Sunday, December 21, 2008

Billboard Magazine cover - a lucky break?

I've never had what most people consider a lucky break in this industry. I know many who have. I can honestly say that I've never gotten a job because I knew the graphic designer at a record label or had a friend that worked at the magazine. It's been blood, sweat, and tears for my work. I landed the job for Billboard Magazine through flying myself up for a portfolio meeting with Island Def Jam Records in New York. That doesn't mean that I don't think I'm blessed to have the work. I know that the competition is fierce, and it's even harder when you don't backstab and lie to climb to the top. Like many photographers I've been burned by people whom I've done favors for, and figured out the industry through trial and error. I still have a lot to learn. Since the Billboard shoot I've decided to add to my music portfolio by collaborating with established and a few unknown musicians. If you know anyone that fits that description let me know.
It's funny that in the world of photography you don't have time to sit back and enjoy what you have done because there is always someone that is vying for your job. Of course, I was discussing this with my musician friend who said that it's the same way in her world. Sometimes I miss the days when I was in school and working for a bank where if I followed the rules, reached my goals, and completed my tasks - my job was safe. One of my goals for 2009 is to enjoy where I am both personally and professionally, and to be thankful for all that I've been given. I challenge you to do the same.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Here I am in LA!!













So today I photographed Victoria Recano from The Insider for Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine! She seemed to have no celebrity airs about her, and was someone you instantly feel like you could be great friends with. You know like thinking you and Jennifer Anniston could be friends. Of course there was some stress because we had minimal time on the actual studio set, and they have a lot rules of what you can't do.

I was able to take around 10-12 shots of each set-up and then we ran (yes, we literally were running in heels), from one set to the next loading and unloading our equipment. As we wrapped, the make-up artist was heading off to NY to shoot Kevin Bacon in the morning, and the hair stylist has a steady job on The Closer with Kyra Sedgwick. Being at CBS studios, with film cameras following us everywhere was kind of surreal, and you try to recognize everyone you see. Here's one of the shots! The finals will be released in P&N in March, and the show will be airing a 30-45 second promo of our shoot.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

You are not a celeb YET, but you still look good in front of my camera!



















Angela Photography's First Blog!!!


Hello everyone! This is my first blog. I've actually been wanting a blog for weeks, and now that it's up I have writer's block. What do people even want to read about me and my business? So....I'm thinking that I'll start telling you a little bit about me, and then let you ask me questions. I am a freelance photographer. Leaving the steady paycheck at a 9-5 job, to start a small business was one of the most exciting and scariest things I've ever done. Four year later I'm still here, surviving, and starting a new chapter in my career.
I've combined my love for music, and my love for fashion to shape the focus of my photography. Working in the entertainment industry has given me interesting clients, funny stories, and some uh-oh moments. Some of my clients and publishing include Vogue, People, Usher, Billboard mag, Heart & Soul Mag, Pregnancy & Newborn, The Atlantan, Family Force Five, Six Degrees mag, etc.
Some of my favorite clients are people who are normally behind the scenes, and aren't accustomed to being in front of the camera. I enjoy the challenge of making an uncomfortable subject comfortable. Being able to bring out their personality and features and capturing them on film is something i am fortunate to do. With this blog I am proud to post pictures of clients and people I've photographed that are normally behind the scenes. Above music producers The Movement in their first photoshoot. -angela