David Morris Photography

Thinking of Spring in December

2011-12-29T15:59:00.000-06:00

December is normally a raw cold month in the mid-west. Today is one of those rare days in December it's going to hit 60 degrees. Nothing like a little warm weather and shooting tropical fragrances to get one in the mood for spring!

Orange Vanilla

Just a quick "Fact of the Day" Vanilla Beans are not beans at all but the seed pod of a tropical orchid.

White Lotus Flower and Lychee

We had so much fun a few weeks ago shooting some new fragrances for one of our long time clients. A number of years ago we were asked to help them "Visually Brand" their product with a consistent upscale look and feel that matches the quality of their product. We've had this privilege for some time now and can't wait to see what new scents they come up with next. If your a candle lover and you haven't fired up a Trapp candle, you don't know what your missing. They are awesome!

By the way, if you don't know what a Lychee fruit looks like here's a photo.

I hope everyone has an awesome winter but if your not a fan of winter, like myself, it might help you make it through if you break out one of thse scented candle and think of the spring to come.

84 Pounds of instant mashed potatoes later....

2011-12-08T10:55:00.003-06:00

In a casual conversation about doing some new food images our associate photographer Tiffany Matson suggested I do a shot of a winter scene that was made of all edible items. Hmm, That sounds like a fun challenge.

84 pounds of mashed potatoes, 25 pounds of sugar, rock candy, cauliflower, pretzels, mushrooms, sugar cones, jerk spice, etc. later we came up with a fun winter scene.

Shots of the scene being roughed in.

Food stylist Sarah Hunt putting the finishing touches on the winter scene.

Putting powdered sugar on the sugar cone pine trees. Although it didn't appear in the final images you can see we included a small stream in the set.

Set assistant Braden Edwards mixing another batch of instant mashed potatoes for the base of the set.

Braden adding rock candy as a rock wall next to the road.

One word "Plastics"

2011-10-31T20:05:00.001-05:00

We had the privilege of shooting this ad for Sig Sauer recently. Sig Sauer is one of the finest gun companies in the world because of the quality of their product.

Now, the rest of the story. When photographing firearms the client can't just send you the product to photograph. First, the gun has to be shipped to someone that has a Federal Firearms License. Then you have to fill out all kinds of paperwork, they run a background check and then you can take it to the studio.

As long as you don't have any ammunition you can transport it in the same compartment as you are in. If you have ammo, it has to be put in the trunk. Once you're done then it has to be shipped back to someone with an FFL.

It's always the little details that make the difference between good photography and great communication.

Between the 2 gun photos in this Ad we shot 40 shots. Every little detail was carefully lit and shot then put together to subtly emphasize every edge and texture detail of the gun.

The client wanted it to look manly, yet sexy. I think it looks very 007.

Nothing like the smell of beef searing first thing in the morning!

2011-10-04T12:55:00.001-05:00

I thought you might enjoy a little behind the scenes grill marking show and tell.

Our grill marking guru and food stylist Trina Kahl prays she gets it right the first time. (;-)

We try to mark the spacing and angle we want the grill marks before we sear them in the meat. As you can see if you look at the sticks on the meat above, they look off and at a weird angle. Now, from the camera angle they look perfectly spaced and at the correct angles.

Different food stylist make grill marks different ways. Sometimes it's done on set, sometimes they use hot skewers, sometimes it's done on the stove in a super hot grill pan. No matter how its done it always give a great look of grilled meat to the final shot.

It may not be brain surgery, but it can be a close second.

2011-10-04T12:17:00.001-05:00

If you've been in the photography business for awhile you'll eventually hear someone say that photography isn't brain surgery. Their right, but sometimes it seems like a close second. Someones life isn't on the line but your clients career and your reputation are.

In my opinion, the difference between a OK shot and a GREAT shot is the attention to detail and passion one has for making the "Brand" look its best.

Quality photography takes time and attention to all the little details that may not be noticed at first glance, but make all the difference in the world to the final "Visual Branding" and communication.

Shooting Stills and Video / it's a lot about creative problem solving!

2011-09-07T14:02:00.002-05:00

Recently we were asked to shoot a video and still campaign for one of our Awesome clients.

