Jeff Dahlgren Photographer

New Work - Lighting Sessions

2012-01-31T17:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T15:24:00.000-08:00

Warmest thoughts and best wishes
for a wonderful Holiday and a very Happy New Year

120 Portraits

2011-12-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

Were going into our last day of shooting. Wow, 100 down and 20 to go!
We've had a great group of subjects to work with, a perfect space supplied to us by the Ritz Carlton in Chicago (more than accommodating to our photo needs), no major issues with the gear for a simple lighting setup, an absolutely wonderful client, and of course the perfect stand in, Ed Estrada. (always dressed dapper and ready to get down to business!)

Personal Projects

2011-12-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the gallery this last weekend. For those of you who could not make it, here are a few images from the show.

Personal Projects - Art Show

2011-11-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

December 2, 2011 @ Defibrillator Gallery

1136 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago

Chicago, IL (December 2nd, 2011) — More than a dozen local photographers and painters will be “exposing” works never seen by the public at Personal Projects, an art exhibition curated by Scott Thompson. Dozens of photos taken in black and white and color will be displayed, along with paintings in various mediums.

“We named the show Personal Projects because, basically, it comprises the projects that artists create for inspiration but not commercial release,” Thompson explains. “They typically never see the light of day. Most of the time, these projects are undertaken to work on a new technique, or work through a creative idea, or even as a form of therapy. Whatever the reason, they were never meant to be shared with an audience. But we’re open to connecting on a deeper level by baring of our souls.”

Participating photographers include Robin Croke, Jeff Dahlgren, Donte Tatum, Alan Rovge, Tyler Mallory, Tarji Smedely, Kelly Jung, Brad Taylor, Damien Thompson. Painters Michelle Hierzer, Luis De La Torres and Sandra Antongiorgi will also be featuring never-before-seen works.

Personal Projects will be viewable for one night only, on Friday, December 2, 2011, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Defibrillator Gallery, 1136 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. Admission is free. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

Please stop by for some art, a drink and some good conversation.

Lab coats, hard hats and machine tools

2011-10-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the crew for another great location shoot with DMG Mori Seiki.

Working with David LoSasso (AD) on this project made the shoot go incredibly smooth. I can't say enough how easy going he is with talent and clients. Over a dozen models, multiple locations, jumbo machinery (I felt like a kid playing with bulldozers), a wonderful client and only 2 days of shooting; so happy to pull off some great photography.

Here's a teaser from a handful of picks. To my surprise, they went black and white, which kudos to the art direction, really works well in their graphic ad space.

I look forward to another one down the road. Who said machine tools are boring.

Make-up Artistry in Action

2011-10-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

Mark Bazant, aka Silky Jumbo, is an artist extraordinaire and good friend of mine who's work needs some recognition. His skills as a makeup/hair/costume stylist are in a realm of their own.

WHen I was asked to help out with documenting his wicked work at a private party here in Chicago at an undislclosed location (ssshhh, it's still a secret), I jumped all over that.

Here's a little preview from the other evenings dress-rehearsal.

Photographer Chris Jordan on The Midway Project

2011-09-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

If you aren't familiar with Chris Jordan's work, it is some pretty incredible, shocking, evocative art that is not only hard to forget but also very hard not to be inspired. I wanted to share this video posted on Chase Jarvis site from film maker Riley Morton.

As difficult it is to be viewed, in my eyes it needs to be shared with as large of an audience as possible. It's not too often I share my opinion, but it really struck me in a powerful way and I feel I owe it to the artists that have the will and strength to undergo such emotionally charged art.
Thanks to Chris Jordan and all who spread his work.

http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2011/04/photographer-chris-jordan-on-his-midway-project/

Street Shooting - Chicago

2011-08-30T09:54:00.001-07:00

This is part of an ongoing series. The subject is our one and only city of Chicago. Every week I take some time out of my schedule to take a break from the business of photography and feed my thirst for street shooting. This is how it all started for me and the real reason I became a photographer. Nothing but a camera.

Stay tuned, I will be updating periodically with new images.

Sears Jewelry

2011-06-28T19:46:00.001-07:00

On another great assignment for Sears photographing jewelry for their website. Thanks to all for such a great job.
It's live so please check it out.

A list of essentials for this kind of shoot:
1 Patience
2 Wonderful diffused light with a little kicker
3 A sharp macro lense
3 A set free of cords, apple boxes, stand legs, grip equipment, coffee mugs, miscellaneous props or anything else that might get in the way or possibly fall onto the set.
4 The best jewelry stylist you can find
5 A good night sleep the night before
6 A cool calm environment
hint: maybe some reggae music

UIC Student Planner Cover

2011-05-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Cover photograph for the UIC Student Planner Cover.

