PMA Photo Convention

The PMA Photo Convention took place this past week in Anaheim, Ca and if you did not have a chance to check it out you can go to a blog entry a friend found: http://www.flickr.com/photos/peterwphoto/4380406841/

Dream Big!

Fashion Rocks

Recently I shot a fashion story for a new editorial magazine, but today I learned that the magazine lost their financial backing. It is so sad because I really loved the story.



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New Sony Camera's

I am finally home after speaking at the PMA convention in Anaheim, Ca for Sony. The convention started off with Sony making announcements of a few new incredible camera's, lens and more.

I have always loved having a small point and shoot camera in my pocket but over the years I've gone through so many because if you drop them, or even when you don't, it seems they die fast. Sony just announced an unbelievable line of Cyber-shot camera's that will come out later this year and I will be the first in line for them. At the PMA Press event, they did a demonstration where one of the camera's was in a block of ice, and a ice pick was used to chop it out, then it was placed in a tank of dust with a high speed fan,then dropped in a bucket of water and finally when it was pulled out of the tank of water it was dropped on the floor, twice! After all of this the camera was taken out and used to photograph everyone in the room and the photo's were amazing! A truly remarkable camera that I can now feel safe having around kids and photo assistants with slippery hands. Other great items included small camera's with interchangeable lens' touch screen backs, HD video and much more.

Stay tuned for more soon!

Always Dream Big

The End of Fashion Week

I've been traveling so much I don't know what day it is. Yesterday I thought it was Monday and now I'm packing yet again for another trip. Tomorrow I will speak for Sony at a photo convention and give a photo demonstration with two of my favorite L.A. models. After being in New York for Fashion Week earlier this week I am excited to photograph models and speak about what I love so much.

If you're never been to a fashion show it can be quite exhausting, but at the same time very exciting. Most photographers who shoot the shows are in a "pin", a roped in area where you are shoulder to shoulder with a zillion other photographers from around the world fighting, literally" to get the best shots of the season. I was fortunate to be able to go all over and capture a different side of the show and here is a sneak peek into a New York fashion show. The images of me looking at my prints on the floor was taken around midnight the night before the Bebe show.

Always Dream Big!

Aretha Franklin and Snickers

Today I received a call concerning my client and friend Aretha Franklin. I photographed her for the new CD and they wanted to know what I thought of her new TV commercial for Snickers. I loved it the moment I saw it and if you haven't seen it yet check it out here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLrsCnBvQFo


Always Dream Big!

Alyson Stoner

Today I went to meet with Alyson Stoner who is best known for her role in "Cheaper by the Dozen". The meeting was during a session with her voice coach, and as I listened to her sing I was blown away by her talent. Simply beautiful, raw talent without the enhancement of technology. Alyson Stoner is the real thing.

After her session we had to opportunity to speak about her vision and what I thought as well in regard to her image. I love having the opportunity to work with an artist in this fashion because you get a real sense for the person before you photograph them. I was blown away after hearing her sing but I was even more impressed with the way she carried herself and her by her character. As we spoke we learned that we were both at Disney last week. What a small world. Look for our collaboration in the near future.

Always Dream Big!

White Out

As I fly back from New York to Los Angeles and look out the window of the plane, all of America seems to be covered in a blanket of snow. For the last hour or more I have seen nothing but snow covered states as we cross the country.

I love the plane ride between NYC and L.A. because it gives me time to really think without the disruption of phones, work, (for the most part) or anything else to distract me. Today I am thinking about my meeting this morning before my flight out. I met with my book agent today at 10:00 a.m and we discussed elements to make my book a stronger sell outside of those interested in photography I loved her idea and now I will go home to re-vamp some detail and make the book stronger. She also asked me about my plans for an exhibit and where I'd like to have it. I have always envisioned an exhibit in New York first and then across the country, but starting in the Big Apple. She told me it was time to make appointments with galleries and that she would come with me to the meetings. Having both come out at the same time will be a huge advantage to both the book and the exhibit.

There is nothing like a personal project to show the world your vision and talent as a photographer. if you've never worked on one, this is the perfect time to put your heart and soul into sharing your soul through images. This year makes my 22nd year as a photographer but before that I worked as an assistant for three years to some of the best fashion and portrait photographers in the world. Being with those photographers every day taught me how to see for myself. So many people make the mistake of thinking if you learn to use the same light, same camera, and same technique that you can copy the work of those who you admire. After working in this industry I can tell you there is nothing further from the truth. I always show how I shoot, the type of camera's and lights I use, and in effect giving away my outward secrets for shooting. These elements are just the cover of the book, and we all know you can't judge a book by its cover. The true essence of great photography is much deeper than this and will take soul searching to discover. Search deep within and read my top three books to excel as a photographer, The Alchemist, How to Win Friends and Influence People, and Selling the Invisible.

