Here are the photos from the workshop I attended on Sunday, with Kesler Tran.

Alex was our main model, and Alisa filled in.

  And a smile to end it all!

-JoeySee

This past Sunday I took part in a workshop lead by LA based photographer, Kesler Tran.

Kesler is extremely talented and has a very strong aesthetic to his work.  My friend
Chris had taken one of Kesler’s workshop’s before and took a lot from it, and at
his suggestion, I jumped on board.

Now, workshops can be a bit awkward, depending on how many people attend.
Typically, there is only one model, and anywhere from 4-10 other photogs snapping
away, all shooting essentially the same photo.

That said, the day went by without incident, and of the 6 other photographers there,
exactly 6 were excellent people and a lot of fun to be around.  I felt bad I wasn’t more social,
but I was just coming down from being pretty damn sick the week before.  I had fun that day,
but every time someone made me laugh, I had a coughing fit.

I coughed a lot that day.

Our two models, Alex and Alisa were great to have on board as well.  They had two very different
looks, but both were really sweet.

Kesler had some good things to say at the beginning of the day.

When he looks for his photos, he looks for shadows.  He always tries to use the shadows to
his advantage.  He suggested (like most professionals do) that we shoot in RAW, but
he also showed us that he shoots his stuff in high contrast black and white in camera,
so he can see if he’s getting the range he wants immediately.

I rarely shoot in RAW, but decided to try it out since I was there to learn.  I set my
settings to RAW, monochrome, and began shooting.

And I think I’ll almost always do that from now on.

The differences were immediate and significant in how I judged the photos I was taking.
In post, editing was so much faster and easier, because I already knew how the photos
would look in B&W ahead of time.

Kesler didn’t teach too much the rest of the day, but fielded questions from the group
when we had them.  Chris has mentioned that what he really enjoys is seeing how
Kesler chooses his locations on the fly.

We hit up Greenwich Village, Tribeca, mid-town, Times Square, Grand Central Station,
and Long Island City.  Very standard NYC locations, but very cool to see the thought
process of a photographer at the top of their game.

Overall, I guess I expected Kesler to be a bit more proactive and thought he’d be
teaching more, showing more, explaining more about how he does what he does.
I was hoping to get more insight specifically about how and when he directs
his models.  That is an area I need to work on in my shoots.

In this sort of workshop setting, I suppose it would be difficult for him to go
thru his whole directing process, because that’s usually a very specific thing you
have to adjust to depending on your model, your location, and what look or feel it
is you’re going for.  A big group definitely interferes with the photographer-model
dynamic too.

Chris was the one who suggested I keep my eyes and mind open to other parts
of Kesler’s photographic process to learn from.  Particularly the locations aspect.

I’m sure the other photographers (Tony Ellis, Chris Vongsawat, Brandon Powell, Javier Oddo,
Dwayne John) will be posting their photos from the workshop soon enough.  I’ll be posting a
follow up post with my photos from the day.

For now, here are some BTS photos for shits and giggles.

Keep posted for the good stuff in the next post!

-JoeySee

Body.  Shape.  Curves.  Skin.

And all of it incredibly sexy.

Here are some photos from a boudoir shoot last fall.

Probably NSFW.  Unless your work title is “photographer”.

-JoeySee

Considering that I, along with many people not currently romantically involved, forgot that
yesterday was Valentine’s Day, the day ended up being an epic win in every way.

The day started with an 8am call at Neo Studios.  My good friends, Oscar and Donovan, asked
me to be part of a photo shoot for Swerv magazine.  The job was proposed to us thru our talented
MUA friend Virna. I was tasked with designing the lighting for the shoot, and handling
everything on the technical end.

Oscar is a fantastic street fashion photographer, and Donovan is a stylist with a smart, sharp eye.
But the reason I love working with them is because they are two of the kindest and
warmest people I’ve ever met.  We also make a badass photo team.

The shoot went smoothly, and the photos came out looking pretty great, in my humble
opinion.  I’d show you one or two, but we have to wait for the magazine to come out.

Valentines Day Success #1 – Badass Photos

After the morning shoot, I did some behind the scenes photos and videos for Swerv,
while Mike Ruiz photographed some VIPs for an upcoming issue.  Cheryl Lynn and
other R&B and soul artists provided most of the soundtrack to the day.  Everyone was
fabulous in every sense of the word, and I met some really wonderful people working
behind the scenes with me as well.

Valentines Day Success #2 – Good Vibes and New Networking Friends

The afternoon shoot wrapped around 5:30, and I had nowhere to be.  I called up my
man Nicky G and decided to make the long trek from Broadway/Lafayette up to 125th
and Lenox Ave.  Not a quick trip by any stretch of the imagination.  What made it longer
was trying to transfer from the B train to the 1 train at Columbus Circle during rush hour.

