Fashion Portrait: Augusta Nelson.

I shot photos of my friend Augusta for my Fashion Portrait, you might remember her from some older photos.  She was a great subject in spite of all the problems that came with shooting that day. Basically I wasted money on a generator that did not power the studio lights, permission for property, and all of the goods in between. It was a great day though. I also got to help make a Pasta Salad and make crust for a Cheese Cake with 'Gusta. I'm not sure if this will be the photo I will use, but it is one of them.

Executive Portrait: Chef Keri.

I shot my Executive Portrait today. I drew Chef Keri... and right away I knew I had to step it up. Luke Allerdice, last year graduate, shot her last year for his EP. I was stoked to get to shoot her, because she I heard she was great to work with, but I knew I had to try to step it up some how. Luke's photo was amazing, it was my favorite EP I saw, so I wanted to do a good job. Once I got it finalized and printed, I was really really happy with what I got. I don't know if it could stand next to Luke's portrait, but I'm definitely happy with it.

Blood:Water Mission.

This sort of further explains the sort of photography career I am wanting to head into. The Blood:Water Mission is an Organization that "to promote clean blood and clean water efforts in Africa".  There is a ton more to know about this organization so check out their Myspace for more information.

Missions Photography.

People ask me where I am heading after school, what field I am interested in, and etc. etc. I tell everyone, "Missions Photography". If you do not know what that is, it is basically documenting missionaries, their work, and the people group they are trying to reach, while I myself am apart of ministering in whatever way I can. I love photography, but I love people more. I don't think a job is worth more than a human life. I believe a human life is what makes a job worth doing and doing well. I have always believed that whatever job you do, you should do it for something more than self-ambition. I'm not the most selfless person, that's for sure, but I try every day to break that selfish part of my heart. I was on a mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico after my 1oth grade year and was already into photography, I just had no real idea where I was going to take it. After Christ broke my heart for the people of Mexico through my experiences and photos, I knew this was it for me. Every day since then has only confirmed that capturing lives changing and building in Truth was my future. I love every part of photography, that is why I try my best to be good at every part, I know I still have so much to learn, but this is where my heart beats strongest. I am so stoked for the future. The top photo was taken in Tijuana, Mexico: Summer of 2005 and the bottom photo was taken in Kingston, Jamaica: Summer of 2007.

Design Work.

Some may wonder why put "Brian Hall: Photography & Design". But basically, I used to design a lot of websites, but shortly figured out I liked the graphic design side of it more than than the coding up a full website. I do not consider myself a graphic artist, but I do like to design a lot of different things like CD layouts, banners, flyers, posters, t-shirts, cards, etc. etc. So I usually just take images, mix opacities, have fun with many different brushes, texts, and vector objects if possible and play around to come up with things kind of like these. So yeah, I design things for people on occasion. It's fun.

Old Old Photographs.

I was going through some old images of mine from a good time of growth in my life. It was a really great period and every time I view some of these photos of my old friend, I am reminded of a time in my life where, I was not perfect (at being a person, friend, nor photographer) but I was really loving the direction I was heading. The images still hold a huge place in my heart. It was before I knew much about photography, but confirmed even more that it was the direction I needed to be heading. The things we work at; relationships, jobs, hobbies, or just life itself, is for more than just what we see. 

Before And After: Women's Prison.

This is another photo I took from the Prison. I wanted to show you a before and after. Now some of you may think that I spend a long time editing each and every photo. BUT! You'd actually be mistaken, yes, wrong. I probably spent, at most, five minutes editing this photo all together. I vignetted the corners and color corrected slightly in RAW (just enough to take out the green shift but still leave a mood). I then opened it and added a slight "Popular High Contrast" Trick that takes a few seconds with a few Apple J's and Opacity changes till you get what you like. I adjusted the levels to rid the last bit of haze. I then added a new Burn & Dodge Layer in 50% Gray and dodged the chair, below the cot, around some corners, and burnt some edges a little more. Whether is sounds complicated or not, it's not. I know it's easier to be shown so if anyone ever wants any help, I'm no pro yet, but if you like what I did, I have no problem trying to help. I still see some things I could do make it a little "more better" but I thought someone would enjoy an example of a quick fix. (Nothing was taken out or put in, basically what you can do in the dark room, just a lot faster.)

Wolf Camera Video.

I didn't know when I was going to be able to get a video done for class, but was able to shoot today at work. Thankfully I work for a Photography Company, Wolf Camera, and was able to get the assignment done. It's not perfect, but it'll do. 

Color Final Four.

Here's one of four photos from my Third Quarter Color Final Four. They are up on my Flickr along with my Second Quarter Final Four. This next Final Four should be a doooozy.   

White Seamless Questions: Video 1.

This is a video off Zack Arias' Photo Blog. Zack Arias is a local Atlanta Photographer. He is a great photographer and I believe some of our fellow photographers know him. I really enjoyed this video on High Key photography. I hope it helps someone in the future when shooting High Key.

