provo

Jessica’s Cold Wind Photo Shoot

I recently spoke for Adobe at the two big national photographic conventions, PPA in Nashville and WPPI in Vegas. The week leading up to the second convention I photographed Jessica, and used her shoot as my demo for the crowd in Vegas to teach workflow and retouching. It worked great because it was a fun photoshoot that involved some problem solving.

We had a batch of warm weather and planned something outside, but it turned out to be a very cold day in Utah instead. And because of time constraints, our first choice for a location shoot fell through and we instead met at a parking lot between us where there was no “traditionally great” place to shoot. But we set out to find something that would hide the brown, dead, winter look of Utah, and also possibly block some of the heavy and cold winter wind of the day. And with some creativity and lighting skills, I know that any background can work.

Jessica spotted this awesome bright red double-decker bus and we set up. The wind was cold and pretty heavy, I believe hitting 20 mph that day. But the wind was blocked on this far side and the sky was on a great angle from the sun to really go blue when mixed with some lighting techniques that would also knock down the harshness of the sun.

BryCox_Jessica_01

Jessica is great in front of the camera. She’s relaxed, she moves well, and she responds perfectly to direction. I love the emotion and action between these images in this trio above. The deep colors, her hair blowing, her laugh – it all really makes this set incredibly interesting.

We also did some work on the side of the bus to put the sun behind us, but the wind was a lot stronger here so we didn’t last long. But here is one of my favorites with her hair blowing in the wind. And with the warm beautiful colors, you’d never know it was freezing cold. However, between setups, she was bundled up in coats. She was a good sport.

BryCox_Jessica_02

We didn’t have much time left, so I thought of finishing up inside somewhere warmer. There was a nearby hotel where a friend used to be night manager, and so we walked over and asked to use their lobby for a few minutes. This is Jessica as we were walking in, wearing my down parka backwards on top of her own layers.

BryCox_Jessica_08

We took about 20 minutes or so in the hotel’s lobby, and got a great variety of amazing images. There is a lot of expression and changes of mood in these images, and notice too how the lighting changes from shot to shot to constantly highlight her cheekbones as she moves. There were so many fun images and every one shows a different side of Jessica and I couldn’t cut any out. In fact I thought they worked great as a series so I used them all and created this square collage.

BryCox_Jessica_06

Though my program for Adobe was on retouching techniques, the big secret is to of course do everything with lighting so that no retouching or adjustments are required. And then when you retouch, it should be subtle so that everything looks natural. That’s what really makes women look great.

But as a side note, none of the images in these collages have had any retouching or adjustments. And yet her eyes pop, her skin glows (and isn’t gray or muddy), the angles of light and the color balance are all right on so she looks great and the background colors pop – and add to that Jessica’s graceful movements and her fun personality and we have one killer shoot.

BryCox_Jessica_07

This colors of the couch and wall worked great with her outfit so I made a trio (above) and felt this one long shot below was really interesting and captivating, so I used it as the basis for a painting.

BryCox_Jessica_04

And here is the final painting.
BryCox_Jessica_03

And on the way out of the lobby was a big leaf mural. I shot a few closing images by it and did some texture work to the background.BryCox_Jessica_05

Well there you go, one great shoot created on a very cold and windy day while finding new and unique places to shoot.

If you were a photographer who attended my speaking event then you can see how the collages and and other ideas all came together. If you’re a model or a high school senior and want fantastic images, now is the time to book. And if you’re a bride and want to look great no matter where your wedding is located or what the weather is like, give me a call. 801-728-3317. I know just how to make women look great, so call me and let’s talk about your dream portrait.

And until next time, America.

November Family Portrait Special

November is here, and it’s time for family portraits! Most people mean to do them and then forget until December hits, then they are trying to get in, rush their Christmas cards and orders to have everything back in time.

Well beat the rush, schedule right now, and get a free session at the studio, outside or inside ($200 value) and 25 free folding Christmas cards and envelopes ($95 value), when you purchase any size wall portrait or framed wall collage (which range in price from $290 and up).

Be rewarded with discounts and free cards by coming in now, and relax when December hits knowing that your cards are ready go and your gifts for family are done.

BryCox-November-Family-Special-700p

Portraits make great gifts for your family and loved ones, and we can even do some location images too if you’d like. Sessions at the studio inside or out are free with this promotion, but location shoots are also possible for $200 off. Give me a call to schedule your time at 801-728-3317.

Here’s an example of some outdoor portraits I did of my sister’s family. See more from her shoot by viewing yesterday’s post here.

Cox_J-F-1505b

Until next time, America.

My Sister’s Family in the Leaves

It is already November, which means it’s time to get family portraits before the Christmas rush. In fact, if you want outdoor, fall portraits, we need to get them shot pronto as the leaves are almost gone in most areas and the weather is getting cold, plus all November orders get 25 free Christmas cards with every wall print!

These images below are of my sister’s family. We just shot these on a very cold, stormy night near their home. The rain had passed over this spot and the sun was almost completely set. We had to hurry, and here’s what we got.

Cox_J-F-1505b

We started on this bridge, using the canyon and fall leaves as a backdrop. We hustled to get set up, and then I worked my kid-magic with my nephew and got him smiling right off the bat. We then moved to this rock nearby for a sitting grouping.

Cox_J-F-1525b

We finished the shoot off with some cute standing and walking portraits which accentuate how little their boy really is. I hope that later in life, these images remind him of being that size, being with his parents, and being swung by the arms.

Cox_J-F-1537

Finally, I took my favorite interaction walking image, and created this painting.

Cox_J-F-1530-Painting2

It was a fun night and I am so pleased with these portraits. I can’t wait to get their finished sizes worked up so they can be hanging in their home.

There is always a rush as Christmas approaches. Portraits are one of the best things we can get or give each other, and right now really is the best time to get in and beat the rush. Plus, all November orders get 25 FREE Christmas cards with every wall print. Call now for the best availability. 801-728-3317.

Until next time, America.