Craig Blank Photography: New Website and Let's Discuss Content!

Craig Blank Photography: New Website and Let's Discuss Content!: A fter much work and gnashing of teeth I have updated my website My awesome website I invite you to check it out and let me know what you...

New Website and Let's Discuss Content!

After much work and gnashing of teeth I have updated my website
My awesome website

I invite you to check it out and let me know what you think.

Content Creation

Life style photography for client Green Girl World.

For some reason that phrase has always piqued my interest. Now so more then ever. At this moment in time content is king. Posting once a day on Instagram and facebook is barely enough to stay alive. We all know that. We all would like it to be effortless. And speaking for myself I can say I get great satisfaction in seeing those likes and follows add up. So let's make it happen!

I think we all know what we want our brand to look like. We can point to image and say "I identify with that". Or "that color is me". Certainly pointing at it and making it happen are two different things. That is where Craig Blank Photography comes in. You can rely on my creativity and technical skill to turn your ideas and feelings into engaging photos.

Quite simple really. We start with a meeting and together discuss what you would like to convey and what you would not like to convey. At this point we are gathering general information. Next topic is the shoot itself. Make a list of what needs to get shot and how. Go over any technical challenges. Next thing you know shoot day is here. Proud to say that this is everyones favorite part. Mixed in with the fun is productivity and a clear understanding of the final images. At this point any and all questions are answered. I make the selection process easy with your own web link and download page.  Prompt delivery of images is always the case. And we can even set up an automatic post system so that you are looking at results as opposed to posting everyday.

That is the process in a nutshell. Each client and job has it's own style and nuances, so I invite you to contact me and we can create some content! Contact me via my web page.

Craig Blank Photography in 2018.

A lot has happened in the 8 years since my last Blogger post.

Let me count the ways. New studio, new clients and all the great things that happen as we move through life.

                            Click on the promo vid for good luck.

Mostly the photography landscape has changed. Reflecting  social and economic changes. As a whole we are in an uncomfortable period in history. Uncomfortable in the sense that there are a lot of trends that are new and certainly uncharted. Social media is commanding more and more of our attention. This has opened doors of engagement that connect us virtually making nothing out of the question. We can create change. We interact. We engage with  close friends, friends from high school and like minded individuals from around the globe. Interestingly we engage through photography in ways that we could never imagine 8 years ago. The photo and video is now our preferred choice of communication. Of course this puts photographers or should I say image professionals in a unique position. This new position has yet to develop rules and guidelines that were so necessary in the days of film only. Today I mostly throw out rules that I once knew. I am convinced that a new path must be forged. 

                            Reflecting on the landscape.

The path is clearer these days. Transparency and communication should and need to be a top priority. I provide all of my clients with a full breakdown of fees and a timeline of the project from concept to delivery of completed files. Additionally the client and I walk down the same path. Each shoot is a collaboration. Sometimes that looks like the working together from beginning to end. Sometimes that looks like no direction at all from the client. In any case engaging digital assets are provided. Giving clients the tools that they need to take advantage of the new media landscape.

Contact me to discuss your next project or just drop by to say Hey!!!!

craig@craigblankphoto.com

www.craigblankphoto.com

Photography, Rock Hunting & Milkshakes

The Winter swell has begun to bring up rocks from the ocean's mysterious floor here in the South Bay. I was lucky enough carve some time into my schedule this morning and check the usual haunts.

What does this have to do with photography and can I have a milkshake? you say.

Head down and eyes wide open; I said the same thing to myself while navigating the Pacific Ocean seascape. Both rocks and photography take an uncanny vision to see beyond the camouflage. Beyond what is hidden and yet staring us in the face at the same time. Kind of like lifting a veil to reveal a beautiful face or sanding a piece of wood to reveal it's color and beauty.

Find a beautiful rock and or take a good photo or paint or sing.

