November 2017 - New Jersey, Philadelphia, NYC Personal Branding, Commercial and Editorial Photographer

Jimmy Choos And Walking Your Way To Success Event

November 22, 2017/0 Comments/in event photography /by Deirdre Ryan

I had an amazing opportunity to photograph my friend and client, Francine. She’s launching her company’s brand to develop unique networking experiences for professional women and it happened at Jimmy Choos location in SoHo, NYC. Francine and my other friend Dolores, are business partners and I love them both. So to see this happening for Francine made me really happy for her. We’ve worked quite a few times, below are two samples:

Photographing An Image For A Book

Women in Business Helping Other Women

Francine is working with The Create(HER) Life and their team. Together they’ve put together a beautiful brand for her and it’s stunning.To see a sample of what they did please click here. The video below is a recap of the evening’s event and it’s produced by Cynematic Productions.

The event was a way to get together, network, speak to Francine, and of course, buy gorgeous shoes! A portion of the sales was also for the The Friends of Education of The Museum of Modern Art.

The lighting inside was mixed, so I used a wireless Canon 600RT EX flash and the videographers had their own LED panel. But for the most part, I used the other flash on my camera. I mixed and mingled with my camera, the goal was to get make it as easy as possible for my client to get the images they wanted.

Everyone at Jimmy Choo was very helpful, warm and inviting. Thank you Francine, Dolores, David and Antoinette for supporting me. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

A Financial Advisor, Boats and A Summer Day for An Editorial Magazine Article and Cover

November 15, 2017/0 Comments/in Editorial, Headshots /by Deirdre Ryan

I was called over the summer to photograph Douglas Bauerband in Toms River, NJ for a financial magazine called Proactive Advisor Magazine. I had never heard of them, however they had found me through Google and thought that I would be a good fit since I lived fairly close by. Going on location for an environmental editorial portrait photoshoot is what I’m known for so they gave me the specs that they needed for the article, how many images they needed and how they were planning on using them for the magazine and online. They were very detailed and organized, and I scheduled the shoot with Doug and took it from there.

We discussed what they were looking for, and I suggested some clothing options. I wasn’t sure what to expect so I went with a few ideas in mind. I knew getting some photos inside was one, but I really wanted to go outside too. And of course it was a hot, muggy day by the shore.

Once I got there for the time scheduled, there wasn’t too much outside. However across the street was a harbor with boats docked. Doug was super nice and so was his assistant. He came prepared with some options that we discussed. I setup my wireless Canon 600RT EX flashes with the Westcott Rapid Boxes and we got started quickly.

I understand that with layout and design, they needed a few options with vertical and horizontal options. I also intentionally did not crop these because I knew that the designers already had an idea of what they wanted and would need room for the fonts and other design elements.

I had him try a few things, with and without the tie, with and without smiling. But he’s the kind of person that is a naturally happy person, so I prefer the ones of him smiling.

Afterwards, Doug was completely up for going outside for more shots. The only spot of green that we found in the parking lot that had ok lighting was underneath this tree. The sun was by now right above us. I didn’t have an assistant to hold anything to diffuse the harsh light.

So then I suggested the marina across the street and he was like sure! So we hopped into my car, braved some traffic and asked the guys there if it was okay that we took some pictures there for a magazine editorial, they said sure. I set up one Canon 600EX RT flash wirelessly and we started. I decided to have the light work with me and made him pretend that the boats were his.

The last shot Doug wanted, so I said sure and that was it for the session.

Afterwards, we took a quick fun selfie and we went back to his office where I packed up the rest of my gear and headed back to my office, edited the files and sent them to my client as full sized Tifs for them to download from my Photoshelter account.

Doug’s interview was published in early October, below is the cover and right underneath is the link the the article.

Helping clients achieve three key principles for retirement success by David Wismer | Oct 11, 2017 | Advisor Interviews

Thank you Doug for totally ROCKING your photoshoot with me! We had a lot of fun together and thank you Proactive Advisor Magazine!

I really loved how these images represented Doug for his business and branding.

The Successful Failures Ichor Of Nettle Album Launch with The Paper Jets Opening

November 13, 2017/0 Comments/in Concerts, Music Photography /by Deirdre Ryan

In case you didn’t see my previous post, it shows the photos from the shoot for their new album that I did with them.

The Successful Failures album launch happened on October 2oth, 2017 at The Record Collector with The Paper Jets opening for them. The Paper Jets are a local NJ band and my friend Mike Virok is a member of. I don’t know why I didn’t know this, I guess I’ve been under a rock or something LOL! Mike also owns the Bordentown Guitar Rescue.

