Creative on location in Brooklyn | Childrens Portrait Photographer | Lifestyle Brooklyn Photographer

How to create a High resolution Motorola phone image

2018-04-09T14:58:00.002-04:00

To create a high resolution image show casing the curves and detail of a product is so important and with no better way to show this then photographing a phone in all its glory.

This motorola phone is a sample of what is possible, you can purchase it on amazon by searching "motorola X pro Unlocked phone" (that is where I purchased mine)

These images are shot using a main light source diffused with panel to show the gradients on the product. The results are what you see.

20 images stack focused, means that there are 20 images taken at various focusing points on the phone, afterwards its compiled into photoshop where they are blended, and aligned to show 1 clear image of the product, once that is done processing the image is cleaned of dust and specs then resized for web.

For purchasing right or if you have a product that you need photographed please send us an email:

products@ellteephoto.com
instagram.com/ellteephoto

Valour Magazine 1st Edition.

2017-07-25T15:56:00.000-04:00

Regards from the studio, this time its to bring you some mockups for Valour Magazine's first edition.

I hope to bring you some more of this shoot and upcoming shoots as we plan and prepare for each.

This photo shoot was put together by our team stylist Such.A.Betty, the theme of the shoot was "nude coloured" and you can see from the images we used contract with the color to form a story line along with the theme color.

I put together a mockup for them to see an idea of how you can use the images, I kinda like it this way even if it may show more of the "contrast" of the images, as opposed to the "color" aspect.

Photography is all light and shade, isnt it?

See below for some behind the scenes of the photo shoot.

Cheers, Levi [LT]
http://ellteephoto.com

Essential oil for your beards - in photographs!

2017-06-19T11:42:00.002-04:00

I know it's been a while, but I just took these images and I wanted share them with you.

My friend just launched his NEW beard care product company and you should check him out.

Not only is he the first hasidic beard oil company, he is the first to provide his expertise and and knowledge to the forefront of the beard essentials.

https://samsonanddelilahnyc.com/

Cake Smash - Ethel

2014-02-27T11:58:00.000-05:00

DRAMA of the WEEK:

Here are the pictures from the winners of our latest giveaway that we did with Spice & Bangles.

Issue:

Ethel, (at almost 1 year old) decided she didn't want to get dirty with the creamy-sweet-smooth-triple-chocolate layered cake!

Yes we still struggled to make a mess.

So we went with the "Fork & knife" look on this one, Still not much of a cuteness mess, but we got a few more pictures.

So we called in reinforcements hoping for a joint childish playground of "smash cake" activities to help produce those cute photos that you see everywhere - Ethels baby cousin Zissy to join in the fun.

Still used most of the paper towel and not much to clean up.

Idea: Lets just write up a post about what happened instead of saying it was a fail - lets call it a success!

What do you think?

Interview - Sheldon G Levin

2013-09-23T04:43:00.000-04:00

Sheldon G Levin.

Santa fe, NM.

Shelly, a man who's been wounded in war, while serving in the elite force skiing the alps, hes also traveled 57 countries, worked on computers from when they were in separated in different rooms, lived in Israel for awhile, after retiring he started his own business and bargains for government projects.

A "Mathematician" working in Radial technology and research.

Shelly closes the new blinds that were installed that morning.

Born in 1926 April 15th, "I was a tough kid" he say's remembering the trouble he made in his younger years, I had a lot of energy, but I was strong willed and even the training in the army was easy and doable, "I've even carried a friends backpack while he was barely making the training". He goes back to tell us the story, "Never smirk your sergeant" - they were in training and the sergeant warned another soldier about doing a "military pushup" - and he smirked.

"Do you think its funny?"

"Yes"

"Do 10 and show us all"

"So I did it, and it wasn't that difficult either but it was worth it just to prove him wrong."

Skipping a few months, he was wounded in the shoulder and was sent to the hospital to heal - he recounts that it was the best thing that ever happened to him "I was able to choose to go back to school, which I did for free and after 4 years I had my degree"

"I loved what I did, I had the best life, Charlotte and myself traveled the world 57 countries "

He would work on government projects and he would make up a project based on what he wanted to do, and where he wanted it to take him. If he got the winning bid thats how he would travel.

As a hobby, he also would love to bring along his camera and record photographs.

He showed me a roll of film he's had developed/retouched/digitized and printed on portfolio board, I myself really enjoyed the time he took to take us back with him to those places where he took the pictures, it was a RollerFlex with color film, back in 1947 -Shelly was 20 years old then.

