Portrait: J.D.

Instead of unpacking my suitcase and folding my laundry I decided to post-process another portrait of mine from my photo shoot with Wilnelia Velez.

The original photo I began with was photographed with a white backdrop in my Studio.  I already had it listed as the fifth image in my "Project J" breakdown (FYI - the sixth image was previously completed and will likely surface next week).

After I did some retouching I still felt like something was missing.  The image needed some graffiti kind of flavoring.  I then pulled the image into Nik Software and came out with two images: one was a black & white grainy poster image you might see on a wall in the Village, the other was this uber yellow punchy in your face imagery.

When I returned to Lightroom I took the second image and decided to play with some filters.  That was when I started to get closer to a color palette that to me matched the image.

I added some adobo and within time this portrait came out the oven.

Please direct your compliments to the chef.

Portrait: Joseph Dominick

With all the traveling I have set up soon I thought it would be the perfect time to post another one of my portraits from my photo shoot with Wilnelia Velez...lol. 

Thanks to my stylist for hooking up this outfit.

Portrait: The Grace of the Arts

I had the great honor and pleasure to photograph the Grace to Grace 20/30 Anniversary Gala celebrating Abounding Grace Ministries this past weekend.  It was a beautiful celebration of Pastor Del Rio and the entire church family.  Thank you so much Jeremy Del Rio for trusting me with such a historic event.

This week I decided to edit the images and of course I found a few that I just had to get artistic with.  While I finish my editing of the entire event this afternoon, you can enjoy the grace of the arts below.

Joseph Dominick

As I looked through the numerous images I was able to acquire through my collaboration with Wilnelia Velez Photography, I decided to design My Top 10 (possibly 12).  Moving forward I will share some pics of me on the blog from time to time.

With today's portrait I decided to edit it in a style different from the first two portraits I shared.  This one has a more muted color palette.  This was intentional.  I am thinking of the story of all 10 images and am looking to add variety in the telling of the fuller story as well as the visual palette.

In the latter stages of this edit, I even played with blending modes to mix in black & white imagery which definitely added that different look I wanted.  Hey you "Can't Knock The Hustle".  :)

Joseph Dominick - The Photographer

I find it interesting and funny that people are asking me about when they will be able to see the photos from my photo shoot.  A few days ago I shared one photo and that image has gotten more "Likes" than any other photo I have ever posted. Go figure...lolol.

Last night I was sharing with a friend about this.  All my life I have felt like I have been under the radar, overlooked, and not noticed.  I can be in a room and feel invisible because I have done that most of my life.  This photo shoot...this visual journey I know has greater implications for me than just having "new pictures".  There is a shift happening internally for me.  It has been going on for some years now but these images are a catalyst for further shifting.  The image I have of myself is being informed by all these pictures I have been rummaging through during the selection process this past week.  As I walk in the street or stand in an elevator, the images flash in my mind helping me see the Joseph others see from the outside.

I say images because not one image fully captures all of the dimensions of me.  This is why I designed the shoot to capture that variety.  Presently I have a draft concept of my Top 12 images. What will I do with them...I am not sure.  I hadn't thought this far down the process.

Two pics have been edited so far.  The second one is at the bottom of this post.  Interestingly enough I artistically edited the two just as I have for any other client.  I did the magazine retouching first. Then I started adding artistic elements towards the latter part.  In my mind I don't want to just show you a picture, I want you to experience art.

So join me on the new adventure of me sharing my artistic expression of the photographs from Wilnelia Velez of me.

Joseph Dominick: The Photographer, The Actor, The Artist, The Man

At the beginning of 2012 I wrote on my Goals List that I wanted new photos.  This required I get in front of the camera for my own photo shoot.  So throughout the year I collected images and ideas, never really quite certain when I would do the shoot.  Finally in the late summer I knew I had to take the leap and make it happen.

So I reached out to my friend Wilnelia since she had worked as a second shooter on a couple of weddings I had done.  I thought it would be a tremendous challenge for me and a fun challenge for her. 

A couple of weeks ago we sat in my Studio and went over my notes and what I was looking for in the images.  Wilnelia was great in capturing my vision and adding some clarity to it as well. 

Then came the shoot this past weekend.  After a half day of fun and photos we were able to get some great images both in my studio and outdoors which really reflect me as a Photographer, an Actor, an Artist, and as a Man.

