http://blog.jeffherron.com/

I've switched blog services. The new link for this blog is: http://blog.jeffherron.com/

New Blog In Production As Well As Updated Website

Just gave to 'go-ahead' for the new blog site to be built and installed. It will now be integrated into my existing website. Once it's up, I'll start posting again. I'm told a week or so.

Also, a newer website is being constructed to allow images to scale to the size of any monitor. No more viewing my work at 750 x 500 pixels!

Blogspot Catastrophe - Switching Sites Soon

My Blog is down for the count at the moment. I'll be switching sites, most likely to my own host site instead of relying on this type of service (which I didn't really care for to begin with). Will keep you posted on the new blog.

Do You Scuba?

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Vegas. Exhibit A

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Let's be honest, Las Vegas is one of those cities that looks better at night. I present you with Exhibit A as evidence.

Seeing 20/20

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A shoot doesn't get much more local. This one happened to be just a few miles away, via a call from an art director in Manhattan for a trade magazine. I love it when that happens...which is never.

I'd love to shoot more retail/medical space. I'll even travel for it next time.

Caribbean In White

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Lifestyle shoot. Caribbean.

Models: Katie and Lawrence.

Stylists: Kiira and Ingrid Leess.

Hair/Makeup: Gigi Gommers

Hide Awhile

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There are many ways to travel and the idea of travel is different for everyone. However, the more I travel the more I appreciate the small places "off the beaten path." The kind of places where you can shop locally, prepare your own fresh meals with locally purchased meats, fruits and vegetables. Places where you can interact with the locals, get to know them, laugh with them and share your stories. I definitely don't get to do it as often as I would like. When work is good, I'm usually off to a location, where I work very long hours, then head back home on the earliest flight. Not many clients want to pay for my time venturing out. However, I'm open to the idea, if they are...I promise to create great images!

I took these shots in Jamaica for a client who understands the need for a place you can truly get away. For the tourist who wants something off that beaten path. For the adventurous tourist who doesn't want the typical, sterilized resort experience. Where the pool feels like your own, overlooking the blue Caribbean. Where the service is understated, personal and you're left to absorb your surroundings in splendid isolation. It's a place a little bit bohemian where you can get lost for awhile. A place to hide awhile.

Sight unseen, we employed this model on a suggestion from the client. A local waitress and model. She worked perfectly. Pure luck.

Her Name Is Rio

I've been on many boats for photo shoots. I've been on many boats in the Caribbean for photo shoots. But, this was the first time I was on a boat in the Caribbean for a photo shoot and felt like I was in a Duran Duran video. Thanks to Kiira Leess and Gigi Gommers for your great styling and makeup. Art Direction by Diane Thibault. I think Simon Le Bon would approved.

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Destination: Relaxation

Spas generally provide an incredible opportunity for creating stunning work. Here's a few selections from some recently completed work in the Caribbean.

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I Shot A Bank And Didn't Get Arrested

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Recently photographed for UBS Financial Services. This is the new location in Boca Raton, FL.

A beautifully simple interior with interior glass walls that allow the Florida sunlight into the entire space.

Lemons To Lemonade

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It seems I'm 46 years too late to catch Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) beating Sonny Liston at this very site. Not to mention that I'd be much older than I am if I'd had that chance.

This shot was commissioned by the Miami Beach Convention Center and Visitors Bureau earlier this year. I think it's a much improved version of their old one (click here) that has yet to be updated at the time of this writing.

I'm always happy to be handed lemons and make some lemonade.

New Heights

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Photography is usually all about problem solving. In this case, on a recent assignment in Missouri, I was faced with photographing an exterior that was on an elevation. From ground level, the shot would have missed all the waterfalls, pools and landscaping, and created some horrible distortion that would probably never look "corrected."

