The Melodic Magic: How Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar Enhance Photoshoots

In the realm of photography, capturing the perfect shot often involves more than just technical prowess, the right lighting, or an ideal location.

One often overlooked yet profoundly impactful element is music. As photographers sketch images with light, music can amplify emotions, set the mood, and elevate the overall experience for both the photographer and the subject. Here’s why integrating music into photoshoots can be a game-changer.

Crafting the Atmosphere Imagine walking into a photoshoot set and being greeted by silence or random ambient noise versus stepping into a space filled with carefully curated tunes. Music breathes life into the environment. Whether it’s an upbeat pop song, a soothing instrumental, or edgy rock, the soundtrack sets the tone.

High-Energy Vibes: Upbeat music boosts the atmosphere, encouraging fun and energetic photos. Fast-paced tracks make models feel lively and adventurous, leading to more dynamic and expressive shots.

I’m not typically considered a “high-energy" person, so it’s SUPER important for me to listen to music with high BPM, so I can bring the energy necessary for a good, efficient photoshoot.

Elegance and Poise: On the flip side, classical music or slow jazz can bring an air of sophistication and serenity, encouraging graceful poses and calm expressions. For those striving to capture the elegance of bridal shoots or high-fashion editorials, music can be an essential tool to foster the right mood.

Enhancing Emotional Connection: Music has the power to evoke deep emotions and transport people to different states of mind. When a subject connects emotionally with the music being played, this connection often translates into more authentic and emotive portraits. A song that resonates with the subject can help them open up, be more vulnerable, and express a wider range of emotions naturally. Whether it be the Reputation album by Taylor Swift or “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar, if theres’s an emotional connection to the music, the person’s mood will shift.

Reputation by Taylor Swift (personally, my favorite album of hers)

I used to play “Godspeed” by Frank Ocean whenever parents were in the studio for their child’s senior pictures right after spending some time talking about how “next year’s going to be so different now that you’re going to have a high school graduate and how they’re going to be growing up SO fast!”

Easing Nerves and Building Rapport: A photoshoot can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for those not used to being in front of the camera. Music acts as a comfort blanket, easing initial jitters and helping subjects feel more at ease. When people are more relaxed, it’s easier for photographers to build rapport and trust, resulting in more cooperative and enjoyable sessions.

Breaking the Ice: Soft background music can help break the ice, creating an informal, relaxed environment where subjects can be themselves.

Focus and Distraction: Background music can provide a subtle distraction, helping subjects focus less on the camera’s intimidating lens and more on the feeling the music evokes.

Creative Inspiration Music can serve as a muse for photographers as well. Just as a director uses a film score to enhance storytelling, photographers can use music to inspire creativity and guide the thematic direction of a shoot. A particular song or genre might spark ideas for poses, locations, and even post-production edits.

Synchronizing Movements: Shooting with a rhythm can build a harmonious sync between the photographer and the subject. Music can act as a metronome, facilitating smoother movements and transitions. This rhythmic flow is especially beneficial during fashion and dance photography where capturing fluid motion is crucial.

Personal Touch: Allowing subjects to contribute to the playlist can add a personal touch, making the session more tailored and enjoyable. When individuals hear their favorite songs, they are likely to feel more connected to the moment, bringing out their best selves.

The marriage of music and photography makes for an immersive artistic experience. Music has the unique ability to shape the atmosphere, influence emotions, and enhance both the subjects' and the photographer’s creativity. As we explore new ways to innovate in the world of visual arts, the role of music during photoshoots is undeniably one of the melodious secrets to achieving captivating and emotionally resonant photographs. So next time you prepare for a shoot, don’t forget to pack your playlist along with your lens kit. You may find that the perfect soundtrack is the missing piece to creating visual magic.

Scientists have found that songs with BPM rates between 115-140 have been proven to boost creativity, heighten concentration, and get your brain to its "eureka moment". If you’re a fan of hip-hop, and don’t mind some swear words, then feel free to save this Spotify playlist that I created to ensure that you’re listening to music that optimizes your creative flow.

Lastly, if you’re looking for some equipment that’s going to change your next photoshoot, then I recommend getting the Ultimate Ear Boom 4! This waterproof speaker has some of the best & clearest sound that I’ve heard from a Bluetooth speaker! Not just that but since it’s waterproof, I don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if left out in the rain or when I’m out on-location with places with bodies of water. One charge and the battery last so long too!

Mastering Portrait Photography: Harnessing the Power of One Light

Harnessing the Power of One Light

When it comes to portrait photography, lighting is key to capturing a stunning image. The way light falls on a subject can dramatically change the mood and impact of a photograph. While multiple light setups are commonly used in professional studios, mastering the art of lighting with just one light source can be incredibly rewarding and efficient. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of lighting position for portrait photography when using only one light.

