JAKE JOHNSON PICTURES

NEXT SHOOT Photo Worskhop Oct. 22nd!!

2011-10-17T07:59:00.001-07:00

Our first SHOOT Workshop was a success, so we jumped in right away and set up another one. It's coming up this Saturday, and the line-up is very exciting: www.shootworkshop.com I hope to see you there!

SHOOT Photo Workshop

2011-08-08T15:48:00.003-07:00

Coming AUGUST 27th! A new kind of photo workshop: http://shootclass.blogspot.com/

There is gold in them there hills!

2011-07-31T18:46:00.003-07:00

My 6 year old daughter asked to see my blog today. So here we are, perusing my blog, and she says "You should put the photo we made of the gold miners". I agreed. So here it is. The models were the actual subjects of an In Maricopa Magazine cover story about the Sierra Estrella Mountains, and we shot them in our garage. My daughter assisted me, and the styling was done by local photographer Shannon Williams (bowbenie.blogspot.com / shannonbowphoto.com). On a misty day I shot the Sierra Estrella's and then added lots of warmth in Photoshop. Then we stripped in a photo of the adventure couple's actual jeep...and of course the hawk...then a gun-toting treasure bandit seemed appropriate (but was not, and was removed just before the mag went to print.) Oh, and the gold nugget is real...or it might be a spray painted river rock from my backyard. Either way, we hope you get a sense of the mystique...as if it was the cover of an action adventure flick. Enjoy the movie!

Picture Perfect Photo Course July 27th & 30th!

2011-07-18T17:42:00.001-07:00

Our Picture Perfect photo class is starting July 27th. Be there, and spread the word! Sometimes we play pool...

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what's a camera worth? | InMaricopa.com

2011-07-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what's a camera worth? | InMaricopa.com

Summer Photo Class!!

2011-06-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

I will be offering a variety of photo classes in July, ranging for our almost famous beginner's "Picture Perfect" course, to more advanced classes featuring flash photography and professional modeling. Please drop me an email if you would like further details: jake@jakejohnsonpictures.com

The Kids are Alright!

2011-05-09T23:39:00.001-07:00

I teach teens photography at the Maricopa Youth Recreation Center. We created public service announcements for a campaign to fight underage drinking. Each ad was conceptualized and photographed by a teen student. Very proud of everyone of them!

Business Beat: Jake Johnson Pictures

2011-04-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

The City of Maricopa did a business profile on us. I am less than
eloquent, but its a nice piece and I appreciate them taking the
time and effort to support the local businesses.

Top Secret Campaign

2011-03-07T17:48:00.005-07:00

Finally got the go ahead to share some of the images created for a U.S. Army campaign. Here is one, unedited directly from the camera. We couldn't show the soldiers faces in any of the photos as it would jeopardize their lives and families in the Middle East, where the campaign is running. Truly challenging shoot.

And the winner is...

2010-10-22T12:06:00.001-07:00

"Beauty of Light" Presentation

2010-10-14T01:54:00.003-07:00

I wanted to invite you all to a presentation I will be giving this Sunday, October 17th, at the LDS Chapel in the Homestead subdivision (20565 DR Horton Dr. , Maricopa). It is specifically for single adults over 30, but any adult is welcome on this occasion (says me). I will be talking about photography and light, both physical and spiritual. Since it is in the Church, it would be good to get spiffied up. I'll be wearing a tie and dress slacks. I hope to see you there.

2010-10-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

Maricopa Eye Care Photo Shoot

2010-07-19T23:09:00.004-07:00

I'm really happy that Jeanene at Maricopa Eye Care has such great taste and vision. She went all out and insisted on professional imagery for her new website and advertising. This place is the best designed shop I've seen in Maricopa. Innovative architecture and furnishing... and the stylish eyewear made me want to have bad eyesight. Thanks to Anita Turner of Purity Spa & Salon for her expertise with hair & makeup, and to our fantastic models Bridgette Balmes, Alex Lasheen and lil Ashlynn.

NEW SITE

2010-07-19T22:59:00.004-07:00

If you haven't had a chance yet, check out our new website: www.jakejohnsonpictures.com. This blog is solely intended to connect me with the peeps in my town of Maricopa. On the site you can get a better idea of the commercial work we do all over the place. Thanks!

New Photo Article on Inmaricopa.com

2010-04-23T11:01:00.002-07:00

If you get a chance, read the latest photo article published at inmaricopa.com

In Maricopa Cover- Spring 2010

2010-04-23T10:54:00.004-07:00

Zhenevieve is a concert violinist. My assistant is a sheep herder. Everything sort of fell into place.

