I was browsing Reddit yesterday, and came across this photo. The early consensus was that it was just a very well timed snapshot. To me, it looked too perfect for it to be a lucky grab. It turns out it is a highly produced advertising photo for the adhesive company.
© Vishlesh Desmukh for Ogilvy & Mather advertising agency for Fevicol Adhesive
There are some great possibilities for highly produced shots that still look natural and candid.
It’s fun to see people get excited about my photos. A recent shoot of a restored motorcycle has been spreading around the bike-blogosphere. Because of the era of bike, the goal with these shots were to create a dated, abandoned snapshot feel. The style ended up fitting really well with the bike, which was painted to look used. It was a fun shoot and makes me want to shoot more editorial work in more natural surroundings.
As I shot this last one, I said out loud, “Nothing says the seventies like a stalker photo in the woods.”
Check it out on the Bike EXIF blog.
Thought I’d share a quick portrait on my poor neglected blog. I don’t usually process on the cooler side of things, but I thought the blues went well together. The tight crop is most likely influenced by my recent obsession of Platon‘s work.
Here are a couple of photos from a shoot with some amazing work by Beards Floral. For anything floral – gifts, business, home – do yourself a favor and give them a call. Not only do they do stunning work, they’re amazing people.
I love how the colors pop on black.
Just got the first few cards from Running Doves Press (@RunningDoves on Twitter). They’re amazing. Give him a call if you have any excuse to letterpress something. If you don’t have one, you might want to make one up.
The Wichita Heights boys repeated as the Kansas state basketball champs. We had the privilege of shooting some promotional stuff for them at the beginning of the season. Behind the scenes coming soon.
Evan had a broken hand…so we had to be a little creative with the composition.
Something that has always kept me going creatively has been personal work. Creating just for the sake of making something new.
One of my current personal projects is something I’ve called Counted Blessings. I’ve been taking photos, and putting them in a visual list of things that I’m thankful for. It’s easy to forget all of the great things I have. Making this list has been great for me, and I think I’ve grown creatively, and as a person.
On the list, there are some things that are pretty superficial. Like donuts.
But there are people, ideas, and concepts I care about too.
I’ve long been a fan of Seth Godin’s. Pushing others to lead by pushing the status quo. It makes me want to be a better leader, a better photographer, and a better member of the Wichita creative community.
In his book Tribes, Godin explains that it is human nature to want to be part of a group of likeminded people. Tribes are effective when they’re connected. A good leader recognizes a common thread and provides the tools necessary to communicate. Now more than ever, people who have common ties are connected around the world. It’s awesome.
But I don’t think that’s what a community is.
Unity isn’t about everyone being the same, or even everyone having the same ideas. A community happens when people with differing perspectives come together. The harmony of different ideas and contexts from people can create something beautiful. Something stronger, clearer, and more relevant.
I think that is one of our strengths. We love working with other people to create an elegant vision.
I’m very excited to announce the launch of my new business endeavor. Justin Ochs Photography is a commercial visual studio, with both still photography and videography. Joining me are my good friends C.J. Fox and Lee Lundgren, two creative, amazing guys that I am excited to be associated with. Collaboration, fresh ideas, and sharp concepts are the name of the game.
Have a very specific shot in mind? We’ll find a way to make it. Have an idea to illustrate? We’ll help come up with a clear, precise solution. And everything in between.
This blog is where we will post news, information, and behind the scenes look at how we serve Wichita, the State of Kansas, and the Midwest region.