j. heckman

2011-10-17T02:34:00.000-04:00

I also did some regular portraits this weekend. This looks like I used fill flash, but it is actually because the side of the barn was white and reflecting all that light back onto them.

Coyote

2011-10-17T02:28:00.002-04:00

I've done some interesting portrait type work this weekend. For this particular shoot, I went to Hawk Mountain to get some cute candids and portraits of Coyote.

Kor's Wedding

2011-10-14T15:06:00.002-04:00

This is my derby wife getting married for real! :]

Weddings

2011-10-14T14:53:00.004-04:00

I have a new challenge, and it is wedding photography. I would like to stick with it, but goodness, there is so much to learn and keep track of! Not to mention, I'm still getting the hang of this whole flash thing. I was second shooting at this particular wedding with my friend Randy, founder and owner of R. Litwin Photography. It was a blast!

Don't forget to like my Facebook page, if you get a chance. :]

New Video

2011-09-15T14:18:00.001-04:00

I recently made another video, this time revolving around my derby team. It's nothing special, but it was super fun!

Roller Derby Portraits

2011-09-03T12:39:00.004-04:00

For those of you who haven't figured this out yet, I play roller derby with an AMAZING league of women... the Pottstown Roller Derby Rockstars. They asked me to help out shooting some portraits... here are some of the shots from the first session!

I'm pretty happy with how the editing turned out, seeing as they wanted some pretty specific effects... which are not, as you may know, my forte.

The rest can be found HERE on my Facebook page! [Hint hint, you should also go "like" it!]

Zombie

2011-08-30T13:29:00.000-04:00

My friend Splinch and I were experimenting with zombie makeup and gore last night.

John & Lola

2011-08-12T14:03:00.001-04:00

I did my first engagement shoot last week for Lola and John. It was a whole lot of fun! However, I really need to get an AF lens as soon as possible.

Roller Derby

2011-08-02T08:45:00.003-04:00

I have a new endeavor in my life - roller derby. And no, not shooting photos of it. I mean playing. It's probably the most fun I have ever had, plus it's challenging and good exercise.

It's pretty much taken over my life, yet oddly enough, I'm not compelled to shoot it. The action is tough to capture, and I still don't own a good, external flash... so I haven't bothered a whole lot. There's also the fact that I get so caught up watching and studying the game, that I don't even think about picking up my camera. Either way, you can see the few shots I have here.

I'm finally getting my butt back into gear on photography, though. I've been messing with Lightroom, and I have some shots from my first engagement session coming up. Stay tuned!

Cute

2011-08-02T08:35:00.001-04:00

Love On The Rocks

2011-05-20T22:52:00.001-04:00

Stephen

2011-05-20T22:50:00.001-04:00

I really just like this photo too much not to have it up here. The rest of the set is here.

Joe and Dani

2011-03-31T10:51:00.000-04:00

Keith

2011-03-30T16:38:00.002-04:00

Hidden Lights

2011-03-21T14:21:00.006-04:00

It's been a while! I've been really, rather uninspired lately.

Currently, I'm working on processing a shoot I did with the band Hidden Lights (formerly known as Squid Films). As I get through more, they will be added to this set on Flickr. These are all digital, but I have a roll of 120 size Verichrome Pan that I will be sending out for development. They wanted an old 1920's style to their photos, so I'm sure I will be doing some other edits later.

Sarah

2011-01-25T09:10:00.001-05:00

KL

2010-12-03T10:59:00.004-05:00

My friend Kar and I shot some photos for her modeling portfolio, using her desk lamp as our lighting and an old Nikon Series E 50mm lens. Super high tech. I had a lot of fun, and she busted out the fake blood to add a little bit of creepy to the shoot.

I didn't do much to these photos except adjusting the curves and a little dodging and burning. I think they look pretty good from that aspect.

The rest are here.

2010-12-01T12:51:00.001-05:00

Bored of these yet? New project coming up Thursday, hopefully.

Val

2010-10-19T01:12:00.001-04:00

More Live Music

2010-10-19T00:55:00.002-04:00

See some more on my Flickr page.

