jay reilly photo blog

featured on - we can shoot too

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:19:13 -0800

hi all, just announcing that i was featured on a new photography blog with roots and interests in la/california and generally speaking the west coast. kinda cool stuff. nice to see a little community in the commercial world of photography. does not seem to exist as much in other areas of image creating.

the new blogs title is "we can shoot too" and the name behind the work is la based fine art photographer - j wesley brown. the blog statement, as torn from the first post goes something like this:

The idea behind this blog is driven by my perceived lack of community for photographers and enthusiasts in Los Angeles (and on the west coast). The photography scene seems quite fragmented compared to New York, which is where the title comes from. New Yorkers are blessed with an established community and resources that us Angelenos are just going to have to create for ourselves. I hope for this blog to become a way for us to do just that - network, keep up to date on photo related happenings, and grow our community into one that promotes photography in the region.

take a peek: http://wecanshoottoo.blogspot.com/

the makeup questions and answers with lisa keeping

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:26:49 -0800

Hi all! I have had the pleasure of shooting many assignments with lisa keeping, a orange county, ca based makeup artist that travels between san diego to san francisco to make pretty people better! in fact, i think as i write this, lisa is in texas on assignment.

Q: How much to budget for commercial makeup?

A: There really is no set scale for artists and stylists which is why there is so much variance in pricing. It can depend on many things such as the experience of the artist, how many models, how many hours, drive time, whether special costs have been added to the artist for a specific look (lashes, body paint etc.) It may differ region to region, artist to artist but for a non-agency artist rates vary anywhere from around $200 - $600+ depending on whether it's a couple of hours or a full day and the type of project. People will usually work for less for editorials (tear sheets) if they think their portfolio will benefit from it. A celebrity artist was speaking at a trade show about the going rate for the cover of one of the top fashion magazines. When she said $150 every jaw in the room dropped, but once you have that cover you can up your rates and book bigger and better jobs.

Q: How much time do you need to prepare the models?

A: It depends on the style of makeup and the model. This is where communication and images are important. The clearer the photographer or art director can be about what kind of look they're trying to achieve the easier it will be for the makeup artist to create it. You also have to take into consideration the quality of the model, flawless skin will certainly save time. I find it takes me about as much time as I'm given. In other words if I've got 10 minutes I'll make it work in 10 minutes, if I get 45 I'll take 45. I'd say anywhere from about 20 - 40 min. would be pretty standard. You can always ask your artist how much time they are comfortable with. I am speaking for makeup only, if your artist is doing hair as well you may need more time depending on the complexity of the hair style. One more thing to consider is that usually the first look will require the most time because we are prepping the skin and starting from scratch. If you are doing multiple looks those don't usually require as much time because small changes are being made to either the eyes or lips. Also it is easier to start with more natural looks first and build on them rather than try to wipe off a heavy look to get a clean, natural look.

Q: What do you need to know to hire a makeup artist?

A: You need to see their images. I find you can usually get a pretty good idea of what an artist is all about from their portfolio, just like photographers. Many may specialize in the same thing but it's just like buying a painting, there could be 100 paintings of the same thing and they would all look different. Find the style that you think will compliment the image you are trying to create. They should be using quality products and following hygenic standars such as using clean brushes, diposable mascara wands and not double dipping. You may also want to ask what they specialize in if you have a very specific request. Not every artist is skilled in all areas such as body painting, airbrush, period makeup, special effects etc.

Q: What is your speciality?

A: This is a hard question. I've been trained in all areas from fashion and airbrushing to extensive special effects but I would have to say currently I'm specializing in clean beauty and commercial fashion. I feel like my favorite images are the ones where everything comes together perfectly, no one thing stands out too much - unless it's intended to. Sometimes you look at an image and all you can see is overpowering makeup or another aspect that is off. Living in southern California there is obviously a big beach influence as well. I love surf culture and the fashion industry it's created is a huge market now. It's always smart to know your market and your clients. I know that I don't live in Milan or New York so I don't have a portfolio full of high fashion, avant garde images. The west coast is more about that bronzed girl next door look or glowing celebrity, that being said it is important to have variety. It's good to push yourself outside of your safe zone sometimes to stay inspired.

Q: Who are your clients and how do they find you?

