SJP Blog

BLOG TRANSFER

2010-06-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

In the hopes of a better user experience, I have updated my website to combine the features of a blog and website into one! Now, just visit http://sherrijphotography.com/ and you'll be able to get updates, comment on your favorite images, and get in touch. =)

Bailey + Carlos: Love in Venice

2010-06-04T00:44:00.000-07:00

Bailey and Carlos met at a concert, where he was performing and she was interviewing the performing artists. He says she approached him with some critiques on his delivery and he was impressed with her outgoing personality. They love tattoos, hip-hip, and each other. We celebrated their recent engagement at Venice Beach.

These two were so in love, it wasn't hard to get some shots of their sweet kisses!

Bailey has some beautiful green eyes! Simply stunning. There are so many interesting graffiti walls in Venice. We spotted this purple/blue/white splattered wall that was perfect for her soft features.

They got pretty comfortable and shared a wide range of emotions, from seriously-in-love... to giggly and fun!

Bailey had the idea to get some cotton candy for a prop. Originally she bought a blue bag, but then thought quickly about the traces blue cotton candy would leave on her mouth. She then opted for pink. Good choice. =)

Lastly, I think this is my favorite shot of them from the session. So them!

Mindy and Zach: Beauty Captured

2010-05-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

With wedding season just around the corner, I wanted to practice some new ideas I have for my 2010 brides. Sunday was funday with models Mindy and Zach. We played around at a top secret photo spot close to my house. What could have been an awkward situation for strangers, these two did an amazing job looking beautiful.

We shot in the afternoon sun.

My friend Sabrina and I did most of the styling on the shoot. She made the accessories with purple feathers and I tried my hand at floral arrangements with this super large magnolia bouquet.

I LOVE this background. Lots of architecture and lines.

Our final shot is on a grassy hill just before sunset. I love the colors in this one and the way her dress shimmers in the light.

May in Maui

2010-05-12T00:29:00.000-07:00

Mat and I spend the last few days hanging out in Hawaii. It was both our first visit, and I must say 5 days was way too short! We stayed at the Kapalua Resort on Maui. The second photo was a view from our hotel's lobby overlooking the pool and ocean. Everyday the weather was beautiful in the 80's, breezy, and lots of clouds in the sky.

We went on a road trip down Hana Highway, most scenic with waterfalls and pools. To avoid the massive groups of tourists, we got up at 4:30am. It was kinda a good thing we were still on west coast time, just a 3 hour difference, so it really felt like 7:30am.

The mosquitoes were sure up though.... they snacked on my legs big time! After this stop I had 35 something bites on my leg. =( ouch.

Mat was on a video adventure, filming everything in his own way... like jumping into the FREEZING water. We tried out 2 new cameras: GoPro and an underwater camera. The pictures came out pretty awesome!

Just taking some underwater pictures of the wildlife.

For some reason, the GoPro camera was much better above water than under water.

We ran out of batteries half way during the scuba portion of the photo excursion... but trust me it happened and it was awesome. =) We saw lots of fish, sea turtles, and a a shark. We toured with Lahaina Divers. Since it was my first time, I had to take a mini lesson with an instructor and do a crash course in Scuba Diving. It was kinda scary, but after figuring out the breathing part it wasn't so bad.

On our last night, we went to a luau. We sat on the floor at our table and grubbed on some tasty food.

The dancers.

After the show.

Voted "Best Beach in the World"

Chillaxin on a hammock by the Ocean... enjoying a few last moments on the island.

SoCal Shootout: Cowboy Casanova

2010-05-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

I had such an AMAZING time last night at the SoCal shootout! The event was held at TCR Ranch in Temecula, CA (about 2 hours away from where I live, but totally worth the drive!) The location was perfect for the Cowboy Casanova theme, inspired from Carrie Underwood’s latest music video.

