SoCal Shootout: Cowboy Casanova

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

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.

Howie Mandel

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.

Tonee Dang

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.