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Underwater Extravaganza: Creative Portraits

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UnderwaterExtravaganzaBlog#-13

Once or twice a year we figure is a good time to just go crazy with an over the top underwater fashion/concept shoot. This year’s event we dubbed the “Underwater Extravaganza” and boy did it live up to it’s name. I really feel as though this was the best day of underwater photography we have had. A bunch of talented, brave and creative folks came together to make this all happen. Let me start by naming our host for the day and makeup guru, Lecia Harkins with Austin Beauty on the Go for having a deep pool and a deep pool of fashion makeup knowledge. The second huge thanks goes to Robin Leddy at Gillded Petals for her jaw-dropping underwater set you see in the first photo. I mean, just wow, wow, wow. Thanks for your help in sending this day over the top Robin! Our support team of Kody and Austin kept me running smooth throughout the day and allowed me to photo torture our models who never had enough oxygen as I happily breathed through the scuba tanks.

The first photo at the top is an homage to a Midsummers Night Dream which is fitting because this was an end to the summer shoot as we prepare for a steady diet of client work (and a newborn coming in December) and colder temperatures. Robin created this amazing set with PVC piping and her florist talents. She also had the pink adult ballet dress custom made for us. So thanks again Robin. We wanted the feel to be soft and show Jenny Lynn, our model, floating through her dreams in an underwater garden. Pretty Epic, huh?

Our Second Photograph shows off Stacy and our concept of “Love is Lost”. We show her sinking to the abyss as she clutches a her heart in one hand and a dying bouquet in the other. Heavy I know.

The next set of three photographs is from my concept called “I Dream in Color” and we show different models dreaming and becoming the primary colors of Red, Blue and Yellow.

We finish off a few of the concepts with Katie behind the bubbles in her corset and bouquet, and then Ryan as he becomes the Wizard with his Staff and Crystal Ball.

Just an amazing, amazing day that left me sore for three days and a touch sunburn after 9 hours of shooting in the pool. Thanks to all who helped with this Shoot!
Let me know your favorites!!!
–JB
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First Day with Canon 5d II – Matador Football – Seguin, Texas

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Pink and Black and Gold

My new camera came in from Canon on Friday. One of the advantages of the new machine is the gain in low light shooting situations, and what is lower light that Friday Night Lights? Not much, the blend of action stopping shutter speed and funky tungsen/halogen/flourescent lighting with reflective green surfaces and black uniforms? Yeah pressure cooker for new camera.

Recovered in the end zone for a quick score, ugh...
7 to nothing in a blink

The Matadors were playing host to rival San Marcos on Friday, and the game started out with the strangest play. A brisk north wind carried the opening squib kick bouncing around and over the Matador players arms and heads, ending up in the end zone where San Marcos recovered for a touchdown without any time expiring off the clock. 7-0 San Marcos.

QB Erlich? led the team on big scoring drives running and passing

That touchdown proved to be the only score of the night for the Rattlers, as the Matador defense and offense provided the final tally of 35-7.

Some of the Family together

The game also marked the first time where my mother, sisters and I had all attended in a long while. Good to see everyone that we ran into, Shane, Chelsea, Noel and Denise, Mitch, the Kiels, you know who you are…

Chelsea Cheering with pink pom poms
Band! Trumpet and Horns
S-E-G-U-I-N
Patch of Open Space

Most of these were photographed at iso 3200 to 6400 iso, and they proved to be quite usable! I am thrilled with the early returns of this camera. The viewfinder is amazing to look through (small thing, big difference), the high iso ability opens up new worlds of lighting, and the menu’s are just like my 50D so no learning curve. Excellent!

And finally, GO MATS!

All of the images are here to view

— JB

Morning at the Movies

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Well, not really the movies, but we turned a 30 person “theater” inside a church in Northwest Austin into a real enough cinema for the purposes of our shoot.

Boo this Man!

The purpose of our shoot? same as every photo shoot I am on – to get great pictures, to hit a couple of solid singles and doubles, and then go for the homeruns. Try and hit for the cycle. In non-baseball terms, get the solid out of the way, and then try something new and exciting.

Today, part of that excitement is my continued foray into the realm of HD(V)slr video. That is, capturing video with a Canon Mark IV that my good friend lets me borrow from time to time. I think that the blending of stills and motion, sound and post-production will be “The Next Big Thing”. I want to be part of that because video in short bursts can be fun and gets my mind thinking along different paths, paths that influence my still work as well.

After 4 sheets of paper, dried leaves and a bottle of lighter fluid, the charcoal is lit

The other part of my excitement from today is developing deeper relationships with a few models, and forging new models out of friends and acquaintances. Today on the set we a few models who have agents and a few who today was their first time in front of the camera. Everything ran smooth, outside of the fire lighting, and the veterans helped the rookies to have a great first experience.

Tomorrow, I will be attempting a more hybrid shoot of a newborn. Going to attempt a more even split of motion and stills and then craft them into something my clients will love.

Until then,
–JB