Interview with Jessica Elliott.

Here's my interview with Jessica Elliott. She talks with me about my Photography experience and plans. The main music is by Of The Vine, except for the beats I stuck in at the beginning for fun. The last song is by Cartel.

Upper Quarter Portfolio Show.

Believe it or not, I am almost done. I shot the Upper Quarter's Portfolio hanging and show at the end of the summer. It was a great experience and it allowed me to connect with some of them a little more, even if it was at the end of their program. They were all great and their work was just awesome. It was a privilege to get to shoot the show. So, if you were in Upper Quarter and wanting to see the photos, they are coming, but I just had to stick it on the back burner when school took back over. 

Women's Prison 2.

So I went back to the Women's Prison again with Lindsay and Jayne. We found out that it might have held more than just Women there, but since I have named everything under Women's Prison, I'll just keep referring it as that. This time though, when I was finishing up my last shots, Lindsay and Jayne heard foot steps on the second story in the next room. So Lindsay rushed my stubborn butt out of there in a jiffy. Well, here's to another good day of Urban Exploration. 

Rob Dobi.

Rob Dobi is an awesome photographer. Ask him that, and he'll probably deny it. He's a nice guy with a great eye. In my own opinion, he is a leader in the world of Urban Exploration Photography right now. Excuse me if I am ignorant to other great UE photographers out there, but I've been following this guys stuff for some years now. He's actually more of a Graphic Artist/Designer, but that only adds to his awesomeness. Check out his stuff, buy his clothing, etc. etc.

Abandoned Women's Prison.

Today I went out and shot with two Lower Quarter students, Lindsay and Jayne, and also another Professional, Nate. We went to an Abandoned Women's Prison around town. I was stoked and couldn't believe I have never heard of this place. It was huge and had plenty of photo opportunities going on inside and out. I have tons of photos to go through but I posted a few on my Flickr. I have big plans for this place, so multiple visits will be happening. Today was a good day. 

Lindsay and Jayne.

Behind The Scenes: High Key Assignment

I shot High Key for our High Key/Low Key Assignment, as some of you could tell from a couple posts ago. I wasn't at school when we went over shooting for it so I sort of winged it with Four lights and an unfortunate not-long-enough white background. Justin Nesbit, helped me out a lot with lighting it, he was a huge help. I had to clean the photo up in photo shop, but all in all it came out nice I think. I executed it as close as I could with the little information that I had. I am definitely stoked for what is to come in the future for High Key shoots.

Emma Kisiel.

Emma Kisiel is a good friend of mine from Colorado. I've know her for a few good years now. She's at MICA right now getting her study on. She's an amazing photographer, not for tricks in photoshop or crazy images from far away lands. Her work is very candid and very raw, that's why I enjoy her work so much. It is purity from a beautiful soul. Some of my favorite work of hers is here. It is Emma's Photo Project on a girl living with Cancer. I wish you could watch the slide show with her voice over. It was really powerful, really made me want to become a better photographer. She's an amazing girl with a good eye, so if you want to check out her work, her site is: www.balticphotography.com

Five Cent Prints.

So, whether you like Wolf Camera or not, we're having Five Cent days every Tuesday and Wednesday for 3-1/5 x 5's. We get them to you same day, but not in an hour. 

In The Studio With Robert Smith.

I shot my good friend Robert Smith for my High Key Assignment. I also interviewed him for my Multimedia 2 Midterm. So Here's the photo and interview with the subject, Robert Smith(Not of the Cure)!

Fill Flash With Augusta.

I used my photo of my friend Augusta for my Fill Flash Assignment. I love working with this girl. She's beautiful, inside and out, which makes her that much more enjoyable to use as a subject. I have some more shoots with her soon that I am really excited about. 

Smile, Ya Busted!

Michelle, Heather, and I were heading back from PhotoBarn today, when I noticed some guy hand cuffed and surrounded by cops. Well, after yelling "DUDE! THAT DUDE IS GETTING ARRESTED!!! TURN IN!" Michelle had already begun to turn in. We were all screaming, "GET A CAMERA!" Of course we left ours at school, except! for Michelle. She got to wear in her new Nikon D700 and 70-200mm F/2.8 VR lens while snapping these lil' hoodlums! Oh yeah, that dude was not the first guy I saw. After the first man was stuck in the car, not one, not two, not even three, but I think four or five more guys and one girl came out of the supposed stolen car. Heather then remembered that she had her point-and-shoot and got a few sweet shots as well. I was left cracking up in the back seat. The cops were suspicious, but pretty cool after checking our IDs haha. I'll definitely remember this story forever.

School Work.

So I came to school today to spend a few minutes on getting Holiday Portrait stuff done and get on editing my RHF photos... but no, HP had to take up the whole day and I wasn't even able to finish it all. So here's to tomorrow to finish it all! WAHOO!

This is what I do while I am waiting for my files to send through email:

Real Hope Fest 2008: Success.