Thank you so much Wilnelia for collaborating with me.  Her website is not up yet but you can catch her on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/TaN4jw.

Check out the first image I processed.

Portrait: Classy Rosaleen

A couple of weeks ago I showed you the "Outgoing" concept for Rosaleen.  Today we feature the "Classy" concept.

With a red dress and a black backdrop Rosaleen went into model mode and had some fun.  She definitely worked this one.  You go gurrrllll.

Portrait: Alexis

I love photographing in New York City.  Since my studio is in the Bronx and I grew up in the Bronx I love to use the urban backdrop in my portraits.

Alexis is gorgeous in the portrait below.  This was taken in the middle of January so it was cold but Alexis is making it look hot.

I went in a new direction with the post-processing here.  A couple of years back I was big on the filmic artography stuff.  I took that and blended it in with my present technique.  The result is something I really, really like. 

What do you think?

Portrait: Miss Najah

Preparation is key for photo shoots.  And Najah was on point.  Her hair and makeup were flawless.  She really knows how to present not only herself, but her clients.

In the photo below I was able to use the purple backdrop to go well with Najah's outfit and her skin color.  If Najah can put all this together, you better believe she can work your wardrobe and bring out the best in you. 

Please check out this fashion consultant & event styist at NajR.

Portrait: Empire Mum

I love the power of this photo: the mother/daughter composition, the blown out highlights, the care, the looking forward to the future.  This is the kind of image I love creating. 

While taking my friend to the 102nd Floor Observation Deck of the Empire State Building, I made sure to take some photos.  As I was processing this image I decided to really enhance the black and white imagery. 

If you look at the bottom left of the window you will see a faint image of buildings.  Those building are at least half a mile away. 

To me, this portrait is so classic.  These are the kind of moments that make me love the gift of photography.

Portrait: Rosaleen

Playful, fun and brilliant are just some of the words to describe Rosaleen.  It was a joy to photograph her at the Studio.

Before she came in we had our Pre-Production meeting via telephone.  From that conversation we designed three concepts for her shoot.  The photo below is from the "Outgoing" concept.

Way to go Rosaleen!

Portrait: Miss Kelly

One of my favorite portraits hanging at JDP Studios is of Kelly.  She is great in front of the camera.  So much so she and I will be working on a new project soon.

The photo below was taken with a 35mm lens with a shallow depth of field (f2.2) and I was probably not more than two feet away from her.  Most people would close up with me being that close but Kelly really allowed me in to her personal space.  It is because of that I was able to capture such a lovely reaction of her smiling here.

Thanks Kels!

Portrait: Allure Music Group

It is always interesting how time can help you see how you have grown as an artist.

Some time ago I photographed the R&B Group "Allure" at a studio I used in Harlem, NYC.   There was this one image from that shoot that has always stayed in the back of my mind, especially because I had never edited it.  I had always wanted to edit it but never got around to it.  Well, this morning I did.  And it is gorgeous. 

Check out Alia, Lalisha, & Akissa.

Wedding Portrait: Sarah

I love photographing beautiful brides.  It has been my great fortune to have very beautiful clients so it is always a pleasure for me to share their photos.

As a wedding photographer it is always helpful to visit a location before the wedding day.  That is not always feasible.  So when Sarah and Jamal invited me to visit the Midtown Loft I was uber excited.  While walking around the space I envisioned numerous photos.  This photo below of Sarah was one of them.

Wedding Portait: Empire State Groom

From the moment I found out I would be photographing Sarah and Jamal's wedding at the Midtown Loft I envisioned this kind of portrait.  Nothing says "New York Baller" like this.  Jamal is relaxing with a glass of wine and the Empire State Building in the background. 

Wedding Portrait: Yaritza & Eric

I love photographing weddings.  Not only do I get to capture one of the most memorable moments in a person's life, I also get to dance at the reception.  LOL.

Truth be told I do love wedding receptions.  And my clients will tell you how adept I am at photographing on the dance floor while doing my own dance moves.  :)

The cool thing about Yaritza and Eric's wedding was I had the opportunity to talk with them and photograph them in my studio before the wedding.  This allowed us to build a strong repoire with each other.  So during the wedding they knew I would take care of them and provide them with excellent and amazing photos.