Maricopa Photographers!

2010-02-07T21:10:00.004-07:00

This is a group shot of the crew in the Lighting Class of last session's Picture Perfect photography course in Maricopa. YES, men also take this class...just weren't represented too well on the Saturday afternoon. Another course will begin soon, so stay posted!

InMaricopa Cover- Fall 2009

2010-02-07T17:24:00.003-07:00

If you missed it, here is the cover we did for InMaricopa Magazine's Fall issue. Thanks to Nate and Cindy Jones of Maricopa for lending us their bodies and being our models; Shannon Williams for the smoke machine styling and wonderful assistance; and Jakob Schellenberg for his great assistance as well. (I've added the moon since the cover printed.)

I dig 2010

2010-01-29T16:43:00.003-07:00

It's been awhile. This new year has been pretty marvelous. Really excited about things in my life. Family, faith and fotos...

Papago Park Photo Field Trip...this Saturday!

2009-10-20T13:34:00.002-07:00

Join us this weekend for our Papago Park Photo Field Trip. (Say that 5 times fast.) Email me for details... should be a great time, and of course the idea is to help you be a better photographer.

Fall Photo Classes (as seen on InMaricopa.com)

2009-09-28T08:06:00.004-07:00

My new photos classes begin next week!
Get the whole scoop in our feature article on InMaricopa.com.
We've expanded from our beginners course and now offer an advanced course as well, along with a "Candid Shooting" class and a landscape class that will venture over to Papago Park in Tempe. We will also be having a MEET & GREET at CNC Barbershop & Spa on Monday October 5th from 6:30-8:00. I can answer any questions you have about the classes, and you can enjoy refreshments and a FREE 10-minute massage from CNC's massage therapist. Contact me for all the details, and please help me spread the word!

New CNC Salon Stylist

2009-09-18T09:53:00.002-07:00

CNC Barbershop and Salon is still a hidden gem for most Maricopans... you turn at the Great Western bank by the Shell gas station, into that plaza with Oasis life Center and Lil U Preschool. They have a new stylist, Anita, and needed an updated advertising photo. Drop by and give them a chance!

Introducing Lamp Left Media

2009-09-10T13:21:00.006-07:00

With producer Alonso Parra of Lamp Left Media and cameraman Michael Sly, JAKE JOHNSON PICTURES launches video commercials in Maricopa.
Alonso's bio can be found here:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1797328/

Samples of Michael's work can be seen here:
http://www.vimeo.com/4521194
http://www.vimeo.com/5250746
http://www.vimeo.com/5194977

Alternative Air - My new AC dudes!

2009-08-26T22:23:00.003-07:00

Avnel of Alternative Air needed some photography for his advertising. Great guys. Their phone is on the side of the truck... give them a call. Everybody needs their AC adjusted... and I don't mean AC Slater. I got a date with them in the Fall and again in the Spring.

Paradise Bakery

2009-07-28T06:45:00.004-07:00

This year we have added Paradise Bakery to our client list. You can currently find this photo on a variety of poster advertisements in all of the Paradise Bakery locations. I've discovered that I don't get free food by telling the cashier that "I took that photo", but PB is still my wife's favorite client because I bring home a box of fresh cookies after every shoot.

Phoenix Magazine

2009-07-28T06:37:00.004-07:00

Look for my photos in the current and upcoming issues of Phoenix Magazine. And if you're in Queek Creek, drop by The Deli (http://www.thedeliqc.com/)... this food was delicious. Amazing homemade ice cream, and they use produce from local farmers. While we were there a boy brought in a bushel of apples from his family's yard. They paid him cash and he left with an empty basket and a smile. It was like the Andy Griffith Show.

Piñata Party

2009-07-20T10:42:00.002-07:00

The dinosaur put up a fight. My wife Tami does great slide shows as a side business.
This one is pretty simple, but she does really amazing ones as well.

Photo Course coming soon!

