DESCRIPTIONS OF AVAILABLE STYLES
Jeff's professional experience ranges from dance videography to
commercial photography of microelectronics and many things between -- but with limited time
availability, he has chosen to specialize in a few of his best and favorite artistic approaches. These
are described below, and correspond to portfolio sections in our
"Current Specialties" gallery. There are many more variations on these styles than can be shown or
described here, but because of limited time availability be aware that these are usually the only styles available for new
Ardent Images portraiture or other work.
These styles adapt well to portraiture for subjects ranging from young children to tweens/preteens
to teens and adults, as well as to figurative art, storytelling, and more.
We usually limit photo shoots to one or possibly two of these styles, since specific logistics are
required for each. However, it is usually possible to create more than one type of image (portrait,
fine art, dance, etc) within one session. You can also create a mix of images intended for experimentation,
private use, public display, etc. -- Jeff will work with you to identify options for your images and
respect your wishes with regard to each image. For more info check out our FAQs
section or contact Jeff.
Mythography Creations ® -- trademarked fantasy portraiture
Artistic story-telling images bring imagination to life, beautifully! Work with us to design a unique look and scene in which
to express your mystical side. Then we coordinate costuming, bodypainting designs, location/set, or other elements needed to
bring it all together. Costumes and accessories, if needed, can by supplied by you, come from our stock, custom-made for the project,
or any combination. The production shoot might be done outdoors, in studio, or other location we'll identify to fit the concept. Planning and
prepping the details takes some time, but the results are worth it. Mythography
Creations is a fun, unique way to create portraits and/or artwork for young children, preteens, tweens, teens, and adults
too! Choose your realm:
FAERIEWORLD: winged or non-winged creatures--fairies, sprites, pixies,
mermaids and more! Naughty or nice, big or little -- the choices are yours, but we bring the creativity.
APPARITIONS : pure spirit-like ethereal beings, often ghostly
or wispy, but often more beautiful and mysterious than scary.
BODYPAINT/MORPHED: become an animalistic creature or other
design using a combination of bodypaint and digital artwork. Sometimes the central feature of the images, or sometimes used
in conjunction with other styles/themes noted here.
THEMATIC: Egyptian goddess...knight...savage...what can we create? |
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Artistic Portraiture & Figure Photography
Looking for a soulful, intimate portrait? Or to create expressive art with your body?
Jeff combines classical training, contemporary influences, and a collaborative approach
to design personalized portraiture and fine art nudes. His timeless
styles adapt beautifully to adults, children, and relationships. His signature specialties include:
UNVEILED:
"Let us distill the subject's form and individuality to their purest essences, leaving behind all
veils and distractions, replacing them with light so precise that it wraps them like a second skin."
The goal of this style is to allow timeless human expression to shine on its own -- bringing out the
individual persona and/or the body as art, without the distortions of 'fashion'. It uses little more than
the nuances of light and shadow, flesh and bone, pose and expression. To emphasize these essential
elements without distraction, these fine art images are rendered in stunning monochrome (grayscale or tinted).
Best for: portraiture for babies, children, adults, or relationships such as parent-child; fine art nude / figurative art;
abstract imagery
Variations: 'Gossamer' (beautifully soft, nearly shadowless light); 'Sombra' (subject is beautifully
sculpted in carefully controlled light and shadow)
Planning/Prep Complexity: LOW
Logistical Complexity: MEDIUM (usually photographed with indoor location / studio setting)
NATURISTIC:
"We swim in technology, both wonderful and horrific. But is that what defines us? Makes us human? No.
We are made from the stuff of nature, even as we try to defy it. It is my goal with this style to design images
showing the elemental connection between individual and nature, and how we humans intertwine with it."
*** NEW STYLE DISCOUNTS may be available for those willing to model for test/portfolio shoots ***
Best for: portraiture for children/adults or figurative art emphasizing natural settings and elements
Variations: celebration of connections to natural settings (forest, meadow, river, etc) or more
specific elements (stone, trees, water, earth, etc)
Planning/Prep Complexity: MEDIUM (identify locations, concept development & prep)
Logistical Complexity: MEDIUM to HIGH (usually photographed in outdoor setting)
CLASSIC:
"Begin with study of classical painters such as Rembrandt and Adolphe William Bouguereau,
and take in the inspiration of their ability to render light and color on canvas. Add the influences
of masters in available light photography such as David Hamilton. Combining such elements, we design
an elegant scene or tableau in rich colors and tones, and create imagery that pays tribute to the oil
paintings of the Old Masters."
Best for: timeless classical portraiture for children or adults; romantic portraits or nudes
Variations: usually features the rich warm colors of oil portraits, but could either
be handled with the dramatic detail of oil paintings or the soft glow of romantic photography
Planning/Prep Complexity: LOW to MEDIUM
Logistical Complexity: MEDIUM-HIGH (usually photographed with indoor location / studio setting)
RENDERINGS:
"Impressionist painters took classical underpinnings and gave them twists, relying more on the emotional
gist of an image than detailed literal renderings. Jeff is working to take similar concepts to photography,
starting with images that stand well on their own but created with the intent of tranforming them slightly
--bringing them to a a more abstract and conceptual place while still rendering the subject beautifully.
There are many possible variations to this idea and no single one is "correct". Still, Jeff will work with
you before, during, and after the shoot to pursue an agreed-upon vision."
*** NEW STYLE DISCOUNTS may be available ***
Best for: unique, edgy figurative or portrait renderings; high-impact and/or abstract art nudes
Variations: usually making use of colors, but they could be modified or surreal or realistic;
looks range from variations on early photography effects (e.g. cyanotype) to completely new
Planning/Prep Complexity: MEDIUM
Logistical Complexity: LOW-MEDIUM (but often requires significant artwork after the shoot)
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