A: I have had the pleasure of working with national brands such as Dragon Eye wear & TJ Maxx as well as many local brands like Island World Apparel, Havika Swimwear, Aviator Nation, Kitty Chen Couture, Hudson's Magazine, CYH and many leading cosmetics companies including L'oreal, Lorac, Bobbi Brown and Benefit. It seems that almost everybody finds me either online or through someone I know. I don't know how we did this before the internet?

Q: any other quesitons that you want people to know?

A: I think that's about it.

You can contact lisa at this location:
http://www.lisakeeping.com

everyone loves lucy!

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:23:28 -0800

since everyone really liked the lucy shot, here are outtakes with gummy bears.

and for future post, by request...i am working on 1) lenses i am using, 2) the underwater equipment i suggest, 3) QandA with lisa keeping, my makeup artist/guru. stay tuned!

aurora 15 submission and edit

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:08:15 -0800

hi all, as you may or may not have remembered from a blog post about 3 months ago...i was invited to join in on a 15 year celebration of Aurora Photos in photography. The concept is a pool of Aurora photographers was selected and a chain reaction of inspiration is created by shooting a self assigned session based in concepts, ideas, color, subjects or whatever from the previous photographer image.

so i patiently waited until my turn, which came up 48 hours ago. so with out much more info than that...here was the image that Logan Moc-Bunting created as a screen capture off the aurora15.com site:

I love this image. tons of character, concept, color, shape and tone. so i had a lot of work with but honestly very little time to create. so i was going to hit it at a 3 concept level, the dog, aviation and color and shape. here are the 3 images that i create in about 15 mins.

so which one did they pick? you tell me! you be the editor! in the comments below...pick: blue sky, pilot portrait, or lucy and ice cream. the winner will get...

a 5x5 inch fine art book from aurora photos
and fast portrait session by me...if you live in san diego, must be shot in carlsbad or oceanside, as if you want that..

so vote away!! you only have till the image posts on aurora15.com...about 45 hours. all the winners will be dropped in a hat and one winner picked. you have to be present to win, just kidding!

good luck!

the whitney clan in motion

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:18:48 -0800

these past few shoots i have had the pleasure of having michel sandy join me for some hd shooting. man i luv it! he has a great eye, fantastic sense of editing and timing and i just really enjoy seeing the finished cut. also nice that he has found a little room for some of my pics! we are becoming a well oiled machine. You can see my underwater technique in this video, plus a really cute family, as if you can forget them...
The Whitney Clan from Michel Sandy on Vimeo to contact michel about video projects: www.michelfilm.com mjsandy@gmail.com

shooting at the worst time of the day

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:25:33 -0800

well, honestly is there a bad time to be shooting? is there such athing as bad light? how can there be bad light? light is just light, right?! ;-) well, i admit to being that photographer that sometimes puts the camera away high noon because the light is tough. but clients don't want to hear that...they just need the images created...so working in bad light was my challenge today.

case and point, had this quick shoot, was postponed from last week, now was the time we could do it and now is in the middle of the day, what the heck, lets shoot it! funny thing is there was a german creative team and photographer shooting portraits of professional cyclist. you can see the team in the shot over allies shoulder. they were shooting a few profoto heads and they must of looked at my like i was crazy. i could see what they were doing...i think i like my shots better! ;-)

the whitney clan!!

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:57:49 -0800

here is the whitney clan! my favorite kids portrait photographer, tara whitney, emailed and asked about shooting her family!! lucky me, look how cute these guys are...and what style! i feel very lucky to have met these guys and all the kids are very sweet...and a bit crazy!! which i like.

Some highlights were playing kenna's character game, anna's super outgoing nature, and watching nate and drew surf for the first time, pretty cool!

roxy jam, cardiff, ca

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:21:07 -0800

one of my favorite brands! told you summer was not over yet. all the suits are spring 09, so this is a little peek.

bree for heffner management

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:27:31 -0800

was called by heffner to shoot bree. had a fun session. it was a first session for bree and i think she enjoyed it. thanks to lisa for making bree look even better!

makeup - www.lisakeeping.com
agency - www.hefnermanagement.com

for agency testing, contact me to set up a session, thanks!

mojo loves boobies!

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:11:57 -0800

shot an event last night for lisa, my good friend of landmark events... the party was for mojopages.com and keep keep a breast org. i do hope to post all the pics on my photoshelter personal archives, so check back here for a link.

there were also a few sponsors at this event...sponsors, jump in the comment section and give us a shout out, tell me what you do! thanks! and thanks to all for stopping by the booth for a portrait.

contest judges announced!

