February 2009

February has been a hive of activitiy in many ways, with models flying in from out of town, events, not to mention fashion week... So it's been a great month to look back on.

This month I've been working on building up the two new jbphoto divisions, BestTest and ReBrand. I think the best way to show the process of the work we do, is as 'Before and After' images....

Best Test

BestTest is our vehicle for changing up, developing or completely starting up a models portfolio. Be it adding to already eclectic book, replacing good poses with more fashionable clothing, taking shots that match the season or just creating fresh, bold new shots for newcomers to the industry.

Corrine Mestemacher is a model and actress from Tennessee, who was in New York this month. The before and after pictures below show her original acting headshot, and a new stylish editorial shot we created on our shoot this month.

It's our goal to inject life and style into promotional materials, and this is a generous example of how we truly 'make over' your appeal, as a model and an actor.

In more "Before and After" news, I'm proud to welcome Lauren Kleiman to our Best Test team as a photo retoucher.

Lauren's work is outstanding, as you can see in these before and after shots.

With Lauren on the team, we've sealed the deal and created the only testing team with services from the styling, the shoot... through to the final edit. And all at low cost!

Another addition to the Best Test team is Danny Dehnert, a styling assistant and make up artist. Danny's eclectic approach to fashion, design and accessorising, gives the work a pungency and "up to the minute" look.

As always, our shoots are co-ordinated by Catherine Shuller, a leading authority on fashion, modeling and style.

With these new developments, it's an exciting time to take advantage of the 'Best Test' available, and as winter moves to spring, when better to update your portfolio...

RE:Brand

Re:Brand has been through seveal metamorphic stages over the past few months, but I'm featuring Joe Faracci on this month's blog - a model and actor, who is developing his own brand so he can launch himself full throttle into the market of fashion and entertainment.

Everything you see is a JBPhoto / RE:Brand original, from the styling (Catherine Schuller) Photography (John Baker) to the editing, retouching and graphics.

We designed the logo from scratch, created graphics and visuals to acompany the photography to create striking, eye catching materials, adaptable for promo materials like post cards, flyers and websites.

JBPhoto

JBPhoto, as ever, is on the front burner. I have various projects I'm working on right now.
My photography was featured this month in an article in Plus Model MagazineIncluding a major shoot project slated form the spring of 2009 featuring mutiple models an actors, called 'The Dinner Party' - more on that next month.

January 2009

I'm back in New York, and preparing for a busy few weeks leading into February.
The weather here is cold, and wet. Not the most picturesque setting for photo-shoots.

"But surely politics doesn't effect the little man..."

With the economy in the state it is in, it's increasingly hard for models, actors and other entertainment pros to justify investing in new marketing materials, it effects so many of us, on every level of the business.

With this in mind, I've been offering some of the best deals I can afford. Prices are going down all over the city for everything else, so even small businesses like mine have to follow suit.

There's a strong argument, that with the recession in full force her in the US, and nowhere worse that New York, that competition is rife. Never has there been a more important time to set yourself apart from the others in your industry, reimage, rebrand and shine through.

It's trying times like these that sort the men from the boys, and having the materials to back that up - especially in a visual industry like the fashion / entertainment world is so imperative.

With all this considered, I'm offering great rates on Branding packages so people can re-image for the new year, in a new economy. How better to stay positive in trying times than giving yourself a new image and a whole new style for 2009.

Barack Obama is a great example of perfect branding - Red white and blue colours to reflect the patriotism we all look for in a great American leader, a bright yellow sun rising from the crest of a hill suggesting a new dawn, and new hope on the horizon. Sharp, tailored suits flattering a lean, lithe and agile physique representing Obama's potential to fight the political issues head on, with grace and poise.

When the market changes around you, as it is for so many of us in the entertainment and media world, it's our job to change with it. Forge a new path through the difficult times, and make the best of a bad situation. I believe that now is the best time for Americans (and even the occasional Brit like me) to make something out of nothing, turn a bad circumstance around and truly compete.

"Party on..."

Catherine Schuller and I continue to collaborate on various projects, campaigns and events. We both strongly believe that in tricky times, it's better to pool resources and exchange ideas with your contemporaries.

Social events are a great way to do this, and with the various divisions of our companies, Catherine and I interact with professionals from all walks of life, and kinds of backgrounds and milieus every day. So we'll be making more of a concerted effort in 2009 to bring people together, and this starts February 11th right here in New York City.

More photos to follow soon from upcoming shoots!

'Till then...

For The Big Guy

I was fortunate this week to shoot with Models Joe Faracci, Eric Martin and Darryl Brown to develop a campaign for Pete Hanley's label 'Beyond XL'

The emphasis was on modern, stylish sports, casual and formal menswear. As always, Catherine Schuller expertly styled hair, make up and wardrobe.

New Divisions

Going into the new year I'm very happy to announce two new divisions of JBPhoto. "Best Test New York" and "Re:Brand."

In partnership with Catherine Schuller, I've created two new branches of JBPhoto, expanding the company and developing new ideas with fashion, style and branding at the root of every project. 

Catherine Schuller, has more than 25 years of experience in the fashion, design and entertainment business. Beginning as a model for Ford™ in New York in the 1980’s while she was also a actress and standup comedian with her troupe The Nerve!

In 2002, Catherine founded "CurveStyle: Reshaping Fashion" in her home base of New York City. Her passion for health, fashion and beauty also led her to become a Core Team

member and Image and Style Advisor of "Divabetic: Makeover Your Diabetes" an outreach program targeting women living with, affected by or at risk of the epidemic of diabetes in the United States.

She attended Parsons School of Design for image consulting, and immediately became the go-to resource for “all things plus-size” as well as styling and commentating fashion events.  She was a fashion retail editor for Mode™ magazine, during the full four years of its existence and has continued to find new and exciting ways to combine image, style and fashion in innovative venues. She is the author and co-author of several articles, editorials and books about fashion, style, image and  modeling.

Best Test New York is a whole new division of JBPhoto, customized for the models new to the market. With rates for test shoots escalating dramatically in the past few years, there is a huge need for subsidized provides. "Best Test" not only provides high quality and dramatic editorial shots, at low cost, but also arranges a stylist, hair and make-up artist, and also offers comprehensive printing / portfolio packages too!

We're confident that Best Test New York is finest test shoot team in New York, at the most competitive prices.

RE:BRAND is the true collaberation of Catherine and I's creative minds.

We think that the world of decision makers is full of professionals who are ADHD. Not Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.... Attention Driven, Highly Dynamic professionals, who need to make choices, award credit or even offer a job to whomever can catch their eye in a split second.

RE:BRAND will combine the unique and eye catching photography I've developed through JBPhoto, with the Catherine's styling and fashion knowledge to create high quality image make-overs, a photoshoot and a fully produced Branding Campaign. For the individual.

Imagine it as a photographic resume, that charts your experience, work ethic and personality. A digital and hard copy portfolio, showing the many facets of your work and character.

This service is ideal for anyone changing gears in their profession, changing careers completely or re-entering the marketplace after a lengthy absence.

Perfect for Actors, Musicians, Models or anyone who needs to make a quick impression at an audition, interview or simple meeting.

 

Autumn / Winter Photo Shoots