We have shot a number of food projects for them in the past but this time they wanted to add motion to the project. They love the "Visual Branding" we do for them and wanted us to continue their look in motion.

We showed them our food reels on Vimeo and it sold them on our ability to do the project.

I love shooting both motion and still although the motion requires more time, different equipment, more staff, and many times a lot more product. For example, if you are pouring sauce on a product, every take will require a new plate set-up.

Communication is critical when shooting motion. Everyone has to be on the same page on the final outcome of what your shooting. What is it going to be used for, what does your client want the focus to be on, how many shot variations are needed. We always need to make sure there is enough footage for the final edit.

This was just part of the team for the shoot. Food stylist, Assistant Food stylist, Art Director, Product managers, Photo assistants, Production Coordinators, Motion Digital Tech, Executive Chef, and Myself as Director/ DP/ Still Photographer.

One of the challenges we had to solve was making the food look steaming hot for the video. We ended up drilling a hole in the plates and piped steam up through the table and plate to get the food to appear steaming hot.

Steaming hot and add some toppings!

Success!

We built this sandwich around the steam piping.

We did have one casualty!

Thanks to all the crew and staff we produced some great stills and motion for our client!

Thanks to my photo assistant Calvin for the great behind the scenes photos!

I hate corn, I hate corn, I hate corn!

2011-08-08T10:48:00.001-05:00

Growing up in our home one didn't go to the store to get a can of corn. Come to think back we didn't go to the grocery store to get much. We grew almost all the fruits and veggies.

Most of the year, except winter it seemed like most of what we did around our house centered around the garden. As soon as it got warm enough in the spring we were out tilling the garden to get it ready to plant.

Now that I'm thinking about it the garden was on my Dad's mind even in winter. Late winter was when the seed catalogs arrived and Dad picked all the seeds for the spring and fall plantings. Let's see if I can remember, there were the standards, "Jet Star" tomatoes, "Kandy Kane" was the sweet corn, green and yellow wax beans, etc.

Mom was proud of her Sweetcorn field

Durring canning season, which seemed like all summer, Mom would get up and out to pick whatever needed picking by 5am. Five am was cooler and my sister and I were still sleeping. I think it was a good time for some peace and quiet from us two kids also. By the time she got us up in the morning she had picked whatever was ready, got the water boiling, and made breakfast for us two kids. Our job was to clean our rooms, eat breakfast and then help her can. When it came to canning corn our job was to cut the corn off the cob, put it in freezer bags and take it down stairs and put it in the freezer. I think, the only one of those we did without complaining was eat breakfast. OK, I'm sure my sister and I complained about everything or were kicking each other under the table.

A modern take on corn relish

As I recall, one year during sweet corn season, it was the third or fourth day into canning corn, we broke for lunch. I'm not sure what Mom fixed but more than likely peanut butter sandwiches, maybe some fresh sliced tomatoes, whatever. What happend next is something my Mom told on me, even in her 90's.

Lunch break was over and neither my sister nor Mom could find me. They looked outside, yelled for me in the basement, called the neighbors, etc. Finally, Mom went in my room and heard something coming out of my closet. She opened the closet door and found me yelling as loud as I could into my pillow, "I hate corn, I hate corn, I hate corn". I guess I had had enough! In her loving way she explained that it was a lot of work now but come winter that corn sure would taste goooood. Knowing me I'm sure that didn't help much, I wanted to be out riding my bike or playing baseball with the other kids in the neighborhood.

Mary and I ready to catch the bus for school

Mom was right, come winter that corn tasted really goooood!

2011-07-22T10:09:00.003-05:00

How to build a great relationship with your clients

And how to photograph black on black

We were recently hired by a firm to shoot their new product packaging. They saw my product photography on our website and felt our black on black style of product photography would be a good fit for their new packaging. We didn't want to stop there, so we did a beautiful test shot for them. It would have two effects. 1. It would show them we were very interested in their work. 2. It would be a great addition to our portfolio. To accommodate the volume of work and the budget they had we needed to modify the look a little.

We were able to keep the core look and feel of our vision yet accommodate their needs.

"Our goal is not to tell potential clients how great we are, but to show them why working with us will make their lives easier."

The look and feel is similar but we don't light every little texture and element as we do with most of the black on black work we show in our online portfolio.