That Was Fun

2010-10-12T00:11:00.000-04:00

Super fun!

Much Better

2010-10-04T03:20:00.002-04:00

Tonight's show (Freddie and Michele with boog) ended up going much more smoothly. There are still a good amount of boring shots, but I feel like the good ones I did get are really pretty good. So, it's worth it. (It also helps when you have people with absolutely great stage presence).

Notes On Live Music

2010-10-02T17:57:00.004-04:00

I've noticed some things when shooting music, notably how difficult it's been to keep my photos interesting while keeping a focused, still shot at the same time. Sitting still works to keep the image in focus, but they get so boring after a while. However, moving around is difficult at shows, and makes for a lot more of a challenge staying still. Normal people probably know this already. I noticed it while shooting and getting extremely bored with my shots.

Philadelphia

2010-09-25T17:41:00.004-04:00

Kid Congo Powers and boog

2010-09-25T17:35:00.004-04:00

Philadelphia, 9/18/10.

Impossible

2010-09-24T01:00:00.001-04:00

boog.

2010-09-19T01:26:00.000-04:00

Michele

2010-09-16T12:27:00.004-04:00

Instax

2010-09-06T22:45:00.000-04:00

I've been playing with an Instax Mini. It's kind of fun.

Runaways

2010-07-26T16:38:00.000-04:00

D90 Video Test

2010-07-17T21:24:00.001-04:00

At the Fair from J Heckman on Vimeo.

Fun

2010-07-12T21:14:00.002-04:00

I upgraded to a Nikon D90.

boog CD Release Show

2010-07-01T14:58:00.004-04:00

I had the pleasure of attending and shooting boog's CD Release Show at Steel City Coffeehouse in Phoenixville, PA. Check out his MySpace music page and his Facebook music page.

It was a great show, and the lighting there was wicked cool. These were all shot with a 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor-S on my D40. I only wish I would have moved around more. See the rest in my Flickr set here.

Have Some

2010-06-28T14:07:00.000-04:00

It's been a while.

Rest In Peace

2010-04-12T15:49:00.003-04:00

I'm sorry to say that one of the most interesting people I have ever had the privilege of meeting passed away on March 27, 2010. Bob Zimmers was the owner of the camera shop in Zern's Farmers Market, and was one of the nicest people I think I've met. He was always there to offer up stories or his past photography adventures, advice for anyone who asked, and a friendly smile to passers by. My condolences to his family, and may he rest in peace.

Click here to read his obituary.

Freddie and Michele ft. Biej

2010-03-15T10:54:00.003-04:00

These were taken at Steel City Coffeehouse in Phoenixville, PA. It was a really good show. Those blue lights were driving me completely insane. Thank God for prime lenses in that light too.

I should have some more stuff to post soon, I took a ridiculous amount of photos this past weekend at an "Irish wake." Really, that means huge tent party at my favorite local establishment.

It's Been A While

2010-03-10T15:33:00.005-05:00

Here are some photos, shot in available light as usual. Unusual, however, is that they are digital. I dislike digital noise, but I really enjoy this lens (50mm f/1.4 Nikkor-S). I'm lacking motivation otherwise.

Halloween?

2010-02-05T16:32:00.001-05:00

I finally developed some film... but I have a bunch more to go. I forgot I even took these shot!

Busy (and sick)

2010-02-02T11:19:00.001-05:00

Whew! It's been quite a while. I have been super busy (many things, including but not limited to getting a new car) and I was sick for almost a month straight... So I really haven't accomplished a whole lot! You're stuck with an old photo for that reason.

I am writing on here to set in stone that I will be back to normal this week. I have five rolls of film waiting on me and I intend to have them developed by the weekend. (If I have enough developer. Better get on that, too).

I'm also putting out a request to all of my (five) readers... what tips do you guys recommend for starting out on the business side of photography? I'm not looking to make a killing here, but I do have some portrait requests and would like to make a little back to pay for it. Any tricks of the trade?

May you all stay warm on your photoshoots. :)

Snow

2010-01-04T19:51:00.002-05:00

I have another roll from this day to develop... along with two more rolls at that location from another day, a roll from family get togethers... and then maybe two or three 35mm rolls to do. (Those were all 120). Unfortunately, I am sick, and I don't feel like doing any of it. So... this is what you get for now!

