BryCox.com – Celebrity Style Imaging, Inc.™

I just got back from teaching a workshop on creativity and fashion in Illinois.  I’m so excited about the images I created there!  They are awesome!  I had fantastic models and a great location to shoot in too.

I created this short video for YouTube of the highlights.  Check it out!

And here’s a separate link in case the video above doesn’t show up in your blog reader.  Just click on this photo here.

I created images both outdoor on location in the city, as well as indoor in a studio.  This is one of my favorite images from the shoot.  I walked the model Kim in her high heels, out to the shore of the Mississippi River, where I could see a lighthouse in the distance.

I only knew that I wanted the lighthouse, but when I got out there, I found this big rope, and suddenly the image came to me.  Fashion is about mixing opposites, suddenly I had the image in my head.  This pretty girl all dressed up in cute clothes doing manual labor on the shore, pulling on this enormous rope.

I lit this and all of these outdoor images with one light, set manually — me personally holding the light in one hand, with my camera in the other.  That’s the way I can control exactly where the light is going to hit her face as she moves and bends.  Also, none of these images have been retouched or enhanced.  The colors, contrast, cropping, smoothness of the skin, whiteness of the eyes, and even the color “effects” or anything else you notice, are all done in camera.  This was part of the class, to learn how to create awesome images in camera, without having to “fix” them with Photoshop or other software.

I have a saying: “The trick to Photoshop is Photography.”

I was lucky that one photographer got some images of me working.  Here you can see me working my own light with my free hand, adjusting as the model adjusts.

These next images I created in a studio that we set up in the hotel.  The softness is not a computer effect, but done optically with a lens.  The warm colors were created specifically from the custom white balance that I set while shooting.  Again, no retouching or effects applied — just great photography.

Contrast the feel and look of these images above with this next image below, created in the same spot, but different lenses, different lighting.

I took this model also down to the docks and created these in a huge boathouse/warehouse.  These first couple are shot using the setting sun coming through a window.  One of my favorite things about this is shadow from the window panels on her.  Again, no color or other adjustments.  The idea of this workshop was to be completely creative while being completely technical — balancing the two halves of the brain in harmony.

I absolutely love these images using the window light, especially this portrait of the two of these girls together.  It’s so mesmerizing to me!

Then switching up the lighting and lenses, I used the same room to create some completely different looks.  Many photographers have or know only one style of lighting — all their images look the same.  I believe that an artist should be versatile, being able to do anything they can imagine.  Photographers need to be able to masterfully create images in all sorts of styles, using all sorts of lighting patterns and light sources — and the images should still be awesome!

I also created some awesome twilight images of this model using specular flash outdoors, using the docs, railings, and lights as leading lines.

And here’s one of my favorites of her friend, using the light from outside to wrap around and light her.

The idea of my workshops is to help photographers create great images on purpose, and not by accident.  Many times photographers have the mind-set that if they just shoot a lot, that by the law of averages, some images will work out.  I believe in creating the opposite way.  I believe that if someone is hiring you to create amazing photographs, that your images should not be haphazard, but rather deliberate.  They should be done right, and done on purpose, with intent, and with care taken on both the creative and technical aspects so that every image is good, and not just the lucky ones.

If you’re a photographer and would like to attend one of my events, please check out my speaking website for an updated schedule, BryCoxWORKSHOPS.com.  Also, if a big event isn’t your style or if there aren’t any events in your area, you can host a small and intimate event at your place as long as at least 8 photographers attend.  If you can get 8 or more there, you can attend for free!  Call me for more details.

And if you’re a high school senior, model, or for whatever reason you need some dang awesome photography, give me a call 801-728-3317.  Thanks for looking and please browse my main website at BryCox.com (or my entire blog if you’re reading this in a separate feed reader like facebook BryCox.com/blog).

Last week I spoke in Illinois, right across the Mississippi River from St. Louis.  I took an afternoon to go visit the arch when I first arrived, and took some self portraits.

I used an extendable pole to control my camera, rather than relying on someone else or using a tripod.  This way I can see what I’m doing and get exactly what I want.

I’m still in my flight clothes, with jacket (great for pockets which are much needed on a flight), and Skull Candy headphones (great for movies on the plane, tunes on a trip alone, as well as iPhone calls too).  A local looking at these photos on my iPhone commented that he’s never seen photos of people by the arch where the arch looks small.  Everyone gets images up close, he said.  I specifically choose not to do that, because you just can’t see anything that way — but I did create some more artistic images up close.

It was a fun afternoon and a great start to an awesome week of speaking, teaching, and creating some awesome images!  That part of the week is coming shortly.