In advertising and marketing photography, what you see isn't always what you get. We like to start with the basic form and shape of an object and then in post production do our visual enhancements. It's still the same product but we highlight some areas and minimize the focus on others. With many of the products we photograph enhancing the shape, form and texture is paramount.

Before

After

Before

After

Our client wanted their product to have a beautiful, sexy, high tech, look and feel. It enhances all of it's beautiful curves and design. I think we have achieved this, more importantly the client does too.

"We find the key to client satisfaction and loyalty, is to be an invaluable flexible resource. Make every effort to become knowledgeable about things that are important to their market, share your insights, and demonstrate that you understand the challenges they face."

Another "Life in our back yard" post

2011-07-06T15:44:00.001-05:00

Part of what happens behind the scenes as an advertising photographer is "creative experimenting".

As a creative person one has to practice their craft to stay relevant, always keeping your creative muscles exercised. Besides, its just plain fun. Not only has this project been creatively fun, but it's been a time of exploring wonderful memories. Part of the creative process is drawing on your rich heritage of life experiences.

This group of seasonal food shots, from our families back yard, turned out fun. I engaged my friend and stylist Trina Kahl to style the Gooseberry Desert and Zucchini cooked dishes. We had a blast!

Gooseberry Desert

Garden Lettuce

Zucchini

Growing up I remember my mom fixing simple but interesting dishes - using what grew on the property. At the time, I didn't think too much of some of her choices. As a adult, I look back with fond memories and long for those days.

Life in our back yard.

2011-06-20T07:46:00.001-05:00

Another installment of images I wanted to capture in a way that reflects life, as I remember it, growing up in our back yard.

Red Currants

Raspberries & Blackberries

Sometimes you just need to do your own thing!

2011-06-14T15:46:00.002-05:00

I've given myself an assignment this year to document some of the awesome organic fruits and veggies that my folks and I have grown. I wanted to capture them in a way that reflects life, as I remember it, growing up in our back yard.

Here's a couple in the series. Let me know what you think.

Apricots

Tart pie cherries

What REALLY happens behind the scenes!

2011-06-08T16:36:00.001-05:00

In past post I’ve been able to show some awesome thing we get to do at our studio. What doesn’t get discussed much is all the “not as much fun things” that really makes a studio run. This is not a “complain session” post, but some of the realities of running a photography studio that many starry-eyed young photographer or clients don’t see. All they know, and all we want them to see, is we have a fun, clean, organized place to shoot photos and video and everything work’s perfectly.

Last week, an average week:

1. It rained and my intern noticed the, 4-year-old roof, had developed a leak. Had to quickly get some plastic and cover a bunch of boxes so they wouldn’t get wet. After the rain stopped I went up on the roof and noticed that when the workers had removed a tall brick chimney, one of the bricks fell and put a hole in the roof. Will have to call the roofer and get it repaired.

2. It seems like one of our two 12.5 ton air conditioner units was starting to squeal when it turned on. Called the AC repairman to come change the belt. I noticed that the pulleys weren’t aligned causing the belt to wear out fast. More time and money.

3. I noticed that weeds were beginning to grow in the cracks of the parking lot. Mix up the weed killer and sprayed.

4. Noticed that there are some sharp edges on the tile we put in our new restrooms. I brought in a hand held grinder from home and ground the corners smooth. This is important so someone won’t get cut and we get sue.

5. Went through the 150 emails I got in over the weekend.

6. A client rented the studio for a video shoot. Need to mop all the floors, empty the trash, and clean all the bathrooms. Oh, I forgot need to clean all the glasses and coffee cups that were used.

7. After a wonderful 3 day photo shoot then we worked another 57 hours on retouching, making clipping paths, making zip files and uploading them to the clients server.

8. Put together all the bills and time sheets too bill photo project. Invoice client.

9. Scouted location for upcoming photo shoot.

10 Attend 8 hour conference on photo marketing.

11 Answer more emails

12 Call client to make sure they got all the files and were happy. They were thrilled!

13 Package up client’s product and ship back to client.

14 Called food stylist to schedule some test shots.

15 Assemble and addressed more direct mail promos

16 Opps, ran out of ink in the printer. Go to the store and get more ink.

17 Checked my Google Analytics report to see how my sites are performing.

18 Back-up and archive Clients photo files

19 Install new hard drive on server.

20 Meet with Accountant to go over quarterly numbers.

21 Open and sort mail

22 Send email with photos to new Art Director I met.

23 Pre-Production meeting with client about upcoming shoot

24 Phone conference with interactive development company to find a way to upload images to our website easier.

25 Faxed insurance papers to our loan company.

These are just 25 of the things I could remember. Behind the scene at most advertising photography studios, the mix is 80% business and 20% photography.

