Went to my first Drink & Click in Tokyo, Japan the other night. The Drink & Click groups are popping up all over the world. I'm be speaking at the Austin Texas chapter in October along with the New Jersey Chapter. If you have one in your city, check it out. It's a fun way to connect with other photographers and build your body or work.
What does Vine star Nash Grier have in common with Angela Bassett?
in Family, Photography
Angela Bassett, Nash Grier, Zendaya Coleman, Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker, all have somethign in common, they all have their own copy of Future American President. Now you can have your own special edition version of Future American President too. Starting September 12th, 2015 at 7:30 pm PST, you'll be able to make your very own special edition book with your child on the cover.
KICKSTARTER ONLY! under FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM
September 12th, 2015
Launch time: 7:30 pm PST
Hosts: Angela Bassett, Nicole Ari Parker, Felicia Henderson and Dr. Pearl Grimes
Watch LIVE on Periscrope!
Caption: Nash Grier with Future American President
Caption: Angela Bassett with Future American President
Caption: Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker with Future American President
Caption: Zendaya with Future American President
Tokyo Interview
Yesterday I had an interview with a photography magazine in Tokyo. It was one of the more intensive interviews I've had in my career. The interview lasted more than two hours and we spoke about subjects ranging from how I began my career to what inspires me to create my personal projects.
I'm looking forward to seeing the article when it comes out and i'm looking forward to meeting others in the photo community in Japan. Wish me luck.
Always dream big!
Editing with Mylio
Whenever I am out of the country I get requests for older images. I don't know what it is, but this happens all the time. Thanks to Mylio, it's not a problem anymore. I have all the images I want with me all the time and it's made my life much easier.
Today I worked on my Ipad at a local Starbucks in Tokyo, and it felt like I was working from my office computer. Now, my office is any where I want it to be.
The step-by-step way to create amazing pictures.
in Photography
The Step-by-Step Way To Create Amazing Pictures
Sometimes it's necessary to repeat valuable information. I've received a lot of comments on this post so I thought I'd update it a bit and share it again.
Sometimes, taking the first step is the most difficult one to take when it comes to getting started in photography. Here are seven steps to help guide you through your journey in creating amazing pictures.
Step 1: The Idea
Everything starts with a big idea. As soon as the idea comes write it down right away. Computers and other devices are great, but I prefer putting pen to paper. Maybe I'm old fashion but this seems to work the best for me. Give it a try and see how it works for you. Start with the idea and define it by writing it down. For example, while photographing polar bears in Cape Churchill, I had the idea of photographing models in a way where I could use the images together. While on the trip, I wrote down my idea and by the time I was back in Los Angeles, I had the story together. Putting pen to paaper always helps you define your ideas.
Step 2: Research
Today, it's easier than ever before to do research. I used to keep countless books of tear sheets from old magazines as research material, but today, we have Pinterest to make our lives easier Use Pinterest to make inspirations boards and to conduct your research. After you write down your idea, dive into research. The research helped pull the idea together in a stronger way resulting in the bi-polar beauty story.
Step 3: The Sketch
I'm no Picasso, but I am a visual person. Sketching out my ideas after doing the research has always helped me in visualizing how I will bring my vision to life. In advertising assignments, one of the first things clients send sketches or some type of visual board. The sketch helps you see things in a clear way and visualize the image for the first time in a tangible manner. It also helps me when you need to share your idea with your team. I can share an idea with my team, but they may have a different visual in their mind. When I show and tell it helps my team come together as a unit to bring the vision to life.
Step 4: Pre-Production
Pre-production is probably the most important aspects of any photo shoot, and the bigger the shoot, the more important pre-production is. Whenever I mention this in a seminar or workshop someone always says "what is pre-production?" Pre-production is the process of producing your photo shoot or putting the shot together. You have your idea, you've done your research, you have a sketch and now it's time to figure out all the elements come together to make your shoot a success. The big elements are easy to see, but it's the small details that can often become overlooked and make or break a photo shoot. Pre-production is the key to having a fantastic shoot, so make sure you go over every element and mentally walk through the steps to bring your vision to life. The more time you spend producing, the better things will be on your shoot day. If you're shooting a model, what color will her nails be? If you're shooting on a beach, how will you change lenses if it's windy? Try to think of every small detail you can and plan for your success. A key element to always have is a call sheet. No matter how big or small this will keep you from going crazy when you move to the next step.
Step 5: Taking Your Picture
This is the fun part, which is why so many people want to start here, but if you skip the steps before this and jump into taking a picture you will find yourself in the same place year after year. Great pictures are rarely a mistake. Yes, there are those times when something amazing takes place right in front of your camera, but it happens more often to the photographer who is trained to create great images.
