Jessica Drossin Photography

The View From Up Here

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

As photographers, we are always looking for ways to challenge ourselves. This year I am taking on an exciting new challenge, a 26 week project. It is similar to the 52 week project most of you are familiar with, except this year we are working on techniques along with our themes. Our themes for our 26 week project will be more thought provoking, so it will be fun to see the different interpretations. I am working along with 12 other AMAZING photographers who will be challenging me as the year goes on. Each month we will have a different technique we are working on, and each week we will have a new theme.

For the month of January, our technique is unique lighting. I missed the first week and so I'm combining this week and last weeks themes "View from Up Here" and "Let's Get Close". After you see my picture, be sure to continue clicking through the different photographers links so you can see the complete circle. Be sure to come back in 2 weeks to see our next theme, you don’t want to miss it!

Obviously this is a pretty literal interpretation of the challenge in that I set up the shot of my boys and I and asked my husband to shoot it, standing almost directly above us. We all laid down next to a large window at end end of the day as the light was softening.

Thank you Jules Trandem for inviting me to participate in this challenge. I've been TERRIBLE about updating this blog and I am looking forward to this project helping to change that.

Thank you for visiting and please click thru all the photographers participating. Next please check out Phoenix Photographer Misti Dawson.

Avery and Pumpkin (then Murray, after Pumpkin tried to eat my camera)

2011-06-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Avery's room is being redecorated and she and her mother decided they'd like to feature photographs of her at the stables with her favorite horses.

Textures used include Chocolate & Rusted Rainbow from JD Illumination Textures, Rumble from TP2 and Sands from TP3.

A & E

2011-05-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

It's downright embarrassing how much I neglect my blog, but I had to share this sibling session. I loved shooting these sisters, they were so bubbly and fun and obviously deeply connected. I have to say it brought back memories of growing up with my two sisters. Thanks for letting me be your photographer :-)

Portrait of an Artist

2011-02-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

Here are some images I shot to promote this gorgeous artist's upcoming album and tour....

Baby Brooke

2010-12-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

Shooting this 3.5 month old little lady totally gave me baby fever all over again. Beautiful and sweet-tempered, Brooke was an angel...

Abby

2010-11-19T14:43:00.000-08:00

A three year-old with most charming personality: Vivacious, warm, adorably chatty... The "props" were all hers and it made it special because they were so well-used and much loved.

Ms. T

2010-10-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well.... If it isn't my terribly neglected blog. I'm waaaayyy behind on editing as I got a little distracted with Texture Pack 4 coming out last week, but I'm starting to make up lost ground.

Meet T. Part jock, part princess, total photo poser and probably destined for a future in advocacy... Adored spending the afternoon with her.

All photos are edited with new textures from the new Texture Pack 4.

Chelsea

2010-08-23T15:19:00.001-07:00

This was a such a diverse and amazing session -- Chelsea wanted to take some pictures of some of the important people in her life before she went away to college. Unfortunately, her mom was sick, so we just shot pictures of her with her dad, boyfriend and best friend. Two days later, she was on a plane, off to college.

Thanks, Chelsea. I absolutely loved being your photographer.

L's 3rd Birthday

2010-08-21T15:39:00.001-07:00

Today my independent, outgoing, strong-willed, athletic and loving little boy turned three.

I've ruined many a fun day for my kids by bringing my camera, so I decided I would just document. Shot at high noon in 95 degree heat and later, in fluorescent light... Nothing set up, no posing or planning. Here are just some snaps from today.

He came up with this ensemble himself.

Funny face pancakes at IHOP.

Legos & love.

Waiting for the train tickets to come on sale. Not patiently either.

We have *no idea* who the kid in the middle is. He just sort of joined us.

Riding the ponies at Griffith Park...

Imagining the possibilities at ToysRUs...

Ending with a meltdown. Now napping. :-)

On the menu for tonight, his favorite dinner (fish sticks and peas) and a Kit Kat cake (basically a cake I buy at the market and decorate with Kit Kats). Then he gets the cool Toy Story dinosaur (shown above) and a Star Wars gun (yeah, yeah I know, but he's got a 7 year-old brother and he needs his own arsenal to keep up).

Happy Birthday!!

Two Sets of Three

2010-08-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

I consider it a pretty big honor when a talented fellow photographer asks me to take pictures of her kids...And her nieces and nephew. While on vacation to California, she and her sister-in-law came to Burbank and we spent a fun-filled evening at three different locations. The kids (and their moms) were up for anything and made the work so much fun. Thank you!