Behind the scenes of an advertising photographers studio

2011-06-03T06:43:00.001-05:00

This is a great post that truly is the "Behind the scenes of an advertising photographers studio."

http://laurencekim.com/2011/04/28/the-photography-business-and-the-american-dream/

Worth the time to read!

Latest Food Real, more "Visual Branding"

2011-05-22T16:20:00.001-05:00

The concept of what an advertising photographer is and does today is being blurred.

We've helping to blur the lines by adding another "Food Reel" to our Vimeo site. Let me know what you think.

http://vimeo.com/davidmorrisphoto/fresh-and-jazzy-food-reel

Food Photography Trends

2011-04-26T11:13:00.001-05:00

Food photography, like fashion and interior design, has numerous visual trends.

We love to shoot with a loose, editorial look. It's one of the visual trends we have been noticing for a while. It’s a wonderful approach for some brands because it projects a more “real” and “approachable” look for their product.

Visual Branding

2011-04-08T09:58:00.004-05:00

We recently shot another project for one of our outstanding clients. It was a perfect example of what David Morris Photo offers with regard to visual branding and capabilities.

For a number of years now we've helped develop libraries of visually branded images for various clients. What are "visually branded" images, you ask? Visually branded images are photography and video content that has the look and feel consistent with a particular brand's overall message and values. This way there is message continuity, not only in the logos, copy, and design, but in the photography and video content as well.

Visual branding is harder than it looks. Way before the photography ever begins, we spend time with the client. We familiarize ourselves and gain important insight about their brand. We discuss things like demographics, core values, and the brand's desired message.

For this project, the client charged us with continuing the same visual branding we had designed for them previously, while, at the same time, tweaking their message.

The brand's core values: Natural, Clean Tasting, Fresh, Flavorful, Healthy. It's targeted demographics include "foodies", female consumers, and high-end restaurants. The addition to the brand message for this series of images was versatility.

We normally start with a shot list. As you can see we take all kinds of notes.

Once we have a shot list we put together a reference story board with shot ideas and possible sides and send to the client.

After sending the client reference story boards, we schedule a preproduction meeting or conference call with the crew, food stylist and client. This is where we refine the look and feel of the visual branding, discuss food prep, presentation options, props and backgrounds.

Once the details of the plan are nailed down, our crew sets into motion. Our stylists visit select grocers and specialty stores hunting down top of the line food options. We, similarly, hit the streets looking for any new or unique props (plate ware, silverware, backgrounds) that the client has expressed an interest in. It's important to us that the extensive selection available at our studio stays diverse and up-to-date. I like to do the prop shopping myself since inspiration for a shot often strikes while I'm out browsing. Then it's on to setting up the shot set, refining lighting, pulling prop and background options, and making sure the equipment is working and color-balanced.

Shoot Day:

After everyone has settled in with some breakfast and a cup of our famous coffee (Okay, YOU may not have heard of it yet, but it's pretty famous around here), the photographer (me), client, agency, food stylist, assistants, and production coordinator all go over the day's game plan and discuss the first shot.

Once the shot order has been determined, prep begins in the kitchen, backgrounds and props are selected, and the camera angle is set.

Once the plates are picked, the food is plated and it's off to the set for the beauty shot. A few tweaks here and there, then final approval.

For this project we not only shot stills, but video as well. This allows the client to ensure continuity between both in their visual branding.

Time is critical when shooting food, so we've integrated our video equipment and photo equipment. This saves time and money for our clients, and allows us to do both motion and stills without having to re-style the food.

The results? As you can see, we ended up with a tweaked, yet consistent visual branding message that remained true to the client's brand values.

