Saturday in the Park

We took a trip to Rittenhouse Square a couple weeks ago to take pictures for StyleList. The theme for this was 4 Cities, 4 Looks, 4 Climates, and we did Philadelphia in the Spring! We spent the day capturing the new and upcoming fashions of the ladies of the city while enjoying the fresh Spring weather.

Jiu-Jitsu Fantastica

This was a great experience. I thought I was going in to shoot Delilah's Den girls fighting but they just turned out to be ring girls who looked pretty holding the round signs for these bad-ass professional Jiu-Jitsu fighters! These guys travel around the country kicking the snot out of each other, but don't be fooled by their bloodcurdling demeanor, these guys were sweethearts! This sport is so much different from regular boxing, whether involving roundhouse kicks or submission holds, it definitely had my adrenaline pumping. Basically, imagine wrestling your sibling, but instead of battling on your soft family carpet you are in a steel cage. Oh, and your sibling has more moves than Chuck Norris on steroids. Hiiyahh!

(Post taken from the Amanda Stevenson Photo archives)

We can tell your faking in...

Formulas for effective Lifestyle Photography

1. Great models —  choose models that you get along with and that can emote naturally.  They can be professional models or a vibrant person you meet in everyday life.
2. Good chemistry —  between models and photographer.  So you've put this shoot together to realize on set that the models have no chemistry. No emotion equals uninspiring photos.
3. Natural lighting — to emulate a spontaneous environment.
4. Props - use things that the models can hold, play with and act out a real life experience.
5. Great assistants — on set helps the shoot flow without a hitch. 
Four eyes are better than two.
6. Don't fake it — genuine natural expressions make us think and feel the reality of the lifestyle.  Or, if the model fakes it, make sure it is orgasmic.
7. Be in it — in the moment. Again, genuine emotion is believable.
8. Know your audience — what do you want to illustrate?  Joy of life, excitement, anger, frustration, etc.  Use emotions to get the models in the mood and the point across.
9. Never lose sight that we create the lifestyle — we show people how to live well, be happy, be sad, be anger, be joyous, and just be.
10. Editing for critical story telling — use multiple images, enhanced colors to help evoke the desired response.  Try it!

Special thanks to our Renee Lauren @ Click and our model Megan Zalonka, Robin Watson, the best makeup and hair artist on the planet and our interns Mio Kobayashi and Matt Mangigian from Drexel.

La Muse 2013

Great shoot with Veronica highlighting hair and makeup by Jennifer. Looking forward to new collaboration in new year. Special thanks to my Drexel University graphic design intern, Mio Kobayashi, for her unique design incorporating photos and type.

Thank you to our clients, friends and family for all of your support in 2012.
Cheers to a successful 2013

Director of Photography: Amanda Stevenson Lupke

Model: Veronica Lopez-Moreno, Reinhard, Inc. 

Hair & Make-up: Jennifer Luszczak, Architeqt Salon

Graphic Design: Mio Kobayashi

La Voyage Olympia

 Happy Holidays. Joyeuses Fêtes 

 May all your fantasies come true.  Puissent tous vos fantacies devenu réalité.

Director of Photography: Amanda Stevenson Lupke

Model: Charissa Fiorelle, MMA Models

Styling: Anthony Tamburrino

Hair & Make-up: Marnee Simon

Graphic Design: Evan Herman

Location: Independence Seaport Museum aboard the Olympia Ship

Making of a Show

Thanks to InLiquid, Minima, and the International House for supporting 'Faces of a New China'. In case you missed the gallery, here's a video of the setup!

Stake in.....

          This was a two part photo shoot for the American University. We were lucky enough to have full access to the new Barnes Museum highlighting the senior director of external affairs, Mark Mills. Drexel University graphic design intern, Mio Kobayashi worked on the shoot with us.

"It was a great experience to go on a real photo shoot. It was my first time to learn the whole work flow of a professional photo shoot. I was in charge of carrying the equipment, setting up the lights and many other tasks to support my boss. I usually work a little slow, but through this, I learned how to work at a fast pace and perfectly to get the job done. "
- Mio Kobayashi