Photography
It's taken more than two weeks to be approved by I am happy to say the photography podcast, Master Your Lens, is finally up.
Please tune in, give us a review and rating. We look forward to speaking with you soon on Master Your Lens.
Always dream big,
Matthew
We are pushing the button to Launch
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FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM
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You can watch the launch event LIVE right now by going to Periscope and following Matthew_JordanS
On Monday, I'd like to introduce you to a very special family. A week from today I will introduce the family in person during my launch of my event at 7:30 pm PST, and then we will leave the next morning on an incredible adventure for 30 days.
Many of you know that I shoot with Nikon camera's now. This week I learned that Mr. and Mrs. Havens are also fans of Nikon camera's and has exactly the same gear as me. This week, to prepare for the trip, I added three new Lowepro cases and I'll get to break them in on this journey. The Echelon Line of Lowepro bags and roller cases are really amazing and I'm looking forward to using them on this trip. The Lowepro Echelon roller is just what I've been looking for and in one roller. It's going to make my travel with camera gear much better.
I share my excitement for my new Lowepro bags with Mr. and Mrs. Havens and they were super excited as well to see the new line. Mr.Havens said he was in need of new camera bags and was curious to see the line.
Until Monday, have a great weekend and I look forward to sharing what I believe will be an incredible week with you all next week.
Always dream big!
Today is the fifth class for the Master Your Lens course. The course is a six-week photography master class created to teach students how to stand out from the crowd and truly master their photography.
Earlier in the week I asked a question on social media and received a huge response on Facebook. The question was, what are you struggling with in photography? I was very surprised to learn that most of the areas people are struggling with are taught in the Master Your Lens course. People struggle with creativity, posing, lighting, marketing and fighting to enjoy the business and remember why they got into photography. Today in class I will share the comments with my students so they can see how far they have come in five weeks, and show them the advantage they have now because of the course. If you are interested in taking the next course subscribe to our mailing list for updates on the next course.
We will also announce dates very soon or our Fashion and Beauty workshop taking place in Los Angeles, California. Stay tuned for more information
Always dream big!
Today is the launch of the Master Your Lens podcast, available for download on ITunes. Please check it out, subcribe and rate the episodes for us. The podcast will air 5 days a week and share insightful stories, photo tips and information to help make you a better photographer.
MASTER YOUR LENS PODCAST - AVAILABLE ON ITUNES.
Always dream big
Angela Bassett, Nash Grier, Zendaya Coleman, Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker, all have somethign in common, they all have their own copy of Future American President. Now you can have your own special edition version of Future American President too. Starting September 12th, 2015 at 7:30 pm PST, you'll be able to make your very own special edition book with your child on the cover.
KICKSTARTER ONLY! under FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM
September 12th, 2015
Launch time: 7:30 pm PST
Hosts: Angela Bassett, Nicole Ari Parker, Felicia Henderson and Dr. Pearl Grimes
Watch LIVE on Periscrope!
Caption: Nash Grier with Future American President
Caption: Angela Bassett with Future American President
Caption: Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker with Future American President
Caption: Zendaya with Future American President
The Step-by-Step Way To Create Amazing Pictures
Sometimes it's necessary to repeat valuable information. I've received a lot of comments on this post so I thought I'd update it a bit and share it again.
Sometimes, taking the first step is the most difficult one to take when it comes to getting started in photography. Here are seven steps to help guide you through your journey in creating amazing pictures.
Step 1: The Idea
Everything starts with a big idea. As soon as the idea comes write it down right away. Computers and other devices are great, but I prefer putting pen to paper. Maybe I'm old fashion but this seems to work the best for me. Give it a try and see how it works for you. Start with the idea and define it by writing it down. For example, while photographing polar bears in Cape Churchill, I had the idea of photographing models in a way where I could use the images together. While on the trip, I wrote down my idea and by the time I was back in Los Angeles, I had the story together. Putting pen to paaper always helps you define your ideas.
Step 2: Research
Today, it's easier than ever before to do research. I used to keep countless books of tear sheets from old magazines as research material, but today, we have Pinterest to make our lives easier Use Pinterest to make inspirations boards and to conduct your research. After you write down your idea, dive into research. The research helped pull the idea together in a stronger way resulting in the bi-polar beauty story.