Europe was a different world then how it looks today, you can see the clothes, cars, the glass milk bottles, the toys and kids playing on the street. The difference really explains how far we've come.

Its like a flashback in a different planet - no electricity, phones, internet.

People would go to the market place to shop, try to put food on the table for their kids.

Simply. Life. Living.

-----

Walking Sandy along behind his home.

Moving on a few years, he's now living in Espanola, NM - On a comfortable plot of land, which he purchased 30 some off years ago, he has a well for water, electric backup generators, Heated solar system, 5 computers, an old dark room, now a digital camera office, 4 photo printers, a heated Jacuzzi, vegetable garden, tomb stones for late personal pets, a sound system that can buy you a car.

And a gun at every door.

(We stopped to Davven Mincha as we watched the sun set)

Currently, he spends time studying Tanach, Chumosh, listening to some old street Jazz music from the record player with his dog

He's a regular at the Chabad of Santa fe, New Mexico.

This week while you are all celebrating Simchat Torah, Shelly will be with on foot in the air, dancing with the heavy Torah scroll and remembering the good of which Hashem has blessed him with.

Kein Ayin Hora, at 87 and a recent travel to Namibia with his son, he doesn't plan on stopping his yearly trips and hikes and seeing the world.

He will tell you, "I've seen the most remarkable places in this world, hikes the beautiful places, and enjoyed some of the best sceneries and I thank god I was able to, and given the chance to have done that."

What I felt the most inspiring was his appreciation for the opportunities that god has given him, from the places he's been to the people he's met.

He won't ever take it as "luck" or "happen to come by" - He will tell you "I was lucky to have lived the life I had - we were poor, very poor as a child, army no one had money either but at least I was able to travel on the army airplane network. - wounded in the army gave me free education, got married and traveled with little money, work/travel/work/travel"

"After I retired, getting a pension in the country, I started my own business and bargained for government projects and thats where we really made money"

A blessing from the man who grew up during the war, he watched as the world digitized, technology has grown leaps and medicine is available almost everywhere.

"Live life, learn, work, explore, don't spoil yourself by being comfortable in one place and steal yourself of the places you can see in the world,"

Shelly tells his story. (Photo of the Lubavitcher Rebbe can be seen on the wall)

Shelly's own printed images on the wall in his home.

A Painting that was made from an image he took on film. Painting by a talented Israeli artist.

Here are some photo's from our experience shooting a .22 with Shelly.

He likes to teach the bochurim that come to visit how to shoot a rifle and use a scope.

His home truck, not really used for far distances.

Short break for the Mincha prayer.

Old printed images from his rollerflex back from his travels through Europe in the 60's

Should I do this as a series? Your opinion matters.

Happy holidays!

Makeup Portfolio Fun - Pink

2013-08-12T19:46:00.000-04:00

Today the photos will have to speak for themselves.

We did a photoshoot with no plan, and used intuition and instincts for whatever we felt would be good.

We didnt use any words like "We cant do this" or anything, everyone just threw ideas into the air and this is the outcome.

I think its quite amazing what you can come up with if you just let it be, and breath the air with no pressure for a outcome.

Makeup artist are also artist, and so are stylist.

Credit:

Makeup - Esty Lipkind

Model - Rachel Lipkind
Stylist - Sarah Fehler
Photographer - Levi Teitlebaum

Photography tip - Eye contact.

2013-08-08T16:27:00.000-04:00

Here is a small tip on photography that I put together.

It a general guideline for any type of photography but here I used children as an example.

Eye contact is something I like to have in most of my portraits and it shows a serious, soft, calm yet personal photograph.

After that I also like to show some storytelling, emotional images which are not looking into the lens.

For this reason, when im shooting little kids, I ask the parents to go far away so I can have their attention at me and not at someone behind me.

How do you get a kids attention when your shooting?

Meet Leon Fradkin 93 - Like I met him.

2013-07-23T17:19:00.001-04:00

Leon Posing with his Manischewitz and empty glass.

The story of this man starts back in 1920 - Leon Fradkin was born Belitza, Ukraine. Having lost his birth certificate he adopted the 20th of February as his legal birthday. Moving with his family to the USA while still very young till they moved back to Ukraine then escaped to England before the war, and later on he started his business in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife and started his own family.

He braved opening design studio with his wife, being a commercial industrial designer and with living through many years has given this man a wealth of knowledge and opinions for many topics of conversations, his wisdom and perspective is inspiring and I would like to share that with you.