Making it look real

2011-03-23T16:47:00.013-05:00

We shot some images yesterday showing off one of our local dairy producers. Our goal was to communicate milk as an ingredient, real, approachable, and in a human environment. I took a more editorial approach, making everything not so perfect and the environment rich and dramatic so the milk could pop. Sometimes when I see milk shot on white it feels sterile. I felt an editorial context would emphasize the human element and as a result make it more approachable.

Milk as an ingredient.

Milk as the focus in the kitchen.

Focusing on the shot.

A little post-shoot editing.

Sometimes your life gets re-prioritized!

2011-03-19T18:46:00.008-05:00

Sometimes your life takes a turn and priorities changes. For the past 4 years I've had the privilege of taking care two heroes in my life. My mom and dad! In the last 5 months both have passed away. Both were awesome parents, public servants, and great motivators in my life. Don't feel sorry for me, the last 4 years were some of the best times I ever had with my parents. One of the thing I learned was what an awesome photographer my mom was. If you would like to see some of her work, click on this link to my Facebook page.

All thought I have an awesome staff and we've been very busy shooting projects some priorities got changed. Posting to the blog, shooting new portfolio images, to name a few.

I'M BACK! I look forward to showing you some new work, behind the scenes images of what we do, why we do them and the fun we have doing them!

Keep in touch
David Morris

Slow poke post

2009-06-01T19:06:00.004-05:00

Between working on a new self-promotion campaign, doing a 2 week photo shoot, launching our new David Morris Photography Facebook page, shooting for our film-reel and just living life, I've been a slow poke on posting to the Blog. Have you every noticed business sometimes gets in the way of business?

More at 11:00 or in my case next week.

Launched New Facebook Page

2009-05-04T20:02:00.005-05:00

Launched our new Facebook page today. Between Facebook, Linkedin, Our Blog, our printed portfolios, direct mail promos, email promos, and all the on-line portfolios like Photoserve, Altpick, Workbook, it becomes harder and harder to have time to take a photo these days.

The question is does it work? About 2 years ago we skipped a year of direct mail promos.

The following year business was off 50%. I guess the truth is I can't afford not to do it too find out!

New Facebook Page

Price Vs. Value

2009-04-10T16:50:00.010-05:00

In today’s economy all of us tend to focus on price. Yes, I’m even guilty of wanting to get the cheapest price on everyday items. Where we make our mistake is confusing a "Cheep Price" with "Good Value".

Economics 101 reminds us that Value = benifit+cost.

I’m also reminded of the old economic principle that you can have 2 of the following but never all three. Cheep, Fast, Good. You can get Fast and Good but it’s never Cheep or you can get Fast and Cheep but it’s usually never Good.

Price never takes in consideration, year of experience, creativity in design or production, amenities, equipment, props and backgrounds on hand to name a few, all of which add quality and saves time when it comes to photo shoots.

It seem like every time the economy decline many of us that provide a "Good Value" loose projects because of price, but end up in the long run getting the client back because they were dissatisfied with the quality and service they got when they focused on price.

A "Good Value" is always less damaging to your Brand's image and good vendor relations in the long run.

I’m always reminded of the time I went to one of the Cheep tool stores and bought a Cheep 4” metal grinder. I think it cost $10.00. I had to take the first one back because I used it for 10 minutes and it stopped working. The next one lasted a day but never had much power and made the whole project real slow.

I finally bought a good DeWalt 4” grinder for $69.00 and it has plenty of power and 3 years later it still works as good as the day I bought it. The $10.00 Cheep grinder cost me more than $69.00 in time, gas and frustration.

I’m writing this as much to remind myself that Value is what we need to pursue, as it is my thought for today to you.

David M

Exploring Life

2009-03-27T16:14:00.009-05:00

From the beginning of my career as a photographer I've always loved to go out and explore the world around me. When I was in college I would go out to the countryside with no purpose or direction and just see where I ended up. I always found little gems along the way. Whether it was a great little mom and pop store, restaurant, or just a beautiful landscape shot. As time progressed we all got careers, kids and on and on and we stop exploring.

The last few years my friend Colby Lysne and I have started exploring again. This week we went out exploring for a day and had a blast. As usual we have nothing in mind, no direction in mind but just set out for the day. Like always we found some little gems this trip. Our first little gem was a place called Weird Stuff Antiques. I've heard of the place but had never been.