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:06:46 -0800

hi all! i am excited to announce all the photography/creative professionals that will be helping judge the contest. so without further ado:

PETER DENNEN
Aurora Photos
Director of Photography
http://www.auroraphotos.com
http://www.peterdennen.com

Hello Summer People, I am pleased to be part of this photo contest as a judge and panelist. Summer is without my favorite season and as we reach the end of the line here before fall completely takes over, I welcome all these warm season visuals to keep the vibe alive as long as we can. Jay (the host of this fun photo contest) and I are connected through our relationship at Aurora Photos. I am the Director of Photography for the agency and have been working with, representing and editing photography since 1995 here in the great state of Maine. I also thoroughly enjoy being behind the camera which gives me a slightly unique perspective on the photography biz. I currently work with hundred of the best photographers in the United States and I am stoked to see what freshness is brought to the table via new shooters I have not crossed paths with. Alright folks, keep it real, get creative and fire off some of your absolte best summer photo sessions.

SAMANTHA ROCKMAN
Freelance Art Buyer, Producer, Art Consultant
http://www.rockmanreps.com
http://www.rockmanpro.com
310.709.3327

Samantha is an industry professional who has worn many different hats in her career. Her experience started as an art buyer at the Agency at Fidelity Investments followed by working in educational publishing. She has produced for a number of photographers on both coasts as well as worked as an account executive for Corbis Images. Samantha enjoys being freelance so she can collaborate with a wide range of creatives, both on the client and talent side. She resides in Los Angeles and dreams of repping a killer talent roster.

JOHN MCKUSICK
EVP - Co-founder | Geary Interactive
http://www.gearyi.com
http://www.gearyi.com/fresh

A talented creative and industry veteran, John built Geary's creative, technology, and search marketing departments; he currently heads up the Performance Marketing Group. Accruing more than forty design awards and thirteen years of digital marketing experience, John is an interactive expert and pioneer. His determination stems from a passion for the digital world and the influence it has over behavioral change. As an innovative thinker, John inspires clients and colleagues to create engaging experiences that generate responses.

HEATHER MORTON
Art Buyer/Photographer Consult
http://www.heathermorton.ca/

Heather Morton has worked with photography in advertising for almost 10 years. Having assisted for various photographers, she found her niche with Tom Feiler and served as his first full-time Producer- becoming one of the first dedicated Photography producers in the city. Still grateful for the opportunities she was given, Heather learned tremendously from one of the most innovative and hard working photographers in the industry. At the same time she helped define the importance of the Photography Producer and how it would be practiced in Toronto. full bio - http://www.heathermorton.ca/

EMY REILLY - WILD CARD JUDGE
ICU RN, Mother of 2, wife of professional photographer

Over the last 8 years, I have honed my photography critiquing skills by reviewing in fine details the images my husband has created and determining with some mathematical cerebral insight as to whether or not I will be able to enjoy a sustaining comfortable life married to a professional photographer. Am I qualified to tell you whose image is the best? Probably not, but I am going to tell you anyway.

in the spirit of summer shooting, here are some backlite tips

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:09:27 -0800

hi all, had a few requests on how to shoot the subjects with back-lite light and here are some thoughts on that topic... wish i had some video to go along with this as it might be a bit hard to explain...

some tips:

best when the sun or light source has been diffused or soften a bit. either the time of day, morning or afternoon...of the light source behind something that is helping.

very very conscience when composing the picture as to what the light is doing to the subject and how much harsh light is hitting the lens. its a bit of a dance to get the light amount of light to be flaring off the subject and still not hitting the camera lens to hard. there are hit or misses in this process. i don't like to share my misses ;-)

use a light meter. at least i know how the shadow should be properly exposed. under a bit is always good, i can open it up in my raw processing. in many cases, i know what my exposures for shaded side are going to be...at 100asa, 250th at f2.8 is close to it under many scenarios. these will come easier the more you use this technique

don't expect blue skys behind the back-lite subject. to me, that is a lot of the appeal to the image.

sometimes open heavy light behind the subject is tough. if the subject can be back-lite, yet the immediate background still be a bit darker, makes for easier shooting. the portrait of remi the runner below shows that technique with the trees behind him.

your subject still needs to have nice fill light on the face. this will be easier and easier to see but might not come easy at first. look for structures or other things tha tmight bounce light back.

here are a few pics of josh and aerial. a bit extreme on the back-lite side, but fun!