Step 3: The Sketch
I'm no Picasso, but I am a visual person. Sketching out my ideas after doing the research has always helped me in visualizing how I will bring my vision to life. In advertising assignments, one of the first things clients send sketches or some type of visual board. The sketch helps you see things in a clear way and visualize the image for the first time in a tangible manner. It also helps me when you need to share your idea with your team. I can share an idea with my team, but they may have a different visual in their mind. When I show and tell it helps my team come together as a unit to bring the vision to life.
Step 4: Pre-Production
Pre-production is probably the most important aspects of any photo shoot, and the bigger the shoot, the more important pre-production is. Whenever I mention this in a seminar or workshop someone always says "what is pre-production?" Pre-production is the process of producing your photo shoot or putting the shot together. You have your idea, you've done your research, you have a sketch and now it's time to figure out all the elements come together to make your shoot a success. The big elements are easy to see, but it's the small details that can often become overlooked and make or break a photo shoot. Pre-production is the key to having a fantastic shoot, so make sure you go over every element and mentally walk through the steps to bring your vision to life. The more time you spend producing, the better things will be on your shoot day. If you're shooting a model, what color will her nails be? If you're shooting on a beach, how will you change lenses if it's windy? Try to think of every small detail you can and plan for your success. A key element to always have is a call sheet. No matter how big or small this will keep you from going crazy when you move to the next step.
Step 5: Taking Your Picture
This is the fun part, which is why so many people want to start here, but if you skip the steps before this and jump into taking a picture you will find yourself in the same place year after year. Great pictures are rarely a mistake. Yes, there are those times when something amazing takes place right in front of your camera, but it happens more often to the photographer who is trained to create great images.
To create amazing pictures, you must think like a movie director because great pictures often tell a story and have a hero. Sometimes the hero is very obvious, like in the image of the Japanese woman in the middle of the bamboo forest. The woman is the hero of the image but the bamboo forest is the supporting cast. In the image of the Washington Monument, the monument is the hero, but the sunrise sets the mood.
Both images were planned. For the model image, I scouted a model from a Japanese agency in Osaka, Japan and had her come to Kyoto, Japan for the shoot. I talked to the makeup artist while I was still in America so we were all clear about the concept before the shoot
. For the image of the monument, I looked up the time for sunrise, went to the location the day before to find my angle and then got up and 4:00 a.m. to take my place and wait for the perfect moment.
Step 6: Image Selection
I rarely hear people talk about how to select your images these days, but it is a very important step for the photographer looking to advance his or her career. You can take a thousand images, but it takes a trained eye to be able to select the perfect shot to show the world. Here's the tricky part. Sometimes the best image to show is not the best image from your shoot. I know, this sounds confusing, but you only want to show images to fit your brand. This took a long time for me to grasp, but it made the most significant difference in my work.
Step 7: Post Production
Another question I am asked all the time is, "do you retouch your own images?" There are a lot of great photographers who love doing their own retouching, but I am not one of them. The less time in front of a computer means the more time I can spend with a camera in my hands. Knowing when to delegate is an important part of making a great image. Like a great director, you need a great team. The best retouchers are those who spend every waking moment retouching. I send my images to a retoucher with instructions on how I'd like to make adjustments and we go back and forth until I have exactly what I want.
Oh, by the way, if you want to really take your photography to the next level, the Master Your Lens digital Course launches today for a limited time. The course is broken down into six lessons and offered one at a time. The first lesson goes on sale today and is only available until August 31st. Orders close at midnight, PST on 8/31/2015.
ORDER TODAY: Master Your Lens: Lesson One
The great things about having the course broken down by lessons, vs committing to the entire course all at once, is that it gives you a chance to try the course out and see if you like it. Each lesson is only $197.00 so the financial commitment is not as difficult as the entire course would be all at once. I believe once you start the journey by taking the first lesson you will want to continue as this course is designed to really give you step-by-step instructions and help in taking your photography to an incredible new place. Lesson one is all about self-discovery!
Always dream big!
I can't really explain how incredible it feels, but there is nothing quite like it when you see a student start to grow right in front of your eyes and begin the process of mastering the art of photography.
Last week was a ground-breaking week for all of my students and I'm excited to see how they will perform in this week's class. Almost all of them have emailed me with questions and I love to see them start to come alive and grow. I never knew it before, but I love teaching others the art of photography.