Aside from him, my own personal reason to visit him aside from being quick friends and building a relationship with him and listen to be inspired by his stories, I was told that he has never put on Tefillin thus being called a "Karkafta". The merit of helping someone who has never put on Tefillin in his life is very special. (unfortunately this visit wasn't his time to put on Tefillin - but i'm hoping to go again soon)

Leon is a man of funny thoughts, imaginative vocabulary and an expressive tongue. He's a learned man with knowledge in so many areas, he has lived through break-through technology and is amazed to learn everything he can, including a photoshop class, he uses Skype, just upgraded to Fios internet for his computer, and flat screen TV - Wireless headphones, a Cell Phone, speed dial on his home phone, and voice recognition while calling the gas company to change info about his account.

Leon and his granddaughter Rebecca Forstater.

Humour:

(He's got so many one-liners that hes said during my visit, I will try to repeat most of them.)

As I arrived and got into the car, we start talking and he says "My late wife told me that I have poor memory, so since my birthday is in February, she had an idea that we have our kids in the same month so I could remember their Birthdays."

"...And thats what we did, they were all born in the month of February" (Sadly, she also passed in February)

He plays ping pong with the most interesting outfit - a hard hat, which he says "I once tripped on someones foot and i'm afraid of falling" - he also has a waistband with pockets of soft cushions, "If I fall it will soften the impact on my back" - then he adds...

"Well, I think it also gives me leverage over my opponents because I look ridiculous"

He even had a sip of alcoholic beer and said "Lechaim" with us, he also put the bottle back in the fridge and said "I'll save that for later" and disappears into the TV room with a determined look.

Leon Fradkin poses for a photo-op in his Ping pong outfit.

Family:

He has raised a wonderful family to which he has given his confidence, showed them love, prized them as precious and loved them for who they are, for their goals they have made and cultured them along to many grandchildren and to a future similar to his own in many ways.

He has written this letter to his children this past year:

"My dear children and grandchildren,

Speaking for my lovely louise and myself ... We are giving to each of you a gift of $10,000. Why now... And if not now ... when... Well, I would like to be around to hear your thank you or read your thank you note. At 93 is it a bit difficult to remember birthdays and at 93 only the heavens know how many more Happy Birthdays I will be around to sing.
This gift is meant to cover all the birthdays I will now longer remember and will miss I will like one favor from all of you. On March 25 Louise and I exchanged our wedding vows and for 64 years we shared a life of happy moments. and wonderful experiences. When I asked my lovely wife several years ago what she would like for her birthday. She answered “I want to be with you.” What beautiful music to a husbands ear!
We would like that on March 25th for the next 10 years that you do something very nice for yourself and your partner and ... to a complete stranger and if the stranger asks why? tell them ... Because once upon a time we had a grandmother and a grandfather that loved us very much...

Grand pop Leon... "

(See photo below)

Health:

Sir Fradkin lives alone, and takes care of himself, feeds himself and doesn't let anyone help him besides an occasional skype call to his grandchild for help on using the Microwave.

He likes Soup, Tomato with Olive oil and Garlic,and raw onions. He also puts Hummus and Veggie chips on his plate - Always has desert. Now thats a golden rule in his house.

Also, he only eat with a fork, whether the toast or chips (See photo below)

Creativity:

I asked him three questions:

1. What does "Beauty" mean to you?

"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder" - "My teacher told me..." "he said that when I see the beauty in a salt shaker, your eyes will open to see the beauty in everything in this world.

2. How do you get through creative blocks?

"I always learned to see a 'face' in everything I see, in the dirt on the floor, like kids do in the clouds in the sky" "Can you see the face in this painting?" (See photo)

3. How do you handle yourself when you are in a bad mood?

"I go on a walk.. thats what I would always do, the fresh air and seeing the outside would take away anything negative and put me back in a good mood"

Romantic:

Leon has lived a life with his beautiful wife for many years, sometime after their 50th wedding anniversary he was asked to submit a little tidbit for "Happily married past 50" here is something he wrote the following:

“In every marriage there are times when argument and anger threaten to bring on a degree of dissatisfaction... I decided early on I had two choices: to stew with my anger or to give Louise a kiss and make up. In most cases I choose the kiss. Now i have added a 10-second hug with the kiss. It is amazing how 10 seconds of her warm body melts away my anger.”
Leon Fradkin
Married to Louise. March 25, 1948

Charity:

While trying to convince him to put on Tefillin, I was exploring all my tactics to convince him to put them on with me, I did the "I'll make you famous", also the "My mom would be proud" - None were successful.