Kevin

2009-12-20T22:10:00.004-05:00

Interesting.

2009-12-17T12:47:00.003-05:00

Things are super interesting in my little personal photography bubble. Some really good things have happened in the past month or so, and a few not so good things.

The good:

I am now the owner of the following: Two White Lightning strobes (Ultra 1600, Ultra 1200), a softbox and beauty dish, two Beseler enlargers (Printmaker 35, 23CII XL), the required darkroom accessories (trays, timer, safelights), a Canon AE-1 Program with a few flashes and four lenses (for sale), a Gossen light meter, two decent tripods, a monopod, some gold letter stamping kit thing, and a backdrop kit. I'm not sure how much this would have cost me separately, but I got an obscenely good deal that I could not pass up.

I was also given a large bag full of approximately 150 rolls of assorted, frozen films... so I have finally set up a small, dedicated film fridge in the basement... well, film and beer.

The bad:

I have not been shooting enough, and I have NO clue where to even begin using the studio equipment I got. I'm hoping I can find someone I know to bribe with cash or film to show me how to do it, or at least the basics.

I would really, really like to find someone to be an assistant to or shoot under for a while. I'm short on inspiration, though I have a few ideas up my sleeve for the spring. I would also really like to start doing portraits, but I'm unsure where to start. I need to build a portfolio, and soon!

That's really all. Sorry for the rant! Hopefully I will have something more exciting next time!

Bronica At St. Pete's

2009-11-10T16:38:00.003-05:00

I don't know why I don't shoot with this camera more. I think I always assume it's going to be too much work, but it never is.

NYC Streets

2009-11-06T11:17:00.002-05:00

I need some serious practice.

Vivian Maier

2009-11-02T08:53:00.002-05:00

You guys should all check out this blog for some truly amazing street photography with a unique story behind it:

Vivian Maier - Her Discovered Work

From the blog itself:

Vivian's life in obscurity

Some have suggested that I add more information on the story of Vivian's work and such. Here is what I know.

I acquired Vivian's negatives while at a furniture and antique auction. From what I know, the auction house acquired her belongings from her storage locker that was sold off due to delinquent payments. I didn't know what 'street photography' was when I purchased them.

It took me days to look through all of her work. It inspired me to pick up photography myself. Little by little, as I progressed as a photographer, I would revisit Vivian's negatives and I would "see" more in her work. I bought her same camera and took to the same streets soon to realize how difficult it was to make images of her caliber. I discovered the eye she had for photography through my own practice. Needless to say, I am attached to her work.

After some researching, I have only little information about Vivian. Central Camera (110 yr old camera shop in Chicago) has encountered Vivian from time to time when she would purchase film while out on the Chicago streets. From what they knew of her, they say she was a very "keep your distance from me" type of person but was also outspoken. She loved foreign films and didn't care much for American films.

Some of her photos have pictures of children and often times it was near a beach. I later found out she was a nanny for a family on the North Side whose children these most likely were. One of her obituary's state she lived in Oak Park, a close Chicago suburb but, I later found she lived in the Rogers Park neighborhood, in Chicago.

Out of the 30-40,000 negatives I have in the collection, about 10-15,000 negatives were still in rolls, undeveloped from the 1960's-1970's. I have been successfully developing these rolls. I still have about 600 rolls yet to develop. I must say, it's very exciting for me. Most of her negatives that were developed in sleeves have the date and location penciled in French (she had poor penmanship).

I found her name written with pencil on a photo-lab envelope. I decided to 'Google' her about a year after I purchased these only to find her obituary placed the day before my search. She passed only a couple of days before my inquiry on her.

I wanted to meet her in person well before I found her obituary but, the auction house had stated she was ill, so I didn't want to bother her. So many questions would have been answered if I had.

Check it out here.