2009-07-16T15:49:00.001-07:00

Hello Fellow Maricopans,

Sorry it's so hot. Regardless, taking pictures is always really cool, right?
You know, the more I get out the more cameras I see. And not your cardboard throw-aways these days. I'm seeing people with serious cameras. A lot of people. Digital cameras have gotten better and better, and a mom or dad can pick up a great camera at a decent price these days. More and more personal friends and associates are popping a new camera out of a box and asking me if I can show them how to use it. They want to take good pictures, but really only know how to use it in AUTO mode. Maybe that describes you: You have a great camera, have cute kids, but can't figure out how to make your pics look like the shots the photographer snapped of them at the park. AUTO won't get you there. But it's easier than you think, if you have a creative eye and passion for your subject matter. I am starting a photography course in a few weeks that is designed for the people I have just described. Let me show you how to take pretty pictures. You've bought the fancy camera, now let's get your money's worth out of it.
We'll go over everything you need to know to get the shots you want to capture. The classes will cover how to get a good exposure in any lighting environment; how to use you flash effectively; even how to use Photoshop well. Class dates, location, cost and structure are dependent on how much interest I get for this course. If you are at least evenly remotely interested in such a course, please contact me and we will get the ball rolling. Tell your friends... spread the word to the ladies on "girl's night out"... talk it up in your social groups... there is lots of ways to handle this. I am opening to presenting the course to a formal group, such as Maricopa Women in Business, or within a church gathering, etc.
It would be great if everyone could take pretty pictures.

Hope to hear from you soon!

JAKE

http://jakejohnsonpictures.blogspot.com/
www.jakejohnsonpictures.com
jake@jakejohnsonpictures.com
602.291.1093

SMASHING PUMPKINS

2009-07-10T12:38:00.002-07:00

I also came across this shot I took as a photo student. It was one of my first photographs taken with a large format view camera... you know, the old-fashioned looking cameras with the long bellows and black hood. Photographers still use them, and very commonly until a few years ago. The film is 4"x5" and you load it one sheet at a time. It took me probably 30 minutes to set-up and capture the image on film, then I developed the film, eventually scanned it...things have changed a lot. I love how the pumpkins echo the comedy/tragedy mask of dramatic theater. A smile for surviving the pumpkin smashing season, and a frown for being doomed to take a ride to the dump.

GRETZKY

2009-07-10T01:54:00.003-07:00

I was cleaning up my iMac today and came across this shot. I almost forgot I spent an afternoon on a shoot with the Wayne Gretzky. I guess I would need to be a sincere hockey fan to really appreciate "The Great One."

Blue Gap Boy'z: Now on DVD!

2009-06-23T10:00:00.003-07:00

I did the photography on the set of local filmmaker Holt Hamilton Production's latest release, "Blue Gap Boy'z", along with the images for the key art (DVD, posters, etc.) The guys at Brain Squeeze (www.brainsqueezecreative.com) do amazing work with my photos to make it all come together. Check out more of Holt's work at www.hhprod.com

ARIZONA BRIDE MAGAZINE: Best of 2008

2009-06-22T21:12:00.004-07:00

We shot the Arizona Bride "Best of" Party again this year. Look for the photos in the upcoming edition.

CNC Barbershop... these guys are for real!!

2009-06-19T09:00:00.006-07:00

Cedric and Carla of CNC Barbershop & Spa (19756 N. John Wayne Pkwy Maricopa, AZ 85239
phone: 520-568-9379) wanted some great imagery for an ad they were going to run in 85239 Magazine and for their website. Here's some of the results. By the way, drop by to get to know the Copa couple and their crew. I still need Cedric to give me a tight fade, while my señora gets a massage and a new do ;)

Portraits in the Park- May 30th!

2009-05-24T21:31:00.002-07:00

Saturday, May 30th is your last chance for participating in our Portraits in the Park promotional until Fall. Family Photos/ Portrait session are $100 that afternoon. We will be shooting at the waterfall in Maricopa Meadows. Call or email me for more details!

Portraits in the Park...See the shots!

2009-05-04T08:45:00.003-07:00

Here is some of the portraits from our successful Portraits in the Park shoot on April 18th. It was nice meeting some more Maricopans, and I hope we can plan another portrait day very soon!

Spicy Pics from the Salsa Festival

2009-04-27T09:24:00.003-07:00

We had some friends from Los Angeles visiting us this weekend. We took them to the Salsa Festival and they had a great time. My favorite comment was, "I can't believe all this is FREE!" I think the City did a great job and it felt good to be a part of such a diversified and vibrant community.

MARICOPA SALSA FESTIVAL 2009

2009-04-27T09:17:00.003-07:00

Food Network's Ingrid Hoffman graced the Salsa Festival this year. I got to meet her backstage and she was genuinely friendly and very energetic. Look for this lovely lady on her Food Network show "Delicioso!"

Studio Productions Shoot

2009-04-02T22:03:00.006-07:00

Studio Productions is this amazing company in Tempe consisting of artists from various backgrounds. They design, create and install the most incredible store fronts and interior components...they are also the creators of "Architecture Kids", which builds those amazing tree houses and playgrounds. They just did the new play area at Scottsdale's Fashion Square Mall. I did a shoot for them yesterday of a model they have assembled of a conceptual Scion showroom. We spent 3 hours shooting a white plastic model the size of a small ottoman. But it didn't wiggle...nor bark, not once.