Positioning the light source is crucial in creating depth, contrast, and dimension in your portraits. One of the most common lighting setups with one light is the use of a key light, which can be positioned at various angles relative to the subject. Here are a few key lighting positions and their effects on the final portrait:

1. Front Lighting:

2. Split Lighting:

Moving the light to the side of the subject can create more dramatic shadows and highlights. This setup is great for emphasizing textures and contours on the face, as well as creating a sense of depth and volume..

Placing the light directly in front of the subject can produce a flat, even lighting on the face. This setup is ideal for minimizing shadows, but it can lack dimension and depth compared to other lighting positions.

3. Loop Lighting:

Similar to Rembrandt lighting, loop lighting involves positioning the light at a 45-degree angle to the side of the subject. However, in loop lighting, the shadow of the nose creates a loop-like pattern on the cheek, hence the name. This setup is flattering for most facial shapes and adds a soft, romantic feel to the portrait.

4. Rembrandt Lighting:

Named after the famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt lighting is achieved by placing the light at a 45-degree angle to the side of the subject, creating a triangle of light on the cheek opposite the light source. This setup is ideal for adding a touch of elegance and classic beauty to your portraits.

5. Butterfly (or Paramount) Lighting:

In butterfly lighting, the light is placed directly in front of and above the subject, casting a small butterfly-shaped shadow under the nose. This setup is popular in glamour photography and can create a flattering, symmetrical look on the face. Experimenting with different lighting positions can help you discover the most flattering and impactful setup for your subjects. Remember that the quality of the light, its intensity, and the distance from the subject also play crucial roles in shaping the final outcome of your portraits.

In conclusion, mastering portrait photography with just one light can be a rewarding challenge that allows you to focus on the fundamentals of lighting and composition. By understanding the various lighting positions and their effects, you can elevate your portrait photography skills and create captivating images that truly stand out. So grab your camera, set up your one light source, and let your creativity shine through in your next portrait session!

Bring Your Life Into Focus With Professional Portrait Photography

Bring Your Life into Focus With Professional Portrait Photography

Photo via B. Piri Photography

Professional portrait photography is a timeless tradition that allows you to capture special moments and memories. Whether you want to preserve memories of loved ones or showcase your personal style, portrait photography is an excellent choice. It’s not just about creating an attractive image; it’s about capturing your identity and message. In this blog post courtesy of B. Piri Photography, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of professional portrait photography.

The Right Portrait Session Can Empower You

One of the key benefits of a professional portrait session is that it can empower you and boost your self-confidence. With the help of a skilled photographer, you'll have the opportunity to choose the poses and settings that best reflect your personality and style. As you see yourself through the eyes of the photographer, you may start to see yourself in a new light, gaining a deeper appreciation for your unique qualities and features. When you receive your finished portraits, it can feel like a tangible reminder of your strengths.

Capture An Era In Your Life

Another benefit of a portrait session is the ability to capture an era in your life. A skilled photographer can capture not only your physical presence but also the mood and atmosphere of the time when the photo was taken. These images can be a powerful way to look back on your life and remember important moments. You may find yourself drawn to specific poses and settings that evoke a particular time in your life.

Lose Your Insecurities

Many people struggle with insecurities about their appearance or other aspects of themselves. A portrait session can be an opportunity to confront those insecurities and overcome them. As you work with a photographer, you'll have the chance to see yourself objectively and perhaps even challenge long-held beliefs about your appearance. With the right guidance and support, you may find that you can learn to appreciate your unique qualities and embrace your individuality in a new light.

Photo via B. Piri Photography

A Chance for Personal Exploration And Creativity

A portrait session can also be a creative outlet for personal exploration. Working with a photographer can be a collaborative and supportive process as you experiment with different poses, settings, and expressions. You may find that you enjoy the process of creating something new, or that you discover a new side of yourself that you hadn't previously explored. Whether you're looking for a simple headshot or a more elaborate portrait, a skilled photographer can help you bring your vision to life.

Create Keepsakes with Adobe Express

Once your portrait session is complete and you receive your finished portraits, you can use tools like Adobe Express to transform them into beautiful keepsakes. With just a few clicks, you can crop, filter, and personalize your images, creating custom photo cards and other mementos that you'll keep forever. Here are a few tools you can try:

●      Create a beautiful anniversary card for your loved one using your favorite photo. This is a great way to incorporate the beautiful images from your shoot into your special day. Just choose the template you like best and include the photo of your choosing.

●      Ready to share your session with social media followers? Create a stunning Instagram collage using the best pics from your shoot. This is a great way to engage followers and include them in your celebration.

