Event Photography

So about a month ago I was asked to shoot corporate portraits.  This is not normally my area of focus or expertise but because they kept insisting that they wanted something different, something more “journalistic,” I excitedly decided to dive in.  I knew, based off my own style, that I could deliver these portraits professionally but also with a bit of personality.  The company- Informa Research Services is a premier provider of competitive intelligence and market research for the financial industry.  The branch that I would be documenting was located in Los Angeles and I was asked to focus on their six VPs.  As I got to know each of them and what it is that they provide for the company, I began to formulate ideas on how I wanted to document them and was so grateful that this company allowed me the freedom to play.  I don’t know about you but I’m tired of seeing corporate portraits where the individual is awkwardly posed in front of a one-demential backdrop.  It’s better, in my humble opinion, to focus on each  individuals strengths,qualities, and quirks, captured against the office in which they thrive in.

The last few posts have been a bit on the heavy side so, in honor of mi Abuela, I decided to go dancing!

I was hired last month by Brazilian Nites productions to document their show, performed at the Nokia Theater in the Staples Center, during the week of Carnaval.  For those who don’t know, Carnaval traditionally happens before the 40 day fast of Lent begins.  Basically, it’s an opportunity to over-indulge before you under-indulge.

This show was hot, sexy and fun.  I loved the music and found that I couldn’t hold my own hips back from dancing in the aisles for a few of the numbers.  My favorite detail about the show was the color.  The Brazilian culture always delivers a luscious spectrum of color, from their beaches to their clothing, and this show was no exception.  So when I went to process the images, I knew there was no need to make B & W copies . . . or so I thought.  I tried it out anyway on one or two and loved it.  The B & W gave it this angelic quality, quieting the action the color provided and allowing the viewer to focus more on the emotional moments- that moment before coming onto the stage, the smile that occurs between the dancer and the audience, the rush of sheer enjoyment that a dancer feels while performing.  Those are the moments I enjoy capturing the most and the B & W seemed to lend itself more into aiding that expression.  So in the end, the client received a mix of both.

This has been the most amazing year! For those of you who don’t know me, I’ve been in the photography business for awhile but only recently started up my own company. Jen Castle Photography was legally bought and born on December 15th 2008 and I am in awe over the success it has been gifted. Within that year I had an incredible amount of weddings, events, babies, travel, social networking, and adventure. I was definitely busy and for that I will always be grateful. That being said, now that 2010 has arrived, I plan on doubling all of it- my knowledge, address book, social circles, goals, co-workers, clients, compliments and even ego (hey a lil more confidence never hurt anyone). I want to humbly kick 2010′s ass. I am so so grateful for the tremendous fire that has been lit within my soul because of this company. Thank you to my clients, friends, followers, and family for the level of support that you have consistently given. Now, if you have a moment I’d like to share with you some of my favorites from 2009 . . . .