Before the show starts, I walk in to see what’s going on and where I should stand, etc. It was good to see everyone, they’re doing sound check, and I’m pretty excited to hear the bands play. I packed light that night, using a Canon 50mm f1.8 lens, Canon 16-35mm f2.8 L lens and a Canon 100mm Macro f2.8 lens with my Canon Mark 5D III camera. I didn’t want to bring my huge Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L non-IS lens because that night I didn’t think it was necessary and I was right. But I did have to push the ISO way up for the lighting inside.

The Paper Jets were INCREDIBLE! I bought their CD Strange Friends that night. The SF gave me their Ichor Of Nettle CD and I bought their live vinyl LP, Into The Battle.

Finally at one point I just sat back and relaxed to watch the show. I did take a video below:

Here’s another one of my cell phone videos:

These down below are from another channel and I did my very best to stay out of the frame. But you can see me on occasion.

At one point I was taking pictures behind the stage and they had just finished a song when they started talking about the album and how it was all done with people from the Bordentown area. When they mentioned Mike Virok who did the graphic design and then they mentioned me as their photographer. I was so flattered and caught off guard because I was still taking pictures. LOL I’m wondering if anyone has video of that? And if you do can you contact me please? Thanks 🙂

It was a great night, my friend Jim Parker helped hold my lenses while I was in between the aisle. My friend Dolores was in town visiting a friend and so she stopped by. After the concert, my friends, Stephanie and Jackie went to the H.O.B. Tavern for some food and drinks and invited the band to join us and they did. My husband’s train had also just come into town, so he was able to join us which was a really nice surprise. It was the perfect way to end a great night.

Thanks to everyone that made it possible!

The Successful Failures Album Ichor of Nettle Cover Art Photoshoot

November 13, 2017/0 Comments/in Branding Photography, Editorial, Music Photography, personal branding photography, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

Now that their album has launched, I can post some photos from our shoot.

In case you didn’t hear, it all started one night, I was at the show to watch Men Without Hats and The Successful Failures opened for them. Quite honestly, I was amazed, I was like holy shit, these guys are awesome! Then I posted that blog link, and Mick, the lead singer of the band contacted me. They really loved the photos that I shot. We went back and forth and next thing I knew, we were trying to get a date to photograph everyone for their next upcoming album. Even saw the band perform at the Chesterfield Inn, chatted with Mick’s dad along with our friends. That was a really good night.
Then this past January of 2017, we finally did and it was a cold day. I mean it wasn’t just cold, it was REALLY bitter cold, like it was about to snow with ice mixed in. And I had a gig at the NJPAC up in Newark that night too and the weather on the NJ Turnpike was horrible. But we got it done and I made it to that gig safely.

They wanted pictures of them at their recording studio and then I wanted to get some shots at a location in Bordentown, and we did, bitter cold or not, it got done! LOL

Inside while they were playing, I used one wireless Canon 600EX RT flash with a Westcott Rapid Box on a lightstand. When I’m shooting, my goal is to not be there, or just be a part of the environment. And since I had to use the flash, I decided to be a part of the environment, we chatted, joked around, but I mainly listened and looked for cues. Being in an intimate session like this was great, getting to know the guys better in their studio surrounded by items that enable them to create was helpful for me. And for the most part, I just let them do what they do best, be themselves and play.
(Behind the Scenes Photo by David Ryan)
After they finished playing, we took some shots of them all together inside the studio. At first some were sitting down, so then I had them stand up, then I said, ok, grab an instrument.
These are what they picked up. Then I saw the couch behind Rob’s drum kit, so I had them get cozy with each other on that.
And I was like, these are okay, but I still want to take you guys to another location. So we had some time and we did. I was thinking back to what Mick was saying what he originally wanted and there was this alleyway/street in Bordentown that has these fire escapes. So we get in the cars and head over to the location. I get there first, setup my wireless Canon 600EX RT Flash and a Photek Softlighter on a stand and use my husband as a stand in and I’m ready once the guys show up.

It’s bitter cold and the temperatures dropping. These guys, I tell ya, I really love them. They take their warm coats and hats off and endure the temps and me telling them what to do for these shots. I love that they trusted me and what I wanted to do for them.

(Behind the Scenes Photo by David Ryan)

So there’s a shot before this one, we’re all trying to get Ron to smile and he’s doing his best, and then Pete does his “thing” and that’s how this shot came to be. LOL

Then we went across the street to my friend’s house because these row of colonial homes fit what I was looking for. So with her permission, we used her front porch.

