TWITTER ME THIS

I never really got it when I heard about twitter. I'm pretty outgoing, but I also cherish my "me time". So why the deuce does anybody need to know what I'm up to during the day? But then I started paying attention to it I was amused by the random humor my twitter friends posted. So here it is. Do with it what you will....but I'll try and post a shot a day... and maybe something interesting or funny. If you get a twitter you have to add me!

http://twitter.com/TheBraun

Have fun

Braun...and Patton
Dallas Based Commercial Advertising Photography

Go Big or Go Home right?

The past couple of weeks have been a blast. No not because Nike or some other super brand has called me to go to Brazil to shoot for them. (they haven't..yet, haha) But because it has come to that time where I have really serious stuff to think about. OK Braun, good call, Thinking...wow, I'm dazzled. yeah yeah I know, let me specify most eagerly.


I am in an industry/field that photographers are like snowflakes...we each are unique, beautiful, valued....and in enormous abundance. So how do you stand out, who makes the cut, how does a young guy compete with the super guys that have all the attention and jobs and toys and blah blah blah. BTW, this is not a blog about answers...I don't have them. This is a conversation of questions, most of which I am asking myself about every 30 seconds.

Here is a few.
-Do I need to invest in a studio?... in a falling economy with budgets being sliced faster than sushi that is only good for that night? ( I really want to)
-Do I hire reps?
-Do I build out a place that is bigger than just my photography needs, utilize space for other creative business outlets with partners? (I want to)
-How much space could I really get away with...and need?
-Could I make a eco-friendly "Green" studio? (I want to)
-Where is the difference of making a business work, and creating a legacy that will be bigger than myself? (I want to)
Anybody? Anybody? I'm all open. Most of these questions come to every serious professional photographer at some point or another. I know the answer to all/most/some/none of these... but timing is hard though...and when is probably a more accurate question?

More good stuff worth the check out:
One of my BIGGEST dreams is travel the world with a certain vision in mind. This freakin genius photographer dude beat me to it. Ok not a new concept but a worth while experience. If you haven't heard of Joey Lawrence (NOT BLOSSOM), you need to check his stuff out. Younger than anybody I know at the level he runs (rules) at. Check his latest adventure in Africa.

Joey L in Ethiopia from Joey L on Vimeo.

I love Joe McNally's work and involvement in the photography community. His attitude, approach, humor...he's real, and does reallllly amazing work too. This is usually the first thing I show young (inexperienced) photographers. It keeps me inspired, I try and watch this every couple of months.


I'm a wussy when it comes to heights, but I'm working on it. When I saw this every testosterone gland fired in me YESSSSS....and then I pee'd my pants. haha. It looks awesome. I'm down if there is lessons to fly.


National Geographic's Visions of Earth

Have fun

Braun
Dallas Based Commercial Photography

Guns and Dark Alley's. Typical

Experiences. I had a great time shooting (photos) with my friend Chris Upton. Such a great guy and fun to roll with. An up and coming writer and film director, Chris knows what it feels like to be in the driver's seat. Chris is one of the founders of Piroots.


So we're in the middle of a pretty urban area of Dallas, trying to be discrete so we don't get bothered too much. Always looking to make the most of a shoot, we bust out Chris's "hardware". haha, nothing says "Don't pay any attention to us" like a guy pointing a couple of guns at another guys face with a big flashing umbrella goin off. Fortunately we weren't noticed.


For all the alley shots we just had AB1600 through a white shoot through umbrella camera left. Thanks Chris for your rockin attitude. Your a bad Mofo!

Have Fun.

Braun
Dallas Based Commercial/Advertising Photography

Zack Arias

I seldom am moved by pieces...or more clearly, RELATE to pieces. I caught this video on a blog and it just hit home ya know. It's like this guy was in my head...or maybe I'm not as uniquely damaged as I thought. lol. DEF worth watching.

Zack Arias
zackarias.com

Much Love,

Braun
Dallas Based Photography

Iconic Athlete...shoot 1

Lately I've been focusing on building my portfolio, starting with a series of conceptual sports shoots. I mean c'mon, what else are we gonna do with this hesitant economy?


My vision for the shoot was not necessarily hardcore sports action, but more (as my mentor observed) of a fashion approach. I have always loved and been moved by those true iconic images that tell of the time...or more importantly, timeless. So thats what I wanted. That image that in 1000 years, if somebody asked what did a athlete look like in the year 2009...these images would be worthy of putting in that webster's reference.


Lighting we used my Alien Bee ab1600's with a vagabond II on each head. 2 for each side of the subject...behind. Then another one ab1600 through a mid size octabox above and behind the camera. The sky was awesome for a dramatic effect. This is more of a fashion style light set up, but I wanted a little "over the top" focus on the subjects.


My models are 2 very gifted athletes and now trainers. Jay had a very successful career as a linebacker for both college and professional (american) football leagues. His easy going, fun, and humble presence made him so easy to shoot. Just mention a word and he snaps to this strong legndary looking figure that can only be explained as ATHLETE. Veronika is the same but different. Track Star from Slovakia. Sensitive and open, but also very devoted to the project...simply she was awesome. "Go run up the bleachers again, raise the hurdle and do it 2 more times please "(more like 15 for this idiot). Her attitude was expressed with a smile and quick reposition. Ready to rock. Thank you guys!


My help for the day was mostly local friends and photographers. Everybody kept a great spirit and hopefully everybody learned a little somethin somethin. The guy below is one of my best pals, Ryan. We met early in our college careers and have been saving each other from utter destruction ever since. Ryan is also a very gifted athlete, more deadly now because of the (close to) 100 pds of muscle he has put on since our first encounter. The man just loves to laugh and make things happen....and eat and work out. You will see him again soon. Ryan was a huge encouragement to me on the set, often I'm going a mile a minute I forget to laugh. Often he would swagger over to me and ask "do you know what your doing" hehe, my response is "this is why we are doing this, we'll find out soon enough!" While we were waiting for the rest to roll up, he mustered the courage to act as a stand in model. (note my directing skills)


THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to:
Veronika and Jay for your amazing spirit and talent on set!
Ryan for not letting me bust a blood vessel for thinking too hard.
Gerry, Clutchman coming through with the power cords! You rock
Lindsey for your mad Behind the Scenes shots, and light stand holding skills
Joel for patience and wrangling the octabox light high in the wind on the bleachers
God, Great weather and blessings of amazing tools and even better friends.

Keep the faith....and keep shooting!

Braun...and Patton