Thursday, March 24, 2011

Photo Tip of the Day: Grab a Grab Shot

One of the best tips I've been given is to never leave a shoot without taking at least ONE random, artistic, hurried, "grab" shot of something other than what you were hired to shoot.

If it's a portrait session, this means taking a picture of the lone yellow daffodil blowing in the wind beside your car in an empty parking lot. I grabbed this shot right after a family portrait session last week while I was putting my gear into the trunk of my car. No light testing, no reflectors, no color balancing, no calculated framing or composition, no photoshop... just a quick press of the shutter button. That's all.

Frequently these grab shots won't amount to much more than filler in your Lightroom catalog, but I can often use the colorful ones in abstract, unexpected ways that surprise and delight my clients. I often use flower photos like these to mat individual portraits or add a little artistic flair to a textured wall... usually the client will say something like, "Oh, I'm so glad you captured that beautiful flower on film... I noticed it as I was leaving, but just didn't have the time to stop and look at it!"

Honestly, as a photographer, you have the rare opportunity to stop time, if only for a moment, and the one spontaneous image you grab could just be the one your client will remember forever.

This particular photo will be used as a background image to enhance an amazing set of eyes, but I also kind of like it all by itself.... Funny how that happens, eh? :)
© Leia Jobe 2011

Monday, March 21, 2011

Music I Love: "Man Of The Hour" by Norah Jones

When I hear this song it feels like I am singing a love letter to my dog... which is strange, but then again, you don't know Mikey. :)

My Mikey Dog, Age 13, Texas,  2010 © Leia Jobe 2010

Ahh, this dog is an angel.

Anyway, I highly recommend Norah's song to anyone. Listening makes bad relationships seem better, and good relationships seem even more awesome.

Plus, Norah's voice is, simply, lovely.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Cool product: Physician's Formula Jumbo Lash Mascara

Currently obsessed with this mascara... Not only is the packaging ADORABLY unique (and shiny!), it's "organic" and it has a super fluffy brush. Love it.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Photo Tip: Using Cool Umbrellas

Vivy © Leia Jobe 2011



For cool textured shots, have your model hold up a patterned umbrella between her and the sun (which, in this portrait, is behind the model's back). It provides an awesome pop of color and also perfect "open shade" for your portrait light. Try this one:

Portraits: Jim

This very talented musician is also uber smart.... and incredibly sweet.
© Leia Jobe 2010


© Leia Jobe 2010

Paper Hats by Katsuya Kamo

Just saw this article about copy paper hats and it got me reminiscing about a fun art school assignment from my Hallmark days...

Katsuya Kamo Paper Hats for Chanel









Music: "Manhattan" by Blossom Dearie

WOW.... New favorite song. ABSOLUTE favorite. I highly recommend listening to this song; it can even make mundane things like doing your taxes feel way more bubbly, happy, enjoyable.

When you hear something that makes your present life equate to a screenplay, you know it's a gem.

LOVE it.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Colors of the Year, 2011

LOVING this color combo at the moment.... can't get enough pink and green!

© Leia Jobe 2011