Portraitist + Designer
With the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, my Senior Photo Sessions will be opening up for scheduling very soon. Keep an eye out for my posts. In the meantime, here are the answers to your most FAQ regarding my sessions: Senior Session FAQ 2017
Everyone loves a clown. And I know you want this handsome fella hanging on your wall.
Rather than sitting in storage, I am offering these 1st run 16×20″ framed prints of my Satori Circus Theater Series for only $60.00 each (originally $125.00), shipping included. If necessary, I will even hand deliver them to you! Spread the word! Of the original 15 images, only 1 print of each was made and only 14 are left.
To read my post about the origination of this Series, click this LINK.
Contact me now and let’s make this happen
Beauty can be found in the darkest of Shadows
or in the brightest of Light.
It is for You to decide where to look.
I offer you a compilation video of a series of Butoh performances done by my Friend, and Artist, Satori Circus at The Damned Exhibition in 2016. Accompanying him, creating the beautifully dark aural landscape, is the very talented Dixon with his violin.
This was my first real attempt at documenting… in real time… a performance artist. It was a challenge. I need to expand my reportoire… find new ways of expressing myself… new ways of capturing the moments of my Life. Every time I watch this it feels like I am there again… in that space… feeling every emotion…raw. Perfect.
Tell me. How do you feel? What do you see?
When the weather is unseasonably warm and gives you the gift of fog, it’s best you take full advantage of it.
Inspired by wet plate collodion photography, I tried to emulate the same look without too much post-processing work, focusing on in-camera manipulation. I like the results, but can see making some changes with lighting and depth-of-field and focus.
What do you think? Input appreciated.
#lovemesomeNIN
17 years.
In the span of a heartbeat.
Filled with memories, hope & aspirations, and most importantly, Love, that will never fade.
Happy Birthday, Son. Cheers to your past and cheers to the adventures that await…
I love you. Dad.
This photo series is dedicated to my Friend, Joe Grassi, who passed away too young. It was Joe that originally introduced me to Rhythm Corps back in the late 80’s when we were both students at Cousino High School in Warren, MI and were aspiring DJ’s in the schools radio station, WPHS. My first concerts were with Joe seeing Rhythm Corps at such iconic Detroit venues as The Ritz…and then many a time afterwards at any festival or college bar we could attend. Anytime I hear Fathers Footsteps, Revolution Man, Broken Halo’s, Satellites, or any of their other songs, Joe comes to mind. So much so that on Saturday night after capturing The Beggars fantastic opening performance, as Michael Persh was in the middle of their 2nd song, and I had him dead-center in my viewfinder, I was suddenly and unexpectedly overcome with a flood of memories and emotions from all our years of Friendship and just lost it. Eyes filled with tears…I couldn’t see clearly…and it took my breath away. All I could do was just honor the moment, the memories, and the music. I cleared my eyes and continued to shoot…capturing some of my all-time favorite images of any musical group I have ever shot in my 10+ year career. So, to Joe, I miss you old Friend. You should have been there with me singing along to every single one of those songs just like the old days instead of leaving so soon. It wasn’t the same, but, I will have to say I definitely felt your presence there. Thank you for all the memories that I can look back on and cherish.
As for the performances by The Beggars, Rhythm Corps and Sponge,… simply put, The Beggars killed it with their energetic performance, Rhythm Corps turned in what I would qualify as one of their BEST performances that I have ever seen without missing a step, and Vinnie and the boys of Sponge continue to hold up the mantle of Detroit Rock, always putting on a great show.
Thank you to Dana Forrester for the last minute photo credentials. It is always a pleasure working with you and helping promote our mutual love of Detroit music!
If you are looking for imagery of your band at an upcoming gig, please contact me. I would love to work with you and help you get some hi-quality images for your marketing needs or just blog coverage. I work exclusively with MOTORCITYBLOG and can offer you excellent coverage.
It was a busy late Summer and Fall season for me with quite a few Seniors to photograph. To those Families that spread the word about my services and to those students who gave me their All, I thank you. Being a part of documenting this time in Amanda, Austin, Sean, Alex, and Jack’s Lives truly is an Honor.
If you are interested in booking a Senior Session with me for the Winter, please contact me. Click here for specific info on my Sessions. I wont be setting any specific dates for availability, but am willing to work out special arrangements for you, weather permitting. As for the Spring, I will make dates available once the weather becomes more tolerable.
