Shutter Speed test...

I got inspired by a particular photo that my good friend Manny Aroyo took when we all met up in New York earlier this month...this is the image...

It drove me nuts!! How?! I never had an opportunity to shoot like this, but I have a concept I created months ago in mind for it. I need to try this, I asked Manny for his formula for shooting this.

Shutter speed: 0.5"
F-Stop: Varied
ISO: Varied
No tripod
A lot of people were around

This was Manny's formula for getting this shot. So, I called up Satine and told her I want to do something impomptu to see if I can pull off this technique. My equipment and settings were:

Tripod
85 mm Len with a ND Filter
Shutter speed: 1"
F-Stop: Varied
ISO: Varied
Not enough people around

These were the results:

So, did I learn this technique and feel comfortable doing this in the future? Yes, but I was disappointed that there weren't many people moving around in DC on a Monday. We did take some photos in the subway, but they didn't turn out well because of the lighting.

We did take some other photos at Meridian Park in DC just for fun. Here they are:

So all in all it was a fun day. I love shooting with Satine Lynn, the woman is an amazing model and friend. Follow her page here: https://www.facebook.com/satine.lynn

Golden with Nora

Consider it another item knocked off my bucket list. For the past year I have been doing a ton of shoots in New York and New Jersey, but this time!! WHOA NELLY!!! I went to Miami. To work with a lovely little lady who specializes in Cosplay, her is Nora.

Nora and I met on Instagram. I couldn't help but be amazed at her beauty and her talent at her Cosplay creations. We talked off and on and we decided to actually shoot. I think that she thought I was joking about shooting one day, but when I sent her a screenshot of the itinerary...

Anyhow, what can I say about Miami that hasn't been said already?

Too soon? I don't care, Bill Cosby still the man.

This place is not all of the glamour of what you see on TV and movies, let just leave it at that. Reminded me a lot of downtown Baltimore without the palm trees and humidity. Granted we weren't in downtown Miami where all the action happens. Was I disappointed? No. Did I expect more, yea. Still I am thankful to of had the opportunity to go to Miami, more so thankful to meet Nora, her family and friends too. This won't be the last time I will be working with her either...I will be seeing her again very soon.

Assistant: Caitlyn & Ally

Styling by: Christina Kovacs

Special Thanks to Attila Kovacs

New York

I think everyone loves going to New York. I go at least two or three times a month to shoot. The locations, people, food and life is so diverse. This particular trip I got to meet up with a good friend and fellow photographer Manny Aroyo. Manny is from Detroit, Michigan and he was in New York to visit with family he asked if I would have time to come up while I was on vacation a few weeks ago. I told him, "hell yea" and made sure I brought some diverse and talented people with me.

It was 92 degrees, humid and the sun was on 1,000 on this day. We were all sweating and I think I turned a different shade of brown while out there.

One of the models was Satine Lynn who is just an absolutely amazing talented and beautiful woman. I love her look, it gives a lot of elegance to her look and the way she can move her body and be totally comfortable in pretty much any situation makes shooting with her a breeze.

The other model I brought along was Deshae Leggett (yes I used your government name, bruh. lol) who has become a very close friend of mine, but not only that a great busy partner. The man is extremely talented with the ability to model, act, sing, rap, write and direct. His sense of fashion is astounding. He is always very positive and makes shooting extremely fun.

Our shoot was created by Manny. I choose to take the background seat and help when necessary. I took a few shots, but I really wanted this to be Manny's shoot. I wanted this group who have never met before to come together and make it work. Makes it all worth it and more fun.

The images I got felt very editorial based. If you follow me on Snapchat (sc: jasonomcphoto) you would have got to see the hilarious behind the scene footage, but I did post it on my Facebook page and you can see it by clicking here.

Thanks for reading and special thank you to Manny, Deshae and Satine for this great experience. If you haven't yet make sure you follow their pages. Also follow me on Snapchat: jasonmcphoto and Instagram: @jasonmcphoto

Hot, sweaty, hungry and tired...madness ensues.

Working with Nikki Gee (MUA/Hairstylist)

For the past few months I have been working with my model, friend and now MUA/Hairstylist Nikki (@thenikkigee). Nikki and I have always been able to create some of the most amazing pieces of imaginary with her in front of the camera and now as a stylist.

Please checkout her website to read about her and see more of her work. Also take the time to schedule an appointment with her!! -->

You can see some of her work below.

Back To The 'W'

Back to the beginning...back to the start...I comeback to the city where I was born and raised to see family and do some photo shoots. My trip this time was definitely only for me, my definition of a mini-vacation. I got probably the best hotel in Racine. Instead of doing any fancy restaurant I went to some of the best small business owned diners. Got some of the best Tacos and Pizza in the United States. I even went to Madison, WI. A place I don't really care to go to! Yea, I had some paid work in terms of shoots which were really fun. I shot with my childhood friend's daughter for her high school senior yearbook photos. I also got some fun creative shoots with the young lady as well.

Her name is Pandora, the makeup artist and hairstylist is April. April is my bestfriend and I got to shoot with her as well while there.

I also got to shoot with Genna Bee, who just moved to Wisconsin from New Jersey. It was awesome seeing her again and she made me breakfast!!

The trip back to Wisconsin gave me some time to relax. I love having a bit of alone time from everyday life. Is it selfish? I don't think so. I still shot, I still planned shoots, but just for a few days I had to no real responsibilities.

As for now I am already working on my next project. Working on 2 books before the end of the year. One is a follow up to my first book, "Stripped Dreams". Also, I will be planning a exhibit showing. More details to follow on this.

Ya stay tuned...I'm going to go to swing from my chandelier now.