The idea is to wonder and explore the details around you. You just never know what you will find. Somehow that is what I try and reveal in my photography. It is All About the Details. And of course; rock hunting and Yes! Go and have a milkshake.

Oh yeah; leave a comment and let me know any and or all of your thoughts.

craigblankphoto.com

This is a series that I will be working on for the rest of my natural life.

Beach, Pier & Things

Craig Blank Photography

Maci Lee and a Ton of Christmas Trees.

Of course Holiday Lighting and Design stepped it up a notch this year. Incredible designs stemming from 15 + years of experience. Based out of Palm Springs; we photographed Morongo Casino to Beverly Wishire and everything in between. We worked with armed guards and as little as 5 minute shooting times. All in all a positive experience showcasing creativity from both sides of the lens.

Exciting work from the team these days. Proud to have photographed the incomparable Maci in lovely Hermosa Beach, CA.

Albeit, windy we had a perfect day. Surf was slightly high and the county provided a wall of sand that came in handy. Maci and my team get extra credit for providing bounce light and hair control. Maci gets extra credit for braving the slightly fosty temps and wet feet.

Now in Los Angeles!!!

Revamped website and the whole nine yards. Check out http://craigblankphoto.com/ and let me know what you think.

Pyatt Furniture

First order of business was my dear friend Matt Pyatt's stone furniture. Outstanding work from a challenging space. We were able to shoot the whole catalog in a day. Full on creativity from both sides of the lens. 

Matt's incredible vision and of course beautiful furniture; coupled with my camera skills provided some outstanding photography.

Mona 

I was then challenged with a beach photoshoot. One of the beauties of living in LA is the beauties... Our now dear fiend and neighbor contacted me one lovely summer evening and we came up with a beautiful sunset session.

Brenda

Most recently I met with Brenda. Incredible natural talent. We decided to shoot her Halloween costume for kicks. This one came out good. the rest are going to be great. I look forward to sharing them with you.

Much Love & Bass

Heather photo shoot.

Incredible work from a talented MUA/stylist/model. Proud to have her grace the seamless. Here is how hers and most shoots go down. http://heathermcguffin.com/index.html

Days and even weeks before the shoot: Mainly a clarification of ideas and a confirmation of the work expected. Kudos and thoughts are flowing. At this point I form lighting ideas and discuss wardrobe and style. Logistics of time and day are worked out. Have to say that I try my hardest to accommodate any and all schedules. Shoot times are finalized by email and one phone call. Meeting at Starfucks (Starbucks™)  is also an option, but rarely necessary. We can speak about flakes for hours. At Breman ct Studio it is simple. Show up; or do not show up. 

Upon arrival: Nervous as hell. Not really, but it is curious when first eye contract is made. Proud to say that any and all fears quickly fade. Wardrobe assessments are made. Generally these are easy because of previous conversations. Make up and hair at this point falls in the hands of my love Ruthie and the model. Not sure what goes on behind closed doors, but it is magic. 

On the seamless: We start relaxed. I explain where the light is coming from and where the "Sweet" spot is. Natural nervous tension is quickly turned into a positive experience. Poses and ideas flow like water with mad  Drum & Bass in the background. Lights change, moods change and wardrobes change. Only thing that stays constant and in fact grows is the creativity from both sides of the lens. 

First edits: Close to 500 photos are shot in the 2-3 hour session. Photos are downloaded as as Digital Negative. This format keeps the integrity of the original file and ensures editing  is "Lossless". Generally 150 images are quickly cropped. They are then posted the next day on my secure website for client picks. At this point photos are not available for download. Client then picks faves. This number varies, average is 20. 

Final edits. Files are toned and sharpened. Attention to detail is key. Colour temp comes first. We then move into tone adjustments. Colour is optimized. File is sharpened. Images are then converted to jpg, posted and available for download. A CD with full size jpgs and a contact sheet is then sent to the client. 

So there you have it. Questions and comments are greatly appreciated.

http://craigblankphoto.com/

Love & Bass