Back in May they performed at Randy’s Man Cave and used one of the images I shot for the promotional poster and the single online. And of course I took pictures. The space is tiny and they had someone take video, and if you click on the link for Randy’s Man Cave, you’ll see it all there.

The album launch happened on October 20th, 2017 at The Record Collector. The Paper Jets opened for them and I am now a fan of them. The two bands compliment each other really well.

Working with the guys, collaborating, staying true to who they are, their brand, what they wanted for their new album was just awesome. I let them tell me what they wanted, listening to their ideas, and it went from there.

The Successful Failures gave me a copy of their CD, Ichor Of Nettle and I bought the LP, Into The Battle. Here’s what it looks like(I just used my iPhone SE):

At first I wasn’t sure about the cover art, and Mick was like, she’s going to KILL US. But honestly I thought well there has to be a reason behind it all. This is their vision to go with their music.

And then he showed me what happens when you pull out the insert:

Now that’s cool! These are the details you miss when you buy on iTunes or a digital download from Amazon. I recommend going to your local music store and buying the physical CD and ripping it to play on your iPod or phone. I also love seeing my name and work in physical print again 🙂

Below are two music videos to market their new album and in my next post, I’ll show images from their album launch with video from a guy who seems to be at every local band event. He’s super cool and I’m so glad that he’s there to document these.

Thanks to Mick, Pete, Ron and Rob for having me to photograph you and having a great time. I’m forever thankful to you guys! To see the album launch party at The Record Collector, CLICK HERE.

If you’re interested in having me as your photographer, please contact me and let’s get together to chat about your project. Thanks!

UPDATE:

Here’s more of my images, but this time in print for New Jersey Stage Magazine, thanks for the photo credit!

Rebranding Photography For Diverse Salon Day One

November 13, 2017/4 Comments/in Branding Photography, Headshots, personal branding photography, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

Denise and I have known each other for some time now, networking within the same circles since about 2010 with W.I.N. (Women Interested In Networking) with Terri Petri. The group used to meet once a month at Villa Mannino’s in Bordentown, NJ and the entire banquet room would be filled up with women just networking. It was a lot of fun, I’ve made many contacts and friends through that group.

Denise and her husband own a place in Mercer Mall on Route 1 called Great Looks For Less. We’ve been following each other on Instagram and we’re friends on Facebook, etc. One day she contacts me to contribute for an event and then asks about my photography for rebranding. She’s not not only rebranding her salon, but she’s franchising it. The new name is now called Diverse Style Salon. Their new website will be launching soon, for now please follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Before we did any shooting, we met up to discuss what she wanted for her business. Her branding, colours, logo, vision, etc. This was going to be two days of shooting. The first step was to get updated business portraits of her and Chase. We chatted about clothing and jewelry, hair and makeup was a no brainer of course! And they know how to pose, I didn’t want them to look un-natural, but I did want them to look their best and to bring out their beautiful personalities that they’re known for with their clients.

When it came to photograph the two together, I didn’t want something really typical or boring. Chase had an idea that he wanted to try, so we went with it.

And then I suggested a few other ideas…

This is the last shot and it’s actually my favorite of this gorgeous husband and wife team together.

They also requested one with the front desk and their new logo and signage. The one below is my personal favorite.

Once they get their new website up and running, then I’ll post the other images from Day Two of this wonderful branding photoshoot!

If you’re interested in having me as your photographer, please contact me and let’s get together to chat about your project. Thanks!

6 Months of Cuteness for the L. Family

November 10, 2017/0 Comments/in Families and Children, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

I know Molly and Clint from photographing their wedding back in October 2012. I may not photograph weddings anymore, but as with most of my clients, we hit it off and stayed friends.

They had been struggling to start a family and then they heard of a little baby who was to be up for adoption, they got to welcome her into their arms as a newborn. I know what that’s like, as we struggled for years, and had just signed the paperwork to start the adoption process as our Plan B, when our daughter finally became the miracle we were praying for to become pregnant with.

I do portraits for family and children on private referrals now and I am always honored to have these kinds of clients. These are the moments that you can’t get back and having a professional take the pictures far outweighs using a cell phone or a relative with that “fancy camera”.

Originally we were going to meet in a park along the Delaware River, but it got too windy and cold. So at the last minute, we decided to go to their home. I contemplated different areas, and then we decided simple was best. We had already planned on the chalkboard, so I wrote out her name and how old she was. She is the sweetest baby girl and loves to make sounds like she’s trying to blow them out of her mouth. I well remember this age and it’s a lot of fun! The weather was still chilly but not like it was before and so we got some images in the front of their home.