News

“I Heart Snow” Photo Competition

The Student Conservation Association is sponsoring the “I Heart Snow” photo competition. The below photo of Allison has been entered titled “Winter Wonderland.” Currently, I have 72 votes and I’m in the top 30 with over 900 contestants so far. Voting ends March 19. There will be 2 winners, 1 being the photo that has received the most votes by viewers and 2 who is the judges pick. Please click the attached link and click “like” for my “Winter Wonderland” photo. I appreciate all the support. Thanks!

I Heart Snow – Winter Wonderland

I Heart Photo Competition

Photographer’s Market

Hello CJC Photography viewers,

I hope everything is going well. As you may or may not know my dream is to one day see one of my photos published, whether it be in a magazine, newspaper, contest etc.
The 2011 Photographer’s Market is currently on sale at Amazon and has been a really helpful resource. It contains contact information for various magazines, newspapers, advertising companies, and book publishers and showcases the best way to submit your work.
I’ve currently sent queries to over 20 publications and have received a general positive response. Its all about the right time and the right issue for alot of publications so hopefully sometime in the near future I will be hearing back that one of my photos will be used.

Have a great weekend everyone!

- Chris

CJC Photography AD

Portrait Photography, Better Photo, Facebook

This poster was my final project through my Better Photo Photoshop class. It was a culmination of everything I learned throughout the course and I wanted to share it with all of you. If you interested in taking a class to further your photography skills as I did then visit Better Photo

Oh by the way Happy New Year!!!

Post Production

Hello All,

Do you do any post production work after taking photos? I have recently begun taking a Beginner’s Photoshop class through Better Photo and it has been a great learning experience. It’s truly remarkable all the things you can do to improve the quality of the photos you take. The class I’m taking is all online based and is a 8 week program. Each week a different topic is of focus and you submit the photos online through the site for critique from the professor as well as your peers. What I really like about the class is being able to view the other students photos as well as being able to comment on their work. Being able to learn from your peers is a helpful tool in developing your craft.

The task to master this week… using the spot healing brush and clone tool! Ever wanted to fix that blemish, remove some wrinkles or bags under someone’s eyes? This is what the lesson focuces on. Not only that but how to remove pesky objects that clutter your photos or distract from the main focal point of the photo. While it does take time to get the desired results its worth it.

My photography has definately been raised to the next level with my increasing knowledge in photoshop. I recommend everyone take some lessons or read up on photoshop or other post production tools.

- CJC Photography

Congrats Kelli!

Hello All,

CJC Photography would like to congradulate Kelli Ahearn who just gave birth to a beautiful boy, Camden. Kelli can be found in the female portraits portfolio with her maternity shoot. We wish Kel a speedy recovery and a Happy Thanksgiving with her new family addition.

Enjoy the holidays everyone!

International Press Association Photo Contest

Hello All,

The International Press Association is having  “Not Another Photo Contest, Contest”  and I have submitted three photos into the competition. There are over $8,000 worth of prizes!
How do you vote for my photos? Its so easy. Just click the thumbs up next to my photo and thats it! You voted! I would really appreciate if you can help me because 25% of the competition is based on the viewers. International Press Association, Not Just Another Photo Contest Click VOTE and my three photos are at the top of of the page. Thank you so much for all you help and support!

The Digital Photography Book by: Scott Kelby

Hello All,

“The Digital Photography Book”  by: Scott Kelby is the Best Selling Digital Photography book of all time and after reading it I can see why. The premise of the book is to help you shoot like a pro. He provides an air of humor which sets this book apart from the typical photography books out there that just get right to the details. The book is split up into chapters depicting different topics such as: flowers, weddings, landscapes, sports, portraits, and city life. He specifically points out which parts of the camera get the effect you are looking for and its clearly laid out.
The particular areas of interest that caught my eye were the chapters on portraits and flowers and how to get the most desirable shots. Immediately after reading this book I could already see myself changing my methods to what Scott suggested and the outcome was rewarding when I saw the shots. While many of his tips may seem like common sense, they don’t always inherently jump out at you unless you know beforehand what to look for. Also, from a technical standpoint learning about vibration reduction, ISO and white balance were vital pieces to make cleaner, crisper shots that dont encompass alot of noise.
So what are you waiting for? Go pick up Scott’s book and learn how to shoot like a pro!

