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"Cornucopia" copyright 2008 by Jim Brammer
Wow! Where did the summer go?? Fall is here and the holiday season is fast approaching. Herewith, a couple of quick news items to keep you up to date about what's been happening at State of the Art Images, some special offers to help stretch your gift-giving dollars this holiday season, and some photography hints and tips to hone your photography skills. Read on for more . . .
News: Awards
I am proud to announce that I was recently honored with an award in a print competition at Professional Photographers of Los Angeles County for my image entitled "Star Time in Prague" (shown below). This image, which I shot last year, is the Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall in Prague, Czech Republic. Built in 1410, this beautiful clock has special mechanisms to display astronomical information, such as the relative positions of the sun, moon and zodiacal constellations. Oh - and it displays the time of day on a 24 hour analog dial as well. This image is part of my fine art collection, available as a limited edition print on fine art canvas, gallery wrapped and stretch mounted.
"Star Time in Prague" copyright 2008 by Jim Brammer
News: Appointments
I was recently appointed Vice President of Professional Photographers of Los Angeles County (PPLAC) for the 2009-2010 term. Dedicated to the advancement and support of professional photographers, PPLAC is the local affiliate of the Professional Photographers of California and the Professional Photographers of America.
Seasonal Specials: Holiday Gift Ideas
Can’t think of what to get your parents or in-laws for the Holidays? A Fine Art Wall Portrait gift certificate from State of the Art Images makes a heart-warming gift. We delight in creating compelling images in fun and innovative ways to capture the essence of family - childhood, parents, grandparents, relationships and unique stories - special moments that evoke emotion. Our gift certificate includes a portrait session plus a Fine Art Wall Portrait and is priced according to the size of the portrait. The certificate is good for one year so the people who receive your thoughtful gift can arrange their portrait session at a time that is convenient for them. Our timeless, hand-crafted Fine Art Wall Portraits become family heirlooms to be treasured by many generations to come. Please call the studio for more information.
Seasonal Specials: Fine Art Greeting Cards
Staying in touch with family and friends is fast, easy, and personal when you send a one-of-a-kind custom portrait holiday card from State of the Art Images. Our Art Cards are much more personal and original than the mass-produced cards sold in stores.
Seasonal Specials: Super Size It!
From November 28 through the end of the year, we're doing our part to help the economy by supersizing your Fine Art Wall Portraits from State of the Art Images. For every Fine Art Wall Portrait purchased, we will upgrade you to the next size for free. So - for the price of a 20x24 we'll give you a 20x30, for the price of a 30x40 we'll give you a 40x60, and so on. The savings mount up fast so make your appointment early to take advantage of this very special offer.
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Fine Art Portrait - copyright 2008 by Jim Brammer
This year, let your fingers do the shopping. Dial 818-344-0671 for holiday Fine Art Wall Portraits, Art Cards and Gift Certificates from State of the Art Images.
Photography Hints and Tips: It's all about the light! - Part 2
In my last newsletter, I talked about shooting in natural sunlight during various times of day. In this issue, I'll take it to the next step by telling you how to use natural sunlight to your advantage any time of day.
How you use, control and shape light makes a big difference in the quality of your images. When used correctly, natural sunlight is much more flattering for your subject than your on-camera flash. Your camera's flash comes from only one angle - directly from the camera, straight at the subject. Images taken with your flash appear "flat" with low-contrast lighting and hard shadows that detract from your subject, destroying the feeling of dimension created by properly-placed soft light and shadows. Professional photographers get around these problems in the studio by using multiple flashes or "strobes" - varying the diffusion, angle and intensity of each light to create depth and dimension.
Since you probably don't want to run out and buy a bunch of studio lights, the next best thing is to use what's freely available - natural sunlight. The secret is to use reflected, versus direct, sunlight. There are many ways to leverage reflected sunlight. One way that's particularly desirable this time of year is to use window light. If you're faced with a cold winter day and don't want to take your subject outside, stay inside and stay warm. Look for the brightest window in your house where the sunlight is streaming in. Ideally, this window is in a room with light colors on the floor, walls and ceiling, which will reflect the diffused sunlight. Position your subject just outside of the direct sunlight, turn off your camera's flash and capture the warm glow of reflected sunlight on your subject. Move your subject around until you find the best light, then move around your subject so you can shoot from the best angle to put your subject in that perfect light.
Until next time, happy shooting (photographs, that is),
Jim Brammer
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Fine Art / Portraits Commercial / Photography
State of the Art Images tm
Photography by Jim Brammer
Where fine art meets photography! tm
Tarzana, CA 91356
+1 818-344-0671 Office
+1 818-398-2614 Mobile
+1 818-344-6315 Fax
Web Site: http://www.stateoftheartimages.com/
Professional Affiliations:
- National Association of Photoshop Professionals
- Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation
- Professional Photographers of America
- Professional Photographers of California
- Professional Photographers of Los Angeles County (Vice President Elect for 2009-2010 term)
- Wedding and Portrait Photographers International
- Woodland Hills - Tarzana Chamber of Commerce
Specialties:
- Fine Art: Limited edition prints on fine art papers including linen, watercolor and gallery wrapped canvas
- Portraiture: My timeless, hand-crafted fine art portraits become family heirlooms to be treasured by many generations to come.
- Commercial: Architecture for real estate sales, product shots for brochures, headshots for executives, actors and models, product shots for catalogs and marketing collateral, and corporate events for almost any occasion.
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