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.

BOOBY WHO? BOOBY U!

i was very fortunate to be asked by some of the organizers of the rethink breast cancer  foundation to help with their annual fundraiser aptly titled the "boobyball".  this very worthwhile and fun event will be held in calgary on october 24, 2013 and tickets (still available) can be purchased through their website.  proceeds from the event go to support the rethink breast cancer movement, whose aim is to bring awareness and visibility to a new generation of breast cancer supporters while providing support and research funding specifically to the young women afflicted by this disease.

of course i was willing to lend a helping hand to the cause and instead of providing direct monetary support, i chose to donate my time and am proud to offer up my services as a professional photographer  as part of their silent auction.  if you do attend the event, you will see a host of donated prizes and services offered by local businesses and your job is to bid on the items you like and wait and see if you won once the bids close.  you can bid as many times as you like and previous bids are always visible so all you need to do is monitor the items you are bidding on and be sure you are the last name on the list when time is up!

below is the poster ad i have prepared for the event, which will be showcased alongside many other great businesses.  it truly is an honor to be asked to help out and my only hope is that i can generate a few hard earned dollars for the foundation.

booby ball poster ad
courtesy: me

last year's event was camp themed and was an absolute blast, complete with live music, food and drink and fun activities to keep the party going to last call. this year the the theme this year is booby U, a take on college life and everything associated with those impressionable years *cough cough*. unfortunately, i won't be able to attend this year because of scheduled (routine) surgery, but i'm asking you to dust off those letterman jackets or cheerleading skirts and come out to support this great cause!


de jesus "i like boobies" out.