WEDDING SHOOT: RHODA and CORY

wedding photography will always have a special place in my heart - it is guaranteed to be a happy occasion and often times involve loved ones from all around the world.  even when plans for a creative shoot outdoors goes by the wayside because of an oncoming prairie monsoon, it is always good to know you are working with people who are genuinely excited to be there and eager to make light of any situation i put them in.  going to plan b sometimes works just as good and all of the credit goes to happy couples like Rhoda and Cory as well as their bridal party for making the most of a rainy day.  i know we met our goal of capturing great images, sharing a lot of laughs and fun memories.  thanks for the great fourth of july weekend!



de jesus - always have a plan b. out.

FROM THE VAULT: ABSTRACT PORTRAIT

sometimes when i'm doing client work i'm able to squeeze some personal work to play within my creative space and enhance my portfolio.  for this particular shoot, our model Vanessa was hired to create an ancient far east theme to the shoot where she would wear traditional robes accessorized with a replica samurai sword. and although it may be cliche to put these elements together, with the right hair and makeup it helped create some dramatic images that weren't so tongue in cheek.

photo credit: me

for this photo, i wanted to create an abstract which demonstrated the dramatic effects lighting, exposure and composition can have when showcasing images side by side.  a thematic play of dark and light with eyes closed and open help create the mood and balance which is absent when the photos are shown individually. choosing to display the images in black and white only intensifies the shadows - especially when the sword is being utilized this way.  i tried to give this ancient look a modern twist by giving it high contrast between the dark and the light and using mirrored symmetry as the focal point.

client photography often times restricts my creativity to certain conditions and expectations.  no complaints from me - after all, i am hired to perform a certain task and obtain certain images at the client's request.  but never lose sight of your creative side and try and work within your client's parameters to see something that you could take away as well.  this work allowed me to compose an image i enjoy - it may not serve a specific purpose or be used for a magazine ad, but it's a creative space that i was able to explore and produce an abstract portrait i might have not otherwise been able to.

de jesus. photography is art. no debate. out.

FROM THE VAULT: BIRD'S EYE VIEW

when in cappadocia, it is highly recommended to do a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.  some travellers may grimace at the idea as it is the touristy thing to do, but as the saying goes, "when in rome..."  the beautiful natural landscapes of the area and awe inspiring views certainly make this a must do when visiting the area and i would definitely recommend it to anyone. having never been on this mode of transport and only mildly uncomfortable at heights, i did not hesitate at the opportunity to enjoy an early morning wake-up and ride in the sky to start my day.

cappadocia, turkey (2013)
photo credit: me

i really enjoy this image because of the contrast of perfect and imperfect lines that make your eyes dance around the image and the vivid pop of color from the balloon below which break up the earthy warm tones from the rising sun. by composing this image downwards towards the ground, i hoped to show that it wasn't necessary for me to highlight where in the world i am, but rather where in the moment i was - flying hundreds of feet above ground just like a bird would.

it truly is a unique experience to be this high off the ground and hear nothing but the wind - no mechanical engines, no flight attendants explaining how to buckle a seat belt, no kids screaming two aisles back.  occasionally, you might be snapped out of the calmness by the combustible roar of the hot air balloon intended to keep you afloat, but just as quickly you can revert back to the serenity and peacefulness of the breeze gently blowing through your hair and whispers of the wind speaking in a hypnotic silence. seeing our world from a bird's eye view brings a new perspective that helps us appreciate the colors and lines that our winged friends in the sky get to enjoy anytime they want.


de jesus just below the clouds. out.