#vantagepoint
OUTTAKES
Switching gears, I thought I’d drop in an outtake from a recent event shoot I was happy to be a part of. While shooting, I am always looking around for anything that catches my eye regardless of whether it has anything to do with the event at all.
As one mentor, Bryan Moss, put it to me, “Make Jessica Pictures.” I try to share that sage advice with my students at CCSF. This time I looked up and noticed the event was being watched over, quite literally by an angel peeking out over a black backdrop. The event planners had set black drapes around the walls to create a more formal and intimate atmosphere on the inside of a hangar – the Innovation Hangar – at the Palace of Fine Arts. The angel was decidedly left out of the party, but could look in.
I’m not much for technical conversation but I was asked to explain my shooting in a bit more technical detail. I am all about available light whenever possible. I had my 70-200 on my Nikon D4 body. I usually shoot in manual and did so here. ISO 1250, Shutter 1/200 and my aperture wide open at 2.8. I used Lightroom as I prefer to – for very minor post production – usually just to convert from raws to jpgs. Simple settings. Simple image.
I am in the market for a smaller lighter weight camera so I could do more of this type of shooting when not on assignment – something a step up from my iphone camera. I have been wavering between the Fuji and Sony Mirrorless models. Would love a chance to demo them. Advice welcomed.
The idea to to post a photo and discuss it as I am came as apart of the #VantagePoint project for the company, Light, who will be releasing their new compact camera later on this year! If you’re interested in seeing more photos from the Vantage Point project, check out their Pinterest board.
It seems to be not an “either/or” option with the Fuji or Sony mirrorless, but more like a fun “and” option.
I am curious. It looks like an iphone with a bunch of little lenses on it and they said, “It’s super lightweight but has awesome new technology … it’s a great option for travel pics!” – Would be happy to have a chance to demo it too.
Photography: An Honor and a Privilege
BIRTH
I had the recent privilege to photograph a family’s water birth at Marin General. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life let alone my career. It was the first birth I had witnessed since I had my own daughter, and as you might imagine, I was much more present for this one.
With permission of the family, I just wanted to share 2 images with you. I would be honored to experience this again with another family!
Please welcome little Asa to this world!
Haven’t posted any photos in a bit, so Hello!
ETC
Hi all,
I have been busy with CCSF’s Etc Magazine. The 4th issue I have been the advisor for and the first one since taking over from the previous instructor, Tom Graham who retired.
You should soon be able to find it on Etc Magazine’s issuu.com site and hopefully on a revamped etc-magazine.com website soon.
As an advisor I am not directly responsible for any of the content but I still feel like I birthed a baby. We had a small dedicated staff and they did a great job. Below is the cover:
Images from the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering 2017
Photography at the 2017
To see more of the 2017 Gathering follow me on instagram @jblif or visit my website at www.jessicalifland.com
Gathering:
Thursday at the Gathering:
Betty Ramsey and Ramblin’ Jack
Andy Hedges, left and Joel Nelson’s boots, onstage during a show called A Rare Find also with Randy Rieman.
Local Indian Cowboy Stories with Woody Harney, Ted Howard,
Mike Thomas, and Reggie Sope.
Local Indian Cowboy Stories with Woody Harney, Ted Howard,
Mike Thomas, and Reggie Sope.
Amy Steieger backstage.
Amy Steiger performing during a show called “Fresh Pasture”
Gail Steiger walks off stage to talk to guests after a session called Swapping Stories.
The Western Folklife Center at night
Weigand Gallery Opening Exhibit.
Wednesday evening:
Doug Moreland and the Flying Armadillos
Luke Bell
The Latest Chapter in the Cowboy Poetry Photo Project: A Photographic Adventure with Amy and Gail Steiger
Recently, for the first time since 2009, before my daughter was born, I was able to shoot again for my project documenting the cowboy poets and musicians who I have met in Elko, Nevada over the past decade and then some at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. I have simply come to refer to this body of work as the “Cowboy Poetry Project.”
This past June I had the honor and pleasure of visiting the talented Amy and Gail Steiger at work on the Spider Ranch outside of Prescott, Arizona. They were working cows together during the days I spent with them.
The latest installment of the project, which are images I made during time spent with the Steigers has just been posted to the section of my website also titled “Cowboy Poetry Project.”
