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Category Archives: Personal Project

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Portraits under hot lights

September 11, 2009 – 3:46 pm

Generally I disdain working under continuous lights – often called hot lights because the temperatures get so uncomfortable even the hardest-shelled ice maid would melt – but while at summer camp we did a lighting workshop with the photo students and opted for the two hot lights in softboxes as the easiest way for the folks to really see how light changed the subjects with manipulation.

We used Rachael, one of the clothing/fashion designers as a model and had a great shoot – at the end I asked four of the students to stand in. After smiles and a few giggles, when I asked for a bit of “teenage attitude” they came through with a stunning display of why teenagers are so awesome – between their facial expressions and body language…well, don’t mess with these four girls!

And they didn’t complain about the heat from the lights, not even for a second!_JAY2863_JAY2909

By Jay | Also posted in portraits, senior pictures | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Jenn – Mass. portraits

September 8, 2009 – 8:38 pm

I wrote a post earlier about teaching photography at CRCAP ( Charles River Creative Arts Program) in Dover, Mass. Talk about fertile grounds for people pictures! World class campers combined with world class counselors and counselors-in-training, there was no end to the amazing people to photograph.

I left the camp two months later totally exhausted and enervated … and with some wonderful portraits of amazing people – many of which I’ll post over the next few months. First, let me introduce you to Jenn.

The first day of camp I saw this young woman walking across the campus. Actually it would have been impossible to miss her – skipping through the rain puddles, wearing the most colorful babushka, dressed so outlandishly that her comfort with herself  was obvious. We became friends and I told her I would really like to photograph her.

“Cool” was her reply. Almost two months later I finally had the opportunity – beautiful light coming through a skylight, Jenn just sparkling.

So here’s Jenn – world traveler, singer, clothing maker, makeup artist…and a host of talents I don’t even know about!

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By Jay | Also posted in portraits, senior pictures | Tagged , , | Comments (1)

CRCAP – MA. portrait photography

July 2, 2009 – 9:48 am

This summer I have the unique opportunity to make a return appearance at the Charles River Creative Arts Program in Dover, MA.

Two years ago I headed the photography program there and this time I’m back, sharing the duties with another very talented photographer, Ben Boyd.

There’s lots of great things about the camp, but two stick out in my mind from a councelor’s point of view. I feel like I’m working in a talent pool that is deeper than the ocean – there are musicians, artists, dancers, writers here who are so incredible – and all seem to be without the ego that makes it all about them – to a person its all about the kids who come here.

The kids are the other amazing thing – this is a total no judgment zone. Everyday after lunch kids go up on stage and perform – they sing, dance, play instruments, act out skits ( some rehearsed, many imprompteau), do monologues, read poetry…the list goes on almost forever.

So when not teaching photography, I get the opportunity to photograph some absolutely amazing people. Today I’ll introduce you to Sophie…a photographer, musician, singer…and person extrodinaire!

For more information on the camp, here’s the website: http://www.crcap.org

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By Jay | Also posted in CRCAP, portraits | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Body Flow – NH portrait photography

June 29, 2009 – 9:20 am

Last week I was shooting photos at Synergy Health and Fitness in Exeter, NH. The photos were to be used as part of a project to update their website.

Its always a challenge to shoot and give a sense of people using a  facility without having the clients be identified, so mentally I was prepared to shoot lots of silhouettes and backs of heads.

When I wandered into a spin studio I saw an instructor doing what I thought was yoga amongst the stationary bikes. Although there wasn’t a ton of it, the light was really cool, the colors of the room and bikes were outstanding and the instructor, Michele Tillson, was so into her routine of stretching that she barely noticed I was there.

Turns out it wasn’t yoga but Body Flow, which as Michele explains is now being taught all over the world. Originally the program was started by a gentleman named Les Mills,from Australia. Its described as controlled breathing,concentration and a carefully structured series of stretches,moves and poses to music that creates a holistic workout that brings the body into a state of harmony and balance. It has 10 tracks to go through: first is a Tai chi warm up, next…sun salutations,yoga standing strength , Balances, Hip Openers, Core Work, Twists and Forward bends, followed by mindful relaxation.

Looked pretty amazing to me, made some neat photos – want to check it out? Synergy’s website is http://www.synergyfit.com6-23-09 SYNERGY6-23-09 SYNERGY6-23-09 SYNERGY6-23-09 SYNERGY6-23-09 SYNERGY6-23-09 SYNERGY6-23-09 SYNERGY6-23-09 SYNERGY

By Jay | Also posted in Uncategorized, commercial photography, photojournalism, portraits | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Two girls – NH portrait photography

June 10, 2009 – 10:38 am

Shootinga  wedding seldom allows time to really shoot anything for myself – I’m so focused on the bride, groom, wedding party…and party that an occasional frame is about all there’s a chance for.

But I had the opportunity to do a little personal shooting because I spent the night before Ben and Meridith’s wedding at the site on the lake. After the rehearsal and barbeque, after the karaoke and drinking, I set up a couple of lights and photographed Tammy and Gabby, a cousin and friend of the family. Working in the tight confins of the cabin was a bit challanging, but the two girls have potential modeling careers in front of them – they were as comfortable as any I’ve ever worked with.