Which leads me to today's photo post.  After the ceremony we went to Glenn Island to take formal photos of the couple and the bridal party.  One of my favorite photos was taken in the gazebo.  Yaritza and Eric are killing it in this photo.  It makes perfect sense why they selected this photo to be a 16"x20" Gallery Wrapped Canvas for their living room.

Headshot: Zion

As I have shared here previously, I have taught a few photography courses of the past year and a half.  So it was a pleasure when one of my former students asked me to photograph her son's headshot. 

I love working with artists, whether it be for album covers or headshots.  My first intro to the arts was an actor during my teen years so headshots are very familiar to me.  It also helped that I knew the family and had seen Zion in numerous photos already (on FB and Instagram).

As always I start off by establishing relationship with the people I am working with.  Zion is the same age as my nephew so I immediately took an interest into Zion's love of music and acting.  He is also the oldest of his siblings as I am too.  I reminded him that we were in Central Park to have fun during our 45 minute shoot.  He took direction very well.  And his smile is amazing.

Check it for yourself.

Portrait: Najah

Two years ago I photographed Najah's birthday party.  It was so much fun.  She and her friends really know how to have a good time.  Since that time I have photographed a few other events from those same friends.

Of course I love when my Event clients become Portrait clients.  Having Najah in the studio was such a delight.  She is a Fashion Consultant for her company "NajR" (Click name to see her FB page).

During our pre-production we discussed all the outfits and the color designs we would use in the studio.  Najah is no joke.  She definitely knows fashion and definitely has a great vision for consulting and events.  Of all my Portrait clients she was one of the most prepared.  Her clothing, makeup and hair were on point.

Check out this "Queen Najah" pose.  Tell me she ain't working this.

Portrait: Jacita

About a year and a half ago I had written down Jacita's name as someone who I wanted to photograph. I waited until I felt the time was right to ask her. Earlier this year when I did ask her she said "Yes," but with trembling.

Jacita had always wanted to do a shoot. It wasn't just for the photos though. It was to conquer the fear regarding her own negative self-imagery. In a world where the definition of beauty is so heavily influenced by magazines and models, it can cause many of us to question ourselves. "Am I beautiful? What makes me beautiful? Are people noticing me? How come my friends get noticed? Am I ugly? Am I not skinny enough? What do I have to do to be sexy? How come Joseph hasn't done a photo shoot of me?"

This is a real journey for many of the people I photograph (It has been for me too). They are choosing to be vulnerable with me. The degree of intimacy they grant me directly shows in my portraits. That intimacy & vulnerability allows me to go beyond the surface.

I am not interested in cookie-cutter fake photos. I am interested in highlighting the real person. The person underneath the poses and the fake smiles. Realness is what I desire in my photos. I guess that drives me as an artist.

As expected Jacita was a lil nervous in the first of the four setups I designed with her. Somewhere around the ending of that first setup she began to relax into it. From then on she really just worked it. All the pre-shoot conversations and preparation all came together. Jacita rocked it.

That is why I am choosing to share this portrait below. It is one of my favorites from the third setup of the shoot.

Big-ups to Jacita for facing her fear and getting some amazing photos.

- J

Portraiture: Alexis (Fashionista)

PORTRAITURE

From the beginning of our collaboration I definitely wanted to highlight Alexis' long legs. I think they look great and the white backdrop and low angle really accentuate them. There were loads of photos from this set but this is one of my favorites. :)


Portrait

Portrait: Lyndsi

PORTRAITURE

This is my goddaughter Lyndsi. I love her very dearly and was happy to bring her to the studio to have her very own photo shoot. She is growing into such an amazing beautiful young lady.

Here is one of the portraits from the shoot.

Portrait

Portrait: Alexis Diaz

PORTRAITURE

Alexis and I worked in community theater going way back when we were kids.  So it was great as adults to work on this fashion photo shoot together.

While shopping for outfits for the shoot, we saw this bodysuit that definitely contoured Alexis' physique.  At the studio the hat was added, and then it was a wrap.

Peep it!


Portrait

Portrait: Kelly

PORTRAITURE

What a smile!  Miss Kels is fun, fun, fun.  Her playfulness was a joy to photograph. 

And oh how I love her eyes.  I actually designed the concept of our entire photo shoot around her eyes.  They are so strong and expressive.