There is no short cut to long lasting success. Over the years I have witnessed a few interns and assistants make the mistake of thinking there is an easy route to becoming a photographer simply because they see me shoot day in and day out. Annie Leibowitz has her assistants commit to two years and when they leave they still can't make images like her. However my good friends who worked under her as assistants have gone on to have amazing careers and discovered while working for her their own unique vision. Those friends are Christian Witkin (related to Peter Joel Witkin) and Martin Schoeller. If you want to be successful as a photographer don't be afraid to pay your dues and find your vision.

Dream big and stay warm!

Great Day

It is 1:05 a.m and I'm just getting back to my hotel after a long day of shooting the fashion shows and attending the after parties. If you've ever wondered what it was like to attend a New York fashion show, stay tuned as I will share images from behind the scenes of both the Bebe Fashion Show with Kim Kardashian and the Pete Wentz Fashion/Rock Show. Both shows were sponsored in part by Sony and Elle magazine.

To take a peak at Pete Wentz fashion show go to: Www.mycontent.com/style360

Btw, if you haven't seen the new Snickers TV ad featuring Aretha Franklin then you should google it.

Always Dream Big but do so with integrity!

Fashion Week-Kim Kardashian, Reggie Bush and Pete Wentz

Today I am in cold New York and about to leave my hotel to photograph two fashion shows surrounding the Sony 360 project with Elle Magazine. The first show is the BeBe show and the model call time is 7:00 a.m. for a show that starts at 10:00 a.m. I will arrive with my assistant at 7:30 to shoot behind the scenes and then the show. Kim Kardashian should be at the show as well and possibly her boyfriend, Reggie Bush from the Super Bowl winning New Orleans Saints. Should be a fun show.

This afternoon I will photograph the Pete Wentz fashion show which is sure to be exciting as well. Last night I was at the venue for both shows until after midnight watching the show come together. Sony will display 8 large prints from my fashion shoot last week in Los Angeles and show a video of the shoot. I'm excited to see the day. The images from today will go along with my fashion story images in Elle magazine, so stay turned for info on the issue coming out. Today I will use my Sony A900 with four lens, but for now I have to run out to get to the show.

Always Dream Big!

Not United

Last Friday as I boarded my plane back to Los Angeles I was still feeling great about the day, but as I entered the plane and took my seat in First Class I noticed a weird energy right away from one of the male flight attendance. I brushed it off and went about my business of preparing for my next assignment. Later in the flight I when dinner was served I couldn’t help but notice everyone was being served except me. I was sitting in an aisle seat on the second row of the plane so I thought it was a bit strange when he served the gentleman next to me and then served all the rows behind and beside me. Still I held my peace and waited. After he served everyone in First Class he came to me and said, “I’m so sorry I’ve made a terrible mistake”. I miscounted and have run out of dinners. Can I get you something from the back?” I looked at him and said “no, don’t worry about it. The I stood up and pulled out my Sony pocket camera, which is always in my pocket, and documented the First Class cabin. I wanted to visually show how I was overlooked so there could be no mistaking the obvious. All of the sudden this attendant comes rushing up to me and says he can offer me his dinner and that he dropped my meal. I though to myself, I thought he said he miscounted and ran out of dinners? I said, “Yes, that would be fine” and he started trying to explain himself even more but I could see from the other flight staff that they were concerned about the situation. The damage was done and for an instant I was fuming inside. I took a moment to reflect on my many blessing and decided how to best handle the situation. No one has the power to upset me unless I allow it to. I believe it never does any good to loose your composure in these situations. The only thing that can make a difference is bringing attention to the situation by exposing it to the world and to those who run the company. Everyone has a choice on how we spent our money and with whom. Also nothing gets more reaction then sending a letter to the CEO of a company and adding images to illustrate my point. Let the CEO know that you have also sent the letter the New York Times and Washington Post as well.

Let no one take away your joy and dream bigger in 2010!

Disney Future Photographers

I believe it is very important to give back in whatever way we can. This past Friday morning I spoke to a group of 100 high school students who were selected to be apart of the Disney Dreamers Academy. I was introduced to Disney through my good friends at Kodak I talked about how I was inspired to become a photographer and shared images from my career. I spoke about Gordon Parks and how his life inspired me to pursue photograph as a career instead of just as a hobby. I shared stories that I hope inspired them to dream bigger than they have even done in the past, and to chase their dreams no matter how impossible they may seem at this moment. I told them it was their duty to dream big and that they were the future, that no one saw the world the way they see it and because of that they are in a unique position to do things that have never been done before. I shared the three things that can enhance their lives: The people they meet, the places they go and the books they read. At the end of the presentation I received a standing ovation and I left Disney on a natural high. Thank you Kodak and Disney for a wonderful experience and a chance to inspire future photographers.