Dizzle Two

2009-10-23T11:28:00.003-04:00

Another Informal Portait

2009-10-22T11:42:00.001-04:00

Maybe? I was lazy with the dust, I'll fix it later. If I feel like it. It's shots like these that get on my nerves. Ones where I really enjoy it but wish I had changed the angle and/or level of the camera for better composition. I should really start thinking even longer before I snap.

Street Photography at Outfest

2009-10-22T11:19:00.002-04:00

I guess that's what you would call it. I don't know any of these people. But regardless, these are some of the other shots from the day. You can check out the rest on my Flickr if you're bored.

Random Portraits

2009-10-14T09:51:00.002-04:00

I've been trying to get more and more people shots in, even if those people aren't necessarily signing up to get their portraits done.

As for these particular shots... an online acquaintance told me this film (Fuji Neopan 100SS) wasn't necessarily good, after I had already shot it. I usually am pleasantly surprised, but in this case, I'd have to agree with him. I'm not super pleased with it. I can't point out exactly what it is, but it just looks weird.

Outfest Philadelphia 2009

2009-10-14T09:40:00.003-04:00

I keep getting taken to Pride events.

More to come on another roll of film at a later date.

Some Days.

2009-09-25T09:57:00.001-04:00

Not even mine. I should get more of this film, it's very nice. Fuji Pro 800Z.

People

2009-09-18T11:41:00.004-04:00

Trying to get more people shots in. I might be getting some actual work from people soon... I need to practice. I think I'm going to have to charge, cause it's not a cheap thing, but I think I'm going to do the first few shoots at cost. Expect more medium format over the coming weeks. Also expect an update with some band shots this weekend sometime.

Wandering

2009-09-02T12:21:00.004-04:00

I went exploring around Ardmore with some friends.

If anyone is interested, I have some (old, not so great) photos up on another blog called Forgotten Pennsylvania. It's an interesting blog all about exploring the abandoned places in the state. The link to the actual post is here.

Linfield Industrial Park

2009-08-29T01:52:00.003-04:00

I went exploring with an old friend. I got to shoot some with the Bronica, and I am looking forward to using it more. You can see more images in my Urban Exploration set on my Flickr page.

Zerns

2009-08-27T14:20:00.001-04:00

This last gentleman is Mr. Zimmer. He runs the camera shop at the market. He's a funny guy, and he likes to tell stories about his days as a young photographer. It's fun to listen to.

Risk

2009-08-25T10:56:00.002-04:00

It's serious business.

Life, at the moment.

2009-08-14T01:00:00.003-04:00

All the things that happen after dinner.

Cutting, scanning, editing out dust, falling asleep at my desk.

Waking up to look at my empty bed.

Moving over to the bed because I am tired only to realize I can't sleep. Then I'm bothered by revelations and realizations... like the fact that I probably should get some new socks.

Reading to take my mind off it, and put it towards something more morbid and interesting.

Or going back to the desk to doodle about how I don't know what to doodle about.

And then I usually return to my bed and try to sleep. So exciting.

Five

2009-08-13T14:49:00.001-04:00

More Portraits

2009-08-13T14:17:00.004-04:00

These were not anything special, I just needed some practice.

One not from camp. Also, this one was pushed from 400 to 1600. The lighting just ended up working out perfectly.

Portraits

2009-08-11T23:01:00.003-04:00

Liar

2009-08-04T09:19:00.002-04:00

Cross-Processing

2009-08-03T09:50:00.003-04:00

I'm not usually a fan of cross-processing. The colors usually come out too neon and odd for my tastes, the contrast is usually off, and it just doesn't suit my style. However, when an online acquaintance showed off his cross-processed images, I was impressed with the tones he got and decided to give it a shot. I dug up some expired Kodak EPJ 320T. (Tungsten balanced slide film). My results, however, where pretty lame and what I expected to happen.

The Kick Start

2009-07-28T08:58:00.003-04:00

I found this place on a trip through Columbus, Ohio. It's a coffeehouse AND scooter store, called the Kick Start. Check it out here.

A few things.

2009-07-23T14:20:00.001-04:00

Lazy

2009-07-22T14:59:00.008-04:00

I don't feel like digging these up to download them, so I am linking them from my Flickr... I think I might go through and edit all my posts to this, if possible. This is what I've been up to the past few weeks.

