Meryl Streep's Performance Overshadowed My Scene

I was a background actor in the movie It's Complicated.  It was a 13 hour day for a 30 second scene and i'm nowhere to be found because Meryl is such a good actor. lol. Also staring: Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, John Krasinski, and Hunter Parrish.  Luckily, for the graduation scene, our "props" were our cameras and I was able to capture these:

Rebecca Vigil's One Woman Show

The Vigilante is a one woman musical improv journey through the lives of the audience. You tell the story, Rebecca sings the soundtrack. December 22nd @ 7pm. The Peoples Improv Theater

154 West 29th Street, New York, NY. Only $5 !

HELP Portrait a Worldwide Photo Day

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"Help Portrait" is a movement of photographers who are using their time, equipment and expertise to give back to those who are less fortunate this holiday season. It was a worldwide event today and I was happy to participate at the Harlem YMCA.

People Talk at The Barrow Group Theater -2 Nights Only

Written and performing (in part) is Sidse Ploug Soerensen. I've seen her work before and have always been entertained.

DEC 15 & 16 @ 8:00PM

Tickets: www.smarttix.com

The Barrow Group Theater 312 West 36th Street

World AIDS Day and Dr. Tony

I had the privilege of shooting Dr. Antonio E. Urbina for this year's honoree of The Callen-Lorde Community Health Awards. Held November 16, 2009 at Espace, NYC. He's the Medical Director of HIV/AIDS Education & Training at Saint Vincent's comprehensive HIV Center and a member of President Obama's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Congrats!

Read My Yelp.com Reviews

My new hobby is browsing yelp.com and thrilled to see these thumbs up reviews...
http://www.yelp.com/biz/best-headshots-david-j-martin-photographer-manhattan

Digital Photography Tutoring

Why take a crowded photography class when you can get one-on-one individual instruction by a professional photographer?
I will teach you technical and creative skills so that photography (and your camera!) become more enjoyable. All you need is a digital camera and a passion for photography.
$50 for first hour, $25 each additional/ 2 hour minimum.
*Studio located in Chelsea
*PhotoShop training on Mac or PC
*Gift Certificates available

Products Shots for Corporate Client

I recently photographed product shots of these custom gift trays which companies can use to present gifts to clients or employees. I just thought it was a novel idea and it was a nice change from photographing people. lol. ShtromLuxury.com

Visit My NEW WEBSITE!

I'm so excited and proud of my new website davidjmartin.com. Designed and created by the awesome and talented web designers at www.BRealm.com. Thanks Fernando and team!

Where to get digital prints in NYC?

I get asked this all the time! Other than my Epson printer, I rely on the following printers:
Baboo Imaging Graphics, for quick small prints and 8x10's.
Duggal Visual Solutions, for museum quality prints.
Best Type Imaging, for model comp cards and/or brochures.

Royal Pains premiers tonight USA Network Thursdays @ 10 pm -look for me this season...

Royal Pains USA Network TV Series -Thursday's @ 10 p.m.

I've been doing some background actor work for some "extra" experience to see what my actors have to go through (lots)- this makes for a better headshot photographer as well as interesting dinner conversation! I'm not sure exactly which episodes I will be in but these are the scenes you might see me looking "upscale Hamptons type":
Manhasset, NY at the St. Ignatius Jesuit Retreat House:
* cocktail party -I'm walking around holding a drink
* cocktail party -I'm behind a piano
Oyster Bay candids taken by local photographer Art Koch:
* outdoors -shopping at a farmers market as a couple * outdoors -walking down Main Street with a kid

Dr. Jill Biden, Mayor Bloomberg, Edie Falco... at the GLSEN Awards, NYC

I was the official photographer for GLSEN's Respect Awards held at Gotham Hall. Click to view event on my facebook.

New York Photo Festival in Dumbo, Brooklyn

www.nyphotofestival.com. I saw some great works exhibited which inspired me to click some shots of my own...

I'm on Youtube !

