Crossing my fingers that my agent will pick her fav too. You guys did an amazing job for a short period of time...."
Seesca Viduri
Best wishes,"
Elizabeth Carlson
"Jennifer .... I want to thank you both as well..... I wanted to say you ... have a great vibe and I immediately felt at ease. You work quick and know what you want. Like that! ;)......
best,"
Michanne Quinney]]>
Josh and Serena's Wedding
Figueroa Hotel for pre-shoot
Castle Green for Ceremony and Reception
Indian and American wedding with a touch of Danish from the groom.
Schedule your shoot for the month of October and receive a free 11x14
Refer a friend and get cash.
Ladies, don't forget about PBJ's boudoir Portraits, a great gift for the guys!
La Jolla has special meaning for the couple so we photographed them in the area.
And what great sports they where rolling around in the water. This was such a fun shoot!
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on Mammoth Mountain
Josh and Serena are crazy about Snowboarding. They even got engaged on the gondola in Mammoth while snowboarding last year. So it was only fitting to do their engagement shoot on the Mountain.
Serena is a fellow photographer and we shoot wedding often together. She smartly decided to wait till April to shoot for the best weather conditions.
To see a video of this shoot, go to PBJCandids.com and click on "featured events".
It was a beautiful day. Little wind and sunny.
The couple where on snowboards between photos. And I followed along on skis.
Here I am all geared up. I will do anything for a great shot. Including skiing from the top of Mammoth Mountain with 50 lbs of gear and ski equipment on my back.
Fellow photographer/sporto/snowboarding machine Ian Horn assisted me on the shoot. Here he is being the best helper ever getting refreshments ready for the end of the shoot. He also shot the video of the shoot.
Here they are on the Gondola where they got engaged.
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This was a really fun wedding to shoot at the Natural History Museum near USC in Los Angeles. I was shooting as a 2nd with my friend Serena Montenegro for her company Serene Image Photography.
We started 2 hours before the ceremony with the couple, and where having so much fun, we could have shot at least an hour longer.
This is a great example of why you want to pre-shoot and give a lot of time.
We photographed the couple together, individual and then with family. And with all the great locations, and three floors to cover at the museum, there still could have been more to shoot. 
When you see great pictures on photographer’s sites, even if they look casual and photojournalistic, it takes time to get from location to location, get the couple in the right spot and then shoot. And not everyone is a model, so it takes time to work with couples to loosen them up and get natural photos. It sounds like a lot of time, but trust me, it's just a drop in the bucket. We even shot more after the ceremony.
Shoot time at each new location probably only last 10 minute, but it takes another 10 to walk to next and another few to set up and shoot.See more at: http://www.pbjcandids.com
]]>POP reminds me of those great French Boudoir photos. Ask me about my signature bridal boudoir photography and my vintage pin-up boudoir when you arrive at POP. Here are some samples.
You can see more at my website under "Engagements/Boudoir" at www.pbjcandids.com
I had the privilege of meeting with the owners of POP and you could not find a nicer group of business owners to help throw your party.
Also, I will be giving some lucky brides, or clients, $350- cash rebate offers, to use on any of my packages. The first brides to arrive and wear pink will automatically receive free gifts including my offer to a lucky few. We will also have a raffle with more great prizes.
This is a small quaint venue and space is limited, so be sure to buy your tickets now to assure entrance. ]]>
Refer a friend and receive up to $350- cash back. See website for details
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This is a photo of actress Nesha Blair.If you are looking for the latest in headshots, make an appointment to shoot with me on location in Downtown.
I'm offering a half price deal through March 9th. Put a deposit down by the 9th, and shoot by the end of March to get this great deal.
To see what a 3 looks shoot is like: go to my website and click on "Featured Events" to see Nesha Blair's slideshow. www.pbjcandids.com]]>