One of the best ways I can honor an Artist, and more importantly, Friend, on their Birthday is through imagery. I was honored a few years back to capture the true Russ in all his simplicity in Detroit. So, to the Man behind the makeup, I wish you a Happy Birthday and a year filled with multiple personalities, adventure & possibility, and most importantly Love. Your Friend always ~ Brett
My son, the high school senior. I cannot believe how fast the time has flown by.
Image | Mr. Moonlight
OK, seriously. If you haven’t been to downtown Detroit, or any of the other midwest cities with a vibrant and exciting Burlesque scene yet, get off your ass and get out there! My images here should speak to exactly what I am talking about.
For an inside view of the shenanigans, click HERE.
The 4th Annual Michigan Burlesque Festival is an exotic, erotic, classy and sexy celebration of all things burlesque. Having only caught the 2nd night of this weekend festival, I was still able to capture the true essence of the performers. Thank you to the following performers for sharing your artistic visions with all of us:
Ginger Rockwood, Leena Allure, Boobs Radley, Ed Venture/Fae La Flame, Lottie Ellington, Honey La Fae, Mister Twister, Shrimp Cocktail, Chaz Boudoir, Josephine Rebellious, Satori Circus, Lolo Lombard, Eliza Sidecar, Dahlia Deluxe, Ophelia Coeur de Noir, Lily Rascal, Holly Hock, Scarlette McBain, Nada Von Daring, Nakita Kat, Gin Fizz, Kevlar Lighting, Ray Gun and Dangrr Doll
Gene Wilder
June 11, 1933 – August 28, 2016
There have been quite a few consistent questions about how I manage shooting Senior Photos for my clients. In hopes of answering some, I will post them here for you.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: I am offering 2 packages this season:
Package 1: $400.00
Package 2: $500.00 (Same as above with the addition of the following prints)
Q: How do I schedule our shoot?
A: I provide you a link to my calendar and you pick a date which works best for you. In order to secure that time I require a $100.00 deposit, either by cash, check or PayPal. On the day of the shoot the balance is due, depending on which Package you have chosen.
Q: Where do you photograph my Son/Daughter?
A: I am an on-location photographer, meaning we hold the session in an outdoor venue of your choice. I have no studio and focus on providing your son/daughter as unique an environment as possible with the locations of their liking.
Q: What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
A: “It’s Michigan. Just wait 5 minutes and the weather will change.” I only shoot one (1) session per day for the simple fact that if the weather is being uncooperative, we have the flexibility to wait it out and ensure we get your session in. If by chance the weather is just not cooperating at all, I have built-in flexibility to reschedule your shoot at a later date. We will get the shoot in, I promise you.
Q: Can I get a refund if we can’t reschedule?
A: I do not refund the deposit ($100.00), but will not charge you for the remaining balance.
Q: Do you shoot the required head shot for the School yearbook and class composite?
A: No. The requirements are quite strict and I don’t have a studio. You are able to contact the photography studio that has a contract with your school and set up a session specifically for that shot. They will charge a small fee and provide the school with the imagery.
Q: What do I get for my investment with you?
A: Aside from preserving this important stage in your son/daughters life, you receive all edited images in both Hi Resolution (print-quality) and Low Resolution (web-based/social media quality). If you choose Package 2, you also receive professional quality prints.
Q: Do I get any prints from you?
A: Regardless which Package you choose to go with, you are paying for my time and “eye”. If you choose to go with Package 2, you will receive 29 high-quality prints.
Q: Who do you recommend for printing if I go with Package 1?
A: The list is always growing, but as of right now, I recommend www.mpix.com and www.adoramapix.com. They are both excellent quality and fast turnaround.
Q: Who owns the pictures?
A: You own everything. I hold no copyright to the images. Within the files of each image is metadata which specifically states “(Insert Name) is the owner of these images and retains all rights, both electronic and print.” I only include my name and contact information as the photographer on record.
Q: We want to have a session in (Insert City Name) which is 3 hours away. Are you willing to travel?
A: I am willing to travel anywhere you choose with the understanding that additional travel expenses will need to be agreed upon.
If you have any other questions, please Contact Me today and I will be sure to answer them all. Thank you for considering my services.
In need of a NEW logo? Need your old logo refreshed?
Tired of that dated “look” from the 70s? Want a dated “look” from the 70s?
I can make that happen.
3 revisions allowed. (More if you’re nice and buy me a beer.)
You will receive all files for electronic and print usage.