Viva Los Vegas

2010-07-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

My first wedding.... Thanks Deja & Leo for letting me be a part of your very special day :-)

I have no words... E's session

2010-06-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how much I like this young woman, how stunningly beautiful she is and how awesome a job she did of getting herself styled. Yep, she and her mother are responsible for her hair, make up and the props you see. They blew me away...

The "K" Kids...

2010-06-04T17:18:00.001-07:00

I don't really do "studio sessions", but since some of this mom's favorite photographs in my portfolio were of shots I've taken here of my own kids we gave it a try...

The P Family (Maternity Session)

2010-06-04T16:34:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous mom is expecting twins any day now. I cannot wait to meet her little twin boys as I can only imagine they will be as adorable and charming as her "big" boy and husband.

The K Family (Meadow Session)

2010-05-04T18:45:00.000-07:00

I do apologize for my lack of posts lately. I'm horribly behind since my main (and until last week, only) computer was out of commission for nearly 2 weeks. I've been working my tail off to catch up!

The K's family session needed to be split in half, so we decided to do half in what passes for a meadow in SoCal... The other portion of the shoot was done at my home studio. Since the shots look quite a bit different, I'm going to post the images in separate blog entries...

Audrey in Wonderland

2010-02-24T06:34:00.000-08:00

This vivacious (almost) 8-year old had me running, jumping and crawling to keep up with her. She was amazing. Alice has nothing on her.

Baby Z

2010-02-22T13:17:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous skin, a full head of hair and sweet pouty lips... Just an absolutely stunning little girl. And who doesn't love a sleepy baby?

My Funny Valentine

2010-02-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how big he's getting. *sigh*

The texture is a new one from the set I am currently obsessively tweaking. It's called destitute. I tried to name it something prettier but then it slapped me, so the name stays.

Samantha & J.J.

2010-02-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

Sam & J.J. -- hip, adorable, gorgeous and in love. Hanging out with them for an hour and a half made me almost forget I was wearing mom jeans and a scrunchie.
I want to adopt them.

Erica

2010-02-02T07:13:00.000-08:00

To give you a bit of an introduction, Erica is a beautiful and intelligent girl with interests that range from fashion to more serious pursuits like an upcoming aid trip to Africa.

Here's a sneak peek for Erica and her dad, a man brave enough to try to follow my directions on this urban shoot. (For those wondering, I have issues knowing my right vs. left in clutch situations). My navigating aside, it was truly one of those magical sessions where I cannot pick which images are my favorites. I'm still working on them in fact and may sneak a few more in over the next day or two.

Chloe

2010-01-24T13:12:00.000-08:00

Chloe is a beautiful and fascinating young woman, an eclectic mix of old soul and young teen. She writes books (just snagged a literary agent on her own) and is also a talented musician. It was a wonderful way to spend the first non-rainy day in a week. Thanks, Chloe.

All the images below were edited with a new texture series I am working on.

Part 2: Baby Z is on her way

2010-01-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

We separated the shoot into 2 separate days. These shots were more intimate and done here at my home studio. I seriously think the mom is one of the most radiantly beautiful pregnant women I have ever seen.

Part 1: Baby Z is on her way :-)

2010-01-13T10:18:00.000-08:00

Had a fabulous maternity session with this absolutely gorgeous family. It was truly an experience for me as I'd never done a maternity session like this before. The mom was up for adventure, we shot at a number of different locations, and the 2 year old was unbelievably well-behaved (nothing like my 2 year old, *sigh*).

Thank you guys so much for the trust you gave me. I had a great time and it was fun getting to know you. I can't wait for Baby Z to arrive!

Nebraska

2010-01-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I went home to Nebraska over the holidays. When I think of Nebraska, I tend to get a bit melancholy. Nebraska is my childhood but you know what they say about how you can never truly go home again. Or at least I can't. But I love being there -- I love the landscape, I love the old buildings and the people.

My fabulous sister and amazing photographer, Gina Kolsrud, set up a New Years Eve shot with one of her friends from high school, Jamie, who is a wife, mom to three beautiful kids and a photographer as well. She braved absolutely freezing weather (my hands were so cold I could barely focus) and gave us amazing material to work with. Thank you so much Gina for letting me come along on your shoot and thank you Jamie for being such an amazing model and trooper.

The photos below are processed using my textures, especially "Space", "Dead Brown Bug" and "Halo".

Day at the Park

2009-11-23T14:07:00.001-08:00

Just some fun shots from our afternoon at the park...

