Photo Party @ Michael Mazzeo Gallery in Chelsea, NYC Thurs.12.17.09

On Thursday December 17th from 6-9 pm En Foco Inc, a non-profit that supports photographers of different ethnicities (website: http://enfoco.org/ ), will be hosting a holiday party at Michael Mazzeo Gallery in NYC at 526 W. 26th Street, Ste. 209 between 10th and 11th Avenue. The attached photo is one of my photos that I shot near Union Square in NYC that I will be selling at the party. Hope you can make it.

Photo Exhibition at the Natl' Arts Club in NYC

The attached photo is one of my photos that I shot in Bogota, Colombia. It will be exhibited at The National Arts Club in NYC at 15 Gramercy Park South from December 9, 2009-January 3, 2010. The opening reception is Wednesday December 9th from 6-8 pm. Hope you can make it.

Photo Of The Week - Mend Your Heart

The attached photo is one that will be exhibited at destination art space (a division of hpgrp gallery) at 32-36 Little 12th Street in NYC from December 2, 2009-January 31, 2010. The opening reception is tonight from 6-8 pm. Hope you can make it.

Design Of The Week - Dove Mailer

Front Of Mailer

Back Of Mailer

Last week I designed a mailer to send out to prospects. The art is above. I'm waiting to get my order back from the printer and then I will send them out. Do you like the design? I do. I think it turned out nicely.

Photo Of The Week - Getty Images

I thought to submit some of my lifestyle photos to Getty Images this week. Above is one of the photos I sent them. Makes me want to hit the slopes this winter.

Site Of The Week - Photo + Design A La Carte

So you've seen plenty of my photographs. I thought because my photo company offers design services too that I should share my design website with you. If you click on the link above you will see a graphic to my design portfolios. Click on this graphic to view my visual aesthetic.

Photo Of The Week - Cover Girl Product Re-Shoot

After much thought and feedback I decided to re-shoot the Cover Girl make up. Seeing how I am both a photographer and a designer I shot and designed an additional image of shoes to make the composition work better. Do you think it has improved from the photo I sent last week?

Photo Of The Week - Cover Girl Product Shot

I'm curious. Would this photo entice you to buy Cover Girl make-up? I shot this in my studio this week and am interested in hearing others opinions.

Photo Of The Week - Engagement Photo For The NY Times

A few weeks ago I was asked to meet a couple, Jennifer and Ben, in Central Park for their engagement photo that was published in the NY Times last week. Above is the selected photo. If you would like to have your photo shot for any special occasion feel free to email me at helena@hvdphotography.com.

Photo Of The Week - InStyle Magazine Product Shot

This past week I decided to grab some tear sheets out of InStyle magazine and reshoot some products. Below is the Dove bottle in InStyle. Above is the photograph that I created. What do you think?

Please share your thoughts. Thanks.

Photo Of The Week - Superman

I shot this photo in the summer of 2009 in the Lower East Side in NYC. I think it is a pretty powerful image. Do you agree?

Photo Of The Week - The "Old" New York

I was walking down Lafayette Street some time ago and came across this message in Soho, NYC. It made me chuckle!

What Is The Message In This Photo?

Photo Of The Week

(Please Note: This Is Not My Photo)

I came across this photo online today. I think it is really powerful and says a lot about the times we are living in right now. What are your thoughts? I'm curious!

New Accessories Photo Shoot- Photo Of The Week

Photo Of The Week

This is a photo from a shoot I had in my studio last week. These are accessory cases for baby wipes designed by Cindy Saweeres of Lil' Sweet Cheeks. You like?

Did You Know True Love Asks For Nothing?

Photo Of The Week

During the summer I found this message in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. I shot it after I went on a date with a guy that was nice but the chemistry just wasn't there. I think that love entails a variety of emotions... happy, sad, challenging, intense, etc. I'm curious, what is your definition of true love?

You Can't Eat Money

Photo Of The Week

What I really love about shooting my photo fine art concept is the fact that it is evident what is going on in the world. Now I am finding discreet messages about money or lack there of. I have updated my website with some new photos. Check it out... http://www.discreetmessagesphotography.com/

New Home Page Layout

Photos Of The Week

This afternoon I redesigned the home page of my still-life/fashion photo website. If you visit http://www.hvdphotography.com/ you can see it live. I would appreciate hearing any comments on it. Thanks in advance.

