Tag: michigan

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Oldy but a Goody

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I’ve been gettin’ retroactive lately.

I’ve been feeling the need to restructure my portfolio – trimming down some spots, bulking up some others, creating new categories altogether…  Throughout the process I’ve been looking through my work from early on in my career all the way up to last week.  It’s been fascinating.

One of the trends I notice repeating itself is that of the “completely ridiculous.”  It seems to be a driving force in a lot of my personal work.

Which brings us to the topic at hand.

2 years ago there was a competition for a scholarship; I had to tell a story in 8 images.  As per usual, I put things off and it was dangerously close to the deadline.  Then I got a call from the accepting committee, reminding me that I still had not submitted.  I confirmed that there were still 4 days left to submit.

They corrected me.  It turns out I had gotten the date wrong.  I had less than 36 hours.

With the relentless help of Carl Amyoni, we jumped into action.

In a 30-hour shooting spree we planned the shoot, bought the props, found the locations (3 different cities), shot the pictures, and ran post production.

The project won 2nd place in the nation.

I share with you – NERDMAN.

– Jon

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Minty Fresh Work

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For the next few months I’ll be involved in a set of group assignments.  It’s basically a practical rundown of job delegation (art director, photography, designer, wardrobe, props, location…)  In the end it will provide useful insights into working with a professional team in an environment where everyone has a different opinion and a different eye for art.

These past 2 weeks we’ve been focusing on an ad series for  a household product.  In terms of the specifics, that was about it.  Household product.  3 spreads.

2 other individuals on the team, Ryan Schafer and Nancy Garcia, along with myself decided Listerine, when presented in the right light, could hold some comedic value.

We went with juxtapositions as an a attention-grabber.  Enjoy!

– Jon

And a special thanks to Marcus Samland for releasing his inner nerd in all its glory.

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And now for something slightly different.

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Boy howdy!  Do I love me some minimalist posters.

We have a photography club at my school.  I’m the president.  As such, I spend some time promoting it and designing attention-grabbing visual aids.

I’ve been wanting to do some stuff like this for a while and figured it would be a good excuse.

– Jon

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Foolishly Fun

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Most of you know, but for those who don’t – I rarely shoot weddings.  It happens occasionally, but it’s always a special circumstance (family and friends).

This allows myself and my clients a unique opportunity.  I know them and they know me.  This means I can get closer, more natural reactions, and a more personal level of happiness and humor than would be possible with a clients whose only interactions with me had been business-related.

On April Fools’ Day, with the fantastic help of Ashley Lawler, I shot a fairly unique wedding in Bay City at the Perre Marquette Train Depot.

Check out some of my favorite shots from the day!

-Jon

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Reconsideration

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Well, folks – after a bit of soul searching, a sizable chunk of staring off into the distance, and an overpowering need to get out and take some pictures, I decided it’s time for mighty deal.

I want to create.  I want to create something for YOU.

So, for the next 5 weeks, the deal is as follows:  If you’d like some portraits shot, you get half off the session.  This includes, but is not limited to: you, your kids, you and your significant other, your whole family, your grandmother, your BFF, your dog, you AND your dog…. I think you get the picture.

– Oh and dude(s) – I come to YOU.  There ain’t no sittin’ pretty on a stool in a cheesy studio, with the wafting tunes of (whoever I think you might like), that smells vaguely of Kmart brand vanilla candle.  NO, SIR (or ma’am).  This all happens on your turf (or at a super cool spot if your turf is lacking in creative possibilities).  The point here is that we’re going to have an adventure!

But let’s not forget global warming and oil and what not… don’t make me drive 50 miles, people.

ANYWAY!  Here’s a little doodle I put together for this.  Have a gander.  Send it to your mother (it’s mother’s day soon and she’d LOVE a picture with her precious little bundle of joy), send it to your coworker, your neighbor, your dog… OK, don’t send it to your dog.  That was a bad idea.

I’m rambling now.  Here’s the picture.

I’m in the Detroit area, by the way.

 

– Jon

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Let’s start off with some good wholesome fun!

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Alright folks – It’s time to kick off this shindig with some current work.  For the past number of months (maybe 4 or 5, but it’s really irrelevant) I’ve been working with a local bowling center to spruce up their image and show the community how super-totally-completely-awesome a night of bowling and togetherness can be.

If you are in or around the Commerce, MI area and want to go out for the night, swing by Wonderland Lanes (http://wonderlandlanes.com/) and be sure to meet Dave, the owner.  He’s awesome.

Now… pictures!

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Sirs and Ladies – Welcome to the most awesome blog ever created.

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Howdy folks.  My name’s Jon Kopacz and this here’s my blog.

I’m a portrait, product, and promotion photographer in south eastern Michigan.  The majority of my clientele consists of local businesses and groups looking to do some marketing.  As such I regularly work on a lot of unique and unrelated projects.

That’s why this site is here (among other things).  Cool stuff happens and I’d like to share it with you… no, not that other guy.  Just YOU.  You know who you are…

Anyway, if you look around, you’ll find a rotating collection of previous stuff I’ve worked on as well as current projects.  You’ll also find some of the fun stuff I do on the side.  There will even be posts on interesting goings-on in the photo and design community.  Of course be sure to stop by my collection of  “people to watch.”  Either seasoned pros or up-and-comers, these folks know their business in a wide range of endeavors.

That’s all for now, but be sure to swing by soon.  Lots of fun coming your way.

– Jon K