A friend of mine gave me advice, said I should write a letter to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's and let him know the situation that I was in, so I explained to Leon how the Lubavitcher Rebbe, being the leader in this generation he cared for every single person and took time to answer and personal question or request with answering him personally with love and care.

I told him how proud he would be if I would have the chance to let him know that I was with Leizer ben Chaim and that I wrote to the Rebbe that if maybe somehow he would get some instant inspiration or I would choose the right words to convince him to change his mind.

As I was saying how the Rebbe in his later years would stand for hours and give a dollar to anyone who came to see him, and thousands of people all got a chance to see him for a short moment to ask, relate, or pride the Rabbe with any good news.

"So let me give you a Dollar for Charity" - He took out his wallet and gave me a dollar, and I asked him to sign it for me. (See below) I told him "It states that no harm will come the way of a traveler who is on the way to do a Mitzva " And the importance of being a messenger to do a Mitzva for him.

I spent about an hour with him and chatted many different topics from creativity and religion, about what keeps him happy, his vision and ideas for the young who are starting out in this world.

Autographed dollar bill he gave me. It says "Safe trip" Leizer - In yiddish letters.

I will leave you with a few more images from my stay below.

Handing me the "Mitzva" money.

Reading a poster sign he collected from the IDF 6 day war.

Dinner is served.

Eating dinner.

Living space.

Photo-op. Dressed in his Ping pong outfit holding a Tanach and his blood pressure machine.
"Hey lets do it like this" - Leon

Portrait of Leon Fradkin

A portrait he showed me from his younger years.

What a wonderful man, a well lived person, a kind individual, soul searching, and such a jew.

Hes got yiddish in his vocabulary and old jewish folk songs humming in his head.

Meeting this man has put new perspective in my life, and I hope I was able to translate that over to you in this short little space on my blog.

He always repeated "Talk slowly, clearly, and distinctly." - Be understood, proud. Talk to be heard.

(I so much more to write about him, but I think think this is enough for now)

"Time to say Good bye" - He wanted to stand on the steps so we would be the same height.
I printed this image, and sent it to him. Its now on his fridge.

Rebecca Forstater

My connection to meet his man - was back from my trip in January when I took a trip with artists from the USA for a free trip to Israel with the Birthright program.

Joining us was Rebecca Forstater - An artist sculpture that uses clay and ceramics as her medium, she is a crazy creative and true artist who thinks and breathes what she loves to do, she is a fearless girl with no shame being different and every conversation she has a smile.

She also loves everything pretty, kind and weird.

This post is about her Grandfather, Leon Fradkin.

-------------------------

To a new day filled with new inspiration.

If you know someone that I would enjoy meeting, please send me a message.

-Levi T

Ell Tee Rebranding - Explained

2013-07-02T19:58:00.000-04:00

You may have realized that I've put a new cover photo on Facebook. (have you liked it yet? Click here Ell Tee Photo)

- No more of that blank image with my dumb logo!

You have taken the time to come check out my work, so I might aswell give you the "feel" for who I am - and what I like to do!

I have dabbled myself in many areas of photography, the reason is because I wanted to learn and perfect myself in all those areas so one day I can be the best photographer I can be.

I'll explain: (in no specific order)

1. Commercial products -
I wanted to learn to perfect color, shadow, detail, best angle, showing the best view per product, putting myself in the eyes of the buyer and this has brought me to shooting a detailed mirror, jewelry, chinese auction photos and many of other products.
The amount of detail and technical knowledge is what makes it difficult and thats why I wanted to learn it.

2. Commercial studio / fashion -
I wanted to learn how to interact with models, clothing, idea of "sell this item" and I need to concentrate on the product, and not the person or the getting the best "portrait"
These are photos where the viewers eyes go to the product and not the face, these are very slight differences in posing and expression and eye direction. etc

3. Headshots -
I like people and I like learning peoples stories, so you may have realized a few of many headshots have been posted to my blog/FB - But why?

I am working on a ongoing project, that will eventually go to print, Im building up a relationship with as many creative influential individuals that I can and get their headshot. More details will be announced in the coming few weeks.

4. Outdoor/On Location Portraits -
From the beginning this was a strong point of mine - to have a family that will let me join them for a trip to a location and just photograph them for the most comfortable-fun-time.