An Author's Photo

I've been photographing writers for years. The days of hiding behind the written paper are over. Author photos are now being used for more than just book jackets -see Court's photo that appears on statesman.com and check out his entertaining blog theexistentiallip.com.

How to photograph on a sunny day

The SUN is back and we are all thrilled! Here are a few tips on photographing on a sunny day:
Your camera should automatically pick the lowest ISO speed (50 or 100)- the lower the number in "film" speed, the truer the colors will be and the finer the grain. This is why sunny days are great for capturing nature and buildings. So let your camera's meter do the work for you and you can focus on colors, composition, and interesting shadows. As for photographing people, keep them in the shade or have their backs to the sun.. then manually turn your flash to "ON" so you'll be filling in the darker shadows with some flash while the rest of shot remains in the correct exposure.. giving added ooph to your images!

CBS News The Early Show appearance on the topic of bartering

"Bartering is on the rise in the economic recession"
I'm a big fan of "exchange of services" and have been bartering for years. Not only have I been pleased with the services but they have opened up networking opportunities and lasting friendships. The Early Show on CBS was doing a story and came to my studio to hear about my about my experiences.

How To Improve Your Online Job Search With A Photo

Have you googled today? With today's technology, we are OUT with the intrigue and IN with exposure. Online exposure to be exact. There is the tried and true theory that by attaching your smiling face to your resume, it makes it more difficult for a potential employer to toss a human image into the trash than a plain sheet of paper. People want a visual of you and they will search online to find one. So, you might as well make it easy on them.

It's common knowledge that employers are now turning to google images, facebook, myspace, linked, and so on... for a glimpse of what the 'real' you is like. You without the interview outfit or borrowed briefcase.

Besides the obvious answer of HIRE a GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER (shameless plug), I will offer you a few tips:

1. Be aware of what your friends are snapping, posting, and tagging. There are many online photo album share companies that are free to join -such as kodakgallery.com.
2. Keep your photo current. They shouldn't only be finding you on classmates.com with your black & white photo and Pat Benatar hair!
3. Have different looks taken. Business conservative to creative casual. You never know what type of company you'll end up working for -keep an open mind on your job search.
4. Show personality and expression in your photos. It could be as slight as a upward turn of your mouth or a raised eyebrow to a full on smile -whatever would be appropriate for you.
   
5. Keep it real- Women will want- "natural" makeup, low hair, no cleavage, and simple jewelry. Men have it easy- just suck it in and button your jacket. Light on the retouch for all... you want to be recognized you when you show up for the interview.
6. Relax and trust the photographer ;-)
   

Three Headshots Are Better Than One

Do you wonder why your existing headshot isn't getting you callbacks? What does it take for you to get a good headshot? What do you wear for my photoshoot?

Bottom line is be prepared with an appropriate 8x10 to submit for the character they are casting. Casting Directors are more likely to consider you in the role of a thug villain if you look like one in your photo- a combination of expression, clothing, background, and lighting. I can help you to create three key looks without any extra shopping or extreme makeovers. With my styling background and various scenic backgrounds, I will let you know exactly what to do to get the most out of your photo shoot!

Profile photos now on LINKEDIN.COM

By now most of you know the importance of social networking and web 2.0 which has now become the new standard. So, how do you set yourself apart and get noticed? Well, since you're on a photographer's blog, you might have guessed, the answer would be to have a pro photo! Linkedin.com now has the option to post a picture on your profile. People are more inclined to connect with people who have a photo. It is only human. Lately, I've been shooting people who are sick of coming across online as "creepy" or "overly stern" and I'm able to get a nice photo of them that they're proud of. After all, who wants to hire a schlep!

Feel free to add me to your Linkedin connections

Ten ways to use Executive Corporate Headshots to further your career

1) Your Website
2) Social Networking Web 2.0
3) Marketing
4) Magazine articles
5) Business cards
6) Press releases
7) Speaking engagements
8) Company newsletter
9) Annual Reports
10) Advertising print & online