2011 Graphic Design USA American Inhouse Design Award.
Thanks goes out to the University of Illinois Art Director for a wonderful concept and design.
Cheers!

myFootpath Interview

2011-05-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

http://myfootpath.com/advice-and-answers/career-interviews/photographer-career-interview/

Recent Work: Around Chicago

2011-04-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

Gallery Opening

2011-04-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

Love will keep us together/Love will tear us apart: A photography show.
7 pm-10pm. Saturday May 7th at Defibrillator Performance Art Gallery, 1136 N. Milwaukee Avenue, just south of the Division and Milwaukee intersection.

http://www.getgoodspace.net/GetGoodSpace/%E2%98%80_%E2%99%A1%E2%98%BB%C2%AB%E2%98%A0%C2%BB%E2%99%A5%E2%98%B9_%E2%98%81.html

I'm part of a collaborative show featuring work from local artists.
Come and get inspired!

Editorial in Chicago

2011-03-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

Realtor Lauren Mitrick for UIC Alumni magazine.

Sears

2011-03-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

From a recent shoot for SEARS online wedding registry.

Forensic Imaging vs Photoshop

2011-01-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a really interesting article I want to share about the world of Photoshop and how easy the software has made it to manipulate images. Now the "forensic imaging police" can track you down!

Written by Oliver Staley for Bloonmberg Business Week the article covers Hany Farid, the Dartmouth computer scientist and forensic imaging specialist who has come up with a way to tell whether a digital photograph is authentic.

It's no surprise considering how digital imaging has really taken over and how easy photoshop has made it to merge/manipulate your images.
Read below

www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_02/b4210037408918.htm

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T12:48:00.001-08:00

2010-11-20T06:49:00.000-08:00

Angela from a recent jewelry shoot.

2010-10-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

The Gutter Bunny Project is a bicycle-inspired interactive art show. Being an avid cyclist myself I couldn't help but contribute, I will have a number of images on display from a recent trip to China. There will be a variety of other local artists along with a fashion show made of bike part clothing by designer Tiffany Puterbaugh.
Come on out, don't forget to leave your car behind!

For more information about the show:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/gutter-bunny-project/Event?oid=2561641

2010-10-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Behind the Scenes

Ryan taking a quick catnap between shots. Marcus working on our brides crazy long hair. I'm such a sucker for all the extra outtakes!

2010-10-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

Sears Wedding Registry

Ha! This is as close as I get to shooting a real wedding couple. Just another production with Sears shooting material for their new wedding registry.

Casting a young couple for this kind of intimate shoot is no easy task, not to mention all the wrapped gifts. Kelsey and Ryan were a perfect match and especially considering they had just met the day of the shoot.

2010-09-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Brunswick Bowling

2010-09-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

The images are up on the new Brunswick Bowling Site. Check out some of the new picks!

Hard work has definitely paid off. We had a crazy and intense 2 day shoot for Brunswick back in the Spring and finally we can see the images in use. A lot of lights, tons of models and countless hours.

Thanks again to all of you that helped out!

Ryan Theriot - Ex Cub

2010-08-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

We finished a great shoot with former Cubs player Ryan Theriot for an RCN Ad. Now that Ryan's been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the whole campaign is in the can!
Ha, advertising can have such a short life span, what do you do?
It was a pleasure working with Ryan and great to see him smack some balls off the roof top of the studio. Good luck in L.A. Ryan.

Lakefront Run

2010-07-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

Lakefront - Chicago

2010-07-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

Casting Call

2010-06-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

CuddlDuds casting out takes. 10 thousand pictures later.
We were on the search for the perfect fit for some intimate apparel packaging shots. Thanks again to all who came out for this.
Hope you had as much fun as the crew did.

Chicago Blue Line Animation Project

2010-06-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine and fellow photographer Nick Azzaro is looking for funding for a public art installation here in the beautiful city of Chicago! Being a user of the CTA system, I would like nothing better than to have my experience of commuting enhanced by art work. I think Nick has a great idea and just want to spread the word. We all need a little more art in our lives.

Click on the image above for more information!

New Work - New Website

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

I've finally put the finishing touches on a new website, with the help of Jeff Couturier from 10voltmedia. www.dahlgrenstudio.com

Thanks to Jeff, I now have a completely new easy to navigate interface combined with a purely simple design. I really wanted the portfolio site to be all about the images. For all you flash equipped web viewers, there's a nice slide show at the beginning. There's a ton of new work so take your time.

Santa Fe Hiking

2010-05-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

Even I need to take a vacation from time to time, although it's sometimes hard to put my camera down. What can I say, I'm a photographer all the way down to my bones.
Speaking of bones...here is a rather shocking scene we came across during a hike down into Frijoles Canyon.

I know what your thinking right now, maybe a good idea to turn around at this point.