I learned about family dynamics and got to study children's behavior and learned how to communicate with them at a level that i've had some tough children that I was asked to photograph and yet I can get the best portraits of them while listening (I dare you to give me a child that doesn't like to be photographed)

I find it super satisfying after I get amazing looking photographs of a child -using lots patience and carefully choosing my words till I have an companionship for a fun time and capture the best of the child.

5. Wedding photography -
I've been the 2nd shooter at more than 7 weddings, i've been getting a feel for it and learned that some I had more fun than others, this means learning on a team, on a timetable, and responsible for photographing an event that will not wait for me or listen to my direction.

With alot more on this topic - I would love to be the "comfortable wedding photographer"

Which means, I want to pursue wedding photography for the "calm, cool, collective, creative" people that I know.

6. Landscape - Sorry im not much of a nature, landscape much of a person
7. Street photography - While i think this is most fun - but i dont feel that this is my strongest field of play

8. Lechaim/ Event photography -
Believe it or not, this is where i make the most amount of money.

Events have little emotional moments that i've learned to anticipate and capture without anyone feeling like im "here to snap" - I shoot with a quiet shutter, and im polite, I've learned to sneak around and not take up to much space, and like with family portraiture, its really the personal time that I get to spend with two families who are coming together to wish the young couple the best wishes.

On a personal note: Recently, I've attended a few engagement parties of a few very special families, I felt like I connected with them and I think they have the most amazing energy, they were just so happy and smilie that I did something I almost never do - I uploaded more than double amount of photos then I usually do.

I just couldnt hold back and "not give" images that captured the moment so well, they I know in years to come, they will look through over and over again.

And I know that, because i've done it myself, and heard back from a few people I showed it to. This was their response "I started and saw 580 images and said "no way im going through all of these" ...."then I found myself going through every single image and smiling at my screen"

You can try for yourself here: http://smu.gs/18hiNN7

How does that make you feel?

And I'll leave that with you for now.

Rebrand statement:

I would like to shoot your event or engagement party, capturing the moments you want to relive.
Lets dress up a themed family photoshoot at a location of your choice, cuteness is a must!
A wedding is a special day - imagine it stress free. That would be my dream to photograph you and your family.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Butter Pecan Cookies. With the Recipe!

2013-06-26T18:26:00.001-04:00

Most of us work for money so we can buy food.

The other day I wrote on Facebook - "I'm feeling the summer blues. For today we are accepting chocolate chip cookies (Or anything yummy) as payment for photo related work. Inquire within."

While everyone thought I was joking I got this reply - "If you are serious, I will bake you milchig pecan chocolate chip cookies. I can also make you home made ice cream - though that can't be delivered until tomorrow. Please advise :)"

As a side note, this mother of 4 was my school tutor when I was 10 years old back in Montreal. (Isn't that crazy?)

The cookies we made and tasted were soooo delicious and yummy, I had to ask if I can share the secret recipe with you guys. And she said "yes!"

Have a good look at the fun pictures and try out the recipe, let me know how yummy they are if you get to try baking them!

******

Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Prep: 15 minutes, Bake: 10 Minutes
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups uncooked regular oats

1 (11.5 ounce) package semisweet mega morsels

1 cup chopped toasted pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350f
2. Beat butter and sugers at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well.
3. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, stirring well. Add oats; stir well. Add to butter mixture; stir until well blended. Gently stir in morsels and pecans. Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350f for 10 minutes or until brown around the edges. Cool on pan for 2-3 minutes or until firm. Remove cooking from pan; cool on wire racks.

Yield: Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies

********
A huge thanks to the Hershkop family for letting us use their kitchen and to the Newman family for getting all dirty and acting like regular while I photograph them!

"Just put it in"

Silly butter face!

Yumm suger!

Don't forget to plug it in.

Checking the eggs for blood spots.

Crushing the Pecans

Adding the oatmeal

Mixing, and more mixing

"Thanks Mommy"

If you made it down here, you are commited to see all the pics, you are probably a mom!

Shout out to all the moms out there who bake cookies!! yay

I can still smell those cookies in the oven. ahhhh

Megan's Modeling Headshot

2013-06-12T13:30:00.002-04:00

Headshots.

What's the thought process?

Before every photo shoot I always ask "What are the pictures to be used for?" - or along the idea of "What do you want the viewer to see"

Megan wanted a "models headshot" for her portfolio - a nice, clean, easy photo.