The Sanchez Girls

2009-11-21T14:43:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun on the School Picture Redo mini-session with these two beautiful sisters and the cool retro car we found in their backyard. The girls are energetic and funny and very fashionable (loved their boots). Hold a camera up and they positively glow. My only complaint? Their mother introduced me to possibly the most addictive cheese spread ever. I'm going to have to go to some sort of hypnotherapy to try to not eat it constantly.

The McCormicks

2009-11-16T20:37:00.001-08:00

For Myself

2009-11-15T07:32:00.000-08:00

Editing more but enjoying it less? It's easy to get caught up in pleasing others and making sure that photos look, well, like photos. I just decided to play a bit yesterday... All the textures are from my textures set.

Just for fun

2009-11-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

I've admired a certain amazing shot of John Mayer for a while now. Jake had some StarWars tattoos on and it reminded me of it.

Used my textures for the background. This was shot against a white wall here in my kitchen this morning.

Travel Town

2009-11-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

His first trip to see the trains. He loved it so much. Honestly, went there for the pony rides (he's a horse fanatic) but he wanted *nothing to do* with sitting on the horse when it got right down to it. One of those (many) days I'm so happy my husband works at home, we got to experience it with him together.

This photo uses the free texture up on my textures blog. If you'd like it, go here.

Nikki Lang

2009-10-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

Nikki Lang is a singer and songwriter. I had the pleasure of taking some pictures of her Sunday evening. Drop-dead good looking and talented as well. Check out her MySpace to hear some of the music from her previous album. When the new one comes out, I'll try and update here...

For any interested photographers, all the photos shown include my textures. You can purchase them here.

Miss N

2009-10-19T17:58:00.001-07:00

Turns out that Miss N is the first school picture redo. And she never even took a school picture! You know, I'm not a stickler for rules, even on my own promotions.

School Picture Redos

2009-10-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

It honestly would have never occurred to me to offer two mini-session promotions simultaneously, but then yesterday, my friend Cindy came over to show me her son Eli's school pictures. (You'll remember that adorable little cherub from the full portrait session his parents purchased this fall). Well, we got to talking about how funny it would be to juxtapose the two images and I could not resist. I absolutely had to do this for the marketing alone.

To give Life-Touch Studios the credit they deserve, the main photo selected is not glaringly horrible. I mean, they are shooting like 700 kids in a day, so you're not gonna get Annie Leibovitz. But the suggested images that they'd like for you to purchase as an add on? The tie-dyed terror, the bokeh explosion, coupled with Eli's look of sheer horror??? Too, too much. I just about peed my pants. (It should be noted here that being the nurturing, supportive individuals we are, we did not howl with laughter in Eli's presence).

So here's the deal:

One 15 minute session. No sitting fee. No minimum, standard ala carte pricing applies. (I'll send you a PDF of the price list if you email me). Burbank shoots only. Only ONE kid in the picture. Three pictures to choose from in the online gallery. If you have any other questions, please contact me :-)

Announcing Holiday Mini-Sessions

2009-10-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

I'm offering 5 Holiday mini-sessions until December 1st. Two families have already committed, leaving 3 spots available. The deal includes 50 Christmas (or Hanukkah) cards and envelopes. If you're interested, please email me for the details.

Eli & Lillye (Sibling Session)

2009-10-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

Eli & Lillye are 9 years apart in age. She is an artist and Eli, at six, could best be described as a sorcerer-Jedi-adventurer. Lillye comes acress as introspective and shy whereas her brother is outgoing and exuberant. Both are completely charming and very attached to one another, despite their differences in age and temperament.

The session was about as laid back as they come (their mom supplied a glass of fabulous red wine) and the shots were taken in their yard.

The kitty was too cute not to take a quick snap of.

Album Cover (Portraits)

2009-10-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

A perk of living in LA is getting to work with really talented people on their projects. Tim P. is a successful composer and musician (he and his business partner create music for television and film, including Reno 911, The Mind of Mencia and Larry the Cable Guy). Tim is putting out his own album of harmonica & voice called "The Tim P. Distorto Blues" and asked me to take some photos of him blowing for his CD cover.

Baby Vincent (Newborn Session)

2009-10-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

There's nothing quite like a newborn... It is always so amazing just how tiny and absolutely perfect they are. Had a great time with this little man. Only pooped on one blanket, not bad at all.

The Haras' (Family Session)

2009-10-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

Most honest photographers will tell you that shooting a two year old can be a challenge. Add in "smart, active, male two year old" to the equation and you can quickly have your hands full. Lucky for me, his parents were cool customers who could go with the flow. In fact, about 20 minutes into the session, the little guy decided that he just wanted to run in the wilderness so we ended up shooting the rest of the photos in my front yard. (Cropped out of the pictures are my own 2 boys who were angling for the shoot to turn into a playdate).