Kelly is such a natural in front of the camera.  I could photograph her for days.

Portrait

Portrait: Alexis

PORTRAITURE

There is such a variety of styles Alexis and I shot I have had a hard time figuring out what order to share her pics.

The last portrait was very urban and very stylized.  With this new image I kept it simple and clean.

I love her length, beauty and frame in this image.

Portrait

Portrait: Mr. Hodge

PORTRAITURE

Michel Hodge and I went to high school together.  Mount Saint Michael represent!

Michel has been very supportive of my photography work and has hired me a few times for location shooting.  This time he came to the studio and we were able to give him a proper business headshot.

You go Mr. Hodge!


Portrait

Portrait: Booshiee Valentine's Day

PORTRAITURE

It was an honor and a privilege to photograph Booshiee at my JDP Studios recently. We did various setups throughout the studio.

As today is the last day of February, I thought it would be cool to share Booshiee's Valentine's Day Portrait.

Portrait

Trinidad + jPhone

During my stay in Trinidad earlier this month I used both my Canon 5D MkII and my jPhone to capture the beauty that is Trinidad. Below are images solely captured with my phone as those are the easier images to upload at this time.


This is me on the road to Macqueripe

During my photo walk I found some beautiful plant life

This bamboo pathway was amazing.

The beach at Macqueripe (really feeling this postcard look)

The beach up close

I found this little building view on the side of the road

Chaguaramas

I climbed on top of an abandoned building to get this shot

Portrait: Fashion Kelly

PORTRAITURE

As I previously mentioned I had a great photo shoot with Kelly.  The first shot I shared of her on the blog (Miss Kels) was a beauty shot. 

Because I have such a variety of images to choose from, I decided to select a portrait with more of a fashion look.  Tell me Kelly is not killing in this one too.

You go girl!

Portrait

Portrait: Genesis

PORTRAITURE

Yesterday I visited The Elements Church in the Bronx to celebrate their first service in a new, bigger space.

It was such a joy to capture the joy of that service with my camera. One of the gems was of a young girl named Genesis. As I looked at the portrait in color I clearly imagined Genesis ten to twelve years in the future with headphones on and writing. Like her parents she definitely has that gift for creativity.

I crafted this black and white portrait to give it a more timeless feel.

Enjoy,
J


Portrait

Valentine's Premium Portrait Special (Limited Time)

PORTRAITURE

I am very excited to announce the Valentine's Premium Portrait Special from JDP Studios which will be in effect for the entire month of February.

Here is the deal: Studio Photo Shoot, Online Gallery & One Retouched Image. $35. (Value $150). Savings 76% ($115)

Blurry and off the bathroom mirror photos really do not show off your true beauty.

Don't sleep on this picture-perfect deal from JDP Studios.

Invest $35 (a $150 value) and receive a 35 minute glam studio photo shoot with an amazing photographer, plus an online gallery, and one retouched magazine quality image of your selection.

If you are riding solo this Valentine's, treat yourself. If you have a special someone, have them treat you. You deserve it.

Let the world know how fly you really are with professional magazine quality images. All your friends (including those on FB) will be jealous.

To set up an appointment, contact me at josephdominickphotography@gmail.com with your name, contact number, and your preference for date/time.  Remember this is only for the month of February.

Holla,
J


Need to Know:
JDP Studios is in the Bronx
Appointments are required and subject to availability
Limit of two people per session
Limit of two outfits
Additional fee of $20 applies for each additional photo retouching

Portrait: Comic Wydna Lyn

PORTRAITURE

One of the dynamics of photographers is we have so many photos that it usually takes a while before we process them or even look at them. I finally decided to finalize my Christmas 2011 images.

Of course my extended family is huge so we had a great gathering at my parent's house. With only a 35mm f2 lens in hand, I photographed our Christmas Eve celebration. For whatever reason I did not want to use a flash (Note to self: Use a flash next year).

As I was going through the images I decided to grab a cute picture of my cousin and give it that urban fine art process. Behold the newest member to the family...Miss Wydna Lyn.

Portrait

Street Light [Part I]

jPHONE

New York City is definitely a city of lights and action. Regardless of how late or early in the morning it is, you will always find lights.

With my jPhone in hand here is a little of the street life on Street Lights in the NYC.