I think NYC should consider hiring some of these guys real soon.

Three jam packed trains came into the station before I was able to squeeze myself and my
bags onto the fourth.  Considering the ridiculousness of the situation, most people were
not in a humourous mood.  Shame.

A bright spot was while I was waiting for the second train, one guy leaned over
to me to complain slash brag that when his first date cancelled on him, he called up a
co-worker to go out with him on V-Day.  Then his first date option called back and said
she was free after all, so he was on his way to go out with both of them.

At the same time!

Then he leaned over and asked:

“Do you have any advice for me?  You look like a cool guy who probably has experience
in situations like this.”

Right.  Well, two things.

Number one – I looked the furthest thing from “cool” at that moment, what, with my winter coat,
my hat down past my eyebrows, and toting a bulky back pack with water bottles falling
out and a laptop case that I couldn’t keep from falling off my shoulder.  The fact that I kept
accidentally bumping into people while trying to adjust my position didn’t help my sorry appearance.

And number two?

I mean, yes.  Truth be told, I am a notorious double booker when it comes to dating,
in the sense that I often bring two books with me in case I finish one while my date
cancels on me at the last minute.

As flattered as I was by the man’s suggestion that I “looked like a cool guy” and was
most likely getting myself into situations where I have too many romantic options, I
don’t think he really wanted my advice, I think he was just hitting on me.

Valentine’s Day Success #3 – Attracted a Stranger’s Romantic Intentions

After arriving up in Harlem an hour and fifteen minutes later, Nick and I went to
Lenox Coffee to drink some pints and catch up on the usual trio – work, girls, and new
creative ideas/endeavors.  Two hours later, my heart was full, as it often is when I
spend time with a great friend.  By the way – Smuttynose Porter – highly recommended.

Valentines Day Success #4 – Friendship Forever.  Also Delicious Beer.

It was then that I made the long haul to WillyB for my friend Ali‘s Wine and Dessert party.

I picked up a bottle of wine and a dozen fuchsia bordered roses and navigated thru Retro
Road, Pretentious Pike, and Bearded Bedford Ave before I arrived at my final destination.

Now, a lot of times I go to parties in NYC, I generally get a feeling that 90% of the people
there truly don’t give a hoot as to who you are, why you’re there, or if you’re breathing.  It
is a sad state of affairs when the party population is more content to remain insulated with
their usual friends while out and about, rather than meeting new people.  It is one of my
biggest gripes about the city.

That said, this was not the case at this party.

The excess of sweet desserts, mulled wine and hot toddies permeated the ambience and
everyone was warm, welcoming and happy as clams.

Everyone at the party was smiling and good looking.

Maybe they were smiling because everyone was so good looking.

Maybe they were so good looking because everyone was smiling.

I knew bringing roses would be a good idea, and a jug of spiced wine and a tango dance
or two later, proved this to be true.

Valentines Day Success #5 – Incorporating Old Friends, New Friends, The Tango, and Roses.

I missed the 12:30 train out to Long Island, so I had to wait until 1:37am for the next one.
Normally this would irk me, but I recently became friends with a subway musician named
G-Wyll.  He plays in Penn Station most mornings and nites, and is one of the most talented
musicians I’ve ever seen play.  Waiting for the train is a breeze when listening to his music.

He was there that nite, playing an impromptu jam session with a keyboard player named
Adonigh.  I had my camera on me, so I filmed a bunch of songs they played.  At one point
a random guy came up and started freestyle rapping, at another point, a girl who
just had a fight with her boyfriend seemed to find some solace in the music as she gazed at
the two musicians and smiled - with a Heineken Light in her hand and tears in her eyes.

The music was a perfect end to a beautiful day.

Valentines Day Success #6 – Music From The Heart For The Heart

An unexpected cap to the nite was unintentionally striking up a conversation with two
people on the late train.  That never happens.  Usually because people are either wasted
or falling asleep, or there’s usually some correlation between the two. The girl I talked
to ended up being someone who used to go to my elementary school, the year below me,
and the guy was Madonna’s personal driver and part of her security detail.

Valentines Day Success #7 – Unexpected Connections in Familiar Places

At 2:20am, I smiled as I left the train.  Only then did it hit me as to what an awesome
and eventful Valentine’s Day it had been.

I’ll leave you now with a clip of G-Wyll and Adonigh playing to an empty Penn Station.

It’s proof that there are beautiful things happening all the time, regardless of where you are.

-JoeySee

James asked me to photograph his upcoming wedding, at the request of his fiance, Ula.

When I asked him for some info about the wedding before I agreed to do it,
he mentioned, “old rustic barn”, “upstate in autumn”, “bonfire”
and I more or less stopped him halfway thru his description.

“Say no more.  I’m in.”