If you’re a photographer and would like to attend one of my events, please check out my speaking website for an updated schedule,BryCoxWORKSHOPS.com.  Also, if a big event isn’t your style or if there aren’t any events in your area, you can host a small and intimate event at your place as long as at least 8 photographers attend.  If you can get 8 or more there, you can attend for free!  Call me for more details.

Well thanks for looking and please browse my main website at BryCox.com (or my entire blog if you’re reading this in a separate feed reader like facebook BryCox.com/blog).

Here are some of the cool images I did for the new Miss Utah and Miss Teen Utah International.  They were beautiful girls and a lot of fun to photograph.  This first one is one of my favorites, the two of them together.  I processed it with one of my personal effects and added some of my light fleurs to the corners as well as a custom edge.

And here are some of their individual images.  First Tiffany, Miss Utah International.

And here’s some of Dani, Miss Teen Utah International.

We did both of their shoots at the same time so that we could photograph them together as well.  Here’s one of my favorites of the full-lengths.

I wish them both luck, and hope that they both win in their divisions.

Well now is the time to schedule your portraits with Bry Cox Studio.  The weather is great and the gardens are green and looking amazing.  Give me a call to get something scheduled.  801-728-3317.

Thanks for looking and please browse my main website at BryCox.com (or more from my blog if you’re reading this in a separate feed reader BryCox.com/blog).

Angela just came in for some new headshots and it was a blast!  She’s an actor and currently in a new reality show, and needed some updated photographs that were awesome, showed personality, yet had a classic appeal for agents in LA.  Here’s what we created.

This first one is a great close-up and looks fantastic in both color and black and white.  Her smile is real and captivating and her eyes genuinely sparkle.

This image was another one of my favorites.  I created it in black and white, and lit her in a unique way to really get a beautiful catch light in her eyes.  Again, her smile is great and I love the tilt to her head.

I know that Angela will do great in whatever she pursues and I’m glad to be able to cross paths with her and help create some great photographs.

So if you need an acting portrait or something just awesome for your various endeavors, or even just want a new and updated family portrait, give me a call!  801-728-3317.

Thanks for looking and please browse my main website at BryCox.com (or my other blog entries if you’re reading this in a separate feed reader like facebook, BryCox.com/blog).

Oh wow!  I’ve missed some blogging.  But what a great way to get caught up, then with this post!  I recently taught a photographic workshop and created some very fun and fantastic images!  Here are a few of them…

This first set of images was to teach and demonstrate how to photograph women, how to light them, how to position them, and how to get great expressions that are real and exciting.

I then showed everyone how to post-process the images with some of my custom-made effects and edges.  I really liked this model.  I specifically picked her because she was fun and flirty and had a great look.  I loved her eyes and cheek bones.  We really got some great images!

This image was a great one for demonstrating how to create a real and custom painting, using a photograph.  I love how the dress and the background all work together.  The texture in this is awesome up close!

This image demonstrates my new ‘Holga’ Photoshop effect.  I wrote this effect to mimic the look that comes from using the old 120 plastic Holga camera.  It even mimics light leaks and lens aberrations too!  Very cool!

Same image but using another one of my custom-made effects.

For this next shoot I demonstrated making use of various types of experimental lighting.  Lighting should always compliment the subject, and always be under control, no matter what you’re using: sun, flash, reflector, softbox, umbrella, etc…  There’s never an excuse when you’re a professional.  Light should always compliment and work for the image, and not just be there to create an exposure.

So for this shoot I showed that no matter what we used for light, even using new and experimental equipment, the results should always be the same!

We demonstrated all sorts of different lighting equipment, both inside and out.  This image of her was taken outside using the hotel as a background.

This last photoshoot was done on the last night, very late at night after everything was over and done with.  It was actually a non-official shoot that we did on our own.  I wanted to do something down on the strip of Vegas, and found out that this model was LDS like me.  We sort of bonded for that reason and she was cool coming with me and a few friends to the strip at about 1:00 am in the morning in the pouring rain for a few last images before we all quit.We went to the Paris area because it had overhangs to block the rain and was also the least ‘cheap’ looking place in town.

This next image was shot down low using a very wide lens which elongated her legs, making her look taller.

These were taken just before we got kicked out of the area by casino security.  Apparently we can take all the photos we want with dumb cameras, but when you have a good camera, some gear with you, and a bit of an entourage, it suddenly is forbidden.  But that was fine.  It was late, cold, rainy, and we were getting tired.

On the way back to the car, we grabbed a couple more images in front of the fake Eiffel Tower.  This gal was a great model.  She really seemed to gather a crowd while we were photographing on the street.  We had a good time and had a great adventure.

Thanks to all these models for working with me, to all the photographers who came and supported the event, and thanks too to my friends for hanging with me and making the event so fun.