●      Create a beautiful photo calendar that uses a different photo for each day of the month. This makes a great gift, or you can hang it in your office at home. Adobe’s templates make the process easy; the hardest part is deciding which photos to use!

●      Make a stunning photo card to send out to friends or family. This is perfect for milestone events, or you can use it to announce an upcoming creative event such as a book launch or art show. Adobe’s tools make the process super quick and easy.

Professional portrait photography can provide a variety of benefits beyond just capturing a pretty picture. From empowering you and boosting your self-confidence to capturing an era in your life and providing a creative outlet for personal exploration, a portrait session can be a worthwhile investment in yourself. Whether you're looking to create timeless family heirlooms or capture your personal style, a skilled photographer can help you create images that you'll treasure for years to come.

Ready to take the plunge and book a portrait session? Contact B. Piri Photography today.

Why I REALLY Love Weddings (from a Photographer's POV)

As a passionate photographer, people often seem to be very curious and want to know, “If you could photograph anything at all, what would it be?” To that intriguing question, my answer has consistently remained the same over time – because it feels so straightforward and obvious to me, “Weddings. All day, every day (or at least, a lot of days)!”

Wedding Reception at Alexandria’s in Findlay, OH

The Thrill and Pressure of Wedding Photography

Photographers may wonder, “Isn’t the pressure overwhelming?” Of course it is! As a wedding photographer, I capture special moments and emotions in real time, and that’s what makes it exciting. It’s like handling a big project at work—there's a risk of failure, but doing well can lead to great opportunities. While that thrill is part of the job, my true love for wedding photography comes from a more personal place.

Stoker Wedding in Oregon, OH

Weddings Through a Personal Lens

I often find myself joking with my best friend, saying, “I’m a child of divorce!” whenever I need a lighthearted excuse for a bad choice I made or when I’m seeking a little grace in the face of judgment. Even though I’m well aware that this isn’t a valid excuse for everything that happens in my life, it surprisingly ties into one of the reasons why I absolutely adore photographing weddings (ironically). To me, weddings serve as a beautiful and symbolic representation of not just what your marriage is going to look like, but also of the people you want to have involved in this special journey. I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings where couples have spent thousands on lavish venues, exquisite caterers, beautiful chairs, and more, but I have also thoroughly enjoyed capturing the heartfelt moments at intimate backyard weddings. Each experience is unique, and I love both styles equally!

My First Wedding: A Lesson in Humility

The first wedding that I ever photographed, I was completely unprepared for it, but I accepted it because I needed the money. I charged the couple $450 to drive 2 hrs and photograph just the ceremony (something I DON’T recommend as a good business practice, charge for mileage), gave them a Dropbox of all the Hi-res images, and didn’t offer any ways to print their images with me. So needless to say, this was not a wedding that I profited from monetarily, but the lasting impact that it left on me was priceless.

The wedding was very small, with only about 15 people. My then-girlfriend helped me as a second shooter, which I later regretted because the space was so tight that we kept getting in each other's way.

The Foot-Washing Ritual: A Strong Symbol

To this day, I’m still not exactly sure what the specific religion was of this couple, but one thing that truly stood out to me during that time was a unique foot-bathing ritual they practiced. At the moment, I found myself feeling more disgusted by the fact that I had to look at these people's dogs for what felt like an extended period of time. My girlfriend and I were both retching in response, as we found the idea of other people's feet to be particularly revolting (though I must admit, she was more disgusted than I was).

Now though, I completely understand and appreciate the deeper purpose of the ritual. It serves to remind both the couple and the audience that in a loving relationship, each partner is truly meant to be of service to one another. Oftentimes, we think of the delicate balance of a relationship as being 50/50, but the reality is that it’s not typically that straightforward. There are moments when partners may find themselves in different positions emotionally or physically. However, just like during this intimate foot-bathing ritual, whether you’re the one receiving the soothing bath or the one lovingly giving it, you are neither above nor below your partner in status or importance. Because in the grand, beautiful scheme of things - you are equals; beautifully balanced and united in your journey together.

A photo from the first wedding, capturing the footbathing ritual - which meant I had to touch the shoes with my bare hands.

Why Weddings Remind Me of the Bigger Picture

I’m no relationship guru; I’m a portrait & event photographer. One that loves his job because I get to learn something with every client that I interact with.

I really love weddings because they remind me not just of what I wanted when I was little for my parents, but of some things that I put on the back burner for whatever reason within my personal relationships. Whether it’s: communicating with your partner when shit hits the fan 20 minutes before the ceremony and you need a light joke, forgiving some of the trauma enough to share a father-daughter dance, or just washing your partner’s feet in front of God & country all of these acts are so important to me - even as just a witness/ active participant of your wedding.