I’m glad I did.

The weather ran the gamut from clouds, to rain, to sunshine,
to mountain cold.  It was a fascinating day.

And an awesome wedding.

-JoeySee

There are those friends who you are grateful for.

And there are those friends who you are grateful for.

Ms. Skys falls into the latter category.

She has always been a light for me.  Someone who I can talk to openly about
soul searching queries and life questions.  We never get to do half of what
we plan to do together because we spend so much time talking and getting
to the heart of matters.

Ms. Skys is and always has been slightly camera shy.  But on a recent trek to
Caumsett State Park, with the sun hanging just out of reach above the low lying
sand dunes, we brought her slightly outside her comfort level.

I thought a fun way to get some photos and help Ms. Skys find comfort in
front of the lens, would be to put her back against the sun, and take some clever
silhouette shots.  Then with the sun sinking deeper, we could play with more
shadows and shapes in the orange dusk.

Nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary – just a fun day with a wonderful friend
and a killer sunset.

And now, Ms. Skys and the Sky.

Oh hello 2012.  Where have you gone?  It’s time to grab what remains of you.

In the thick of summer I left my job.

I looked back at my hard drive from this year and realized I hadn’t done a single
photo shoot for myself during the whole first 8 months of 2012.

This realization upset me.  I can’t call myself a photographer if I’m
not taking any photos and pushing myself to do more creative work on my own.

I called up my beautiful and talented friend Tara and we took some photos to
get back into the swing of things.

I’m going to be shooting a lot more the rest of the year, experimenting and trying
some new ideas.  Drop me a line if you want to be a part of a shoot!

And now…. Tara.

Jordan and Molly are engaged.  This is super news.

They fill me with joy when I am with them.

On an unseasonably warm December day, we took some photos to celebrate.

It’s all different the second time around.

I had so much to say about last year’s experience from Burning Man.

This year I don’t.

It was, unexpectedly, a roller coaster of emotions.  I have no idea why.

But it was what it was.

I was very happy to be part of a great community of people:

Tunnel of Love
and
Bloop

My photos from this year don’t catch the majesty or mystery of Burning man.

I am not thrilled with the results of my shutter finger.

But I am happy to have bagged some beautiful portraits of some beautiful people.

I hope to return next year.

And get mixed up in the beautiful insanity all over again.

-JoeySee

Sunrise.

The playa is cold but there is no wind.  The black shadow of ground level is illuminated by LED lights, glow sticks, and an occasional burst of flame.

Up above, the sky is all the colours of a rainbow dawn.  Black, dark and royal blue, fading effortlessly to white, yellow and orange.

The sounds of distant raves travel thru the dawn in the form of an electronic bass drum.

I am already covered in dust from head to toe, thanks to the welcome committee at the main entrance.

With my eyes and mind wide open, I hopped on my bike and rode off towards signs of life in the distance, with three amigos by my side.

Upon our arrival at the front gate, us Burning Man virgins
were instructed by a slovenly yet jolly beardless Santa to
roll around in the dust as a welcoming gesture.

I watched in silence as people danced to the sunrise, and as the
sun finally broke the horizon, everybody around me started
howling to the east.

And oh my what a woman she was.

The other sculptures were equally jaw dropping.

There was the Critical Tits bike parade…

Clodagh offered it to Mark because of his big smile.  He accepted
it immediately and returned it with a kiss.

They were a beautiful couple that I felt a deep connection to.

Grounded, real, mellow, open, and in love.

Bringing things to gift to other people is a great way
to meet others.  Glow necessities and lights for the
nite time are a must.  Dust and wind storms are
beautiful and slightly unnerving when you are lost
in white out conditions for more than a minute at a time.

Dust storms at nite are even more unnerving, especially
when you feel disoriented already from the constant parade
of light up characters and bursts of fire happening all around
you in the dark. It’s somewhat like a bad dream except that
you don’t really want to wake up from it.

You want to stay super hydrated during the day because
you’re out in the desert.  The problem with staying so well
hydrated is that you always have to pee.

Boys, if you’re thinking about going topless, I would
recommend a cape.

Girls, if you’re thinking about going topless, I would
recommend it.

“Thank you cape for protecting me from the sun.
And for making me look heroic in times of wind.”

This was a place to suspend reality and never go to sleep.

I asked myself the same question constantly during my
time on the Playa:

How many times can I fall in love in one day?

I was mesmerized and hypnotized again and again by
people from all over.  And a few beautiful souls stopped me
dead in my tracks.

So it was with the girl in white lace.

I was walking thru Center Camp during a thunderstorm
of drums.  As I moved forward, the crowd in front of me parted
slowly to reveal a dark featured woman free of all earthly bounds.
She moved her body like Athena – both in and out of rhythm -
and time stopped around her.