I am currently in my fourth week of teaching an online photography class, and all of my students are really starting to take off. The class was only offered for five days initially, and there has been a lot of interest since registration ended, but I won't be able to teach the class in this manner again for a while.
Because of the interest and email from those who missed signing up for the Master Your Lens Course I have decided to offer the class digitally starting today. The class is a six-week course devoted to helping students master the art of photography. A different lesson is taught each week and there are assignments that must be completed. Offering the class digitally will give people the chance to tackle the assignments at their own pace and without the pressure of making sure they are free for the class based on my schedule.
The first lesson is the foundation for the entire class, and it is a very intense lesson to start the course, but it is necessary. Each student is required to keep a journal so they can see their growth week by week. The course is a step by step approach and I'm their every step of the way to guide my students through the process.
If you'd like to begin the journey with me, downloads of the first lesson are available starting today and closes at midnight on August 31st, 2015 at midnight PST. Each lesson is priced at $197.00 per lesson but, you are under no obligation to continue if you feel the entire class is not right for you. However, I believe after the first class you will want to continue as this class is like no other photography class that I have ever seen, but don't take my word for it. Try out the first class today by downloading lesson one, of the Master Your Lens Course.
Benefits include: anytime email access to me to guide you along your journey and a monthly Google hangout for Q&A with all the students taking the course.
Master Your Lens Course: Lesson One - ENROLL TODAY
Always dream big.
If you've followed my work you know I'm a fan of using one light to create beauty images, portraits and more. The art of using one light come down to knowing how to add and subtract light, and when adding or subtracting works. Below I've included an overhead view of the standard setup, including V-flats, silver reflector, and my standard mini boom. Of course a wind machine is always good to have around as well.
Three weeks ago I started teaching an online class on the art of photography. The class is taught to students from all over the world. One student lives in Montenegro and gets up in the middle of the night for the course. I am so proud of him because he is always the first one online and has a deep heartfelt passion for photography. Sometimes I have to remind myself that it's the middle of the night for him but you'd never know it.
To excel in photography, you must have passion. Actually, to excel in any field, passion is essential. What are you passionate about? Today, ask yourself this question and if you are not sure, take the time to do this simple exercise.
Fold a sheet of paper in half and on one side write the word LIKE, then on the other side of the paper write the word LOVE. Now start making a list of all the things you like in life. Maybe it's cooking or going to the opera, or bowling. Now write down all the things you truly love from the deepest part of your heart. Maybe you like to dance, but you love salsa dancing. You like the outdoors, but you love mountain climbing. Once you take the time to do this exercise it will help you find clarity about the things you love. Then right then and there start spending more time doing the things you love.
Always dream big!
I have always been a fan of the prime lenses, and the 85mm lens is one of my favorites. The Nikkor 85 1.4 lens is probably one of the best portrait lens ever. Recently, I have taken to the Nikkor 58mm 1.4 lens and this week I gave both quite a workout.
Caption: 58mm lens
Caption: 85 mm lens
Caption: 85 mm lens
Caption: 58mm lens
There is just something about prime lenses that I have always loved over zoom lenses. There are amazing zoom lenses, but every photographer needs a few great primes as well. The nifty-fifty lens is a staple for many photographers as a standard lens, but the Nikkor 58mm is quite special in a different way. That little extra makes a big difference in seperating you from the pack.
Always Dream Big
Because sometimes, it's all you need.
In the early 90's I worked as a photo assistant to a big fashion photographer. His studio was in New York City directly across the street from Central Park on 57th street. One day, he informed me that he'd be out for the week taking a photography workshop. I was shocked because this photographer was at the top of his game and shooting for big advertising clients, amazing fashion magazines, and powerful private clients. I asked him why he was taking a course, and I'll never forget what he told me, he said, "Matthew, you should never stop learning. The moment you think you know it all you are done!"
Years later I was interviewing Gregory Hines, the famous tap dancer, and he told me while making the movie White Knights with Mikhail Baryshnikov, that Mikhail would take classes every day to keep sharp and improve your craft. Gregory said, if one of the top dancers in the world is doing this, then I should too, and he started doing the same.