Digital:

Film:

I will soon have a rant for you about digital photography. Soon.

Meh

2009-07-14T09:27:00.003-04:00

I've been goofing around lately.

Pride

2009-06-20T17:04:00.005-04:00

I am in Columbus, and I ended up at the Pride festival and parade. It's been interesting.

Bally

2009-05-18T16:49:00.003-04:00

I suddenly dislike all of these photos. I guess I looked at them too much. Better go out and shoot.

Dreams

2009-05-17T14:25:00.000-04:00

Late Night Coffee

2009-05-14T09:21:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure how I feel about Ilford HP5+... But I've got about 3 more rolls to shoot. I do have a bunch of re-badged Tri-X on the way, and it was fairly cheap. How, you ask?

For those of you who do not know, Freestyle Photographic offers their own line of products labeled "Arista." Most of the films they offer are re-badged films from other companies, such as Fuji and Foma. Their most recent addition to the lineup, "Arista Premium," is actually Kodak film stock (by pretty much all accounts).

Compare Arista Premium 400, 36 exposures at $2.19 to Kodak Tri-X 400, 36 exposures at $3.99.

Now if only they'd make a deal like this on TMax....

Looking Towards The Future

2009-05-13T11:57:00.001-04:00

Sleep

2009-05-12T09:41:00.001-04:00

Finally.

2009-05-11T08:39:00.006-04:00

Arista Premium 400 developed in Xtol 1:1.

New Link

2009-05-06T14:10:00.001-04:00

I started following another blog, but I forgot to add a link until today. So make sure you check out Alex's blog, Empty Hallways.

Great work.

First Communion

2009-04-28T16:25:00.002-04:00

My cousin. I will hopefully get a little more serious in the next few months, I have a Bronica ETRS coming and everything I need to develop black and white film at my home. Good times.

Reala

2009-04-21T11:58:00.004-04:00

I shot a roll of Reala, with some interesting results. I am going to have to learn to pay more for my color film development, or learn to do it myself. I can't deal with the scratches that come out of this machine.

So, there is a really big chance that I will be coming upon a large amount of darkroom equipment for free. All I know so far is that it includes 3 enlargers, safelights, trays, timers, and that there is so much stuff it might not fit into a truck. This means my basement is about to become a darkroom. If anyone would be interested in darkroom lessons or something similar, let me know. I should be good to go in a month or so.

Skating

2009-04-21T11:49:00.008-04:00

Messing around with manual mode for skating.

Rainy Day

2009-04-15T22:54:00.005-04:00

Hanging at the Pagoda.

Digital Dizzle

2009-04-15T22:46:00.005-04:00

Thanks for putting up with me, dude.

Andrew

2009-03-31T09:28:00.006-04:00

I wish I could get more of these, but my friends are usually rather unwilling to have their picture taken. They're starting to warm up.

I got a bit lucky with this, and another shot... I forgot to write how many frames I'd shot on the film canister I removed from another camera. I had quite a few double exposures, but luckily with little cropping, this one turned out alright.

Someone sent me a link to a very talented black and white photographer, Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai. She take beautiful portraits, you should check it out.

Mother, Father

2009-03-30T14:00:00.003-04:00

Oh boy, a rough draft. This doesn't look very big. Anyway, I need some advice on this... mostly just the overall composition and idea, I know it's a little sloppy and doesn't match. I would like to re-shoot it on another film and recompose the "Father" image, if I can find those stones again. That right end distracts me.

Differences

2009-03-27T10:20:00.003-04:00

I am glad I have fellow artistic people to talk to about the stuff I shoot. I really wanted to clean this up, or not use it at all this way because it came straight from the scanner bed like this. However, a friend of mine said "Leave it." So I did (for the time being), and the more I look at it, the more i seem to enjoy it.

I still want to clean it up, rescan it, something... but I thought I'd share that it's a very good idea to listen to those around you. You never know what you might end up doing next.

On another note, it feels good to be shooting film again.