- J


Church Door

Reflection

Empire State Building

Taxi Cab

MindFull

"You can't fail, unless you think u can" - Napoleon Hill

Behind The Scenes - Mario Testino

FASHION

Mario Testino is a beast when it comes to Fashion Photography.  Check out these behind the scenes videos from CNN of his work process.

Peruvian-ess

This weekend my family and I celebrated my dad's birthday. We visited a restaurant in New Rochelle called "Cholo's Kitchen". I happened to find this Peruvian spot online and it was great. My dad can be a picky eater but he loved it.

Having visited Peru this past summer I made sure I had some Hot Chocolate.

This artwork caught my eye.

I couldn't leave without taking some Inca Kola home.

Portrait: Alexis (Castle Hill)

PORTRAITURE

In order to get around New York City, the subway system is the most economical/convenient/fastest way.  Having grown up in the Bronx I was (and still am) a frequent rider of the #6 train.

For my photo shoot with Alexis I made sure our first stop was Castle Hill Ave.  Originally I planned on having this as a Black and White but once I started playing around I created this urban fine art piece.

Enjoy,
J

Portrait

Portrait: Miss Kels

PORTRAITURE

Last month I began working on my photo retouching skills. I know before any portrait is placed in a magazine or on a billboard it is retouched professionally. I figured while I am continuing to work on my skills behind the camera it would be a good look to enhance my skills behind the computer in post-production.

Over a year ago a friend of mine, Eddie, gave me some dvds of retouching training. I finally decided to watch them over these past four weeks...lol. The dvds were amazing and definitely added multiple levels of retouching epicness to my skill set. Before watching them I had some basic retouching skills which I learned from reading blogs.

Around the same time I started watching the retouching videos, I had the great pleasure of photographing Miss Kels at JDP Studios. Wow, we really took some amazing indoor and outdoor portraits. Of course I decided I would use her photos as my homework for the retouching training.

Here is the first portrait.

I love the sharpness of her eyes, her hair, and her skin.

Big kudos to my boy Eddie for the retouching videos and much love to Miss Kels.  You will be seeing more photos of her soon. 

Portrait

Portrait: RNR (This Is How We Do)

PORTRAITURE

Of course I had to share another RNR portrait.  All I can say is "Holla!" 

This is what I enjoy doing.  The location is Hot!  The artists are Hot!  And so the final edit of the portrait is definitely Hot!  LOL.

Portrait

Portrait: My Angelic Celebrity

PORTRAITURE

You are not an official photographer until you photograph an angel. No, I mean a real angel.

Booshetto Celestial Angelical, aka Booshiee, flew in to JDP Studios last night and did an exclusive photo shoot with me.  And she killed it.  Her wings were looking extra fluffy and her divine beauty lit up the studio.

At the end of the shoot I had the privilege to have my portrait taken with Booshiee. Check out the flyness.

Portrait

Portrait: RNR

PORTRAITURE

I love collaborating with my clients on photo shoots. The pre-shoot time allows for the building of intimacy. I find it necessary for me as an artist and a person.

When time, energy, and intimacy are put together the creative possibilities are amazing. The photo below is an example of this.

Here are Ruthy and Ricardo in a remote area of the Bronx right before sunset. I love this portrait. It is funky, urban, beautiful, and real.

RNR Rocks!

Portrait

Revealing Me: "Intimate Reflections"

PORTRAITURE

For most of my life my private persona and my public persona did not match.  Growing up as a shy kid I never dreamed of sharing exactly who I am with the world outside of the comfort of my family and close friends.  As an adult I learned to push through these boundaries and take the leap to BE me in all spheres.

The caterpillar steps have been worth it.  In the past couple of years my writing voice has gotten much stronger and bolder.  The recent inclusion of photography as a communication skill has forced me to address new topics and discover new things about life and myself.

Intimacy.  It is a powerful word.  In 2012 I will be intentional about exploring this topic visually.  Of course it starts first with me.

Taking pictures of myself is not something I normally do.  However it is forcing me to look at me and see my self image.  I listen to the negative thoughts that run through my mind.  Some are mine.  Some belong to others.  And yet I continue to journal with my camera as I maneuver through this journey of healing and wholeness.

I guess I will call this:  "Revealing Me"