Testing 1-2-3

Sometimes when you set out to shoot an idea or concept you end up getting in your own way. Here is a shot of a mission style chair with a BCBG bag draped over the back. Oh wait, that is what I set out to shoot. After a few lighting tests, I realized my legs were captured in the shots. A light bulb went on, and a new direction was found.

It was quite a duel between my two personalities, one being the stylist and the other the photographer. Setting the timer, running into position, fluffing the jeans, click. It took a few cycles of this routine to get the perfect image. Then it seemed that I was a very lonely person with just legs and a brick wall. I needed to add some of my own personality to it. This was the point of true self reflection........................... music! After rummaging though Darryl's 8 tracks and laser disks to find some current media, the finishing props were found. Out of thin air I had created my first self portrait.

R.I.P- one Night Ranger cassette tape

Microsoft - View My World Shoot with Video

I came across this video from our Microsoft campaign. Over the last two years, we have photographed employees for the View My World website. The site features employee profiles of various interesting and talented people who work at Microsoft. Each subject is asked to hold a card that will feature graphics that are seen on the site. These graphics are added later and help describe the persons work, hobbies, or background. The site took top honors at the 8th Annual International iNova Awards as the Grand Award Winner for Career/Recruitment Websites! We love being a part of that!!

It was great fun meeting and photographing this diverse group in 3 states. We had to concept unique poses for each person on the spot that works with their personalities, fit within the website format, and provide visual distinction across dozens of employees! Not to mention, make these "real people" feel comfortable on set. Fortunately for me, the recruiters did a great job casting employees who really got into the spirit of the event.

This video gives a behind the scenes look at one of our productions. Enjoy!

Working on the book (JELLO MOLD)

I finally had the fire lit under my butt to do new work for my Darryl Bernstein Studio site (still under construction). I have avoided my own shooting for too long. It's just that we are incredibly busy shooting fine work for our clients. Why do I need to actually execute the ideas that pop into my head? Isn't it enough to "see" them in my mind's eye?

Of course not! But that's what you tell yourself before you dive into the next thing. And the next thing. There will always be distractions. And distractions make convenient excuses! After some time, tremendous pressure builds to create an incredible image. To create the best image I have ever done because it has been too long to not have qued up a gem, right? Well, that gives me another fine excuse.

So I get advice. Hire consultants to tell me what I already know... just shoot! Even if it sucks! Just shoot! Okay, okay! I'll shoot some of those ideas that I have kicked around. Just for the sake of creating. Just for the sake of getting to the next one, and the next one. I will post some of these recent efforts to my blog. Please feel free to comment, good or bad. And much thanks too Carolyn Potts for sending me on photo dates that gave me permission to not shoot overly produced images. To shoot RAW in concept and not just format. And, of course a special thanks to Suzanne Sease and Amanda Sosa Stone for challenging me to deliver. To just shoot!, To stop making excuses! To break the mold...

(Note: This post will be added to the Darryl Bernstein Studio blog shortly!)