Jason Christopher, LA Commercial & Fashion Photographer Bio

So I had no idea that my original post about photographer camaraderie would be so popular and with some individuals cause such a firestorm.  I am very thankful to all that have supported this way of thinking.  To those who disagree I would like to give some background to the impetus of my post.

I posted the photo of Jerry Avenaim and myself because Jerry was the photographer who helped, mentored and still does help me with anything I need related to photography including any issues I may have in my personal life.  Jerry is a world famous fashion celebrity photographer and is very approachable.  In that photo in the original post we are riding in the back of a limo because we BOTH worked a job out in Vegas that he got for me. The job required two shooters and Jerry called me.   We were on our way to the shoot location. He is a friend as well as a colleague that I respect and value immensely.  We have been friends for many years, we’ve had our up’s and downs just like any good friends do and over those years he has taught me to respect everyone and to pay it forward and that when you give you also get back tenfold.

When you attend one of his lectures like I have, he shares his values and his voyage of self discovery.  His story is very moving and got me thinking even more.  The bottom line is that yes we are photographers and sometimes our job is glamorous and fun but at the end of the day we are all human. We all put our pants on one leg at a time.  We all make mistakes.  As much as we think we can do it all alone, the fact is we can’t.  We need help just like no matter how old we are we still need our parents.

As photographers we all have a heart and it is that very fact that having a heart is what makes us good photographers.  My point and Jerry’s point is don’t just use your heart to advance your photography career, use it to be a better person, a more caring person and in the end you will be helping others as well as yourself.  And that way of thinking my friends is what helps me get through each day and keeps me going to make great photography and  great friends.

➢ The closer your light modifier is to your model, the broader/softer your light will be. The farther away, the more direct/harsher your light will be. An umbrella will yield more contrast than a soft box.

➢    When placing your soft box or umbrella in relation to the model, start at the distance of the circumference of the umbrella or diagonal measurement of your soft box. So if the circumference of your umbrella is 45in. then place it 45in. away from your model.  If the size of your box is 36in. then place it 36in. away from your model.  The angle & height you place it at is dependant upon what type of lighting you choose.  So start with these “rules” and then break them as you wish.

I was photographing a woman for her CD cover down at the beach one afternoon in Malibu and as I always do I look and observe EVERYTHING going on around me.  Why you may ask ?  Because well first of all you need to make sure your shot is clear but also you never know what might be hiding right in front of your nose.  As we were looking around for great light I saw a little girl about a hundred yards away behind my model.  The little girl was attempting to feed a sea gull and the moment was perfect !  I quickly put my Canon 200mm lens on and shot away.  It was funny because my client was talking to me and I didn’t hear a word she was saying, lol.

Before I knew it the moment was gone but I captured a magical moment.

girl on beach feeding sea gull

Ok so TIP # 2 ➢    Talk to your model before the shoot as he or she is getting their make up and hair done.  Joke around, get to know them, be approachable and friendly.  This is the perfect time to establish some kind of bond.   Even if you can only spend 10 minutes with them, it’s better than nothing.  So how do you start off the conversation ?  Hi my name is Jason and I’m your photographer today.   Or for you guys who have already spoken to the model to set up the shoot but haven’t really spent much time talking, then walk in the make up room and just say hi and tell her how great she looks or how good he looks if it is a male model and then the conversation will just develop on it’s own.

beauty model

I know this blog is mainly about fashion photography however, there are going to be many times when you will be shooting a head shot or a corporate head shot or just a family portrait. You MUST be GREAT at directing your subject. Yes fashion models you will have an easier time with because they will have experience but even the best and most experienced models want your input and energy.
Helmut Newton said it best… “My job as a portrait photographer is to seduce, amuse and entertain.”

So my first photography tip is: ➢Talk to and direct your model. Reinforce words like beautiful, nice, great, you look amazing, sexy!  Say it with energy and conviction! Your model will feed off your energy and enthusiasm.  The photographer dictates the overall tone of the shoot.  Don’t be afraid or nervous.  As a matter of fact your models expect you to direct them and WANT you to direct them !  Obviously if your shooting a family portrait you will choose different words other than sexy.  You could tell the family how handsome they all look.  Tell them what a beautiful family they are.  “Parents, you look great!”

Stay tuned for another tip coming soon

Model Bobbi Sue Luther