Tag: photography

Uncategorized

A Wonderfully Delicious Series

Leave a comment

Hey!  I shot a menu!  It was a delicious day…

You may have seen this post (in fact my very first post).  For the past 8 months or so, I have been acting as visual/marketing coordinator for a local bowling center (Wonderland Lanes in Commerce, Michigan).

There’s been stuff like advertisement photos, event coverage, high school leagues – basically full coverage.  Even busted into logo and business card designs.

Recently the hard and heavy phase of projects got under way.  Wonderland is home to The Mad Hatter Pub.  However, unlike the everyday bowling bar – this place has some tricks.  Comedy night’s a huge hit, as is Wonderband.  Basically there’s some ambiance you wouldn’t expect.

Of course the food is a welcome surprise, as well.  That’s where the menu comes in.  A little bit ago we began getting the raw “ingredients” set up for all the upcoming promotional material.  With the culinary mastermind, Bobby Durrant, the whole shoot got knocked out in one day.  Now, extra-designy Ashley Lawler is in progress of menu layout.

There’s to be a heck of an unveiling for the new items, but – for you folks – here’s a little sneak peek.

– Jon

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Uncategorized

Kansas or Bust.

Leave a comment

For those who are unaware – I am currently a student at the Art Institute of Michigan in Novi.  We have a heck of a team of upper level photo students.

This term, 3 of our fellow students participated in the SkillsUSA regional competition for photography.  Brian Doig won silver and Ryan Schafer pulled in a gold.  (That’s 1st in the state, people!)  Now – the national competition in Kansas is looming, and we need to get Ryan to the competition.

A FundRazr account has been established for the cause and needs some support.  Please swing over to the donations page and drop in a couple bucks, if you can.

Also – be sure to check out GO RYAN GO – a Facebook page helping him get to Kansas.  To keep up to date on some stuff our group has been keeping up with recently – swing by our page and quench your curiosity. – (PHOTOCLUB)

Uncategorized

I’ve got an idea – Let’s inspire some people.

Leave a comment

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

Uncategorized

A good defense is the best… defense.

1 Comment

We’re back for round 2 of the collaborative projects.  You may have seen the first post a little while ago.  For those just joining in, allow me to recap:  I began participation in a series of group endevors.  Each round involves an art director, a photographer, and a variety of other individuals (positions as needed).  We trade roles for each new project.

Basically, it’s a set of group building exercises.

The time around, our team tackled some tough technology (see what I did there?)  Anyway, one of the more important concerns in today’s world of digitally-creative individuals is security.  Our ads are a look at ioSafe’s nearly invincible hard drives. Dave Rodriguez, Nancy Garcia and myself decided to go “stereotypical” on the security.

As always – opinions and comments always appreciated.

– Jon

Uncategorized

Colorful Effervescence

Leave a comment

Did you know there’s a substantial difference among tonic water, club soda, and sparkling water?  It pretty much boils down to a lack or abundance of sodium bicarbonate and/or high fructose corn syrup.

However, one thing that all 3 of the aforementioned beverages have in common is a LOT of bubbles.

My girlfriend showed me a tutorial video, presented and narrated by this guy –> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqBVWlrHqG8  (You wish you had hair like that.)  You can also check out the people he works with here–>  ppsop.com/instructors.aspx

I got pretty stoked about the prospect and went to the local scrap-booking store to pick up a wide array of gaudy colorful backdrops (the gaudiness is subdued due to the shallow depth of field).  So, while I’m fairly pleased with the results, there are certainly some tweaks left to be made.

A re-do to follow!

– Jon

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Uncategorized

Minty Fresh Work

2 Comments

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.

Uncategorized

And now for something slightly different.

Leave a comment

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

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Uncategorized

Foolishly Fun

1 Comment

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

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Uncategorized

Reconsideration

Leave a comment

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

Uncategorized

Blatant Filler Post

1 Comment

Hey guys –

Sorry I haven’t gotten a post up in the last few days.  Things got crazy busy over the weekend and they pretty much required my full attention.  BUT DON’T FRET!  As soon as a spare hour or dozen pop up this week, I’ll have some super-awesome stuff to share.

For now, let us dwell on the unseasonably favorable weather we’ve been having.  Even though things have dialed back to a more spring-like temperature (which is good) I still have the upcoming summer right on the forefront of my mind.  Many people think of things like picnics, camping, or family trips.

I love food.

Specifically I like to cook.  A lot.  Grilling too.  OK, not “too.”  If I had my say, almost all of my food would be grilled.  Except soup.  That get’s tricky.

But vegetables.  Grilled vegetables are the way to go in the summer time.  In that regard, I present you with the vision of summer dancing in my head.  And yes – I grilled all these myself.  But not on a grill… on an electric stove.  I did, however eat that garlic.  It was fantastic.

I wish this picture was “click and smell.”

– Jon