To see the latest images of Amy and Gail Steiger click here.
To get to the cowboy poetry page click here.
June 10, 2016 – Prescott, Arizona, Gail and Amy Steiger at the Spider Ranch outside of Prescott, Arizona (Jessica Brandi Lifland/)
The intention of the project was to offer a glimpse into the worlds of the cultural storytellers of the American West. The images are meant to go beyond the stage persona – which is how many see them; onstage performing in their fringed leather, pristine “show” hats and colorful dress up boots, but as they are in their regular daily lives. All the performers whom I have worked with lead or have led authentic Western lives, which they draw from for their creativity.
These shoots are a mere glimpse into their worlds at a point in time during my visit with each of them. Some actively cowboy, some have moved on to other daily activities, some never cowboyed, but are very much a part of the fabric of the American West. Appearances, relationships, jobs and homes have changed for some of them since the photos were made. In fact, I am particularly grateful for the time I spent with Jack Walther and his wife Irene on their farm in Lamoille, Nevada. He has passed since our visit.
This project was originally conceived to be a photography book, with a poem by each artist to accompany the images. It was not intended to be an iconic Western cowboys and horses photography book. These beautiful books already exist thanks to the talents of people such as Jay Duasrd and others. I do have to mention the influence of William Albert Allard, whose work has influenced my ideas for this since inception.
I am interested in your opinions and advice and assistance in regards to the process of making this book a reality. Where do I go from here?
I do plan to continue to shoot and if any one of you wonderful Elko performers (you know who you are) would like to discuss a visit to your ranch or home, please contact me and let’s get it going.
Thank you,
Jessica
Evansville Indiana Skyline in 2000
- This image is copyrighted, ©2000 The Evansville Courier & Press.
- It is not available for common use despite apparent public opinion. It was photographed by me, Jessica Brandi Lifland while on staff at the Courier & Press
-
Evansville , Indiana, Evansville Indiana Skyline (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Evansville Courier and Press)
©2000 The Evansville Courier & Press
If anyone wishes to purchase rights to publish this image, please contact the newspaper.
http://archive.courierpress.com/about-us/contact-us-327899191.html
Thank you.
Baby Belly Photo Shoot at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Near Half Moon Bay
Pregnancy Photography
Summer Bar Mitzvahs
Photographs from Noah and Daniel’s Bar Mitzvahs
More can be seen of each of these special occasions on my website:
Noah’s Bar Mitzvah
and
Daniel’s Bar Mitzvah
Some Recent Family Portraits
Hats off to the parents of toddlers: Photographic selections from some recent private commissions
Toddlers have boundless energy and often not yet the most developed common sense. They might run off a rooftop or into a sea of waves if it weren’t for the exhaustive efforts of their parents.
Cheers to you – parents of toddlers!
May 11, 2016 – San Francisco, California, Rocco 12+ months (Jessica Brandi Lifland)
Follow me on instagram: @jblif
Postcards from the Florida Keys – Photos
Some images from a popular vacation spot.
Key West, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
Key West, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
Fishing for Barracuda. Key West, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
Fishing for Barracuda. Key West. Florida Keys, Florida, United States
Street performer, Mallory Square. Key West, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
Sunset Mallory Square. Key West. Florida Keys, Florida, United States
The Strand Theater on Duval Street opened in the 1920s. Key West, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
Vacationer on the third floor balcony, Marriott Hotel. Key West, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
Fishing for Barracuda. Key West, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
Crowds gather for sunset and a drink at Mallory Square. Key West, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
Wooden statue in a crevice between two store fronts along Duval Street. Key West, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
Big Pine Kayak Adventures tours and rentals. Right by the Old Wooden Bridge to No Name Key. Big Pine Key, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
No Name Pub. Big Pine Key, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
It is a No Name Pub tradition for patrons to leave a dollar bill attached to the walls or ceiling. Big Pine Key, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
It is a No Name Pub tradition for patrons to leave a dollar bill attached to the walls or ceiling. Big Pine Key, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
Bartender, No Name Pub. Big Pine Key, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
No Name Pub. Big Pine Key, Florida Keys, Florida, United States
Jessica Brandi Lifland's Photo Blog 