To create amazing pictures, you must think like a movie director because great pictures often tell a story and have a hero. Sometimes the hero is very obvious, like in the image of the Japanese woman in the middle of the bamboo forest. The woman is the hero of the image but the bamboo forest is the supporting cast. In the image of the Washington Monument, the monument is the hero, but the sunrise sets the mood.
Both images were planned. For the model image, I scouted a model from a Japanese agency in Osaka, Japan and had her come to Kyoto, Japan for the shoot. I talked to the makeup artist while I was still in America so we were all clear about the concept before the shoot
. For the image of the monument, I looked up the time for sunrise, went to the location the day before to find my angle and then got up and 4:00 a.m. to take my place and wait for the perfect moment.
Step 6: Image Selection
I rarely hear people talk about how to select your images these days, but it is a very important step for the photographer looking to advance his or her career. You can take a thousand images, but it takes a trained eye to be able to select the perfect shot to show the world. Here's the tricky part. Sometimes the best image to show is not the best image from your shoot. I know, this sounds confusing, but you only want to show images to fit your brand. This took a long time for me to grasp, but it made the most significant difference in my work.
Step 7: Post Production
Another question I am asked all the time is, "do you retouch your own images?" There are a lot of great photographers who love doing their own retouching, but I am not one of them. The less time in front of a computer means the more time I can spend with a camera in my hands. Knowing when to delegate is an important part of making a great image. Like a great director, you need a great team. The best retouchers are those who spend every waking moment retouching. I send my images to a retoucher with instructions on how I'd like to make adjustments and we go back and forth until I have exactly what I want.
Oh, by the way, if you want to really take your photography to the next level, the Master Your Lens digital Course launches today for a limited time. The course is broken down into six lessons and offered one at a time. The first lesson goes on sale today and is only available until August 31st. Orders close at midnight, PST on 8/31/2015.
ORDER TODAY: Master Your Lens: Lesson One
The great things about having the course broken down by lessons, vs committing to the entire course all at once, is that it gives you a chance to try the course out and see if you like it. Each lesson is only $197.00 so the financial commitment is not as difficult as the entire course would be all at once. I believe once you start the journey by taking the first lesson you will want to continue as this course is designed to really give you step-by-step instructions and help in taking your photography to an incredible new place. Lesson one is all about self-discovery!
Always dream big!
How do you master the art of photography?
in Photography
I can't really explain how incredible it feels, but there is nothing quite like it when you see a student start to grow right in front of your eyes and begin the process of mastering the art of photography.
Last week was a ground-breaking week for all of my students and I'm excited to see how they will perform in this week's class. Almost all of them have emailed me with questions and I love to see them start to come alive and grow. I never knew it before, but I love teaching others the art of photography.
I am currently in my fourth week of teaching an online photography class, and all of my students are really starting to take off. The class was only offered for five days initially, and there has been a lot of interest since registration ended, but I won't be able to teach the class in this manner again for a while.
Because of the interest and email from those who missed signing up for the Master Your Lens Course I have decided to offer the class digitally starting today. The class is a six-week course devoted to helping students master the art of photography. A different lesson is taught each week and there are assignments that must be completed. Offering the class digitally will give people the chance to tackle the assignments at their own pace and without the pressure of making sure they are free for the class based on my schedule.
The first lesson is the foundation for the entire class, and it is a very intense lesson to start the course, but it is necessary. Each student is required to keep a journal so they can see their growth week by week. The course is a step by step approach and I'm their every step of the way to guide my students through the process.
If you'd like to begin the journey with me, downloads of the first lesson are available starting today and closes at midnight on August 31st, 2015 at midnight PST. Each lesson is priced at $197.00 per lesson but, you are under no obligation to continue if you feel the entire class is not right for you. However, I believe after the first class you will want to continue as this class is like no other photography class that I have ever seen, but don't take my word for it. Try out the first class today by downloading lesson one, of the Master Your Lens Course.
Benefits include: anytime email access to me to guide you along your journey and a monthly Google hangout for Q&A with all the students taking the course.
Master Your Lens Course: Lesson One - ENROLL TODAY
Always dream big.
Joy!
How do you express a word in photography?
Look for the person doing what they love most and capture the moment.
One Incredible Family
I recently met a family that I can't stop thinking about. The parents are both amazing individuals and it just so happens that the father, Mr. Havens, is into photography. Recently, we've been spending a lot of time together talking about the things we both love; photography and travel.
The other day, while having dinner at their home, they shared an incredible idea with me and now I'd like to share that idea with you. They have invited me and everyone who reads my blog and social media posts to come away with them on a journey.
Stay tuned for more details very soon!
Always dream big!
One Light Setup
in Photography
If you've followed my work you know I'm a fan of using one light to create beauty images, portraits and more. The art of using one light come down to knowing how to add and subtract light, and when adding or subtracting works. Below I've included an overhead view of the standard setup, including V-flats, silver reflector, and my standard mini boom. Of course a wind machine is always good to have around as well.