Fun Times

2009-03-25T10:20:00.003-04:00

Pinball

2009-03-25T10:11:00.004-04:00

The Only Way To Go Is Down

2009-03-25T10:07:00.004-04:00

These aren't so great, but I know what I want to work on next time, and that's what is important.

Tasty

2009-03-04T09:03:00.003-05:00

I was bored to I played around a bit with lighting, mostly because LED Christmas lights just look cool. I grabbed a flashlight to throw in the mix and this was the result.

I would really like to get a prime lens for this camera, or at least something a little faster. Even on a tripod my shots are not how I would like them to be.

I'll Be Back Soon

2009-02-23T22:24:00.005-05:00

I'm taking a coffee break.

In all seriousness, I should be back shooting film again soon. I'm going to get the necessary equipment for the house to develop black and white this week.

Another note, check out the new link on the right. It's to my best friend's website she just set up. If you don't feel like looking at her blog then go to darbiedesign.com (or click here) to see all the hard work she's doing.

Busy, busy!

2009-01-14T14:00:00.003-05:00

I haven't had a lot of time lately to update, or even focus solely on photography. However, I've still been taking a few pictures!

Check out the new link on the sidebar - Jess Kemp. She's a friend from school and a great photographer!

D40

2008-12-14T20:17:00.004-05:00

Learning how to shoot digital is becoming an experience. Color profiles, RAW, manual modes... it is much different. I have to learn how to NOT lose color when going from RAW to JPEG.. trust me, the top one looks way different.

Maybe I'll put the picture up... I got to shoot with a really nice Nikkor 50mm prime and the sharpness absolutely blew me away... but the shot was lacking anything interesting. :) Still, time to save $90!

Artist At Work

2008-12-08T14:08:00.003-05:00

This is my friend Jason, aka Banana, working on another friend.

I have a D40 coming today, so maybe I'll get some colorful stuff up for you!

You Just Knew...

2008-11-13T14:30:00.003-05:00

It's clear to me that I need to learn to use a flash better. Other than that, everything ended up ok.

Printing.

2008-11-09T12:13:00.002-05:00

We're printing in my class now. This isn't a negative, it's the print scanned instead. I think I'm going to need to stop shooting color for a while so I can think in black and white.

Slide Film

2008-11-09T12:09:00.001-05:00

I shot my first roll of slide film and got it back last week. Fuji Velvia 50.

Class

2008-10-30T12:22:00.001-04:00

Contact sheet.

News/Update

2008-10-12T16:12:00.005-04:00

I bought a flash on eBay not too long ago, and it came this weekend. So far it works, but all the batteries I have are close to dead. I will test it sometime soon, I need to start reading up on Strobist now. Once I can get the battery charged for my friend's digital camera, I will try and take a shot of it. It's a Minolta Auto Electroflash 360PX, and I would not like to go into how much I spent on it. But, it works with my camera, and will use TTL metering, so I don't have to learn a lot at first.

I started a black and white darkroom class at a local arts center this past week. I shot a roll Friday, and we will be developing them Wednesday. It's quite exciting. I also shot my first roll of slide film this weekend, so we'll have to see how that comes out. I guess I'll be sending it out. Velvia 50 is so amazing when shot properly, so here's hoping I metered right.

Oh, if you'd like to visit the website of my class instructor, follow the link to your right that says Patricia Scialo. She is very good at alternative printing methods, I am hoping I can learn a lot from her.

That's all for now, I just need to keep practicing and learning as much as I can.

Camping

2008-10-01T13:45:00.005-04:00

Sky

2008-09-25T10:59:00.006-04:00

As for my scanner, I tried re-scanning that frame a few more times, and the only conclusion I can come to is that the grain really does look like that. Weird.

Scanner problems...

2008-09-19T07:30:00.002-04:00

This is temporary until I can figure out what the heck I did to my scanner settings... This frame and the whole roll, really, are coming out really pixelated. I always turn the automatic color settings off, so that's not it... Maybe I missed somthing? Anyway, enjoy what you can of this, just ignore his hat and the awful pixels until I get this fixed.

Books

2008-09-07T23:51:00.000-04:00

Picked up a Canon AE-1 for $20. The results are nice.

BME

2008-09-03T23:32:00.000-04:00