In Cash We Trust

Photo Of The Week

Yesterday I was in the Lower East Side and I walked by a store window with a bunch of messages in it. I zoomed in on the one above because for so many years our society has depended on credit cards. Since the economic crisis I think folks are starting to realize the beauty of cash...I know I am.

Fashion/Accessory Photo Shoot

Photo Of The Week

About a month has passed since I have written in my blog. Sorry for the delay as I have been a very busy person. I had a great fashion/accessories photo shoot in Brooklyn, a few of my photos are being exhibited at Cornell Medical Center uptown and some of my accessory photos are being exhibited at a small venue on 22nd Street in Manhattan. Additionally I have been freelancing at Macy's and Jordache. Here forth I will attempt to share more.

Editor's Choice on PDN's Photoserve

Photo Of The Week

Last week my photo portfolio was picked as the Editor's Choice on PDN's Photoserve. If you'd like to read more about it you may click on the following web link :

http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/content_display/photoserve/editors-choice/e3i6fad5a2a1d8e5132cd656b6058299538

I am thrilled! I hope that this press release will get me some new business.

Live, Work, Create.

Photo Of The Week

It has been awhile since I have posted a photo on my blog because my family from California came to visit and I was on a work hiatus. The photo above was taken in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I think the message is powerful and the colors in the background make the words pop. Additionally I like how the white shirt of the man walking parallels with the color of the type.

Love Me Dumbo

Photo Of The Week

Last week I was in Dumbo, Brooklyn at a free artist seminar. I spotted the words Love Me, crouched down with my camera and waited for the appropriate background which I think really makes the image. The message is on a green can, she is wearing a green and white dress and I think it is a mysterious image because you don't know who the woman is.

Photo Sale

Photo Of The Week

This Discreet Message was taken in Dumbo, Brooklyn. I am very happy because today I sold the above photo in a larger size. Specifically 20" x 24". My fine art photographs come in 6 different sizes with a very small edition #. There are only 3 photos sold in each size. The less photos per edition makes a better investment. If you would like to view more feel free to visit http://www.discreetmessagesphotography.com/index.html.

Beaded Bracelets

Photo Of The Week

Thought to add this photo to my blog as well. These are beaded bracelets that were designed by Inna Design (http://www.innanyc.com/). I think they have a unique look. They were fun to photograph.

Accessory Shoot Today

Photo Of The Week

I met Inna Roizon, an accessories designer on Wall Street last week. She asked me to take photographs of her designs. Above you will see one of her purses. This is the final version.

More Interiors

Photo Of The Week

Last week I worked with an Interior Designer in Manhattan photographing one of the apartments she designed. This was a challenging shot to take but I think it turned out nicely. Do you agree?

Be Thoughtful

Photo Of The Week

Yesterday I was in Chelsea dropping off my photo/design portfolios at an agency. I came across this message that states Be Thoughtful. It is pretty unique because the artist used the Gatorade Be Tough campaign and added a few letters to portray a different message... Be Thoughtful. Get it?

New Jewelry Photos

Photo Of The Week

Last week I conducted another photo shoot in my studio. Since I am a still-life photographer by profession I chose to shoot some more jewelry to build my portfolio. If you would like to view the new photography you may by visiting http://www.hvdphotography.com. There is a direct link on the right side of this page.

Papa Loves Baby

Photo Of The Week

I don't know if you have noticed this but one particular artist in NYC is writing "Papa Loves Baby" everywhere in the metro area. This shot was taken in Tribeca.

Once Is Not Enough

Photo Of The Week

A friendly reminder to all those folks out there who care to protect our environment as well as their own health. I shot this photo near Union Square in NYC.

Trust

Photo Of The Week

I was on 17th Street near Union Square the other day and came across this extremely pertinent Discreet Message. It states Trust Me, Soul, Power. You may also notice the gold bars on the corner of the illustration? I found this to be a strong message because of all the economic turmoil we are going through at the present time. Who can we trust?