ALways Dream Big

Disney, Robbie Amell and Laila Ali

True Jackson Show's Robbie Amell

Robbie Amell photograhed with the Sony A900 85mm lens

The Incredible Laila Ali photographed with the Sony A900

Today is my rehearsal day at Disney World. I arrived last night to take part in the 3rd annual Disney Dreamer Academy with Steve Harvey. The event was created to inspire and enrich the lives of high school students that need encouragement in their lives. Remember my saying that you only enrich your life by three things. The people you meet, the places you go, and the books you read. This weekend 100 high school students from around the country will have the opportunity to witness first hand the lives of those who are living their dreams. The lucky 100 high school students who are selected don't need to have a high GPA but they must have a strong desire to "dream big" and achieve. I was elated when I received the call from Kodak asking me if they could give my name to Disney for this event. To learn more go to: SteveHarvey.com/disneysdreamersacademy

The Start of the week was great with two fun filled shoots geared toward my 2010 goal of photographing young hollywood and creating the year I want. At the end of last year, I wrote about writing your goals down for the upcoming year and making a yearly marketing plan to follow. Please take the time to do this. There is magic in putting your goals in writing either in a personal journal, diary or blog. Personally I like pen to paper, but I'm old school. :-)

Monday started off with a shoot of the very viberat and electic Laila Ali. My interns and I had a ball working with her. Then Tuesday was equally amazing with another shoot with True Jackson Show star Robbie Amell. After the shoot Robbie did a video interview and then pulled me in to interview me. Moments after leaving my place, Robbie was tweeting about our amazing shoot and I was doing the same. To keep up with all my shoots please follow me at www.twitter.com/Matthew_JordanS

To Learn more about photography CLICK HERE!

Always Dream Big

Lighting Decisions

Me shooting with the Sony A900.

At the start of the last week I had an idea on how I wanted to light my assignment for Elle. After my new interns conducted research on the designer, Pete Wentz, who is not only the husband of Ashley Simpson but also a member of Fall Out Boy, I decided a hard, edgy light would be best to tell my story and convey the line. I was excited to shoot something edgy and hard with ton's of energy. I decided to use my Profot Magnum reflector as the main light to give a hard, crisp look the the images, however after the conference call with my clients I thought that was not the best direction to go in so I changed to using a light I used 1000 times over the years.

The main light for my shoot this past Friday was a Para 220 umbrella complete with my favorite strobes, the Profoto heads and packs. For my assignment I used six Profoto packs, six heads, four umbrella's, one beauty dish, two Sony A900 bodies, with all the lens' and a great crew of hair, makeup, assistants and interns. Together we had a fantastic shoot and I hope my clients love the images as much as I do. It was a fun shot filled with good energy and music. During the shoot one of my interns tweeted throughout the day from the set for me. To keep up on all our shoots in the future follow us at http://twitter.com/Matthew_JordanS

During the shoot my good friend and former CTO, (Chief Technical Officer) of Microsoft, David Vaskevitch came by to see me shoot along with his lovely wife,Tonya. While my crew changed the look of hair and makeup I photographed David and Tonya together and talked about the concept of my shoot. It was a great way to end the week. Now it all starts again with a shoot Monday morning of Laila Ali, before jumping on a plane to Florida to Disneyland to speak for to a group of 100 young teens about the joy of photography.

Always Dream Big!

Matthew Jordan Smith

Casting

You have worked endlessly to promote and market your photography. Finally your hard work pays off and you land an assignment doing what you love. Now the real work begins and you must hit the ground running. Very often the actually shooting part of the assignment may be the easiest part of the job. Production is one of the most important parts of being a photographer and part of that production is casting.

Sometime the casting is left to the photographer but most often there are countless people involved in the process. As the photographer you have the duty of not only looking for a subject that fits the bill visually for the assignment, but also looking to see if the subject can deliver the energy and look you are going for.

My casting this week was for both men and women. During the casting we photographed the models straight to camera, from behind and then profiles going left and right. I want to see all the angles of my subjects but I also like to see their attitude and style. Keeping records of your castings for future assignments is a good idea but if I like a models from a past casting I will call them in again. There are ton's of models I've seen over the years countless times, but I always need to see what they look like in their current state as they may have changed in some way since I last saw them.

Always Dream Big!


Enjoy the Super Bowl today!