The only solution: hire a boom-lift to get over the trees and into a vantage point for the most flattering view. I don't particularly enjoy heights, so whenever I have to hang out of a helicopter or get 70 feet into the air in a boom, I'm cautious. However, I'll usually do anything for my clients and the right shot. I've even been known to investigate shooting from rooftop edges or buildings that are under construction. Who would've thought I'd need a hard hat as part of my photo gear?

Whether photographing people or architecture, there's always an angle that looks best. Sometimes I need to do unconventional things to get there. It's part of what makes being a photographer so enjoyable. Problem solving that doesn't involve math. That's my kind of job.

Bend It Like Beckham

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A recent project landed me at a beautiful private home in South Miami to photograph furniture. This was one of those projects that definitely doesn't come around often enough.

We did a quick scout of the property a few days beforehand and I was instantly excited about the project. A lush, tropical mix of huge breezeways with artifacts collected from around the world. Huge coral tiles, shades of soft green, blue and yellow mixed in with punches of red and bright whites. There was an instant sense of well-being here. Outdoor, tropical living at its best. This private residence is everything that South Florida homes should be, but too often are not.

No need for art direction prop-shopping. Anyone interested in tasteful design would be at home here.

The furniture is made by Lloyd Loom, based in the UK. The project was photographed for Beckham & Issa Fine Furnishings, based in Miami. Beckham & Issa are the exclusive representatives of Lloyd Loom Furniture here in the U.S., Caribbean, Latin and South America. I could try to explain it better, but here's a direct link to read about it.

Human Scale

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When an image is lacking a sense of proportion, one of the easiest tricks is to add a person into the shot. Hotels and resorts often require an image with and without the human element, like the one I shot here for the Eden Roc in Miami Beach. Our 5' 11" concierge that volunteered to model proves how intentionally oversized the space is. It somehow feels a little more "grand".

Eden...Roc on!

Re-emerging from its mid-50's splendor, the Eden Roc Beach Resort and Spa has recently re-opened after an 18 month, $200 million renovation and expansion.

Eden Roc is easily one of the most iconic resorts in Miami Beach. It was designed in 1956 by renowned architect, Morris Lapidus (who also designed the famous Fountainbleau next door). Many episodes of "I Love Lucy" were shot here. You can also envision Sinatra and the rest of the Rat-Pack stumbling down the corridors balancing a glass of scotch, 50 years before.

If these walls could talk...

I was happy to see that most of the renovation was a simple face-lift (besides the new tower addition), and kept the soul of Lapidus' design intact. The Baroque Revival design Lapidus was known for is most evident in the lobby, with the rosewood columns and eccentric floating ceiling to which they connect (pictured above).

If only every project I photograph could be this inspiring at 4:30am...

All Roads Lead West

There are times when a client will ask me to photograph "location" or "destination" images in order to help sell the location of their property. Rarely are the destinations as beautiful as what the American Southwest has to offer. Other than the ubiquitous pool shot on the actual property, landscapes become obvious points of interest for the lens in this part of the world. This was a rare pleasure.

I Shoot People In The Face With A Canon...

...A Canon camera, that is.

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For me, it means being able to offer my clients the best images in any area of photography. I am confident I can provide a great product, and my work speaks for itself. Having the ability to shoot both architecture and lifestyle is a great advantage for hotel, resort and real estate clients.

And they are two aspects of photography at which I can confidently say I'm very good.

To all clients and potential clients:

Yes, I'll shoot your architectural needs or your lifestyle models, but keep in mind that being able to combine those shoots into one package, have it done well and delivered on time not only saves you headaches, it's cost effective (and who isn't concerned about cost these days?)

Plus, I've recently started to shoot HD video for clients as well. More on this topic later. It's all about being able to adapt. Isn't that Darwin?

Candy-Pop!

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of collaborating with an incredible makeup artist, Michelle Gonzales and Dana Deggs, a young but talented model who has a very bright future ahead of her in this industry. The concept was simple, bright colors that pop off the screen...like visual candy.