CJC Photography Reaches 1,000 Visits!

 Hello All,

I would just like to thank everyone that has helped make the site reach over 1,000 views! This has all happened so fast but I couldn’t be happier with how things are progressing. It seems like it was just yesterday that I bought my first digital SLR and began my certification program through The New York Institute of Photography.

I began the program in February and while I have 3 years to complete it I’m already finished with my last unit and awaiting my submission in order to receive my certificate.

 I’m excited what the future will hold and what new projects I’ll be working on.

 Next up… Kelli’s baby shower! Haven’t seen her maternity photos? Check out the portraits section.

 Thanks again everyone!

Maternity Shoot

 Last night I did a maternity photo shoot for one of my best friends Kelli. This is Kelli’s first pregnancy and we wanted to document this important mile stone in the best way I know… a photo shoot!

The shoot took place at a local pond in the early evening. Kelli brought her friend Nicole along who was a perfect assistant, helping with props and poses.

We tried various poses such as Kelli making a heart on her stomach with her hands and used the outdoor elements to our advantage. The pond created a calm and serene atmosphere.  Kelli also formulated her own ideas: she brought block letters to spell out her future son’s name Camden and also brought baby booties to place on her stomach. Along with the flowers and numerous outfit changes this photo shoot was a huge success.

I can’t wait for Kelli to see the photos and I hope she enjoys how they came out. I believe I captured the moment between future mother and son. I know Kelli will be a great mother, she is so nurturing and caring and a great friend.

If you know anyone who is interested in a maternity photo shoot please inquire further.

Your Favorite Kind of Photography?

Hello all,

What type of photogragphy interests are you most interested in? Do you enjoy portraits, nature, still life, landscapes etc.
Personally I enjoy doing portrait work the most. Being able to work with another person and capture a moment and to be creative is what inspires me.
What inspires you?

Fashion Photo Shoot

Hello All, 

Last night I had a photo shoot with Stephanie for my latest class assignment  through the New York Institute of Photography which is all about Fashion! The instructions didn’t give a lot of detail other than hair, makeup, clothes, and the works. It was up to me to choose how I would want to creatively compose the shot.

Stephanie, a former model for Code Modeling Agency in New York has worked around the globe in magazines such as YM, S magazine and Korean Vogue and campaigns such as Nubest and Broadway/Kiss.

The setting: I was on one side of a black steel type gate while Stephanie was on the other side. While at eye level Stephanie conveyed a powerful stare while the overall shot is composed as if she is behind bars. Pictures will be posetd soon!

What type of photoshoot would you like me to shoot next?

Do You Have a Passion for Photography?

The New York Institute of Photography offers a one of the kind certification program that you can do all from the convenience of your own home!

I’m currently enrolled in the Complete Course in Professional Photography and its one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I’ve been able to take my passion and harness and excel in what I love… photography. You learn all the fundamentals of how to use your camera and capture the type of images that you want to. The course covers various type of photography: sports, nature, movement, and fashion.  

How do you keep your subject in focus while making the background blurry? How do you capture people in motion such as sports photography? You also learn all the fundamentals of starting your own business and are provided with such materials as model release forms, a tripod, a light umbrella, a zip drive disk, a grey reflector card and more…

As I finish Unit 5, (there are 6 units in total) I truly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn more. You have 3 years to complete the course and it can be done all on your own time.

 Have you taken any course work in the field of photography? I want to hear your thoughts and advice to those who would like to learn more about this field.