Future Talent
This past weekend was hectic! Birthday surprise party for a friend, then met a 10 year old makeup artist and her mother, then packed and off to Japan.
What I love about flying to Asia is that I get so much done on the plane. It's really the only place left where I can focus without any distractions.
Time for bed!
Always dream big
Dedicated in Montenegro
in Photography
Three weeks ago I started teaching an online class on the art of photography. The class is taught to students from all over the world. One student lives in Montenegro and gets up in the middle of the night for the course. I am so proud of him because he is always the first one online and has a deep heartfelt passion for photography. Sometimes I have to remind myself that it's the middle of the night for him but you'd never know it.
To excel in photography, you must have passion. Actually, to excel in any field, passion is essential. What are you passionate about? Today, ask yourself this question and if you are not sure, take the time to do this simple exercise.
Fold a sheet of paper in half and on one side write the word LIKE, then on the other side of the paper write the word LOVE. Now start making a list of all the things you like in life. Maybe it's cooking or going to the opera, or bowling. Now write down all the things you truly love from the deepest part of your heart. Maybe you like to dance, but you love salsa dancing. You like the outdoors, but you love mountain climbing. Once you take the time to do this exercise it will help you find clarity about the things you love. Then right then and there start spending more time doing the things you love.
Always dream big!
When In Rome
in Travel
I recently saw something that blew me away; Two beautiful African-American women who took the time to dress in summer Yukata's.
When in Rome, do what the Romans do.
Forget the Nifty Fifty: Two Must-Have Lenses
in Photography
I have always been a fan of the prime lenses, and the 85mm lens is one of my favorites. The Nikkor 85 1.4 lens is probably one of the best portrait lens ever. Recently, I have taken to the Nikkor 58mm 1.4 lens and this week I gave both quite a workout.
Caption: 58mm lens
Caption: 85 mm lens
Caption: 85 mm lens
Caption: 58mm lens
There is just something about prime lenses that I have always loved over zoom lenses. There are amazing zoom lenses, but every photographer needs a few great primes as well. The nifty-fifty lens is a staple for many photographers as a standard lens, but the Nikkor 58mm is quite special in a different way. That little extra makes a big difference in seperating you from the pack.
Always Dream Big
I couldn't help crying
Two days ago I was the guest on a popular podcast which airs today. The hosts interviewed me about my career as a celebrity fashion and beauty photographer, but what surprised one of the hosts was my news about what's about to launch on Saturday, September 12th, at 7:30 p.m.
When I shared my news she was in tears and couldn't help crying. She knew how something like this could affect her daughter and other children around the country and her emotions showed it.
On September 12th, at 7:30 P.M. PST, Angela Bassett and friends will host a celebrity launch event as I make a big announcement. The announcement is a BIG SECRET for the moment. You can watch the event LIVE on Periscope by following me @ Matthew_JordanS on Twitter and Periscope.
Until then,...always dream big!
The First Image of the Day
The first image on every shoot is shot using a color checker passport. After this image is taken I'm ready to start the day.
Why only one light?
in Photography
Because sometimes, it's all you need.
CreativeLIVE Interview
Interviews are always interesting, but this CreativeLIVE interview is especially interesting because the questions came from all over the world.
I hope you enjoy it and find something to help you on your journey.
How I Became A Photographer
Today I thought I'd start the week by looking back at the start of my career. I forget when I did this interview, I think it was circa 2009 or 2010, but I was clearly not working out.
Always dream big!
Take a trip with me!
in Family
So when was the last time you got away and did something fun and exciting? I've been planning something and I'm almost ready to share what it with you... but not just yet. I will give you a bit of a hint today. This is for the entire family.
We are getting ready to do something that has never been done before and that's always exciting, but it's also a bit scary as well. It involves camera's, mindcraft, explosions and travel, but that's all I can say for the moment.
This is going to be fun!
Always dream big,
Matthew
Parents, Kids And The Ultimate Selfie
Why are selfie's so popular? I believe the reason is because it makes us feel good, regardless of age.
When a child looks at a picture of themselves it has an even deeper effect. What if we could take a photograph of a child and exponentially increase its power to positively affect a child's self-image.
What if the image of a child could be used to empower them to believe they can accomplish anything in life while teaching them about America, past presidents and iconic people from their state at the same time?
On September 15, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. PST we will launch the FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM project on KICKSTARTER, giving every parent the opportunity to make a "special edition" book with their child's picture on the cover of Future American President. To receive an alert via email please click here.
The effect of having a child on the cover of a book titled "Future American President, also has a profound impact on parents and grandparents too. Imagine how you'd feel to see your child featured on eyour very own special edition version of Future American President.
We also have a few NEW surprises in store...but we are keeping those tightly wrapped under lock and key.
To learn more about how your child can have their very own special edition book click here. To get a sneak peak into our BIG SECRET. click here.
Always dream big,
Matthew