SPACE

This series of images was produced around an interpretation of the concept of space. This is Dejen, a very accomplished jazz saxophonist, and we discussed the use of space in music which led to this production style.
“Miles Davis, Randy Weston, Keith Jarrett, Jack DeJohnette, and Gary Peacock all cite (Ahmad) Jamal as [...]

Fashion and Beauty: Two Things I Don’t Understand

In my last post I spoke about how the fashion workshop helped me realize I didn’t want to shoot fashion.  Ok.  Fine, but that doesn’t mean that any of us should shy away from knowledge, experience or a chance to build our technical ability just because the subject doesn’t necessarily interest us.  I’m really glad [...]

Studio Fashion Shoot

Last Saturday was a great day; It was one of the few fashion shoots I attempt and despite all the controversy and criticism surrounding fashion photography, it still feels like the most difficult work I’ve attempted and some of the greatest fun.  Maybe the fun had less to do with it being a fashion shoot [...]

Outtakes

Hey Gang,
This post features a number of outtakes from recent studio and location shoots that I thought were just fun images worth sharing.  Hope you enjoy.

State of Play

Today’s images are of Markus, former student, good friend and brilliant engineer.  I can’t say exactly why I wanted to photograph Markus.  I didn’t think about it much going into the shoot other than I wanted to photograph him.  Instinct, perhaps something else.  Maybe the same reason I want to photograph another friend, Dejen (happening [...]

(I) Studio Portait: Professional Singer Kelly Rea Jackson

I recently had the pleasure to do a short shoot with professional singer, Kelly Rea Jackson, in the studio. Kelly is a high energy, playful spirit. We did a slight variation on two themes and these three images are a sampling of the session. Below you can see a slide show of [...]

NPC Competition with Lisa

A recent client, Lisa, participated in the NPC (National Physique Committee) bodybuilding, fitness and figure competition in Wyzata, MN a few weeks ago.  The day after the competition we photographed Lisa in the studio to document what she has accomplished.  She is a self-employed business owner, a mom, a daughter, a sister, an aunt and [...]

Studio Photography: One/Two Light Portraits

This post and next features commissioned portrait work.  The bulk of what we shot in both cases featured a single subject light and, in some cases, a background light.  The power of a single subject light setup is that it allows the photographer and subject to concentrate on what’s really important; the soul/personality/attitude of the [...]

(V) Tutorial: 5 light setup Part 2 – Photoshop Work

This is part 2 of the two part tutorial series, 5 Light Setup.  In this tutorial Alec goes through his Photoshop process for finishing off the stunning portrait of Terry.

Creating The Image: 5 light setup Part 2 – Photoshop from Alec Johnson on Vimeo.

Studio Portrait: 5 Light Setup

Last week I was in Knoxville, TN assisting my good friend, Bryan Allen, with his studio and location lighting workshop.  As part of that workshop he asked me to demonstrate a lighting technique I use occasionally in my studio portrait work.
This is Terry, one of the models participating in the workshop and he kindly stood [...]

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