Jerry Hiller Photographs

Review of Manfrotto's new Tripod/Backpack

2009-11-25T14:41:00.000-08:00

For those that are interested, Manfrotto has posted my review of their new integrated backpack and tripod system. In a nutshell, this is a very innovative system that has a lot going for it. The tripod is excellent and it fits fully enclosed in the backpack. The pack has a ridiculous amount of pockets and the styling is awesome. To get more detail on the new solution, here is a link to the review.

Manfrotto's New Website

2009-10-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

Manfrotto has developed a new website titled "Manfrotto Experience". Their intent is to feature artists from around the world that use Manfrotto equipment. I am very fortunate to be included one of the most recent featured artists on their website. Feel free to check out the website when you have a chance: link

The Beauty of Sequioa National Park

2009-09-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

Back in August, I was asked by Manfrotto to review a new tripod/backpack solution. This is a unique system that incorporates a carbon fiber tripod into a well designed backpack. One of the more unique features of the pack is that the tripod is fully enclosed within the pack. This helps reduce the chance of snagging things when hiking. It also doesn't draw attention to the fact you are wearing a backpack with expensive photo equipment inside. Last week, I had an opportunity to put this system to task on a trip to Sequoia National Park. Trekking over 20 miles of easy to challenging terrain, I truly appreciated this system. It is amazingly light, the tripod is very stable, and it is flexible enough to adjust for tight spots. Manfrotto has said that this backpack/tripod system will be available in October. For the photographer that travels or likes to take nature photos, I recommend you check this out. I'm pretty confident you won't be disappointed.

New Respect for Wedding Photographers

2009-05-05T09:14:00.001-07:00

I did a favor for a family member this last weekend by photographing his wedding. I guess it was my hubris that made me assume it wouldn't be that difficult. Even though I did quite a bit of planning ahead of time, I quickly realized I had to make some quick decisions. As you can imagine, with all of the different locations (dressing room, sanctuary, outdoors, reception etc) the lighting changes were crazy. It wasn't so much making the adjustments, it was making them in a matter of seconds and not minutes. The other thing I learned is that you stand for a very long time. Who would've thought that taking photos as a wedding would be physically taxing. The last thing that really hit me was the stress level. You really only have one chance to take a shot of the first kiss, or the rings being put on and the like. If you mess it up then it's like that Southwest Airlines commercial "Want to get away?" Fortunately, the photos turned out pretty good and for my first (and hopefully last) wedding shoot it turned out to be a fun time. I have to admit though that I have a new found respect for wedding photographers.

Gotta Love That SHUTTERBUG

2009-04-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

As promised by Joe Farace of SHUTTERBUG magazine, my website was featured in the May issue. If you don't have that issue then run out to the store immediately and buy one (yes, that is a plug for the magazine, of which I don't receive any royalties). Displayed in all its glory at the bottom of page 60 is my beautiful website (I'm a bit biased). Joe offered some very flattering prose, my favorite quote being: "His compositional mastery is only one of the reasons Hiller's haunting images will stay with you for a long while." Click the page image to the right to read the article (I apologize for the low quality scan).

Thank you Joe for the kind words and exposure!

What? Top 20% ain't good enough?

2009-02-25T17:05:00.000-08:00

Today was the day the Laguna Festival of Arts announced the results of last weekends artistic judging competition. Based on the scoring results, I was in the top 20% of all 260+ applicants, which isn't bad. Unfortunately for me, the festival only accepts the top 10% to exhibit and sell their artwork during this summer's event. Am I disappointed? Sure I am. The festival is a great opportunity to get exposure and sell, sell sell. However, considering this is my first judged competition I don't think I did too badly. Also, like I said yesterday, the people that work at the event were fantastic and in particular, Kathy Pitts was such a huge help. Borrowing the mantra from Cubs fans, "There is always next year."

Time to move on and keep being passionate about my work. Stay tuned because I should be starting on a new series soon that I have been conceptualizing.