We had about 50 photographers, 6 models, hair/mua, and a wonderful team of lead photographers helping everyone learn and practice different aspects of photography from technical, posing, and client relationships. I learned so much and had a blast!
Speaker: Rob Ninja-Nicholson
Lead photogs: Matthew Saville Baldon, Yvonne LeBrun, Hanssie Trainor, Gavin Wade, Erin Wade, Sarah Frenzel, Derek Frenzel

Models: Karin Lorene Larsen, Crystal Leland, Kristin Keating, Eryne Shan, Allyson Hoehl, Ashley Gregory
Event planner: Kim Lefebvre

Hair Accessories by: Heather Lynn Wilging Molina

Hair and Makeup: Melody Rachunok, Brandie Bedell, Kacee Geoffroy

First up model Karin Lorene Larsen posing in her awesome red cowboy boots (passed down from her grandma!) She also rocked a silk black burlesque outfit. HOT! We shot her photos inside the stables near the opening to get some natural light.

The hallway was gave a nice perspective. Work it girl!

I think this close up of Karin is my favorite! Beautiful eyes, WOW!

Kristin Keating is an angelic model, very tall with a stunning smile. We photographed her in the arena and small spots of opportunity that surrounded it.

This one in the grass... FAVE! It's so dreamy. I love the vibrant colors.

Our next model Eryne Shan.

She has a soft face with beautiful angel eyes that just speak!

Allyson Hoehl was rocking the red.

This could possibly be the coolest headpiece! Heather Lynn really did a stunning job on creating these beautiful accessories. Check her out HERE. Location-scout-turned-model Ashley Gregory.

The A sisters (that's what I called them) look amazing together.

It was getting close to the end of the shoots and I was kinda sad there hadn't been an opportunity to get some shots with any horses; after all we were at a ranch! Our group started photographing Crystal Leland near a corral with a group horses and suddenly they were curious enough to come check out what we were doing! Crystal was fearless as the horses nibbled on her hair and gave her kisses. I LOVE these shots!

Technical stuff: All of the photos were shot by yours truly: Sherri Johnson Photography. Canon 5D with various lenses: 50mm 1.4, 70-200 IS 2.8L, and 24-70mm 2.8L. Processing in Lightroom and Photoshop.

Anna & Xav: Lifestyle Shoot in Malibu

2010-01-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

Anna & Xav are a gorgeous young couple who love the beach, surfing, and mostly hanging out with each other. We sent yesterday evening at Malibu beach getting some casual shots of them together capturing what they love.

Hellman Production: Product Shoot

2010-01-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

I never really thought about how many different kinds of CD/DVD packaging options were available to consumers, until I photographed Hellman Production's inventory of diverse packaging. They offer single cases, mini DVDs, trifolds, poster pull outs, inserts coming out from hidden pockets, different surface finishes, embossing, bevels, clear containers, and so much more! They are amazing people and super nice to work with. Here's some of the product shots we got.

For more information on simple CD/DVD duplication, contact Hellman Production at http://www.hellmanproduction.com/

Patrycja and Mark: Bridal Portrait Session

2010-01-17T12:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I did an afternoon bridal shoot with lovely Patrycja and Mark. They both wanted to do an old Hollywood themed shoot inspired by a vintage dress. I was worried that shooting in the afternoon would cause some harsh shadows and poor light. But luckily the day turned out to be beautiful with a slight overcast, giving just enough coverage for soft light on faces. Still no golden hour but good enough for mid afternoon!

Photography: Sherri Johnson
Location: Greystone Mansion, Beverly Hills
Hair/Makeup: Model's own talent

Best of Sherri Johnson Photography 2009

2010-01-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

Looking back over the past year, it's amazing to see how much has changed. I made the transition from living in Chicago to LA, found a great guy, and living my dream. I want to thank all my friends and family for making 2009 a wonderful year to remember. Here's a quick 1 minute slideshow of my favirote stuff. Enjoy!

Howie Mandel

2009-12-30T11:27:00.000-08:00

I couple months ago I got a chance to meet Howie Mandel, host of the popular show Deal or No Deal. He is featured on the cover of this month's issue of Westlake Magazine to promote his new book titled Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me. In the book, Howie shares his personal struggles living with OCD and ADHD. Here's some behind-the-scenes video of Howie. I shot the interview with a Canon 5D M2, stills with a pocket digi cam, and edited everything later in iMovie. Enjoy!