So these photos have no special makeup - no hair styling, it was as she is on a normal day as raw as possible to show anyone looking at it would see who she is without any work done to her face.

Like with anyone, it took a few minutes to get into it, and after switching around the lighting a few times, here are the few final images.

I also decided to add a print because I thought it came out really nice.

You may also recognize her from a previous shoot we did for Boutique Wolffe.

What else do you want to see?

More explanations?

Photo techy talk:
Canon 5D Markiii -100mm f/2.8 86" PLM on a AB800 to the camera right, and a reflector for fill on the cameras right, white background photoshopped to pure white.

ISO - 100
1/160
f/7.1

Bar Mitzva Photo Booth Fun.

2013-06-02T14:54:00.001-04:00

With every Bar Mitzva and Simcha you have creative ideas to make it more fun and memorable

Photographers all over have different shtick on how they do things, but when its your first time doing something, you kinda wing it and make sure it makes sense before you start and you learn from that experience.

Before:

The idea before we started was to shoot in RAW - Tethered.

Batch the photos with a PNG watermark which would have the wording and white border which we wanted for the final image to be printed on.

Simple? oh ye.

The Bar Mitzva went well, and everyone was super excited to use the photobooth and have their picture taken while having fun! - It was a major hit and everyone was waiting to take their picture home from the table spread of the printed photos.

After: Well now that its done, here would be a few tips for anyone that would want to repeat and use my experience for making a successful photo booth at your event

1. Shoot in RAW and JPG - It will quicken the processing and printing.
2. Shoot tethered, so you can use a preset for the colors and quick edits.
3. Keep a rating on your camera/computer on how many of each picture that you would want multiple prints.
4. Keep the pictures of groups of 2-4 people and print a few of that photo so each of them can take it home.
5. Keep in mind, that a printer might take up to 60 seconds to print a photo, thats 60 photos a hour. (may be a lot of time, if you have many guests)
6. Write your name on the back of the photo, or put a "photo by: " - its a great marketing tool. And while you're at it, make a sign that says "Photo booth by: Ell Tee Photo"
7. Prepare a table to spread the printed photos so people can look through them.
8. Use props, it enlightens the mood and the kids love them (And may walk away with your props too, so bring a few extra)

Results: We had a fun time - the guests also had a great time. Success!

I would definitely do it again. - And a huge shout out to best photographer, Avrohom Perl from www.avrohomperl.com for manning the booth and working out the technical parts to making it a sucess!

Here are a few samples from the booth. (and one crazy one of myself, just had to throw that in)

Levi from Ell Tee Photo, poses with Avrohom from Avrohomperl.com

Charlie Buttons

Want a photo booth at your next event?
Contact me!

High School Senior Portraits in NYC

2013-05-08T15:11:00.000-04:00

Taking high school photos for this years graduate were fun, they are a wild bunch and are always up for a silly picture and also want the best for themselves and want to look their best.

How do you do it?

I think that these are the hardest age to photograph, they are self conscious of their looks and every details matters, from what i've done, I will share with you a few tips for photographing high school seniors.

1. Trust.
They must trust your work, believe in you that you can make them look good. Sound simple? uh not really.
I had a long story of how I did it, but I got other girls in the class to sell my photography and so they came to me asking for the picture that I take, and I told them "The pics are the best I can get, no complaining"

2. Making them comfortable.
There must be many ways of how you can do this, and im sure everyone does it "their" way.
I always tell them to bring a good friend so they are not on the spot, the shoot starts off as a "Im testing my lighting" - so they have no pressure and i delete the photos on the spot.
I also have the friend talk to her, saying only positive things about the way she looks, this works like a charm.
I like to think of it like this - They trust you, they are comfortable, no pressure, ready for some fun.

Once you have all of that, you own their imagination and trust. This is how you get them to laugh, I would tell them a made up "story" of something really imaginative and ridiculous, in this case it was their principal jogging down the main street of the town, for some reason they would all burst out and laugh out loud and eventually they start to complain about stomach pains from laughing so hard.

I would also add the rule "Never say smile" and tell them that its a serious photoshoot, and if you want them to give you a tiny smile you will ask them nicely.

Here are a few from the bunch that let me show their pictures.

Was this blog post helpful? Let me know how you used this for your work.

Till next time, keep snapping!

L

Photo tip: Planting trees { Guest blog post }

2013-04-23T16:05:00.000-04:00

(Guest post by: Chaim Perl Photography)

Planting trees or poles into your subjects head....