ITDR capture the summer feeling photo contest

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:11:05 -0800

summer is NOT over yet! gather up your summer photos and submit your favorite for a chance to win some of the exciting new photographers tools from ITDR. details below!

i was pretty excited when summer came along because there was so much to shoot and enjoy that i really did not want it to end! i felt that the contest would be a great way to see how others were enjoying their summers and showcase some great image makers. its a bit of a challenge to capture the feeling of summer with one image but thats what we are asking you to do! submit one photo that really captures the summer feeling. we are looking for images that really tell a summer story. make you feel like your 10 again with a jar full or lighting bugs in the backyard. beaches, pools, hot dogs and bbq, whatever your summer is, share it for a chance to win. a panel of photography professional to be showcased will judge the submissions and award 3 winners.

what you can win!!
FIRST PRIZE: Rockstar Blog, PPMAX, SSMAX value of $3350
SECOND PRIZE: HYPERLYTE BLOG, PPMAX, SSMAX value of $1950
SECOND PRIZE: PPMAX, SSMAX value of $1050

all prizes have been generously donated by ITDR, please visit their site and support their commitment to the photography community. http://www.intothedarkroom.com

how you can enter!!
use the application above, and click on "Submit an Entry". try to keep the image under 1 mb. the deadline to enter is 9-30-2008 at midnight. 1 entry per person.

winner announced!!
in the week after the deadline, all images will be featured in a slideshow for the readership to enjoy and share. on 10-6-2008 - the winners will be announced with their images posted on the blog and their respective names next to the images.

the rules of the contest
by submitting the your photo you agree to all the terms and conditions of the contest. to review the rules, click here> rules to be posted very soon! ;-)

one request...please share with your photo buddies. no far if your the only one that knows about it!

so who is entering??

relaxed rules:
* anyone can enter, any age, and country, you may not enter if there is a conflict of interest in with the judges, family or employees
* no over digital processing, no borders, no logos, no black and white
* you must have taken the photo, can not submit for someone else
* content should be summer feeling, any deviation may be rejected
* content should be suitable for posting on mycameraisbiggerthanyours.com, no questionable material
* deadline for submission is midnight, pacific standard time on 9-30-2008. winners announced 7 days after the deadline. judges will award winners and their will also be a viewers choice award
* we reserve the right to remove any photo for any reason at any time for non compliance of the above rules
* images must be submitted via the submission application on the blog, email jay with questions
* you should get a submission received email back confirming you entered. if you do not see your photo on the viewer, email jay and confirm its been received.
* image use for the photos will only be used for the contest and promotion of the contest and perhaps future contest, will post the photos as the winners, on this blog and perhaps ITDR's web site. you maintain copyright and ownership!

HOLY CRAP: new blog template by ITDR

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:29:48 -0800

hi everyone!

pretty excited about sharing this news! as you know i am very involved with ITDR product development and very excited about releasing this new ITDR template blog! I will give you the formal list of features below...but here are the things i love about it...

big images...and i mean big images! 970 pixels wide! wider is better. from day one in all the development i have been a part with ITDR, i have always leaned towards larger images... in blogs, slideshows and web sites, big is good

the flash header is is a great way for people to see who i am with instant image stream. all my recent work and pics of me and what's important.

twitter supported, so all my peeps will know what i am doing, when i am doing it

ability to embed blogshow in my posts. blogshow is a flash slideshow that embeds right into the post. pretty cool when i have many photos to share.

the design is simple and clean, thank you!

video embed ready. i am working on a lot of rich media projects that i hope to share soon.

here is a the formal list...

Clean unique design
Huge images
Integration with their NEW BlogShow for more interactivity
Flash header with rotating images
Fixed logo, twitter, and welcome text at the top of the blog
Color choice in specified areas
Integration with digg, delicious, add technorati
Video embed ready
SlideShare Max embed ready

want one, go to: http://www.intothedarkroom.com

using the light meter on remi

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:07:15 -0800

this morning i had a shoot with athletic/model remi and wanted to share a few pics. i guess the photo lesson of the day could be light meters! i got mine years ago and have never really stopped using it even when i switched to digital. sure you have that nice little screen on the back but under the speed and pressure of the shoot, sometimes it is difficult to read the lcd. but with the light meter, i know the exposure will be spot on. especially with some of the back light, it really makes exposure much easier.