I just finished up the most complicated batch of product photography I’ve undertaken in quite some time, if ever. Dig in and freshen up with a behind-the-scenes look at some locally crafted aromas.
New Look for a New Year!
It’s the mid-winter reset!
OK so the New Year isn’t a clean-cut video game reset. The past still happened and the ramifications still exist, but that’s not what the whole “resolution” thing is all about anyway. The New Year isn’t for starting over, but for learning from last year and reinventing yourself.
Which is precisely how I’m getting down… now, where to start…
IT’S A WHOLE NEW CITY!
As of a week and a half ago, JonKPhoto is Royal Oak official
! Royal Oak, Michigan is my new base of operations. You may not think 15 miles would make much of a difference when it comes to clientele, but it it’s surprising how many companies you notice in an area when you’re always there as opposed to just driving through.
There are a few details that need sorting. Paper work needs organizing. My desk still needs to be relocated – I’m currently coffee-tabling it up. But all things considered, I’m stoked for the new market. What with being a solid half-hour closer to downtown, I’m really looking forward to the new opportunities.
IT’S A WHOLE NEW COMPANY!
Well, yes and no. For about 2 years, I’ve been offering media services beyond just photography, but they were almost entirely by request. As of 3 weeks ago, this site and all my promotional whatnots are firmly rooted in multimedia.
To get a feel for what I’m talking about and to see why multimedia is so incredibly important for the success of a business, swing by my ABOUT page and take a gander at the breakdown.
IT’S A WHOLE NEW AUDIENCE!
In the last 3 months I’ve been regularly requested to critique portfolios, review projects, and speak to media students. Developing into my career I always knew the ability to communicate clearly was essential, but it never crossed my mind that I may actually enjoy public speaking.
Each and every one of my clients and projects requires a unique and completely customized solution. It’s the exact same with audiences. Whether you’re talking with a 45-year old hobbyist about to turn pro, a room full of undergrad students, or an auditorium jam-packed with high schoolers ready to start their education, you’ve GOT to connect with your audience. It’s just the kind of challenge I love.
So 2014 will see the next big evolution in JonKPhoto. Motivational seminars for current, upcoming, and future creative professionals are about to hit Metro Detroit like so much inspiration!
In the meantime, the JonKPhotoClasses site has been totally overhauled and is fully loaded with an array of personalized photo and career development courses, ready to shock-&-awe you right into your new career.
IT’S A WHOLE NEW BODY OF WORK!
If you’ve been anywhere near my site in the last few weeks, you’ve probably heard me mention the fully re-vamped fine art site. If you haven’t, then let me elaborate…
I began my photographic education as a fine art photographer. In the process, I got bits and pieces of experience with the skill sets and lighting techniques essential for commercial photography. The rest is history. But that’s not to say I ever stopped shooting the stuff I simply like to shoot.
Over the past years, my portfolio amassed a rather sizable selection of work. While organizing and reconstructing the site, I realized that while I refined and adjusted my techniques and styles, the subject matter never really changed (at least on a broad scale). It became apparent that nearly all of my imagery is of Michigan.
So the site was overhauled and is now the home to a body of work devoted to images of and inspired by Michigan – my home state and pretty much the most awesome place I’ve ever known. To get an eyeful of Great Lakes goodness, check it out at JonKArtography.com
EVEN SOME NEW PICTURES!
You know me – a conclusion isn’t a conclusion without a bit of shiny new eye candy.
In the recent holiday season, my parents gifted a lovely set of forged-steel Wusthof blades for my culinary endeavors. As with any sparkling new metal instrument, some pictures were in order. Drop me a comment and let me know what you think.
And have a glorious new year!!
– Jon
That’s some tasty layout
I’ve been doing some photo, branding, design, organization – basically I’ve been acting as a marketing/ad agent for a local company. These guys —–> Wonderland Lanes.
It’s a bowling center in Commerce, Michigan that’s about to relaunch their grille as a no-holds-barred rockin’ restaurant.
Maybe a couple months back, I dropped a sneek preview at some of the food photos. Now, we’re in the midst of full-on advertisements.
Don’t drool on your keyboard – it’s bad for it.
– Jon
Going Green… Decoratively.
Due in no small part to a connection from a close friend, I’ve recently begun some business with a local/national herbalogically-minded, interior decoration-based company. I suppose that’s a bit wordy, but it’s a pretty accurate description of what these folks do.
The company is BrightGreen and they craft “Living Walls.” These guys —-> 
Basically, imagine a unit that allows plants to grow vertically on a wall instead of on the ground or in pots. Also, because each unit can hold multiple small plants, you can essentially plant designs on the wall that match the decor and such.
Over the past coupe weeks, we began work creating imagery for the new product from the company, the “Grovert.” It’s the plant-it, hang-it, grow-it yourself unit for sale at plant nurseries in the Midwest.
Here’s a bit of of the project – a few of my favorite shots. What do you guys think?
– Jon
I’ve got an idea – Let’s inspire some people.
I put up that last post (100 Tips from a Professional Photographer) a few days ago. Then, I was lucky enough to catch presentations by Rosh Sillars as well as one by SpiltSugar. It got me thinking a bit. I figured that since I have ideas, perhaps I should write a list. The best way to advance as an artist is to try new things. What better catalyst than an objective party’s suggestions?
But this could be bigger – WAY BIGGER.
I want everyone to participate. Why should this be limited to one person’s concepts?
Over the past three days, I have compiled a list of photographers from across the United States and from around the world, that I follow regularly or know personally. However, I don’t know everyone on the planet – so it’s a safe bet that I’ve missed one or two… million. This is where I need your help. If you are a photographer, know one, follow one, or simply know of someone that would be great for this sort of collaboration, please pass this along.
I’m looking for tips or concepts to keep in mind while we’re creating work – no long presentations, nothing proprietary to your businesses- just friendly advice. If you were at a convention or presentation and a fan came up to you and asked for a couple tips, what would you say?
I sent the initial email to my list of people this morning. Please forward this post to as many photographers as you know.
If you have a concept for the list or a person I should contact, please leave a comment. Thank you so much – I look forward to hearing from you. Let’s make something!
– Jon
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