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.