Summer Nights in DTLV

I was really excited when Orange County- based photographer, Nick Joseph contacted me to do a photo shoot on film. It is a medium that is becoming more unusual since digital photography has become more and more accessible. I really enjoyed this shoot because Nick, as a photographer, is kind and gives great feedback, but also because of the challenge, and the naturally vintage style the images take on.

Digital cameras and and lenses nowadays make taking beautiful pictures a breeze since cameras can store thousands of images at a time, and one has the liberty to “make mistakes,” like the wrong shutter speed or improper lighting. Flubs won’t cost so much in terms of time and money, you can just snap away until you get it right.

With film, the photographer has to be more discriminate with the images he chooses to capture, as well as being precise with composition and lighting, because there are a limited number of photos per roll. Then there is the wait (and anticipation) for the film to be processed; you won’t know what your images look like until you receive them in your hands. There is a significant amount of time and money on the line, so “screwing up” is a serious concern. Because when the shoot is done, it’s done. The moment is gone, and there is no do-over. All one can hope for is that the images look as you intended.

As a model, shooting on film can also be difficult. You have to have your pose locked in, your expression just right, and don’t forget: You can’t blink! Lest you waste your photog’s film.

Thankfully, Nick has a lot of experience shooting on film, so I took his direction, and chose an unfussy wardrobe and makeup style. Then we set off on a hot summer evening to seek out locations that inspired us.

We found a fabulous location at the top of the parking garage of Binion’s Gambling Hall. Not only are there flashing neon lights, but also a gorgeous view of the horizon. If you catch it at the right time, the you can see the sky glow orange and purple as the sun sets on the Mojave desert.

I hope you enjoy this photo series as much as I did working on it.

Please visit Nick Joseph’s Instagram page by clicking here.

Shot on location at Binion’s Gambling Hall, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. ©️Nick Joseph
Shot on location at Binion’s Gambling Hall, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. ©️Nick Joseph
Shot on location at Binion’s Gambling Hall, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. ©️Nick Joseph
Shot on location at Binion’s Gambling Hall, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. ©️Nick Joseph
Shot on location at Binion’s Gambling Hall, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. ©️Nick Joseph
Shot on location at Binion’s Gambling Hall, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. ©️Nick Joseph
Shot on location at The Plaza Hotel and Casino, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. ©️Nick Joseph

Lifestyle Shoot in Ensenada Wine Country with Dennis Rosenberg

I love visiting Mexico, and thankfully, I was able to work with top photographer, Dennis Rosenberg while I was there.

I have visited a few wineries in Valle de Guadalupe, but I had not yet been to Cuatro Cuatros. It is a stunning location with a bar that looks over the Pacific Ocean at sunset. It worked out great for our lifestyle shoot.

While we were there working, we witnessed at least three couples get engaged. That’s how romantic this place is! Just be sure to get there well before sunset, as there is limited seating.

Dennis lives and works in Ensenada, Baja California, so be sure to check out his beautiful work on his web site, or follow him on Instagram.

Shooting in a flood wash? Yep, it’s awesome. With Matt Wong

Who would have known that a flood wash in the Southwest part of Las Vegas could be a great location for a photo shoot? Thankfully, veteran photographer Matt Wong has insight on all the cool spots in town.

Working with Matt will be a highlight of 2018 for me. Right off the bat, we were able to connect via our ideas. I expressed that I was interested in shooting swimwear, with a specific mood and look in mind. More than anything, I had a list of looks and moods that I wanted to *avoid* and he understood my point of view, precisely. (Thank goodness! LOL)

I’m very proud of these photos. The result, I believe, is due to Matt and I having lots of communication. We both were clear about what our expectations were, and we listened to each other. I can’t express how important this is in any line of work, but when you’re shooting photos, a give and take is essential to getting pictures you’re happy with.

Enjoy.

Sunrise in the 18B District. Downtown Vegas with JC Chavez

It was a gorgeous couple chilly morning in Downtown Las Vegas, but we wanted to get that “good light” while avoiding traffic and people in the newly revitalized 18B District.

Main Street and its surrounds feature some of the city’s most interesting and energetic businesses. On the sides of buildings and down secret alleyways, there are gorgeous murals, that change every so often, which set the stage for our early morning shoot.

I might be letting the cat out of the bag by sharing this secret, but before dawn/ at sunrise is the absolute best time to take pictures in the 18B. That is, if you can get up early enough to be in hair and makeup by 4 am, and on location at 5:15. It’s worth it, I promise!

JC and I had a lot of fun working together. He had ideas in mind that translated beautifully. The weather was a little challenging because it was chilly and breezy, but we were both happy with the result.

JC is a local Las Vegas Portrait photographer, and you can see his beautiful work on his Instagram, so he sure to give him a follow!

Enjoy!

©️Julian Chavez

©️Julian Chavez
©️Julian Chavez
©️Julian Chavez
©️Julian Chavez

©️Julian Chavez

The Sweat Shop boutique gym with Isaac Miller. Missoula, Montana

I visit Montana at least twice a year, and each visit brings new adventures! This time, I had the opportunity to shoot some great content with the very talented, Isaac Miller in Missoula.

The Sweat Shop is a subterranean boutique gym with gorgeous old brick walls that provided a tough, industrial backdrop. We were able to capture some great detail shots, as well as some dynamic workout photos. We are both very happy with the results from this project, and it was great fun working with him. It was definitely one of my favorite shoots ever!

Please check out Isaac’s web site here, and don’t forget to follow him on Instagram. He is an expert in photographing outdoor sports, and lifestyle images.

Enjoy!

Photographed on location at The Sweat Shop Studio. Missoula, Montana, USA. ©️Isaac Miller ©️Isaac Miller ©️Isaac Miller ©️Isaac Miller ©️Isaac Miller ©️Isaac Miller

East Fremont Street with Marissa Ladera. Las Vegas, Nevada.

Over the last ten years, Downtown Las Vegas (#DTLV) has seen an incredible amount of reinvestment and redevelopment. Sad looking, run-down buildings have a new purpose, and new construction has even found its way to Vegas’ oldest part of the city. Downtown is thriving again, and artists have made their mark with eye catching, colorful murals.

Marissa and I decided on shooting across the street from the old Western Hotel on East Fremont and 8th Street. This right in the heart of where the Life Is Beautiful festival takes place. Here is where you can find some great art pieces, which we chose our backdrop.

Marissa is a peach! An absolute pleasure to work with, and I really liked her relaxed approach. Be sure to check out her awesome Google reviews so you can see for yourself! Also, don’t forget to follow her on Instagram.

Enjoy!

Photographed on location, East Fremont Street. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. ©️Marissa Ladera
©️Marissa Ladera
©️Marissa Ladera
©️Marissa Ladera
©️Marissa Ladera