The magazine with Howie's select photos was released December 2009.

Scott Hangin in Santa Monica

2009-12-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

Scott was in search of some new photos that were natural and candid. We collaborated on the shoot and chose to do the session in Santa Monica around 3rd Street Promenade, the Pier, and the beach.

I love the shot shot, what detail!

Scott loves his car, so we took a couple... au-casual.

Peering at the pier.

There was so many cool spots!

Scott tried his balance on this branch. I love the lens flare.

Finally, we ended with some pictures under the pier.

Great job modeling Scott!

and all this time... I thought we had some thirsty hummingbirds!

2009-12-19T20:35:00.000-08:00

Taken this afternoon out my balcony. Canon 5D, 1/1000 sec at f/ 2.8, iso 320, 200mm (EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM)

Tonee Dang

2009-09-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

Model/actor Tonee Dang has been working for a few years now landing roles in some top campaigns and films. Just like myself, he came out to LA from Chicago to follow a dream. We recently (and I mean yesterday) collaborated on a shoot inspired by some amazing architecture and retro vibes. Here's our session...

The photo details: For this shoot I used my standard 24-70 2.8L and 50mm 1.4 on a Canon 5d. It gives good clarity and shallow depth of field. The edits were done a couple of different ways, but mostly playing around with actions that came in a Totally Rad set, and the texture was done separately by hand by changing the layer overlay mode.

Weekend at Pine Mountain

2009-01-12T22:08:00.001-08:00

This weekend, Mat and I went to Pine Mountain Club. I brought my camera, wide angle 10-22mm, and 50mm 1.4 lens and took some amazing shots. We hiked, ate, drank, got massages, hiked some more, fed some ducks at 3 am... here's the visuals...

Bday weekend at Sequoia

2008-11-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

Sequoia National Park is located in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains is home of the Giant Forest that has the World's Largest Tree called "General Sherman." Here's a collection of some of my favorite photos from the trip. Mat and I did a lot of exploring, hiking, and camping.

Joshua Tree

2008-11-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Joshua Tree National Park is located in South-Eastern California.

Do all dogs go to heaven? R.I.P. Foxy Johnson

2008-03-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a couple of days since my dog was put to sleep Monday. My family has had her since 1995. She was a Basenji, and it was always fun explaining to people "what kind of dog" that is because no one really ever knew. Originally from Africa, Basenji's where they were used to hunt lions. They can't bark, and they also do not like the water. (drinking water is ok.) Every time I would give her a bath, she would hate it... just like a cat. Over the years she got used to it, because and I turned the water on the hot. She loved to sit in the sun and soak up the warmth. R.I.P. Foxy.

First Official Blog 030308

2008-03-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

Today is my first "official" blog. I decided to start blogging, after attending a workshop this afternoon at Calumet w/ Sarah Petty Photographer. She discussed her approach to "The Joy of Marketing." http://www.thejoyofmarketing.com/

There were a couple of things that really stood out from her presentation. Some of which included the importance of Identity, Branding, Creative Advantages (how to distinguish yourself from other photographers in your market). Also, one great tool is to start a blog, to help clients relate and really get to know you as a photographer.

Besides the workshop, my weekend was pretty interesting. On Saturday, I shot event photographs for Rich Woo's First Annual House Crawl, featuring Bucktown and Lincoln Park. (http://www.richwoo.com/) The tour stopped at about 10 different properties on the trendy north side of Chicago. We saw some pretty awesome properties... mostly in the $350k- $560k range. For the event, I sponsored Rich Woo with 2 gift certificates for photography that were given away in a raffel!

And... finally a picture of Lyly in front of her apartment. I've been eyeing the wood door of her building ever since she moved into that place, 9 something months ago. The most interesting feature is found at the bottom of the door: "Deliver All Goods in Rear."