"Portraits in the Park"... Schedule at last!

2009-03-31T08:34:00.003-07:00

Portraits in the Park

Monday April 6th:
This date is still currently pending

Saturday April 18th:
4:00-K.W. Family
4:30-K.W. baby session
5:00-H.D. Family
5:30-A.P. Family
6:00 - STILL OPEN!
6:30- STILL OPEN!

Contact us to book your time slot!
Let us know your schedule and we will try to accommodate you the best we can! jake@jakejohnsonpictures.com

My Awesome Niece.

2009-03-29T18:10:00.003-07:00

All my nieces are awesome, but I didn't catch the others running their hand through their tangled hair.

Portraits in the Park

2009-03-26T22:13:00.004-07:00

Check out the article about our Portraits in the Parks project. To schedule your portrait, drop me an email or give me a call: jake@jakejohnsonpictures.com / 602.291.1093

Any CUBS fans?

2009-03-26T21:57:00.007-07:00

Yesterday I shot for Direct TV with Lou Pinella in Tempe at Kiwanis Park.
Pretty funny commercial coming up, you'll have to look for it. If Lou says "That's tight!" in the commercial, it is because some certain photographer from Maricopa whispered it in the director's ear ;)

Keneshia Market People

2009-03-24T07:39:00.006-07:00

Yesterday I did some more editing on my Ghana photography.
These portraits were taken in the Keneshia Market in Accra.

Field Trip

2009-03-20T22:09:00.002-07:00

Letter Bugs Preschool took a field trip to the farm today.
I'm glad my daughter invited me.

Navajoland

2009-03-20T22:07:00.003-07:00

I love the beauty of Navajoland

New Movie

2009-03-19T19:43:00.002-07:00

I have been in Window Rock the last couple days lighting and shooting stills on the latest film by Holt Hamilton Productions. This shot is a flashback of the main character to his days growing up on the Navajo Reservation.

Looking for Quality Photographers/Assistants

2009-03-13T21:36:00.004-07:00

Jake Johnson Pictures is looking to expand its business here in Maricopa and we are looking for some cool peeps. You don't have to be like this Photo Ninja to apply. If you are a good shooter with a pro camera and want to make some pretty pictures, or if you are bright-eyed salesperson type, we would love to hear from you. Drop us a line if you are interested in making a little extra money in evenings or the weekends. Thanks!

ZOO

2009-03-13T21:07:00.004-07:00

If you haven't been to the Phoenix Zoo lately, I suggest you check out the remodel...and hit it before the heat hits it.

Ghana Photos

2009-03-12T16:09:00.004-07:00

At the end of last year we contracted to go to Ghana to capture, in photos and video, the life story of a young woman.
I'm finally getting around to editing my personal work from the trip. Here are a couple of the shots that will be going up when our new website gets launched. (same address: www.jakejohnsonpictures.com)

"ACTION PHOTOS"

2009-03-11T17:52:00.007-07:00

If you have ever been a spectator at a Maricopa Parks & Rec youth sporting event, you may have seen the white signs that read "ACTION PHOTOS". That's us too. We just finished an action-packed Winter Basketball season, and are gearing up for Spring Soccer. Look for us year around on the ball fields and courts. We capture the kids during the games and provide the parents professional prints and/or digital files of the action. Just let us know who you are rooting for and we do the rest.

I think the Maricopa 4-6 year old Jr. Suns may have finished better than our Phoenix Suns. Kerr should be scouting out here before long.

Cobblestone Dental Center gets a Clean New Look!

2009-03-08T17:29:00.001-07:00

Dr. Shah at Cobblestone Dental had a vision of how he wanted to advertise the services of his dentist office here in Maricopa. He booked us, and in a couple hours we gave him images that make Cobblestone look as professional as they actually are in person. The best part about it is we have a new dentist!

What else we do.

2009-03-08T17:13:00.002-07:00

Family & Kids. We hope to meet more Maricopans this year!

85239 Calendar

2009-03-08T16:32:00.001-07:00

Take a look at some images from the 85239 The Magazine 2009 Calendar,
designed and photographed entirely by Jake Johnson Pictures.

What we do.

2009-03-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

People photography is a large part of our photography. We have shot covers and stories for a few publications, and ads for local and national businesses. Some of the shots in this post were concepts shot for my portfolio...just ideas put to imagery.