Lindsay Terrell, All-American Opera Singer & Girl Next Door
I was hired to update Lindsay’s headshots last week as the audition season is coming up. Based on a previous photo shoot I had completed with her cousins, Lindsay felt she could trust me. What an honor. The time we spent in the park was relaxed, filled with laughter, and her beautiful smile. (And occasionally that seductive little smirk would show up.)
Based on the results, I think we nailed it. Good luck this season, Lindsay, and thank you for trusting me with your image.
If you are looking for your own headshots or portraits, please Contact Me.
There are people that you run across in Life that completely change everything.
These two are at the top of my list.
These photographs, done on the spur of the moment while working on a video project with them, is the best way I can express to them my Gratitude and Love for everything they have taught me.
Greg Thompson – Peaceful Warrior, Artist & Friend
Jan Thompson – Survivor, Singer, Songwriter & Friend
It is my heartfelt opinion, and recommendation, that you never pass up an opportunity to see a Burlesque show in Detroit. The local talent is exceptional, and the national talent that visits is equally entertaining.
These images were captured on April 29th 2016 at the Tangent Gallery in Detroit, MI at the 2016 Burlypicks Competition – Michigan Regionals event. Hosted by last years winner, Magenta Demure, the winner of specific categories would go on to the Burlypicks Finals in Pittsburgh in September.
Enjoy my images…
Last Season at The Corner
Photo Essay, Summer 1999
With all the changes taking place at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull these days with Detroit PAL taking over the site and building a new turf-based youth baseball facility, I wanted to post the series of photographs I took of the last season in 1999 before the Tigers moved to Comerica Park. While my Family would sit and watch the games, I would wander around with my old Yashica Mat 124 or my Nikon 35mm through the old aisleways and try to capture what I thought truly represented that beautiful old structure. The shadows, the architecture, the people…whatever caught my eye. It was tough, though, knowing that eventually this place would no longer exist. I wanted to capture every square inch of the place, but that was just unrealistic, so I just used my gut. I think I did the old place justice.
I will always have a place in my heart for The Corner.
A special thank you and dedication of this post to the Navin Field Grounds Crew for their tireless dedication to maintaining this site over the past 6 years. From an abandoned and overgrown field to a beautiful green grass manicured ball field, available to all to continue playing ball on this historic site, I hold you all with the highest respect. My Boys and I both thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Contact me if you would like to purchase any of my images from the set.
War Boys, War Girls, War Wagons and Wasteland
RELOADED Events delivers once again. The Mad Max cosplay event of the year: DROPZONE – The Fury Road to Thunderdome
Only in Detroit can this kind of event be pulled off with such success and authenticity. Truly impressed and proud to call many of these Artists and performers my Friends. In addition to having a great time attending this, I feel like my images have done a pretty good job of capturing the ambiance and vibe of the evening. I’m very interested in reading your thoughts so please leave comments.
Thank you to Satori Circus/War Daddy, Eva Lynn, Holly Hock, Leena Allure and Eprom Colony, to name just a few, for entertaining us all!
A good friend of mine asked if I could come up with a new logo for his company, Black River Photography, located in Lincoln MI. The caveat was that he needed to have something within one weeks’ time, and was wondering if I could accomplish that. I met his deadline and he is very pleased with his new identity, as am I. Good luck with everything Up North, Ted! Thank you for your trust in me.
If you are in need of a new or updated logo, please contact me today.
Valentine’s Variety Nuts and Chews Show, Northern Lights Lounge, Detroit MI
It felt so good to finally get behind my lens again after the Holidays and New Year! And what a perfect event to capture with the likes of Konrad Lee, Lushes LaMoan, The Big Icky and two of my favorite non-Detroiters Pinch & Squeal! Hailed as a perfect evening of entertainment for Valentines Eve, it surely was a great time.
If you are looking for someone to photograph your Concert or Event, please contact me today to set up a consultation. -BJL
In the mood for some Detroit rock and roll, one of my favorite bands ever, Sponge, played an intimate gig at The Ritz Detroit Saturday night. Always a great show, albeit kinda short one that night, Vinnie and the boys never disappoint. And, to make the night even better, I finally got to see Solid Frog live! The Ritz, even in its new location still retains its classic gritty Detroit rock venue status, and is always a great place to shoot local acts even if the LED lighting makes the acts look alien, forcing me to shoot black and white.
Scott Weiland
October 27, 1967 – December 03, 2015
May your demons have finally exited stage left so that you may now experience Peace. Yours will always be one of the voices of my youth. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
And to honor him in the only way I know how, here is the one time I was fortunate enough to see STP live (wsg FAIRCHILD) at The Fillmore Theater in Detroit, MI. This was one of those must-see shows, both as a reflection of my youth, as well as from a photographers viewpoint. While it was evident he was battling demons at the beginning of the show, as the consumate entertainer and artist, he worked through it and put on a stellar show.
