“the surfing shop owner” Image: JB Brookman

“Open Daily, Unless Surfing”…

The sign on The Hawaiian Shirt Shop in Downtown Ventura says it all…  When I drove by this business owner, on the way to go thrift store shopping, I knew that I had to come back and take his portrait.  He was sitting out, in the sun- playing a ukulele and talking to the people, walking by.

The man was as nice as you could ever meet and more than willing to be photographed.  A few of the other images that I captured, had him smiling and playing his instrument.  But, I love this one, because it shows the peace and confidence of someone who is extremely content, with their life.

JB BROOKMAN

“Capturing Emotion, Through Portraiture.”

Westlake Village Portraitist and Photographer

310.502.9877

“best friend” Image: JB Brookman

For my Day 9 Image, I didn’t even have to leave my backyard…

This is Rocket…  definitely man’s best friend.  He has been with me for almost 10 years, now… a faithful companion through cancer (twice) and the ups and downs of life.  I truly believe that God gives us dogs, as a lesson in faithfulness.  There is no more loyal companion.

Pet Photography is challenging, to say the least.  The key to it, as a photographer, is to be willing to get “in there and get dirty.”  I often find myself lying in the dirt and grass, in strange and contorted positions, trying to capture the emotion and personality of the pet!  You have to really know your equipment, as the lighting, motion and conditions are constantly changing.

For this image, I used a Nikon D4 body with a 50mm 1.4 lens…  I had the ISO notched up, a bit, to make up for the fact that it was past 8pm and that Rocket was all over the place!  I used a tennis ball to coax him, into this joyful expression.  I believe I was on my back, with the camera in one hand and the ball in the other.  I kept having to dodge the dog as he would try to periodically attack the object.

I can’t believe I am 1/10th done with this 90 Day project.  It has been- to be completely honest- extremely challenging, to put the hours into creating each image as I run our portraiture business and get ready to travel.  But… well worth it… definitely, worth it…

JB Brookman

“Capturing Emotion, Through Portraiture”

Westlake Village Portraitist and Photographer

310.502.9877

“fly” Image: JB Brookman

It’s all about capturing emotion…

This image was part of a portrait session that I did in Downtown Santa Barbara, near State Street.  I always like to incorporate some fun, into the experience… sometimes, you come out with images like this:)

I absolutely loved this location, with the faded blue logos on the worn wood.  It made for a great backdrop for the action…

Give me a call and we will capture the emotions of your High School Senior, Child or Family…

JB Brookman

“Capturing Emotion, Through Portraiture.”

Westlake Village Portraitist and Photographer

310.502.9877

“brian wilson & mike love the beach boys 50″ Image: JB Brookman

The legendary Beach Boys came to the Santa Barbara Bowl on Sunday- as part of their 50th Anniversary Tour.  I got to photograph the concert for Hollywood Icon Magazine.  Mike Love, Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks were performing together for the first time in over two decades!

There were a plethora of different photographers, at the Bowl, for this Memorial Day event- in addition to the “regulars,” who usually shoot at the venue.  This made for kind of a “cattle-call” once the show started.  There was no barricade and we were asked to squat down, as we photographed.  We were anxiously hoping that the sun would drop down, behind the hill, before the Beach Boys went on.  It would have shown directly into the performer’s eyes, making for some seriously unflattering light.  But, the band smartly waited, about 25 minutes after their 6pm scheduled start and we were able to capture some nice images of the legends.

JB BROOKMAN

“Capturing Emotion, Through Photography.”

Westlake Village Portraitist and Photographer

310.502.9877

“love, at the james joyce pub” Image: JB Brookman

We ducked in to a pub, to get out of the rain…

90 IMAGES OF SUMMER JB BROOKMAN

It was one of those gorgeous, rainy seaside days in Santa Barbara.  My wife, Jen, and I were walking down State Street, trying to find a place to relax and get out of the rain.

The James Joyce Pub seemed to call out to us.  It was completely empty, except for the very nice bartender, who told us stories about the Santa Barbara Bowl and her concert adventures of old.  There were peanut shells, strewn all over the ground, creating that wonderful crunchy sound of an old establishment.  A wandering pigeon, came sauntering into the pub and spent a few care-free minutes chomping down on peanuts, before suddenly shooting out, into daylight.

While we sipped on a pint of Guinness, we could not help but notice the buttery, warm light, coming in the large street front windows.  A few billboards, advertising local bands, added some wonderful coloring to the window’s light.  I could not help but start creating some quick portraits.

Hanging out with my love, at the James Joyce, while it rains.  Life does not get much better:)

JB Brookman

“Capturing Emotion, Through Portraiture.”