If you’re a photographer and would like to attend one of my events, please check out my speaking website for an updated schedule,BryCoxWORKSHOPS.com.  Also, if a big event isn’t your style or if there aren’t any events in your area, you can host a small and intimate event at your place as long as at least 8 photographers attend.  If you can get 8 or more there, you can attend for free!  Call me for more details.

Well thanks for looking and please browse my main website at BryCox.com(or my entire blog if you’re reading this in a separate feed reader BryCox.com/blog).

I love these photographs that I did of Amy.  She needed to update her portfolio, so we had some fun creating some really great images.

This first image is just captivating!  I love the look in the eye, mixed with the deep red background that matches her lips.

After a clothing and hair change, and a new set and lighting setup in the studio, and we made some new images.

I love the smile in these photos; it’s very genuine and makes these images.Another lighting change and a new set and we began the fitness images.

Amy needed more fitness images for her portfolio, and I thought they should look like they came straight out of fitness magazine.  Therefore I lit her like a magazine fitness shoot.

We then ended the session with Amy jogging outside on the street.  It was a creative way to spice up fitness part of the photo shoot.

I love creating photographs on my street — it has such character, and it really works in this portrait of Amy.

Amy was a joy to work with.  She was beautiful and fun, and I love the images we created.

If you’d like some fantastic images of yourself that are really cool, funky, while at the same time classy and professional, give me a call at 801-728-3317.  And feel free to check out my main website at BryCox.com (or my blog if you’re reading this in a separate feed reader BryCox.com/blog).

I’m asked to speak at a lot of photographic workshops around the country, and last week I was teaching and speaking in Portland, Oregon. This particular workshop travels the country to a new state every few months, and is called ‘After Dark.’  It is very hands-on for attendees, where everyone gets to directly interact and work with with me as I photograph all sorts of models in all various lighting conditions.

And here are some of the images I created while working and teaching how to use various types of fashion lighting.

But I also worked inside and out with various models for a few days.  Here are some of those images.

And on the last night, I asked my photographer friend, Angelina, to pose for a few images.

And I finally got a photograph of me!  :-)If you’re a photographer, looking to learn more about how to really light someone in a spectacular way and make anyone look photogenic, then check out my speaking schedule at BryCoxWORKSHOPS.com and come to an event.

Or if you’d just like some fantastic images of yourself that are really cool, funky, while at the same time classy and professional, give me a call at 801-728-3317.  And feel free to check out my main website at BryCox.com (or my blog if you’re reading this in a separate feed readerBryCox.com/blog).

I had a ball photographing McKenzie for her senior portraits.  She has a great style and look, which worked great for my fashion approach to high school seniors.  Seniors really dig and appreciate my magazine and fashion style, and I love the opportunity to be more funky.

The light on light look is incredibly difficult photographically, but looks fantastic!  For all those photographers who follow my blog, these were shot as is, without effects.  The trick is lighting things perfectly.  And as you can see, McKenzie’s features work perfectly for this washed out look!

We did a mix of fashion studio portraits juxtaposed with funky outdoor portraits — all available right here in one place at my studio which also has a outdoor English-style garden studio.  In this image, I’m only using the thick vegetation as a background for texture.

More outside with a change of clothes, and I had a hard time deciding if I liked this better with stark lighting and in color…

…or soft lighting and black and white.  Both are good for different reasons, and again McKenzie really pulled this off well!Then back inside for some more funky images,With so many great photographs from this sitting, it was hard to pick my favorites.  But even still, the entire shoot was a blast and McKenzie was a joy to work with.

If you’re a high school senior and would like some fantastic photographs, give me a call at 801-728-3317.  And feel free to check out my main website at BryCox.com (or my blog if you’re reading this in a separate feed reader BryCox.com/blog).

I had a blast photographing Aubrey!  She has stunning eyes and a beautiful smile!  She needed some images for her business cards and website, so I started with some nice images that would work good for her, both close up and full-length.

I then wanted to create some really great images of her with a fashion flare, and started with my fun white chair and model-gray background.

Aubrey always has great shoes, and I wanted to show them off, as well as her legs.  Between lens choice and a low angle, this really works.  But the curve in her waist really makes this image come together.

Then a change of clothes and we get a completely different mood.  I thought this white outfit was dazzling and playful!

Because Aubrey has such great eyes, I wrapped her in a large piece of blue gauze and came in close for a few images.  This was one of my favorites!

We ended the shoot with a series of her sitting on one of my unique carpets.  The color accented her dress, and it also gave me a chance to really show off her pretty legs and shoes once again.

What a fun shoot!  If you need some new portraits for business or just want some fun fashion images, give me a call.  801-728-3317.  And in the meantime, check out my website for more great images.  BryCox.com.

Keri needed a business portrait so we did a fun shoot.  I started off with the business portrait that she could use for her website, business cards, etc.

