Jason Christopher, LA Commercial & Fashion Photographer Bio

My assistant shot some photos of me shooting that I thought you all might enjoy.   This was a shoot for NXS Hair Extensions.

Los Angeles photographer Jason Christopher

NXS Hair Shoot

beauty photo campaign

Beauty Model

This model is from Ford Model Agency.  For this shoot I kept it simple. I used just one small umbrella above and a medium silver reflector by Photoflex.  I placed a strobe on both sides of the background with a yellow gel.  The yellow gel combined with 18% gray paper gives you an olive color.  In the end though the art director decided they didn’t like that color and in post they had the retoucher just make it white.

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

So I finally made slide show of some of my beauty images and even added music !  I have to admit I am still learning IMovie.  I would love to get some feedback on the video.

I decided to post this photo in the Lighting On Location section because location doesn’t just mean outdoors.  Many times I like to use the available light that is in the room.  In this instance it was a bathroom.  Now  this is something I learned from Helmut Newton.  When he first started shooting he couldn’t afford professional lighting.  He was very poor.  So he used the lamps in his house as his lighting source.  Of course back then he used film and did all his color correcting in the darkroom or used the correct film for such lighting conditions.  But I have come to like the warm color cast that results from NOT white balancing my camera.  This is the original shot.   I was on a tripod using

available indoor photography lighting

a very slow shutter speed and a high ISO.  The model has to keep very still OR even a little blur is ok.  It makes it more artistic.  Again, remember there is no right or wrong UNLESS the client doesn’t like it.  In this case my client, Deliverance Poker did like it.

Now I also wanted to try something else so I made the image black and white in Lightroom.  I also cropped it much tighter.  I like both versions.  I just want to show you how you don’t ALWAYS have to use additional lighting to capture a great shot.

This is the black and white cropped version.

black and white conversion photo

They both look great.  I would love to know your thoughts and opinions.

This photo shoot was great.  I let the model just get into her own head and forget I was even there.   Your model doesn’t always have to be looking into the camera.  A great photo is about capturing a moment, a moment that evokes a feeling inside you  and makes you think.  Sometimes when I see a photo it brings me back to a time from my childhood, or even evokes feelings that I never even felt.  I share this with you in hopes that you feel something to inspire you or just make you fee good about life.

golden hour light through sheer shirt