Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Death Of A Clown: Collection 3

In this third installment for the "Death of A Clown" (DOAC) series, I chose to highlight ''The Mime".  In this collection I wanted to depict one of the supporting characters that I just simply thought was really "Cool/Edgy". My challenge was to interpret "The Mime" displayed here in such a way that distinguished differences in style, functionality, and Mood for the traditional "Mime Artist". The most unique quality being the ability take what is imagined and make it real with shadows. You will see a number of examples of this being put to work through out this collection. I also wanted to make sure the mood/feel was darker and more sinister based on this character portraying one of the antagonist of the series. It's in the subtle details where I placed allot of my focus in this collection. The Mime in this collection represents control, dominance, & a heartless state of mind! There IS a much bigger story to the method behind the madness, so please take time to review the entire collection and look out for more to come from the DOAC series!

"The Mime"






Special Thanks to the production staff:

Model- Edge
Clothing Designer/ Stylist: Lamil Stephens
Make-Up: Keya DeLarge
Studio- The Shot Atlanta 
Media Sponsor: The G Cafe















Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Philosophy: Beauty Defined

beau·ty[byoo-tee]  

–noun, plural -ties.
1.
the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest).
"Invisible Beauty" Model: Mackenzie Conn-Powers Make-Up: Keya Delarge Location:Aurum Lounge
As a photographer I have many perspectives on beauty and how it relates to who and what I photograph.  In many cases it is simply what inspires me most. An opinion that is projected through the very fiber of my imagery. A long time ago someone told me "The true power of persuasion  is getting another man to accept your definition as his/her own." I would take it a step further and say it is also accepting that definition and making it your own by bringing new perspective! What you know and feel is beautiful....IS!  My hope is that we simply come to a common understanding and start from there! 
"The Gaze"- Model:Roni  Make-Up:Keya Delarge
"Tribal" Model: Annie Tee Make-Up: Keya Delarge
"Untitled" Model: Lauren Make-Up & Styling: Lamil Designs


Take a moment to consider this, the next time you look up at the clouds and reminisce on the child hood game of  "Shapes In The Sky" think of defining beauty the same way. The beauty you see won't always be visible to others, but with a little direction they may be able to see beyond their own understanding! For the month of April I will be highlighting all things beautiful in my world so join me as I highlight the relative and the abstract perspectives of JAS Photo!
"Shapes In The Sky"

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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

JAS Photo Says Thank You!!


Dear Friend:

On behalf of JAS Photo and the production staff, I take this opportunity to express our sincerest appreciation for your support. I am deeply grateful for not only your support, but also your inspiration!

It is through the support of individuals like you that I am able to continue to strengthen my vision, and to develop new and innovative projects to share exclusively with you.

As we approach the turn of a new chapter for JAS Photo, I will continue to strive to create that which has not yet been seen or felt.

Again, thank you for your help in making this vision a reality.

Sincerely,

John Stephens

Photographer/Director
www.jasphotoonline.com


Join in here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/JAS-Photo/110741018940287
Follow here: www.twitter.com/jas_photo

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The G Cafe presents "Behind The Mask" with JAS Photo for "Death Of A Clown" Collection 2

Death of A Clown - Behind The Mask from The G Cafe on Vimeo.
"Death of A Clown" is a unique and exclusive creative collaboration with JAS Photo. In this clip John Stephens, Director and Photographer, discusses his vision for the project and gives some background on the story. Johnson Cooley ("Patch") talks about his role and the path of his character's evolution.



Actor:Johnson Cooley

Designer/Stylist: Lamil Stephens

Make-Up: Keya DeLarge

Hair: Keka Heron

Behind the Scenes: Chieu Lee Photography

Media Sponsor: The G Cafe

Studio: The Shot Atlanta Studio



http://www.facebook.com/TheGCafe

www.jasphotoonline.com

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Death Of A Clown: Collection 2

As promised here is the 2nd Collection for the "Death of A Clown" Series. Since the first posting I spent a lot of time thinking about how I could bring a better, more visual collection like this one to life. I thought that writing a short story would help motivate me and move the project forward a little faster. To my surprise that little story began to grow beyond the imagery and left me with tons of details to pull from for my shoots.   Resulting in what you see posted in this blog entry. This portrays a clown who not only finds solace behind his clown make up but also covers up his pain with patches.  This collection highlights the comfort in ones own ignorance and how uncomfortable it can be to change.  This project is all about how clowns deal with new found emotions as well as come to grips with their own mortality.

"Patch"
The character  "Patch" goes through three transitions with in this particular collection. He struggles with his uncontrollable nature to please, fighting to make the right choice for growth, & hiding his true pain behind his patches!

"In Transit"- Growing from naive beginnings and becoming the person he was meant to be.




































You will find a familiar face from the last collection showing the main character "Jenni"  interacting with in Patch's thoughts as he searches for answers. Depicting the chaos that he finds his life in & where it all began.

"Lost & Found"



































At his lowest point we see what he does to mask his pain when no one else is around. A troubling scene meant to show how far he will go to avoid dealing with his own reality.

"Behind Closed Doors"



































I have already begun pulling things together for the next shoot for Collection 3. There are two more collections to be completed as well as 2 scenes from the story. I am also continuing to write through out this process to soon finish the full story to accompany the imagery. This project is very close to my heart and I am genuinely excited for the next steps to making it something great. Much more to come so be on the look out for behind the lens footage coming soon.

Special Thanks to the production staff:

Actor/Model- Johnson Cooley
Clothing Designer/ Stylist: Latoya Stephens
Make-Up: Keya DeLarge
Hair: Keka Heron
Behind the Scenes: Chieu Lee Photography 
Studio- The Shot Atlanta 
Media Sponsor: The G Cafe

Sunday, August 29, 2010

"Behind The Craft" with JAS Photo Part 1 Presented by The G Cafe


I was recently interviewed by The G Cafe for their premier installment of "Behind The Craft" the series. I had a blast sharing with them and being able to speak candidly about some key reasons why I shoot and my outlook on photography. Look for more to come from this interview and learning a little bit more about the man "Behind The Craft" yours truly. Thanks go out to The G Cafe for the wonderful feature & giving me a platform to share my views with their audience! Learn more about The G Cafe and all the great things they are doing over there at www.theGCafe.com & also follow them on twitter for news updates @thegcafe ....

Thursday, August 12, 2010

JAS Photo Exclusive: Behind The Scenes @ Darien Brockington's "RAIN" Video Shoot



I recently had the pleasure of working with Darien Brockington  for his upcoming music video shoot "Rain".  A great day of shooting with a stellar cast and production crew. Over the years Darien has always been a blast to work with and continues to impress me with his enormous talent.  As Director of Photography the process became so much more gratifying as I was allowed the creative freedom to give input into some of the key parts of the project. At the end of the day let the work speak for itself!!! Take a moment to view the "Behind the Scenes" trailer created by yours truly and some exclusive images from the shoot.

For more info about Darien Brockington visit: www.dbrockmusic.com
"THE COLD CASE FILES" AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW ON ITUNES & AMAZON.COM

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Wardrobe Styling by Brian Short of TFT Style
Make-Up by Lamil & Hair Styling by Shanna



































Introducing Diamond Analycia as "Layla Jones"

































Director- Muta'Ali