What a fun weird place. We explored some other locations and shot some photos as we went east this time. One of the things we try to do is fine some little dinner or off beat place to eat. If your going to explore, explore everything I say. What a find this time! Jim's tenderloins and tamales on 24- highway. As usual the little dives usually have some of the best food. I had the tenderloin sandwich with tots and Colby had the Italian Steak sandwich with rings. We both though the tenderloin was awesome. At the end of the day we ended up at Clinton's Soda Fountain in Independence MO. I had been there before but had never had a phosphate before. In the spirit of exploring Colby and I tried one. How fun, setting at the soda bar, I had a orange phosphate with a scoop of chocolate ice cream and Colby had a strawberry phosphate with a scoop of chocolate ice cream.

By the time we got done exploring for the day we both ended up with a grease and sugar hang over.

I highly recommend a day of exploring from time to time. It gets your mind off everything else and you just live life for the moment the way we all should live it but don't. Try it sometime you'll be better for it.

David

Altpick Spotlight Article

2009-03-23T18:45:00.007-05:00

While David Morris admits it isn't easy to describe his photography, he's coined a phrase that does: "Urban Grit." The Kansas City-based photographer isn't content with taking a simple photograph of a person. Through digital imaging he adds a gritty, illustrative look that gives his subjects a distinct appearance - one that in some ways complements his irreverent humor.
Although David is well known for his food photography, his "Urban Grit"- style of photographing everyday people in their own photographic reality is starting to take off. A number of companies have recently hired him to produce projects in his unique manner. For an international herbicide corporation's campaign, David needed to capture the image of a farmer standing in his field. Through digital imaging he manipulated the scene, adding multiple elements that gave a startling, 3-D-like appearance to the final image.
Throughout his career, David has been privileged to work on projects with many leading international agencies; most recently: Tyson Foods, Kellogg's, DuPont, Ford Motor Co., Campbell's Soup, Sprint, the Bayer Corp., LaSalle Bank, Simmons, and Captain D's. He was the past vice-president of the American Society of Media Professionals-Midwest, and has served on the board and is a current member of the Advertising Photographers of America-Midwest.
David's latest endeavor is overseeing the construction of his 6,000 square foot dream studio in the Crossroads District of Kansas City. With more than 60 galleries and restaurants, the district has been dubbed by USA Today as one of the country's top three art meccas outside of New York. David spoke to altpick from his studio in Kansas City.
What sparked your interest in photography?
My mom was an army nurse during World War II and the Korean War, and while she served, she took photographs of her experiences abroad and sent them back to the family. Years later, when she would pull out those images, it was fun to see the past through her eyes and an entire era that was long gone. I felt like I was there and a part of her life at that time. She gave me her old Minolta camera, and I just started taking pictures with it as a hobby. Eventually, friends began to tell me I had great stuff and should go to school to become a photographer. Because photography was a hobby at the time, I really hadn't considered it. I was going to go to college to be a landscape architect. But once I realized that I had allergies really bad, and that wasn't going to work as a career, I began to look more seriously at photography.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in commercial photography?
I didn't really have anything particular in mind when I started. My goal was to become a fine art photographer, and it wasn't until after interning for commercial photographers that I picked up the desire to go in that direction. I just love to photograph, it doesn't matter what it is.
What do you look for when you are shooting?
It's different all of the time. Different things inspire me, and certain points in life trigger different visual responses. The one thing that I look for, however, is something to catch my eye: a beautiful landscape, an interesting person, or unique architecture. There is no one thing I focus on. I just make certain to keep my eyes open and my senses aware of the surroundings. No matter what it is, it has to have a certain inner perspective.
What is the most challenging aspect during a photo shoot?
Time. When you're working with an advertising agency or shooting corporate photography, it always seems to be time. Both are fast-paced environments, and everyone's in a hurry. With the need for fast-paced, cost-effective photography, you sometimes don't have time to study your surroundings or get to know the people you're shooting as well as you'd like. I know that it's a reality of the business, so that's where I like to think my 19 years of experience comes in to play. I'm constantly sharpening my skills so I can catch the great shot or moment.
How do you get to know a model or subject when pressed for time?
Whenever possible, we try to bring on additional staff or assistants who can get everything done for the shoot. This gives me the opportunity to get to know the person and get to know what the art director is looking for. It also gives me the chance to scope out the set, figure out the good shots, etc. The ideal shoot allows you plenty of time to set up the shot while having time with your client or model, which allows you to get to know them and their personalities.
What do you enjoy shooting when not working?
After 19 years in the business, I have the privilege of working on projects I know I will enjoy or I think will challenge my creativity. It always shows up in the work. I still have a soft spot for shooting landscapes in black and white. There's nothing like getting lost in your surroundings, not worrying where you are, and being intoxicated by the visuals that are out there - the ones that catch your heart and your eye. You just have a good time. There have been times that I have gone out by myself or with fellow photographers, and we didn't take a single photo. But we had a great time. You just go looking for those situations where you enjoy the fresh air, the freedom of lack of worry or concerns, and just enjoy the visuals.
Does everyone have a photographic eye?
No, not everyone has an eye for photography. I am of the philosophy that you either have it or you don't. If you have some skill, it can be refined. But that's the way it is with every skill-set. Some people are great at mathematics and engineering, others aren't. Even if I tried to hone in on those skills, I know I still wouldn't be great.
How has your approach to photography changed over the years?
Originally, I focused on fine art, black and white photography, and as I became more interested in commercial photography, I began refining those skills. Throughout most of my career, I have been primarily known for my food photography, mainly because I have targeted that market. However, over the last four or five years, I have become more recognized for the work I've done with people, which has caused me to primarily use digital photography. Digital photography allows me to express myself in a way that film didn't allow. It has led to rethinking how one goes through the photography process. You can take an image of a landscape one day and incorporate a model, who you shot across the country, the next day. Images I had in my mind years ago, but didn't have the technical skills to achieve, are finally being realized. That's how my 'Urban Grit' style came to fruition, and I am finally able to achieve that look and feel in-house.
What is your greatest source of inspiration?
Life in general inspires me. I have a journal that I keep with me and write down ideas that pop into my mind. Sometimes good ideas come daily and sometimes less. I also pay close attention to today's visual style. You can't help but be influenced by other photographers.
Who are some of your favorite artists and photographers?
Walker Evans and Irving Penn are two classic, phenomenal artists in their era and even today. In terms of more contemporary artists and photographers, there are all kinds of people who have inspired or influenced me - everyone from my assistant to whatever is on the local newsstand. Although I'm influenced by many things, I try to stay true to my personal vision.
What do you see as the future for photography?
Photography in general will continue to evolve and change as it has throughout the profession's history. The effects of digital imaging, historical events such as September 11th, and the influx of stock, have all influenced the market and will continue to do so. I feel there are fewer good photographic jobs in the marketplace, along with tighter budgets and more competition. These aren't bad things. They're just a part of an ever-changing market. And that's part of the challenge. It's what drives me and keeps me energized. If it was always the same, it'd be boring.