I was asked by Regina Stocco of The Social Connection to capture the night’s festivities at the Fillmore Detroit, located at 2115 Woodward Avenue, on October 30th for Detroit’s most exclusive Halloween party, The Monster’s Ball! This event featured Metro Detroit’s finest DJs, live performers, and stage entertainers. When Regina stated in her email to me “…no one catches the soul of (an) event the way you do…”, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. Plus, Halloween is my all-time favorite time of the year. So it was a win-win all around!
Thank you Regina for your trust in me. My door is always open to you.
If you are looking for someone to photograph your Concert or Event, please contact me today to set up a consultation. -B
Ever want to find that perfect place to grab a drink and unwind after another day of pushing buttons and making other people more money than you? Well, make you way over to Sherwood Brewing Company in Shelby Township, Michigan. They serve only the finest hand-crafted beer, wine, and sodas, all made on-site in their brewing facility, clearly visible through the looking glass. (Yes, growlers a-plenty to take home too!)
If you think the ego is thick over there, and that you need to know what the hell you’re talking about when it comes to trying new beers or wines, trust me when I say that the friendly staff is more than welcoming and willing to answer any and all questions you might have. If you’re able to catch either of the owners, Ray or Lisa Sherwood, or Corey, the Brewer and Manager, they will always give you their time and make you feel at home. It literally feels like you are at a Friends house just having some drinks and laughs.
Not to be considered just a brewery, Lisa and Corey hold nothing back when it comes to their rock-solid menu. It’s not pompous or pretentious, but rather more along the lines of artistic comfort food. There is something for everyone. My god, they even make their own homemade gelato with their beer and wine…and it’s xxxx-ing fantastic!
PROJECT: Lisa, Corey and I collaborated on a photoshoot to try and cover a portion of some NEW menu items as well as some NEW brewery images for future marketing needs. Click on the Gallery above to see a selection from the photoshoot. If they inspire you to check out Sherwood Brewing Company in person, then I will consider my efforts, and Sherwood’s, a success. And tell them I sent you.
Please contact me if you are looking for new imagery of your menu items, interiors, or just ambiance. I would love to work with you to share your passions.
-BJL
This is by far my favorite time of the year in Michigan because the weather starts getting colder, the nights get longer, Hallow’s Eve is just around the corner and the Damned Exhibition at the Tangent Gallery/Hastings Ballroom in Detroit opens its doors! If you ever get an opportunity to attend this 3 day event, do it. It’s a cerebral and visual overload run by some very passionate Artists and Performers.
Having attended since the original Damned Exhibition 8 years ago, each year progressively grows in quality. From a photographers viewpoint, as you will see from my Gallery below, it is a beautiful evening of dark and enlightened performance art. I actually get excited when the middle of October rolls around knowing what’s ahead.
Click on the Gallery below and leave your feedback on the imagery.
If you are in need of a photographer to capture the true essence of your event, please do not hesitate to contact me.
-BJL
If you ever get a chance to attend one of the annual 3 nights of any Damned Show, do it.
You won’t regret it. It is, by far, my favorite event of the year.
More images to come…
B
Coming soon to a black t-shirt near you: Satori Circus Triptych Heads!
Based on the interest level, I plan on releasing a limited run of these halftone Satori Circus head T-shirts based on my original photograph from 2010. You too can own one, or two, or all three of the images.
Whaddya think? Anyone wanna walk around town with a clown on their chest?
Leave your comments below so I can decide.
-BJL
Join Klemm Gallery in welcoming Kelly Burke (’07) and Brett J. Lawrence (’95), our featured artists in the 2015 Alumni Exhibition from 6-8pm.
Burke’s abstract paintings “…focus on process and physicality of paint. The repetitious layering of, taking away, and re-application of color underneath automatic scrawling, scratching and mark-making express [her] inner psyche…”
Lawrence’s photographs document a collaborative project with performance artist Satori Circus, in which the two explore “…things that [they] each hold dear…photography, performance art and the history of an oftentimes struggling city with its beautiful historic theaters.”
This Friday, Studio Angelico will play host to the Homecoming Weekend Welcome Reception, and Klemm Gallery will be open to the public. Satori Circus, the subject of Lawrence’s photos, will perform in the gallery throughout the reception, and the artists will give a brief gallery talk at 7pm.