Westlake Village Portraitist and Photographer

310.502.9877

“Broadway Alley At Midnight” Image: JB Brookman

I was in Downtown Los Angeles, testing out the Nikon D4 camera, when I came across this dark alley and parked motorcycle.  I was in LA, photographing a concert at one of Broadway’s historic theaters.  It was midnight and extremely dark, so, I decided to test the capabilities of Nikon’s newest camera.

(For you photography geeks, I shot this image at 5000 ISO and used a 50mm 1.4 lens)

To my delight, the D4 made an incredibly dark scene, look like it was shot in the middle of the day.  I was able to hand hold (not have to use a tripod) the camera with no problem.  I fell in love with the street art, painted on the alley wall, covered in stickers and small billboards.  I love the fact that I could barely see the detail in the bricks of the street, with my naked eye, but, the camera brought them to light.  There is always a thrill, creating photos with your professional camera equipment in the darkness of Downtown, as you never feel 100% safe.  But, I always say a prayer and try to go after the image that is tough to get- as it always brings the biggest reward.

Broadway has so much history.  I was able to talk my way into it’s historic Los Angeles Theatre, in 2009 and I plan to return and capture all of the theaters, soon.  The history of the street, gives me chills:  Broadway was first originated as part of the 1849 plan of Los Angeles.  First called Fort Street, it was eventually re-named Broadway in 1890.

Broadway is home to the legendary Broadway Theater District.  In a span of only 6 blocks the district includes 12 movie theatres built between 1910 and 1931.  It is the only remaining concentration of movie palaces left in the United States.

JB Brookman

“Capturing Emotion, Through Portraiture”

Westlake Village Portraitist and Photographer

310.502.9877

“Senior Portrait Cliffs” Image: JB Brookman

This image was created as part of a Santa Barbara Senior Portrait Session, at the Coronado Butterfly Preserve.  As you pass through the reserve, you head into the Ellwood Main Monarch Grove and then out onto the cliffs, above the Pacific Ocean.

The views from these cliffs, in Goleta, are breathtaking.  What an incredible spot for the Senior Class of 2013 to have their Senior Photos taken!

JB Brookman

“Capturing Emotion, Through Portraiture.”

Westlake Village Portraitist and Photographer

310.502.9877

“surfers memorial” Image: JB Brookman

My wife and I were driving through the gorgeous seaside city of Malibu.  As we glanced to our right, we saw the most interesting formation, floating in the Pacific Ocean.  Suddenly, I decided to pull over and investigate…

What I discovered, was a touching moment, where surfers gathered in a circle, obviously honoring someone who had left them.  They threw bouquets of flowers, into the center of the circle, as part of the ceremony.  Not wanting to bother the mourners, I grabbed my longest lens and created an image of the moment.  Then, I left quickly.

JB Brookman

Westlake Village Portraitist and Photographer

“Capturing Emotion, Through Portraiture.”

310.502.9877

“Sugarland, The Greek” Image: Copyright JB Brookman

I had the awesome opportunity to photograph the Sugarland show at LA’s Greek Theatre, last night- for Hollywood Icon Magazine.  They are an incredible band, with such great energy and passion!  I couldn’t settle on one favorite image, so I created one that featured three:)

There is also something special about a Country Music concert.  The artists are so dedicated to connecting with the crowd.  After we were done photographing the first three songs, I returned to the venue.  There was a moment where Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush went walking into the far recesses of the crowd and gave away Kristian’s guitar!  Special guests Juice Newton and Dave Stewart (from the Eurythmics) also showed up.

JB Brookman

“Capturing Emotion, Through Portraiture”

Westlake Village Portraitist and Photographer

310.502.9877

“Pre-Show, Downtown” Image: JB Brookman

Day 1 of the 90 Images of Summer begins…  This one was created, while waiting for Rufus Wainwright to take the stage at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles.  They are slowly restoring sections of Downtown LA and Broadway is one of those magical places, where you can feel the glory of moments past…  artists like Judy Garland, Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald performed there.

Once inside the venue, I was blown away by the insanely decorative lobby.  I had no idea what to expect, inside the theatre, itself.  The photographers were asked to shoot the concert from the side of the venue.  Definitely a more challenging vantage point, than up front, in the photo pit.  But, shooting from the side allows you to have some decent depth of field.  Anyway, I digress from the concert coverage info.  The opposite wall of the Orpheum was amazing!  Day 1′s photo was exactly what I saw from my spot, just off of the side aisle.

JB Brookman Photography

Westlake Village/Los Angeles Portraitist and Photographer

310.502.9877