Today is the last day to take advantage of an incredible photography coaching program, Master Your Lens Course. Registration for this six-week online course ends at midnight tonight and is priced for only $497.00. After tonight, the master course won't be offered at this price again so take advantage of this incredible deal while you still can.
The six-week course starts tomorrow online at 4:00 pm PST and will help you turn 1 dollar into 50 by learning these photography secrets that will skyrocket your success. ! I look forward to seeing you in class to help you Master Your Lens. To learn more click here.
To register
Always dream big!
If children grew up seeing themselves on the cover of an inspirational book, I believe it would instill a sense of confidence to help them achieve anything in life. They could see themselves as a future CEO, or a future entrepreneur, or even a future American president.
This is the power images have, and why I believe it is important to show children positive images of themselves. Pictures can have a profound impact on a child life and shape the way they see themselves forever. The same can be said for negative images. If a child only see's images of people who look like him or her in jail or in a negative light, it will have an impact as well.
On September 15th, 2015 starting at 9:00am, I am inviting you to join me in changing the way the world see's our future generation. If you'd like to join me, please click here or on the button below to subscribe and leave your email. I will keep you informed as we get closer to the launching a project to show positive images of children everywhere.
If you love photography, I am giving a FREE lighting video to help you take better pictures as well. Just click on the link below.
Always dream big!
It seems everyone is curious to know what camera gear professional photographer's use to create their images. A few weeks ago, a potential client sent an email to see if I would be interested in working with their company. The potential client had visited my website but said "can you tell me the type of camera and lighting equipment you use?" She wanted to make sure I had the "proper equipment" to take portraits.
The question made me think of a friend, who is not a photographer and had never used a camera before. He'd purchased a high-end camera along with Adobe photoshop and wanted to take pictures the next day for his company. The next week he called to say, "something must be wrong with my camera. I purchased an expensive camera and two lenses, but the pictures came out terrible." I smiled and said, the camera doesn't make a great picture, the photographer does. When you go to a restaurant, do you ask the chef what type of pots he uses to make sure the food will taste great?"
Great pictures come from trained photographers who take the time to learn how to master the tools of the trade so they can create stunning images. Each professional photographer uses the best gear possible, to create their images, but the magic comes only when you learn how to use the gear.
So what's in my camera bag?
Nikon D4s
Nikkor 58mm 1.4 lens
Nikkor 35mm 1.4 lens
Nikkor 24mm 1.4 lens
3- pocket wizards remotes
Profoto air remote
Macbook air computer
Macbook air presentation dongle connector
two batteries for Profoto B1 strobe
2 - mini silver/white reflectors
handheld fan
mini iPad loaded with MYLIO software
Tokyo subway map
Map of Tokyo, Japan
Air blower for lenses and camera body
Business card with English on one side and Japanese on the other
Black-out eye mask for the airplane
2 - 3 prong to 2 prong adapters
Old mini iPod (yes I still use one sometimes)
2 - 8 gig pen/memory sticks
remote LAV and receiver
Small mirror with black gaffer tape (special lighting tool)
Japanese facial paper
Collapsible travel chopsticks
Always dream big!
It was a day like any other day in Omaha, Nebraska. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and seven-year-old Brayden, and his five-year-old brother Kaegan, were enjoying the start of a beautiful summer day. The redhead brothers were excited because their mother was taking them to Gateway To The Wild at the Henry Doorly Zoo, which is considered one of the world's best.
Both brothers dressed in a plaid button down shirt, shorts and sneakers. Brayden’s sneakers were a bright green color while Kaegan’s had a mix of black and green. Both brothers were ready for this special day and made sure to bring their sunglasses, because today, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
The zoo parking lot was packed and finding an empty spot took some time, but their mother found an open space and after she parked the boys rushed out of the car toward the zoo. As the family started walking toward the zoo entrance a tall, bald, African-American man approached their mother and asked her a simple question; "Do you think your son's have the ability to become the president one day?" The man carried an Ipad filled with images of other children from around the county who parents were asked the same question. As he spoke he showed her the pictures and explained that he was traveling to every state in America with the goal of photographing 100 kids and asking them what they would do in the future as the president of the United States. The boys had no idea at first what the conversation was about, but the mother knew right away this was important and asked her two boys if they wanted to be a part of the project the man spoke of.