A couple of other random thoughts on the session:

1) Contrary to the old saying, NEVER, NEVER try taking candy from a baby. The whole line about it being easy is a big fat lie.

2) These parents should be awarded the red badge of courage for sitting on a very grubby park picnic table.

But seriously, when I was editing the photos, I kept finding myself smiling back like a complete goober at the family in the pictures. I think it was because they were so genuine and their love for each other was so clearly on display. They are all truly nice people. I had a great time, I think they did too. :-)

Darkening Sky (Portraits)

2009-10-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

O.K. so this gig was groovy. Basically the job description was to visit the set of Darkening Sky, hang with the cast and crew and take some photos for the film's promotion. Living in Los Angeles, I've seen my share of productions, but never this intimately. It was really eye-opening seeing how deeply everything has to be thought out and how much hard work goes into each step of the process. I also have to admit that getting to shoot people this beautiful was quite a treat. Danielle Keaton has perhaps the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. Ryder Strong was a super-nice guy and I know now what a huge group of admiring fans he has. He deserves it. I'll try to follow up and let you know when the film comes out so that you can look for it.

Beach Boys (My Kids)

2009-10-12T23:33:00.000-07:00

We were fortunate enough to get to go and stay at my cousin-in-law's beach house over Labor Day weekend. The boys and I had such an amazing time. They'd wake me at 6 a.m. so we could watch the sun come up at the beach. Thanks again, Deena - xoxo.

The Serrano / Boggs Family Session

2009-10-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

It was a gorgeous early evening in the hills with an extremely cute one-year-old, her Mom, Dad & both Grandmothers. There was even a couch to make the weeds a bit more cozy...

Yet somehow, things started off rocky. The mom is a whip-smart (and frankly, smart-ass) writer who had me laughing so hard that at one point early in the shoot, I nearly lost my balance and fell down the hill with my camera. That was sort of embarrassing. Once I'd regained my composure, we encountered a different challenge -- teething -- which lead to a fever, runny nose and general unhappiness. We ended up cutting the session short and running back to my house to give her a dose of infant's Tylenol. Luckily, we'd gotten enough shots and didn't have to reschedule.

Little Miss H has an amazing family. They will drive an hour up the 405 in jammed traffic for custom photography but when they see that their child is just not feeling up to posing for pictures, will call the session short and have a laugh. Thanks guys, you were awesome.

The Wattiers (Family Session)

2009-10-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

This session was shot in Nebraska. I tagged along as Gina Kolsrud's second shooter.

End of the New Blog

2009-10-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

To see older posts, please go here.

Thanks!

Jessica

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Couples

2009-09-13T23:51:00.000-07:00

Travis & Melissa...

Dan & Tracy...

Maternity

2009-09-13T23:49:00.000-07:00

Newborns

2009-09-13T23:38:00.000-07:00

Baby Katie, 13 days old...

Baby Vince, 12 days old...

Adult Portraits & Head Shots

2009-09-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

Kids

2009-09-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

Jaci, Alayna, & Trevor...

My Boys...

Hemmingway...

Eli & Lillye

Families

2009-09-13T22:43:00.000-07:00

The Wattiers...

The Forsters (right), The Blacks (left)...

The Serrano / Boggs

The Haras...

How I Work

2008-10-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

As a portrait photographer, I strive to create beautiful and memorable portraits of people. As important as capturing a face, I aim to also document a subject's personality and soul at a particular moment in time.

If you are thinking about booking with me, please know that I do not specialize in offering the standard photographer shots. That said, if you want something in particular, I am more than happy to accommodate, just let me know prior to our session. If it's a family, newborn or maternity session, I bring a notebook where I've brainstormed some ideas that will serve a launch pad and we discuss these potential poses. From there, I noodle, mess around and do what feels right. I seek spontaneous inspiration from my subject's clothes, the location and the family dynamic or a subject's personality. I don't have set poses, I don't over direct. I go with the flow and aim for what comes naturally.

I shoot 90% of my work on location. What I love is when you send me a snapshot of your outfit(s) and give me a little description of who you are and what you want. Then I aim to chose an environment I think will suit you best. I am also open to shooting at a client's home or favorite location in the Los Angeles / San Fernando Valley area. All I ask is that if it is outside of a 20 mile radius from Burbank that we add a $40 travel fee.

Because I use only natural light (no flash), your session may have to be postponed due to poor weather. I will work with you to reschedule quickly if this occurs.