She moved with life and love.  She danced as if nobody was
watching, even though everybody was watching.  She smiled
like she was in constantly in love.

She was freedom.

And then she was gone.

That’s how it was with most of the supremely exotic and
mystical women I encountered over those few days.

I was observing a man who was lost in himself.  He was
either playing an instrument or reciting poetry or something
of the sort.  Down by his feet in the audience was a girl with
the most absorbed look on her face.  I couldn’t look away from
her.  The look on her face as she watched and listened to this
man wasn’t a look of wanting or desire.

She was saying with her expression, “I will have you, and I
will be at your mercy.”  It gave me chills and made my heart
pound silly against my rib cage.

There was the girl the nite the temple burned… Dancing
topless amongst the smoldering ashes.  I saw her thru
the blurry heat lines like a mirage in the desert.  Only I’m
quite sure she was real.

Her straight brown hair fell
to the middle of her back.  She had an impeccable shape
with the most beautiful breasts I’d ever laid eyes on…
and this being Burning Man, I’d  laid my eyes on a lot
of breasts those few days.  She danced with the spirit of a
Native American princess and the movement of a well versed
Moroccan belly dancer.

I was cemented to where I stood.  I was simultaneously
praying that she would disappear and cease teasing
my heart, as well as hoping she would never leave my sight.
When she finally put on her shirt, my beautiful misery
ended and I could feel the heat of the burning coals
once more on my face.

One late evening I walked into Center Camp, looking
for a friend.  Whatever my mission was when I was
outside the tent was immediately forgotten about
when I heard the harmonies of two a cappella female
voices onstage.

The song was “Over the Blue Ridge Mountains”.

The girls were called Rising Appalachia.

I had tears in my eyes as the girls’ voices soared
thru the mostly empty tent, out into the nite.  The
voice I heard was the voice I had always dreamed of
and loved.

True. Basic. Grounded. Emotional.

Breathy. Smooth. Raspy.

I was transported to a sonic paradise for 3 short songs.

And I was grateful.

At dawn on the last day, I walked to the middle of the
playa to photograph whatever caught my eye.  The cold
desert morning cut thru my thin layers of jackets and
when I started shivering, I turned west and headed back
to the closest semblance of life I could find.

I found a full on rave party still going strong in front
of a giant geodesic dome.  There were acrobats from Zen
Arts flying from chains, trapeze, pole dancing and more.

After a few minutes, there was a huge gathering on a
central platform where a crowd of about 300 strangers
decked out in costumes of every niche and variety you
could think of witnessed the wedding of an ecstatic couple.

I turned to leave the wedding and my eye was caught
once more by a woman side lit by the sunrise.

She was wearing the most magnificent flowing gown
and was hooping like the rivers flow down canyons.
Fluid, effortless, sensual and beautiful were here movements.

I instinctively dropped to one knee and started
photographing her.  I thought it a crime to be able to
capture only a millisecond of this beautiful routine she
was performing for herself in the light of the dawn.

As I snapped away, I caught her glancing at me once
or twice with a sly smile on her face.

My heart, naturally, fluttered.

This quick glance happened a few times, and when I
finally stood up, we walked toward each other.

Her name, she said, was Spiral.

She had been hoping that someone might come by
and photograph her performing in the gown she had
spent so long making herself.

She had the most genuine and contagious smile.

We exchanged emails and I sent her some of the
best photos I took of her.  She still uses them today.

It was an Exodus to remember.

The traffic controllers would let a certain number
of cars thru and then stop everyone for 45 minutes.

This was to allow traffic to clear the small towns and
to give the gas stations a small rest so there wouldn’t
be total gridlock in the middle of nowhere, Nevada.

It took us over 4 hours to leave.  But that was ok.

Mat and Whitney stayed with the car while I went exploring
down the endless line of stopped cars.

I spun around and saw Mark and Clodagh leaning
out the window of their rent-a-car waving and smiling
my way.  I ran along side their car until the traffic
stopped again and then gave them huge hugs.

They offered me a Heineken which I gladly accepted.

They told me that on Friday, while exploring the
beautiful canyon that was the 2010 temple, they
had gotten engaged.

To each other!

I was so thrilled to hear this news.  I reached into my
pocket and pulled out a heart rock that I found on the
ground after the temple burned.  I thought it a fitting
symbol of love and perseverance to offer them as a gift.

They were extremely thankful.  And I was extremely
grateful to have known them.  We’d known each other
for a total of maybe 2 hours at most, but our connection
felt like it was ocean deep.  So thru happily watered eyes
we said our goodbyes to each other.  Not knowing when
our paths may cross again.

This Oasis of Desire in the middle of the desert.

And everything was beautiful.

-JoeySee

P.S. – Click here for some extra miscellaneous Burning Man photos…