At first, Brayden, who was very excited to enter the zoo, was hesitant, but his mother pulled him to the side and explained how this was something that could have a huge impact on both he and his brother’s life. Moment’s later, Brayden and Kaegan were being introduced to Matthew Jordan Smith, the man with the ipad who is the creator of the Future American President project. Matthew explained the project and ask them to think what they would do in the future, 50 years from now if they become the president of the United States.
While the brothers thought about the question Matthew prepared to photograph them and promised it would only take three to five minutes to complete. Both brothers wanted to wear their cool sunglasses, but the photograph would be stronger without them. Sensing that both brothers loved wearing their sunglasses, Matthew asked them to take their sunglasses off and hang them inside the collar of their shirts. He gave them a sign to hold which read, “Nebraska, Possibilities …Endless – Future President.”
The brothers had great smiles and in no time at all, Matthew had great photographs. After the photo session, both brother thought hard about the presidential question and decided to collaborate on their answer. They stood together and wrote their statement as mom looked on. Afterwards, Matthew thanked the family and wished them well as they left to enjoy a day at the zoo.
Brayden and Kaegan are like many children growing up today in Nebraska and like Warren Buffet, Fred Astaire, and other great Nebraskans, they have someone who believes they have the ability to do great things in life. If you'd like to learn how your child can be inspired through this book sign up with your email address below. For joining us you'll receive a FREE PDF with 5 secrets to taking great children's pictures.
Always Dream Big
In a few weeks, my new podcast will launch dedicated to inspiring the nation to dream big. To celebrate, I am giving away a FREE video to help inspire photographers. The FREE video is filled with powerful information that will help you become a better photographer while sharing information about photographic lighting.
To receive the video, simply click the link below and subscribe with your email address.
Enjoy!
Always drream big!
This Monday I will give away a FREE video on photographic lighting. Whenever I speak or give a workshop, it seems the majority of questions asked are related to lighting, so I've decided to share as much information as possible to help others become better photographers.
Starting Monday, I will share a FREE video that shows tens ways to use one light source. To receive the video just sign in with your email and you'll receive the video.
Have a great weekend!
Always dream big!
I am known for creating portraits of celebrities, but in many ways, working with celebrities has trained me to photograph children. In my current personal project, Future American President, I photographed 100 children throughout America and I discovered many of the secrets to getting great images of famous celebrities also applies to photographing children. In both cases, you must get the image quickly or you lose them forever.
Today I'd like to offer a FREE pdf filled with images and helpful information to help you become a better photographer. Over the next two months I will give away video's, pdf's, instructional documents and more to help you achieve your goals to become a better photographer. To receive today's FREE pdf, click the link below.
Always Dream Big
The day I arrived in Topeka, Kansas it was extremely hot and the threat of a tornado was in the air. Before I arrived, the local Boys and GIrls Clubs of American had set up a child for me as my subject to photograph for Kansas.
The local club selected a little boy to represent Kansas, and I had the chance to met his mother and his sister. The mother had to leave for work, but the sister acted as his cheerleader during the interview and photo shoot.
Finding a location to take the photographs was difficult. I couldn't take the children away from the club, so I had to search for a location on the grounds. The surrounding areas didn't offer much in terms of a great background, but I liked the statements painted on the buses outside. I decide the driveway would make the best location for the shoot, even though the temperture was almost 100 degrees.
As I started photographing my subject, I was impressed with his sister. She was only a year older but was clearly in charge and kept telling her brother to stand up straight and to smile. Then I overheard her saying her brother always gets selected for everything and thought, well maybe it is time to change that. I decided to ask her to join in the photo shoot and her smile exploded across her face.
As I left the Boys and Girls Club of America I was happy I made the decision to include the sister with her brother. Her confidence and energy is exceptional and I know she will grow up to accomplish great things in her life. The great thing about photography is that it has the power to change a person life and how they see themselves. I know the simple act of having the sister included in Future American President will have a strong impact on her life.
In less than two months, we will give every parent in America the ability to empower their children by offering special edition versions of Future American President. With the special edition, you will be able to send a picture and make a book featuring your child on the cover.
To receive an email alert with information about the special editions books and when they are available sigh up below. By signing up you will also receive a FREE PDF with tips on how to take better pictures of your children. Who knows, maybe your child will grow up to become a future American president.
Always Dream Big