Contributed by Joshua Dysart

Online Portfolio Update

2009-03-19T20:06:00.004-05:00

Updated our portfolios on Workbook.com. Workbook is a photography source book and advertising photography web portal. Workbook has been around for many years and is used by advertising agencies, design firms and corporations to source photographers around the world.

How to make make a perfect martini

2009-03-10T12:25:00.004-05:00

Here's how to make the perfect martini. Shoot about 25 shots per martini, every highlight, every shadow, every different color and garnish, assemble with about 15 layers per shot.

Do not shake!

Some fun shots we did for Rose's Cocktail Sugars.

Parisi Coffee video

2009-03-06T16:18:00.003-06:00

Our friends at Parisi Coffee recently shot some youtube videos at our studio.

French Press

Moka Pot

Cookbook

2009-02-13T18:52:00.006-06:00

Shot a few test shots last week that landed us a nice coffee table cookbook project.

I'm excited, the cookbook should be fun.

Random New Images

2009-01-30T13:53:00.007-06:00

I thought I would post some new images I like that didn't make the website.

I like to keep my portfolio consistent so not every good image makes the cut.

First shoot of the new year

2009-01-15T12:35:00.006-06:00

I just did the first shoot of the year for a small local company that makes a killer product called "Browniepops". Oh my, these are so good. As the name would indicate these are luscious soft brownies on a Popsicle stick and frosted with all kinds of fun stuff. They even make them in different shapes like snowmen, Easter chickens, etc. We love working with small companies that are trying to get a start in the market that have a great product or design and give us the freedom to do our best. It always feels good to give back. In this case we agreed to trade some fee for product. We're happy, they are happy and when all is said and done that's what matters.