Discreet Messages Video

Video Of The Week

Yesterday I figured out how to post my video about my Discreet Messages fine art photo concept onto the web. This video is an excellent documentary, shot by Elsa Butler (www.elsabutler.com), about the messages that I photograph in urban landscapes. I explain my vision and why I am documenting people's written words. If interested, you may click on the link above to view the video. Your opinions and comments are welcome. I look forward to hearing from you.

Accesories and Still-Life Photography

Photo Of The Week

It is Sunday afternoon and we are so close to Spring that I thought to put out some seasonal colors out on the web. Last week I had an accessories shoot in my studio. I thought to share another photo with you from that day. Do you like it? I wish you all a good week to come.

Colorful Still-Life Photography

Photo Of The Week

Many folks ask me how I define my photography style. After reviewing my still-life portfolio I would say that my style is colorful. I like my images to pop and I allow that to happen with patterns or bright colors. Do you agree? If you'd like to see more, you may, by visiting http://www.hvdphotography.com (a link is on the right side of this page).

Nike Ad

Photo Of The Week

I photographed and designed an ad for Nike (this is a comp). The copy reads If your teeth still chatter, it's fear. The photo was taken from an excursion I took in Colorado back in the day. My friends and I climbed a 14'teener (a mountain that is 14,000 feet or above) called Challenger Peak. This summit is dedicated to the brave astronauts who lost their lives in the Challenger crash back in the 1980's. The hike was incredible! I think the photo and ad are pretty cool too!

Prada Ad

Photo Of The Week

Above is an ad that I photographed as well as designed for Prada (this is a comp). The copy reads The Price May Give Your Husband a Heart Attack But Don't Worry, It Also Comes In Black. The catch being she can wear it to his funeral. Yikes! Pretty intense copy and I think the photo is enticing as well.

Interior Design Photographs

Photo Of The Week

I have shared many of my fine art photos on this blog and realized today that I should begin to start sharing some of my commercial photography. I specialize in shooting products, interiors and conceptual still-life's. Not only do I shoot these types of photos but I am also a Graphic Designer/Art Director that can create collateral to help you grow your business in print or for the web. Usually designers need to buy photography from stock agencies or borrow images from company libraries. I, on the other hand, can execute design/photo projects all with one set of hands. I call it the TwoInOne Design Solution : Photography & Graphic Design. Now you don't need two creatives, just one. I can help you to save money!

75% Off Sale

Photo Of The Week

This photo says it all! Sad thing is that these sale signs are in so many store windows. Wouldn't it be grande if we saw these signs when the economy was rocking n' rolling. Wishful thinking!

Now Is New

Photo Of The Week

This photo was taken on 6th Avenue near Greenwich Village in NYC. I think the words say a lot! We are going through a very big transitional period right now. May peace, work and prosperity come out of these tough economical times!

Never Hide

Photo Of The Week

The other day I walked out of my apartment building in NYC and noticed this message on top of a taxi cab that stated, "Never Hide". That is a powerful Discreet Message to me because I believe lots of folks want to hide right now...at least until this economic crisis is over. I think that this is one of the best times to market yourself because companies are more open to new, less expensive talent.

Barack Obama's Inauguration Day

Photo Of The Week

Today is January 20, 2009 and it is a big day because it is Barack Obama's Inauguration Day! I have posted the above Political Discreet Message in honor of him. May we all become one!

I Like You

Photo Of The Week

A few nights ago I was headed downtown to Soho to go see the new Woody Allen movie, Vicky Cristina Barcelona (by the way, that is a great flik!). As I was meandering down Broadway with my camera I came across this Discreet Message that says, "I like you..." and below that in very small type, it says "I like you too!". That put a big smile on my face!

I Love New York

Photo Of The Week

It is now 2009 and I am hoping for a good year to come! At the present time, our world is a bit in shambles due to the financial crisis, war and the results of the Bush Administration. I honestly believe that bad things happen for a reason and that good will come out of these negative occurrences. We are living through a very important time in history right now. For example, Barack Obama was elected to be the next president of the United States. Do you think he would have had a chance post Gore administration? If Gore won the presidency back in 2000, do you think the world would be as environmentally aware as it is now?

I think people learn their best lessons by the mistakes they make. I am hoping that those who have made outrageous errors in industry standards have learned that there is more to life than greed. Don't get me wrong, money is important but sometimes people forget that family, friends and passion are the most important! I am wishing my viewers a fabulous 2009!!!