Hurts..

So does swallowing a street sign. (says magician Levi Teitlebaum)

Unless in fact you want your subject to be part of the tree.

Before clicking its always good to check for and lessen distractions.

Distractions comes in many forms, most can be removed from photos by simply changing your angel of view.

The same rule almost always applies to anything vertical.

Headshots. Bigshots.

2013-03-04T18:59:00.001-05:00

Taking the headshot can be more complicated then the regular.

You are working with a person who has a busy day, and sets aside those few 20 minutes and hops by the studio cause he needs a new head shot, those few minutes I need to get him comfortable and discuss the need of the image, the type of people that will be looking at this photo, who his clientele are. etc

So its a rushed photo, and people are in the studio and and and.

And so when Zunni came by, I figured we can smack this and bang it out.

With being soooo late behind for posting on this blog, every little word of encouragement helps me know that im writing this for some person out there, and maybe it inspires you to do something, knowing that gives me head and mind to put more effort into my blog.

It actually makes me think that most bloggers dont get any response but blog anyway.

I will try my best!

Till next time.

Levi

Photoshop a photo into a Caricature

2013-02-03T02:40:00.000-05:00

I never thought I could do that much to someones face and still being proud of the work.

This is a copy of someone elses idea, but its still so much fun to see the reaction of the person you did it to.

Make your regular person into a caricature with a few clicks and a few photoshop skills.

Enjoy the before and after.

Hipster Rabbi

2013-01-23T16:10:00.000-05:00

Yes. Its been awhile.

I left for a trip to Israel just after waking up from the New years party, and scrambled my suitcase to the airport to join a group of 35 other creative photographers on a Birthright trip to see and be inspired by the history rich-Jewish land.

I will be posting more about my trip in another blog post, but why did I mention my trip? It was the inspiration for this image.

Together with Avrohomperl.com We put together this photo.

The idea was from the good friends of mine that I met on the trip, they were forever calling me "Hipster Rabbi" "You have such a unique style" "Oh my love your look" - So this is me trying to be the most accurate to their description, and also keep to myself.

2013 (c) Copyright of Avrohom Perl Photography

I have never really considered myself very photogenic, but after joining a trip with 24 other photographers and being asked to smile in many of their images it hit me that I may have a unique look. If I can humbly say so.

For the meanwhile, im enjoying all the attention and positive confidence its given me.

Below you can see the viral comments and attention its gotten, and I didnt post the personal messages or phone calls and fun laughs that I received.

You all know how much I love you guys, and I will leave you with a question.

Do you think this is something I should do? or maybe just leave it for fun Facebook posts. ;)

Till next time. Lehitraot

The Photographers Perfect Angle

2012-11-21T14:53:00.001-05:00

Photographers around the world take that extra step to make sure that you, the client are fully satisfied with the final image.

Sometimes its hard for us, we communicate in another language then you when it comes to photography and yet we are at the receiving side of these demands, and we try our best to sell you and deliver the results that will have you more then satisfied and images that you will print and brag to your friends about.

Thats why we master our style so you see the consistency in our work to let us "do our thing"

And for those of you, we thank you for giving us way toward the path of creative thinking, and creative freedom; another road to get amazing images. :)

I like to do small projects that are from start to finish 30-60m.

So the other day I was in touch with my friend Avrohom from www.AvrohomPerl.com he is a very talented photographer with a great eye for detail, go check out his work.

So we got together and created this image. The idea was to get a "calm, photographers in concentration mode" image of Avrohom taking an image but the rest of his body would be elevated in the air, showing that "extra step" to get the perfect angle.

Here is the image.

Clicker credit: Ell Tee Photo. Photo edit by: Avrohom Perl

67mm (24-105L)
ISO 100,
F/13,
1/160
- Using the Canon 5DM2 soft box to the cameras right, and rim on the far left, and a white back ground.

Here is a image from behind the scenes of how we shot it. (2 shots.)

Here are some images from the same shoot, in between photos.

Clicker credit: Ell Tee Photo. Photo edit by: Avrohom Perl

Sandy is wind.

2012-10-30T00:45:00.002-04:00

The lights are dimmed, slow music is playing through my headphones and im sitting in my tall comfy office chair swiveling my feet on the wooden floor. Its October 29th. Hurricane Sandy is hitting New York city.

Its been a long day, starting with frantic phone calls ringing to make sure life will be calm while I take shelter keeping away from the 75 MPH winds whistling over my skylight.