If you get a chance check them out: Browniepops.com

David

Launched the New website today

2008-12-08T19:56:00.005-06:00

You would think after launching a number of websites it would get easier. Wrong! It's always much harder to marketing for you own company then for others. We started this new site almost a year ago and finally got it launched today!!! We still have a few things to finish but for the most part I'm very pleased. Hope you like it too.

http://www.davidmorrisphoto.com

David

Old dogs can learn new tricks

2008-12-01T17:35:00.007-06:00

I shot this project for one of those rare clients that said, "We like what you do and want you to do a shot for us. We want to illustrate that we teach, train and do workshops to help educate our customers." Is that it, I asked? Yep!

How fun is that? A wide open shoot where one can be as creative as you want! Right off the bat the brain started whirling with different ideas. I thought how fun would it be to find an old school house with an old slate chalkboard and shoot their company mascot in front of it- as if he were going over today's lesson.

I started my career as a film photographer and I get asked all the time if I like shooting digital. I always answer, "I wouldn't go back. I can illustrate so many more images and concepts the way I see them in my head with digital." This is a perfect example. Hope you enjoy.

The difference a lunch can make.

2008-08-21T16:43:00.002-05:00

It's interesting the difference a good lunch can make in a photo shoot. We pride ourselves in having great lunches when we do a photo shoot. It's a great way to relax and enjoy a good meal together and spend some time getting to know everyone on a more social and personal level. We estimated on a project not too long ago were the budget was so tight we had to eliminate the breakfast and lunches from the project at the agencies request. Wow, that was uncomfortable. It wasn't too long before everyone realized how important a meal can be to a photo shoot. What many don't realize is that breakfast and lunches for a photo shoot aren't just meals they are times of enjoyment in what is many times a stressful event. Lunch at the studio is normally a fun event where the client can pick lunch from 50 some menus form restaurants all across the city. Everyone gets to order whatever they want. It's almost like a family dinner where people tell stories, we have good laughs and many times we all eat too much. Then there is desert. Fresh hot cookies fresh out of the oven, cheese cake, tiramisu, dove bars, etc. If someone is having a birthday then we go get a cake, usually a tall layered chocolate cake with thick chocolate icing.

Food at a photo shoot is much more than a meal, it's the heart of hospitality and an extension of friendship that says, we enjoy your company.

Why can't I get a Mercedes for the price of a Yugo

2008-08-01T16:29:00.011-05:00

I was out with some friends not to long ago and one of them asked.

" David, Why do you charge XXX when I can go to Y or get stock for XX?

I'm glad you asked. As the title of the post implies you can't get a Mercedes for the price of a Yugo.

In today's fast paced homogenizes advertising marketplace we provide a photographic experience for our clients not just a photo shoot.

From the moment you walk to our door you notice our beautiful landscaped entrance. Once we greet you at the door you notice the the warn and inviting surroundings and the huge luxury commercial kitchen. " Would you like something to drink?

We have Espresso, Lattes, Coke, OJ, Smoothies, etc. "Would you like something to eat?"

We have fresh strawberries, pineapple, bananas, blueberries, pastries, muffins granola, yogurt, cereal, coffee cake, etc. "Can we get you anything else?"

Both a Mercedes and a Yugo are cars but one will get you their in comfort, style and safety while the other may get you their eventually, but the ride will be bumpy, loud and not sure how safe. By the way, when was the last time you saw a Yugo on the road?

Whether it's the luxury studio with all the latest technology to the 52" flat screen television with all the latest Wii and games to our famous lunches where from time to time me make fresh baked chocolate chip cookies for desert to your parting thank you gift we provide a fun and luxury photographic experience.

Like the Mercedes, over time we have proven to have great Quality and Value with some of the best photographic service you will fine.

Welcome to my world

2008-08-01T15:34:00.006-05:00

Welcome to the world of an advertising photographers studio. It's a world of mystery and intrigue, money and greed, politics and psychology, fun and excitement, creativity and exploration. Let's explore this world together so hold on for a fun ride.