Lately, my vacations revolve around hiking and this recent trip to New Mexico was no exception. Hiking in the morning, lunch, relaxing in the afternoon, a night out, my idea of a perfect trip. Outside of the incredible trails that surround the Santa Fe area, the art scene is quite incredible considering the size of the city. Canyon Road is lined with art galleries, and quite a few of them selling fine art photography. Here's a few that peeked my interest - Photo Eye gallery, Andrew Smith gallery of photography (mixture of classics and contemporary) and one of my favorite the Brookover gallery (Landscape imagery combined with excuisite platinum/palladium printing.)

Photographer copyright

2010-05-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Professional photographers need to register all of their marketable images themselves. You should not depend on an agency doing it for you.
I am being schooled everyday by the information out there on copyrights and photography. Here is an interesting case that came up recently involving Muench Photography and Corbis.

http://photobusinessforum.blogspot.com/2010/05/corbis-copyright-registrations-images.html
from John Harrington's blog. He is a great resource for what's going on in the industry.

Muscle

2010-04-30T05:10:00.000-07:00

My friend Stephanie trained for her first body building competition and I had a chance to go behind the scenes into this strange, yet fascinating world. Now one seems to question when men get into the sport of body building, but for women in still seems taboo. The sheer dedication to take on a competition like this really pushes your body to the limits, hours working out, extreme diet, early hours, it's truly amazing what she put her self through Stephanie totally rocks. Cheers, to you.

Been too long

2010-04-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

It has been a whirl-wind spring so far this year and I've been so busy these days that the blog has gone by the wayside. My apologize. I want this to be a place that one can go to find a bit of news on what were up to, here me babble about the industry or life and of course - see some new imagery!

That's what's I'm all about anyway, right?

Some natural light. It's so refreshing putting away the strobes.

Hard to say No

2010-04-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

It's hard to say no to dog that's staring you in the face. A thunderstorm came rolling
through the city this morning and I was running out the door for a shoot, she looked
at me with these eyes and I must say it was very hard to walk out that door.

The Beginning of the End?

2010-01-19T07:06:00.000-08:00

http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/01/15/the-beginning-of-the-end/

If you haven't had a chance to see this film, it's pretty incredible and a must see. It posses a lot of questions about photographers, cgi, image making, film, etc.

In some ways it brings a chill up my spine, and in another way, really motivates me to keep on taking pictures. I feel there will always be a need for image makers, regardless of the camera or computer technology that gets you there.

Does anyone know what the main ingredient of Kodak Stop Bath is?

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T07:23:00.000-08:00

iPhone Commercial

2009-12-10T19:41:00.000-08:00

Hot Digigity Dog - Check out the new iPhone ap commercial and you'll see some of my shots from an Ftd shoot, particularly the pink bouquet at the end. One more reason to love this awesome phone!
link:
http://www.apple.com/iphone/gallery/ads/#multi-people-large

2009-12-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Luis Urrea is an author and professor at the University of Illinois - Chicago. The UIC Alumni magazine wanted to do a story on Luis for the upcoming issue and decided on a spread of images to accompany. Here's a few out takes from the shoot.

The art director really liked the idea of shooting at dusk and somehow incorporating the idea of division and crossing over into another land, which is a reference to one of Luis's earlier books, "The Devil's Highway". It tells the story of a group of individuals trying to make the long treacherous journey from Mexico across the border and into the U.S.
Traveling to the border was not an option for us so shooting on the tracks in Bucktown our alternate, less desirable locale. Ha, ha!

Luis Urrea, a UIC alumni has a slew of books under his belt from fiction and non-fiction to poetry.
If interested, you can learn all about him at his website:
www.luisurrea.com

End of Summer...Beginning of Fall

2009-11-15T18:47:00.000-08:00

We had an unusually warm fall day this last week and wanted to take advantage of it before the weather turns ugly. Shooting with kids outdoors in November, sounds a little crazy but worked out beautifully for us. 60 degree weather with a blast of sunshine to sooth the soul is my kind of Fall shoot.

Here's a few shots. The random fall leaves and hint of autumn colors reflecting in the glass give it away.

The weather forecast this next week doesn't look good-cold weather is on it's way. Good thing we shot last week!

"You Weren't There"...well, maybe you were!

2009-10-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday night at the Portage Theater filmmakers Joe Losurdo and Christina Tillman presented another screening ofYou Weren’t There: A History of Chicago Punk 1977-84, a sweet documentary about the early days of Chicago’s punk rock underground. I've worked with Joe on a few different photography projects and just wanted to shamelessly promote his DVD, which I believe can be picked up from Factory 25 or through www.ReggresiveFilms.com

If your interested in learning a bit more about the origins of Chicago punk rock, check it out. You won't be disappointed.