And then we did some fun fashion portraits while she was here.  I thought it’d be fun to use some very specular light and over-expose the image for a very hip and fresh look.

I absolutely love all of these images!  Keri was so fun to work with and we had a great time creating these photographs.  At the end, we messed her hair up and did these images as a closing thought — which were some of my favorite images.

I loved how these images look!  Keri was a stunning model and was a joy to light and photograph.  We really had a great time during this shoot and I loved her eyes and expressions too.  I hope to do more photographs of her soon.

If you need some new business portraits or would like some fashion portraits for fun, give me a call.  In the meantime, check out more of my work on my website at BryCox.com.

I created some amazing photographs of a good friend of mine, Laura, as she modeled some gorgeous gowns from AltaMODA, my favorite and only couture bridal shop in Salt Lake.

Laura’s hair and make-up was expertly done by Flavia of VersaArtistry.com.  All of these images were created right here at my indoor studio, using some of my new sets that I’ve been building.

I’m finding that there is a huge and growing trend for indoor studio portraits lately, and I think that it has to do with the fact that there are so many new and well-meaning photographers (without studios, credentials, or business licenses) all doing exactly the same thing in exactly the same locations — and throwing the same kitschy computer effects on all of their images.

This phenomenon is causing clients to ask me for images that don’t look like they were created by just anyone with a camera and computer, but rather they are looking for images that are both funky and classy at the same time — images that are both stylized and flattering at the same time, without excuses.  People are asking not only for artistic, creative, and unique photographs, but they want to look great in every single image — that they always look amazing!

I’m finding a growing response to photographic credentials, as well as more requests for indoor studio work.  These new requests have led me to redo my indoor camera area with more options and to create some fantastic new sets which I’m very excited about.

So though people are still asking for appointments in my outdoor garden, they are also asking for indoor studio portraits.  Many are wanting a mix of both indoor and outdoor, especially during these past few weeks of uncertain Utah spring weather.  With all of the time and money to get their hair and makeup done and to get a fantastic dress, they want to know that an appointment will not be moved due to rain, wind, or anything else.  The indoor camera sets are solving that.

So as you look at these images, note the gorgeous dresses, the fantastic hair and makeup, the great model, and also the fact that these images are not retouched and have no computer effects applied.

These images are straight photography!  The fun colors, dramatic lighting, flattering and interesting poses — all in-camera!  When you have a great photograph, there isn’t the need to kitsch it up with computer effects.

So if you are getting married and would love fun, fashionable images where you look amazing in every image, then give me a call at 801-728-3317.  I’m happy to photograph your entire wedding or just some bridals, depending on your budget.

And to see more of my heirloom line of portraits, visit my website at BryCox.com.

I just finished writing a magazine article for the US magazine, Professional Photographer on fashion posing, and am also writing an article for a Chinese magazine on weddings!

For the US article, they asked me to talk about breaking the rules of posing, and creating images where people don’t look stiff.    That article and magazine will be coming out in a couple months, and gets mailed to all professional photographers automatically.  It will also be on newsstands and I’ll let you all know when my issue is out for anyone else who wants to pick it up.
The biggest thing about a fun style of posing is making people look great, while at the same time making people look comfortable, natural, and real.  Care has to be taken on every detail, but the look is that things happened naturally.

The reason this is a hot topic, is because most photographers don’t understand posing, but want to create fun images.  However, just breaking the rules for the sake of breaking them (while not understanding them) really means awkward images where people don’t look their best, and many times even look heavy.  These photographers then cover the image over with computer effects so that the image looks fun or funky, but yet the person still looks awkward.

Creating sub-par images and masking them with computer effects should never be the result of a professional photographer.  Every portrait session should be about making people look amazing, no excuses!  And it should be done in the camera and not the computer.

This means then, understanding classic posing very well, and being aware of every detail in an image, but also being able to back off and let someone’s personality come into the pose for a spectacular, unique, and creative look.

For this article, I wanted some amazing images to go along with it, and chose some of these fashion images of Liz, because each of the poses from her photo shoot were spectacular, different, sexy, and showed her personality.

I turned in some other images as well, and we’ll all just have to wait and see how the article gets laid out in its final form.

The Chinese magazine asked me to talk about how weddings are photographed here in America.  Weddings are not only different in our two countries, but they are photographed completely differently.  My article for them, will hopefully give insight and ideas to Chinese photographers as well as satisfy curiosity.  I talk about equipment, approach, and reasons things are done as they are here, compared to how they are done there.

This article will be published in the same month as the US article, but will only be available in China.  The entire article will be translated and written in Chinese too, so I won’t even be able to read the copy they send me.  I just hope the concepts translate as I hope.

To see more of my images, browse my website at BryCox.com.