In truth with headphones, and good music why does the weather matter at all?

I believe in precautions, the ones that keep us prepared for the worst, its the reason we buy insurance, for the fear of the unknown we can assume to pay for the while so as life moves on we have a mind that is at ease, at rest for keeping the real priorities and so we can concentrate for the task at hand.

The huge department store Target was out of toilet paper and bottled water during their sunday open hours. Why? what? when? how?

Worry is a stress, and people seem to care less when they are assured they have the toilet paper in their storage "Just in case"

Well if they can do that, I can hide under my kitchen table with my cans of tuna and flash light.

Just for you guys!

In which situation do you hate the "worry" part most?

Here is a link to some of the photos I captured on my walk this afternoon. - Sandy Album

Photo Credit: Avrohom Perl

Doing it right. The first time around.

2012-09-14T00:55:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

Oh yes, im in trouble, I haven't posted in such a long time.

Thank god its been busy and so I am finally taking the time to post a recent project.

Its not every day that a client trusts you for your style, and this style which they see in my work is "simple" - I like to think of it as "smart simple"

Which is true, I try to keep the viewers eyes directly at what I want them to see, I want them to feel the mood. Get the environment of which he could see himself using these plates. etc

Its hard, and sometimes very complicated. You have reflections, you need to fill the frame, you need to have in mind your depth of field, your glare from the flash and the list goes on.

Here are a few before and afters, just to show, that with the concept in mind, and most of the work done in camera you can quicken up your workflow when it comes to these projects.

And yes, I turned off the light in the room so the light would fall off the edge of the table or effect the color in the shadows.

Happy and healthy new year to all the jewish viewers of my blog!

Shana tova!

Till next time.

The client is always right.

2012-08-20T16:38:00.000-04:00

Oh yes, im sure by now you guys recognize this again.

Its the one and only, www.modebeads.com

They asked me to resize the ad yet again, and this time im feeling its abit old. If only i can come up with better lines for the photos and just make amazing designs.

Client: "We love your style of having negative space, but we want to show them all that we do"

Me: "How about this" (I make the photo smaller and throw in some of the green)

Client: "We really love it, but can we add text and our email, we want the logo to be prominent for branding and it should be obvious that we are an american company" (Being the ad was to be distributed in the UK) etc.

So I made the photos smaller, and added a brief description and resized about the whole thing, small tweeks.

Client: "This is our pick!"

Me: "Why dont you Just use the 2nd one?" - Im only joking, i didnt tell them that. But I like it so im posting it for you guys to see. :)

Which one do you like from choosing either #1 or #2?

And what would you differently?

Im all ears.

To good days ahead!

#1 Advert

#2 Advert

Brushing around in Photoshop. Before vs. After

2012-07-31T21:27:00.002-04:00

Just brushing up my editing skills. I need to do this more often.

eh!

What can you spot from what i've done?

Out with the Katz's at Rochester park, NY

2012-07-31T21:20:00.001-04:00

I was wondering, what would it be like if I didn't write anything and we play a game of "I spy"

If you've been my blog for awhile you know that each photo session usually has a story and I try to type it out to you.

If you had to imagine what happened during this one, just by looking at the images. What do you think happened this time?

(Sorry no hints) lol

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Where Tefillin are made

2012-07-24T21:39:00.000-04:00

How are Teffilin made?

After finishing a fun shoot with a few cousins of mine at the park, I stopped by my uncles Yossi's house.

My uncle Yossi is a Scribe, in his basement he has a whole bunch of interesting tools and equipment for making Tefillin or writing a Sefer Torah.

Its an interesting procedure from when the skin comes off the cow and is brought in, to when it leaves as a "Ready to wear" pair of Tefillin for a new Bar Mitzva boy or its a fully written Sefer Tora.

In the photos below you can see my cousin Mendel in its first steps of preperation as he stretchs out the skins to dry and scraping off any shmutz thats on it.

Maybe one day I should make a full video of the entire process which is quiet an interesting one.

Impulse - Watch photo shoot

2012-07-09T18:40:00.000-04:00

I havent taken any watch photos in awhile so i figured why not take a photo that I find online and then use it as an outline for a final image.

Above you see the image I found online.

And below are the few that I took.

One of the most difficult things are the reflections, I only used one light and took about 8 photos then compiled them in photoshop so I can use the highlights around the entire watch in a careful setup.

Youll notice mine isnt as smooth, the reason is because my watch is more glossy so its a much contrasty image.