Cloudscapes

2009-10-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

Excerpts From a Catalogue Shoot

2009-09-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

You could put a book together featuring all the extra quirky test frames shot during a week long shoot. Here's a few just for your viewing pleasure. You just wait and see ... one of these days you'll be wandering around Border Books and out of the corner of your eye you'll spot it ... "Excerpts From a Photo shoot" by Jeff Dahlgren.

Just give me a few more years of shooting!

Jump Crew

2009-08-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

We have been deep in the trenches barreling through all the photography for Sears's Wishbook. Here's the on-figure crew working in their splendid glory. Left to Right-
Meg, Melanie, Marcus, Nick, Marc and Jeff. Can't wait til Winter to see the finished product!

Jewelry - Alex

2009-08-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

We were looking for a perfect profile and Alex fit the spot for these jewelry tests. I was looking to for a more dramatic light and extremely neutral environment to emphasize the apparel and really keep the focus on the jewelry. It was a real joy to work with Alex, because her patience rivaled my anal retentiveness and extra time I spent to perfect the lighting.
More to come...

Getting Into Face

2009-07-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

The Living Art of JoJo Baby and Sal-E as documented by Photographer Bernard Colbert -

I have to say I was blown away when I saw Bernard Colbert's images of Jo-Jo Baby and Sal E. If you didn't have a chance to make the opening the other night, you should definitely find a way to see these images. I have been a friend of Bernards for some time now and heard of the series he's been working on documenting their annual Monday's ritual, but didn't realize the extent of his work.
The show will be up through Saturday, August 1, 2009 at:
Eyeporium Gallery (inside 'Eye Want') @ 1543 N Milwaukee Ave.

“Getting Into Face” is the result of a year-long photo project documenting JoJo and Sal-E on a weekly basis. The project focuses on nightlife, celebrity, theater, fashion, beauty, sexuality and humor.
Definitely check it out!!!

Flowers Flowers Flowers

2009-05-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

During a recent shoot we had a little freetime.

Introducing...

Sears - Simply Indoors

2009-05-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a few examples of some work we did for a Sears catalogue online -
Who knew they had so many different brands - Simply Indoors really has some rather nice stuff.

Check it out online.

C1 Pro Software update!

2009-04-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

Alas, Capture One software has finally made it possible to shoot tethered with a Nikon camera. I have waited a long time for this day , my favorite software and Nikon to get their act together and make things gel!!!! It is a beautiful thing indeed. The past few weeks shooting for FTD, we have had an opportunity to really test out Phase One’s Capture One 4.7 software and it really has met my expectations. It took a bit to navigate the software’s new interface and figure where all the tools/settings/options are, but now photographing directly to the computer runs super smooth, YEAH!!

Thanks to the guys at ProGear - www.progearrental.com for there extremely helpful tutorial/workshop on the new version of C1Pro. I highly recommend this software, it is in my eyes the best product out there for shooting and organizing your workflow.
Kudos to Danish design - KEEP ON SHOOTING PHOTOGS!

Motor City Casino

2009-03-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

A rather interesting casino job in Detroit. I was hired for some photography at Motor City Casino to show off their new hotel rooms. Before the Casino was actually built, a full scale set of a guest room was constructed to do the photography. Did I mention the set was built in a parking lot with absolutely no heat!!!! Ouch!
Casting was already under way to find a beautiful young lady - Wardrobe for a perfect set of heels - Equipment secured. On a cold winter day, we loaded the van with all kinds of camera/lighting goodies and of course some space heaters, and headed north to the fine state of Michigan. Let's just say it was a long couple days and quite a few breaks to warm our frozen bodies. Here's a few examples. More images can be viewed at the casinos website.

Gerber Crew

2009-03-23T15:22:00.001-07:00

I'd like to thank the entire crew for such an outstanding set. It's the people behind the scenes that really don't get the credit they deserve for pulling off such amazing work. For a recent Gerber job, a bathroom was built to showcase some of Gerber's sinks/faucets/toilets etc. Wagner and Giovasse's carpentry is top notch and really turned out to be the perfect space to highlight the clients product. Rockin good job if I say so myself!!!

SOME FINAL OUTTAKES!!!!

Fog on Pensacola Ave.

2009-03-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

When the weather turns ugly, I can't help myself.

This was shot late one foggy night in my alley.

2009-02-24T06:38:00.000-08:00

China at Cafe Selmarie

Jeannie, the owner of a delightful french-style cafe in Lincoln Square has been really wonderful in allowing me to show my fine art side. This is the 2nd showing I've had there and I must say it is a perfect space to hang ones art. In addition, the coffee and pastries rock!

The show has come down, but I thought I'd highlight a few of the images.

For those of you that made it to the show, thanks again for supporting your local photographer

Cheers