{ the session }

I have kids of my own. I know that taking pictures can be stressful when kids want to be done after the first 5 minutes. I have a relaxed, non-structured approach where I allow for time for kids to be kids. And frankly, it's often only after the kids have gotten tired of giving me their best practiced "cheese" smiles that their real personalities begin to emerge.

{ clothing }

Good clothing choices can make or break a photo shoot. Wardrobe choices will influence the emotion that is portrayed in your photographs. I encourage clothing that has a classic and timeless feel, however little personal touches (e.g. fun hats and accessories, some favorite cowboy boots or a frilly tutu) are encouraged! Please feel free to bring an additional outfit (or two) for more variety. Be sure to stay away from clothing with bold heavy patterning, big logos, and any type of character clothing (cartoon characters, Barbie, etc.) as they can be very distracting to the photo. I will be happy to give you any help, suggestions, or examples if you ask.

{ newborns }

Newborns are best photographed during the first two weeks of life. In these first few days babies are easy to position, sleep constantly and don't seem to mind too much when they are being posed in various ways. Please contact me prior to your due date to tentatively book a session and then give me a heads up once your baby is here and we'll finalize the date.

{ after the session }

It will take up to two weeks to prepare your images for your password protected online gallery, but time-permitting, I generally try to offer sneak peaks on Facebook or my blog within the first 48 hours. I spend a lot of time on each image in Photoshop to make sure that each is processed as perfectly as possible, and your patience during this time is very much appreciated.

Sitting fee must be paid to hold your date. Payment for prints needs to be received prior to my placing your order.

Session Fees and Print Prices

2008-10-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

FULL SESSION

SESSION FEE: $250
The session fee is for the time and talent of the photographer only, and will not be applied to the cost of your print order. This fee covers a phone or email pre-session consultation. a 1-2 hour custom photoshoot for up to 4 people at the location of your choice and the creation of an online viewing gallery.

Additional up front charges may include:
• $25 per person over 4 people, up to 8 persons in a single family.
• $40 transportation charge for locations over 15 miles from my studio.

The session fee is due upon booking and is required to hold your date. The fee is nonrefundable. You can pay with cash, check or online via Paypal.

PRINT PRICING:
It’s your home, pick the print sizes you want most. No minimum, completely ala carte.

Please send me an email and I'll be happy to send you a complete PDF price list.

Here are some sample prices:
5x7”, unmounted & unframed = $25
8x10”, unmounted & unframed = $35
16x24”, unmounted & unframed = $125

FULL RESOLUTION DIGITAL FILES
Full Resolution Images are available on CD for $50 per image with a minimum
print order of $500.

Please email me and I will be happy to send you PDF of my full price list.

PLEASE NOTE: Prices are subject to change without notice, and are non-negotiable.

2008-10-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

About Me

2008-10-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm terrible at introductions, but here goes...

I am a natural light photographer serving the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley areas. Before becomming a photographer, I was a graphic designer and art director working in the entertainment industry. I created and/or art directed key art, packaging and promotions for such companies as Blizzard Entertainment (World of WarCraft being my last title), Universal, Fox, Sierra Online as well as numerous children's entertainment companies, including Knowledge Adventure and the Jim Henson Company. I loved my job, but after having my first child, I realized that I needed more time to be with my family and became a consultant.

A little while after the birth of my second child, my sister purchased a digital SLR camera and began showing me the work she was creating of her kids. Her photos blew me away and I was inspired to get my own camera and follow her into the online photography community of Flickr. (I'd had a few photography classes in college, but frankly, sitting in a stinky darkroom just didn't do it for me. I liked the immediacy, color and textures of painting and graduated with a degree in fine art).

The world of digital photography hooked me. I'd worked extensively in Photoshop for almost 17 years at my job and so being able to "process" my photos at the computer was heaven. The flexibility and possibilities were endless. Once I had that camera, I shot and processed pictures every day. It was an obsession. It still is.

I enjoy taking pictures of just about everything, but I particularly love shooting portraits of children. From having my own, I know how fast time flies and I am passionate about documenting those bright eyes, chubby hands, and pouty lips as the years reshape and redefine them.

If you like my non-traditional style of photography, please contact me and I'll be happy to send you a PDF brochure that explains more about my style, what to expect the day of your shoot and a price list. If you get that brochure and our expectations mesh, we'll talk on the phone about your specific needs and schedule a date. If not, don't worry, I won't hassle you. I have little kids -- I'm too busy to hassle anyone.

Interesting Light

2006-04-03T20:23:00.000-07:00