Giving direction it the key to a successful photoshoot...

Giving direction is the key to a successful photoshoot. Brian James has 10+ years of experience directing and guiding models and subjects on set. His communication, personality, and ability to make you comfortable is what makes him stand apart from the competition in this industry and has made him a pillar in the St. Petersburg community.

Constant Contrast. Fashion Editorial by Brian James, published by Stell Magazine.

Constant Contrast.

I started my photography career shooting black & white film, developing negatives and prints in a darkroom. Since those days, I have always had a strong love for minimally edited photos. Like the days of film, I always strive to get the photos right, right now... as opposed to relying on post-processing (ex: photoshop). That's just how I work. I always have. Sure, I do some light skin retouching (everyone appreciates that), but that's about the extent of my editing. No swapping backgrounds, no composites, and no cats with laser beams! I like real. Simple.

The idea for this shoot was just that, a simple one: Contrast. When shooting black and white film, contrast can make or break the photo. Too much and you have no detail, not enough and you have a flat, grey, boring image. The contrast idea for this shoot was not in the sense of lighting, but in wardrobe. All of the outfits would be black, white, or black & white... shot in color on a neutral background with natural lighting. The result:

Photography: Brian James @brianjamesphoto

Hair/Makeup: Monique McLaughlin @moemakeup

Model: Nikki Todd - KLA Management @nikkitodd @klamanagement

Magazine: Stell Magazine @stellmagazine

Editorial also available online at Stell Magazine

Till next time.

Brian James

Why I’m bad at communication... but you don’t have to be...

Photograph by Brian James

We’ve all been to that event and met someone cool that had an interesting brand, business, or even just a good beard. We got along, we had some laughs, and we exchanged business cards. We got home and we never followed up. One hit wonder.

I have done this way too often and I’m changing this today. In the past I could say I just got “caught up” in client assignments/editing/shooting and I'd say I’ll do it later... right after I finish this... then after that... Then the card gets lost in the land of paper. You know, the daily shuffle of paper that moves through our lives in its many forms from spam to birthday cards. Next thing you know... it’s also lost in the mind. No follow up happens.

No excuses anymore. Building a business starts with building relationships... you can’t build relationships without communication. Follow up with at least one person today. Do it. Even if you’ve had that card on your desk for three months. Do it. Now.

Brian James

BrianJamesGallery.com

Instagram.com/brianjamesgallery