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By Jay | Also posted in portraits, senior pictures, wedding photography | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

New Website

May 19, 2009 – 8:16 pm

It’s been a labor of love – and sweat – and frustration – and major help from friends old and new…but the new website is finally live.

I started talking about doing a new site in the fall with the goal of being online with it by the end of the year. I was still talking about it in January, February, March…you get the drift. This afternoon it finally was as done as it was going to get without public viewing and feedback, so take a stroll over and let me know what you think.

A few thanks need to be made public:

Designer Erica Plante was instrumental – she thought of ways to use photographs that made a purist like me quiver…until I saw how well it worked – the designs of the text pages and the new logo are all her. Thanks, Erica.

Photographer and colleague Roger Ramirez – unbeknown  to me – knows the inner workings of websites – code to me is a CIA mystery movie – to Roger its a map to achieve cool things. His patience with me especially when I was afraid to hit the button to take down the old and bring up the new was fabulous. Thanks, Roger.

The shell of the site was purchased from Flash Pallette (http://www.flashpalette.com/. They have a number of really killer sites, but better yet, the guy who runs the show, Shannon, is all about customer service. He answered questions from me night and day, put up with my simplistic view of how a site oughta work…and solved problems, soothed my fears, and generally made me feel like he’ll be on my Christmas card list this year! Thanks, Shannon.

So, having said all that, please go to the site, check it out and send feedback – its a work in progress ( I hate that cliche) and I want all the input I can get.

And the signifigance of the mushroom…none really, but since this is a photo blog I wanted to have something of a visual nature…and I like the photo!

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By Jay | Also posted in esession, infant photography, inspiration | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Empty Spaces

May 3, 2009 – 11:35 am

My search for locations for the empty spaces project found a mother lode this weekend – gaining access to an old knitting mill in North-Central New Hampshire. The day was spent more just looking and planning than actual shooting, but it was incredibly fruitful nonetheless. I met an amazing artist who I’ll properely introduce in a later post, came across the cutest pug and managed a few cool photos. I’ll share some of the non empty space photos – since I really didn’t shoot any on Friday.

For those who might not know, the empty space project is about those places that have become abandoned or otherwise left out of use. I’m alwqays looking for places to explore and welcome ideas or names of people to contact.

5-1-09 FRANKLIN MILL5-1-09 FRANKLIN MILL5-1-09 FRANKLIN MILL5-1-09 FRANKLIN MILL

By Jay | Also posted in Fine Art, inspiration, interior photography | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Willing subject, NH portrait photographer

April 4, 2009 – 12:19 pm

I had the opportunity to borrow a great lens for the last week or so from good friend and colleague Al Wood. He was good enough to part with his 12-24mm Tokina so I could shoot some cottage interiors ( they will be the next post) and then I took a little time to play with the lens for fun. Good friends – and having a great kid who is a willing subject for her Dad’s experiments with lights, lenses and other craziness is a wonderful thing. So when I saw her in her “nest” chair and asked what she was doing, I got the answer “Meditating.”
Hey, when you are 12, there’s no sense wasting enegry on extra words – get to the point and get out!
I climbed onto the top bunk, get one of those great “what in the world are you doing looks”…and started shooting.
The light was really weird but I loved the angle and the perspective the lens brought – here’s a couple of the photos.
Breaks my heart but I have to return the lens today.
Bummer! But I do get to keep the 12-year-old, can’t complain about that.4-1-09 ELIZA MEDITATING4-1-09 ELIZA MEDITATING

By Jay | Also posted in photojournalism, portraits | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Winter – still

February 22, 2009 – 1:01 am

Took a walk today with my wife – out on  snowmobile trail so the dog could have a run and we could get some fresh air after spending most of the day in the basement trying to make some progress in the madness of the chaos.

As we walked by a frozen beaver pond she remarked that it had been a great winter – lots of snow, cold, no slush. It made me think about the complaining I’ve done this season because, you know, she is right – its been a great winter. Lots of snow, cold, no slush.

Made me appreciate perspective and what I’ve got.

The economy may be in the tank but we’ve got it pretty good – as we suffer through the recession, depression, whatever you want to call it, we still have it better than so many other places in the world – its just we’ve come to expect luxury.

Perspective, what a great thing.

Thanks Donna.

By Jay | Also posted in Uncategorized, inspiration, photojournalism | Tagged | Comments (0)

The Old Jail

January 25, 2009 – 1:00 am

I am currently working on a personal project – photos of an old jail in Maine I have been fortunate enough to gain access to – and am combining the photos themselves with a technique call high dynamic range imaging ( HDR) which is a way to deal with large differences in the shadow and highlight areas. Depending on nhow the HDR work is done, the photographs can take on an otherworldly appearance. I’m new to the technique but the experimenting is very satisfying if somewhat frustrating – it seems like I cannot duplicate results or tones.

Here’s a few photos from the latest shoot – I think it was 12 degrees outside…that’s what the temperature was of the jail as well – can’t wait for Spring!

By Jay | Also posted in Fine Art, HDR | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)