Real Hope Fest 2008 was sick as all-get-out! Every band did an awesome job, the kids were great, and it was just so much more than bands performing. Every band was there to share their passion for music and show love to all that came out. If you ever want to be surrounded by great people, make it out to the next Real Hope Fest thrown by Real Hope Records or head up to The Pivot Venue. Here are two of the shots, I have hundreds to go through. I'm stoked so far!

Gettin' Ready To Shoot Real Hope Fest 2008.

Haha, I made this nice little video to show everyone a little preparation to make sure I have everything set and ready to go for a huge day of shooting an entire music festival. I know I could have put a lot more into this and I keep thinking about things I did not talk about and left out, but heck, it's almost four now and I have to drive to Cleveland, GA (about a two our drive) in about four hours, so yeah, I think it's good enough for now. Enjoy!

Mr. Jones, this is for you: It's Addictive!

Real Hope Fest 2008 Tomorrow!

Real Hope Fest 2008 tomorrow! It's located at The Pivot in Cleveland, GA. It starts at 12:00PM, but doors open at 11:30AM, so get there early and hang out. It's $20 to get it. If you bring two cans of can goods for the FOOD DRIVE, you get $2 off at the door.

Just to let you know some of the bands that are playing, here is a short list: The Glorious Unseen, Take It Back!, Within, Alcina, In Irons, and and... tons more here.

P.S. - I think some of my photos I took for last year's Real Hope Fest of Alcina, made it on their new EP Cover!!!!! Check it out at the top of their myspace.

Today: "After Effects"

Carpenter Benard and his co-workers for George F. Richardson thought it would be a good day to get out and protest for Worker's Rights, feeding off the intensity of Barack Obama being elected U.S. President chanting, "Obama's in the White House, Obama's in the White House".

I headed downtown, like many of my classmates, to find some post-election photo-ops. Well yeah, there was not much going on. This protest was the only thing that really caught my attention, and it doesn't even have a true trace of Obama in the photo. I have signs on buildings and in the front lawns of houses for Obama, but nothing really interesting. Oh well, we'll see what happens in the next few days and weeks.

Lensbaby 3G Review.

For those of you who have been thinking about buying a Lensbaby, this is a good article for you to read to help you decide if you want to purchase one. For those of you who haven't heard of these awesome lil' dudes, check it out, you may find a new toy.  Click here to read a full review about the Lensbaby 3G.

New Photos On Flickr.

I posted new photos on my Flickr. Some are from the Second Quarter Final Four. I didn't like one that made it, and two I couldn't use. I also posted a Low Light Assignment. I had fun looking at these again.

Pep Bonet: Photojournalist.

Pep Bonet is a Photojournalist. He uses mainly film (Kodak) for the work he does. I wanted to post this video just to show a committed photographer with good words of advice. He is great photographer and his work is breath taking or heart wrenching to say the least. Go to his website, check out his work, look up more videos about this guy, because he has great eye and an amazing talent with the camera.

www.pepbonet.com

Review Time.

First, quick review by me. Then the real review.

Now since I have not had the opportunity to actually use the camera, this is just an opinionated review based on reviews I have read and videos I have seen, so therefore, not an viable review. Just my thoughts. So, I'm happy that the Mark 2 is finally here. I was also happy to see that many of features I was hoping for actually ended up on the camera. Canon did a great job with exceeding expectation in some areas, but left me a little down in others. First the ups: 21 Megapixel jump instead of the expected 16 Megapixel route we all thought Canon would take. Full HD Movie mode? Wasn't expecting that at all. I have been very on the fence about video being in a professional camera body, but the more I think about being out in the field as a Photojournalist, the more essential use I can see it having. Just a huge perk, really, and since there is no harm done to the overall camera and it's improvements as well, there should be no complaints. The downs are no true weather proofing, which I really was wanting. Also, even though it is not a huge deal, I would have liked to see the Frames Per Second rise at least to 5FPS. Overall, great improvements, mostly more than I expected. I'm only hearing good things, except for those that just like to hark on Canon because they have some personal vendetta against them. There is tons more I could speak about when it comes to the new sensor, LCD screen, custom functions, etc. But I think I'll leave that up to the Professionals. Here are two links; one to the D.P. Review review and one to a video on the Mark 2.

Canon 5D Mark 2 at dpreview.com

Canon 5D Mark 2 at Youtube.com (review)

Canon 5d Mark 2 video put together from footage taken with the HD Movie mode.

Holiday Portrait Business Cards.

I spent an entire day at work cutting about 100 sheets of cards for the Holiday Portraits. There was 8 on each sheet, so we're thinking about 800 right? Maybe, I didn't want to count them all out. I was glad it was a slow day, because it took up practically the entire day. 
Also, I wanted to thank those of you who have said great things about the poster. I really appreciate the support from all the classmates and friends. Thanks to Do too! For taking care of the cards for the most part.