September 2015
Tyler Kivela, Belle Isle and Eastern Market, Detroit MI
Thank you Kathy Kivela for allowing me to capture this moment in Tyler’s life.
It was an honor.
-BJL
September 2015
Mitchell Arsenault, Belle Isle and Eastern Market, Detroit MI
Thank you Cathy McKenzie Arsenault for trusting me with this moment in your son’s life.
You have a fine young man here.
-BJL
…but rather how it ends.
Today did not start out very well, considering I woke with a fever and chills, which I directly attribute to a weekend filled with nasty weather and just being somewhat run down. But after sleeping in until Noon, bombarding my system with meds and tons of H2O, I can confirm I have not let the fever win.
After finding out from my son that he had dropped his laptop and was experiencing some issues with it, I went to Best Buy this evening to do some research on what their Geek Squad charges for an evaluation and what a new Toshiba Chromebook would run if I needed to go down that path for him.
On my way out, I ALWAYS walk trough the camera department to window shop and ran across an INSIGNIA™ Macro Ring Flash on sale for $39.99 (regularly $70+). Always wanting a dedicated ring flash unit for portraiture, but not wanting to spend a lot of money, I jumped at the chance, knowing I could always return it within 15 days. Well, so far so good. I am definitely happy with the results of my model, shown below. I just thought that there would be more of a “ringlight halo effect” in the eyes… ; )
I’d say with this find, my day has ended just fine.
Introducing the unveiling of my ‘Satori Circus Theater Series’ Photography Project which I have been working on for the past 4 years. This will be the first time all 15 images will be displayed together in their entirety. (3 of the 15 are below) These images will be on display at the Klemm Gallery at Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI, during the ‘2015 Alumni Exhibition’ from October 1 – 29, 2015. The Artists’ Reception takes place on October 16th, 2015 from 6-8pm in the Gallery.
Entrance to Klemm Gallery is FREE; food and drink reception is a ticketed event on the second floor. Please contact the Alumni Office to purchase your ticket ($12): +1 517 264 7143 or email at alumni@sienaheights.edu. AGAIN, YOU CAN COME SEE THE ART FOR FREE, BUT THE FANCY HORS D’OEUVRES AND DRINKS ARE TICKETED AND LOCATED ON THE SECOND LEVEL OF THE STUDIO.
All images are 8×12″ in size, floated on a 16×20″ Fuji Deep Matte archival print, framed, signed and dated. Each print is priced at $125.00, and may be purchased prior to the Exhibition. The complete set of 15 framed prints may be purchased in its entirety. All pre-purchased prints will be displayed as “From the private collection of “your name” during the Exhibition. Each print may also be purchased unframed, as well.(Please contact me privately for price.)
Statement about the Series:
We are lucky to walk through this life and find people who truly enrich our experiences. We are lucky if we know someone who can provide us with a different way to see and interpret things in life. But we are truly lucky to find someone who just gets you, understands your vision and is willing to collaborate with you at the drop of a hat to make your art a reality. For me, that individual, and most importantly Friend, is Satori Circus.
With his own award-winning history in the performing arts spanning 20+ years in and around the Detroit area, Satori Circus’ view on Life and Art is soul-drenching goodness. Family is first. Friends are a close second (but move up to first when Family is busy). Work is…well, not work. It appears effortless. It’s his Passion. You will never know a harder working Entertainer. Ever. This is the Artist that covers the entire spectrum of emotion in his performances and makes you question everything you ever thought was a legitimate thought in your head.
Why this photographic series? Simply put, it is because Satori Circus has a way of making you feel invincible; like your voice matters. And what started as a conversation over a few drinks escalated to a full-blown, logistically-impossible adventure that allowed us to celebrate things that we each hold dear to us: photography, performance art and the history of an oftentimes struggling city with its beautiful historic theaters. Drawing on the influences of various characters in film and theater, it was our goal to capture each venues unique setting as best possible with Satori adding to the overall esthetic. To this, I believe we succeeded.
To all the individuals who allowed us access to these beautiful theaters, who trusted our vision, and who took the time out of their own busy schedules to accommodate us, We thank you. It meant more than you could ever realize.
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As they say, the mechanic always has the worst-looking car in the neighborhood. Well, I guess the same can be said for me, at least in terms of finally getting a website up and running that I can manage and manipulate on a regular basis. I always place everyone else as a higher priority, but now is the time to focus on ME. So, please be patient, have a look around, and I encourage your input on my imagery, as well as my (hopefully) daily blog posts and photography. -BJL