The Festival of Arts Judging

2009-02-23T15:20:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I was invited to submit physical samples of my photos for the final round of judging for The Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. Unfortunately, I was given less than two weeks notice that I needed three samples to submit so I didn't have the luxury of planning ahead. The week prior to last was pretty crazy as I rushed around trying to get the samples printed and framed. Fortunately, Mark Shima at Island Productions was a HUGE help. I've had the pleasure of knowing Mark for the last 10 years and would highly recommend him for any of your artistic reproduction needs. Mark also recommended I work with the guys at Leon Picture Frames in Anaheim, and it was the right call. I worked with Norman Meinhardt, who is a very talented photographer in his own right, and he made some excellent recommendations and jumped through hoops to get everything framed on time. He actually got it done a day early which is customer service at its best. If you need framing done in Orange County you should look up Leon Picture Framing.

On Saturday morning I took my artwork and easels down to the Boys and Girls club of Laguna Beach to set it up for judging. This was the first time I have gone through a judging process like this so I learned a lot. Everyone at the event was very friendly and overall it was a fantastic experience. There were some very talented artists showing there work so I'm not overly confident I will get accepted into the festival. Anyhow, I will find out this Wednesday how well I did so wish me luck.

Update on The Festival Of Arts

2009-02-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

I just received notification from The Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach that my art has passed Phase 1 judging. I was told that there were 264 applicants and I was one of the fortunate 84 that were asked back. This means I have been accepted to participate in Phase 2 judging in a few weeks which is an opportunity to show your finished, physical work to the judges. Unfortunately, I know very little about the judging process so I'm crossing my fingers that I don't go in there and make the right choices on printing and framing. If you want to learn more about The Festival Of Arts and Pageant of the Masters feel free to follow this link or click the photo.

Wow, even more Love!

2009-01-16T09:51:00.000-08:00

I was interviewed a few weeks back by Singh-Ray, a manufacturer of photographic filters. I use their filters exclusively in order to generate the effects I am looking for in my work. They did a very complementary story about my work on their website and would like to encourage you to visit: Singh-Ray

Also, I know there are people visiting my blog (big brother is watching you) but I don't have anyone signing up to be a follower. It is getting lonely in here, I need followers!

Get'n Some Blog Love'n

2009-01-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

Hey, what do you know. I have been featured as a new member artist on pFAn (Professional Fine Art Network) which is a group for fine artists. Joanie San Chirico does a great job with her blog and it is a very good resource for artists. Joanie is also an accomplished artist and I highly recommend you visit her website: Joanie San Chirico

Lastly, feel free to visit her blog pFAn Blog and read how I blab on and on about myself, my art, religion, politics and sex. Ok, the last three things I didn't talk about but I could have.

Tough Day South of the Border

2009-01-04T18:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, it wasn't the "South of the Border" that most people think of. I was referring to South of the Orange County border. As a resident of The OC I get teased by non-residents that we are a little stuck up and rarely leave the confines of our bubble. Well, that was one serious tangent.

Anyhow, I spent Friday in North San Diego trying to photograph the Oceanside pier. First, the tide was too high which pushed me up against the back of the pier. This didn't give me the optimum shooting angle I try to get with my photos. I took an hour break for lunch in hopes that the tide would go down but I wasn't so lucky. Even with the high tide I timed the surf well enough to get a few photos. The second issue I had to contend with was a large group of children that insisted on playing under the pier. I am usually pretty patient in these situations because I know I don't have exclusive rights. However, I think these kids made it a personal goal to jump right in my shot right when I opened the shutter. I was expecting them to get tired after 30 minutes but that didn't happen. I think their parents must have been feeding them Red Bull. (If you look real close in the included photo you'll see their footprints.) Lastly, the lighting was really challenging over the hour long shoot. I had full sunlight, then I had overcast conditions, and then finished it off with fog. Yes, that was all in a 60 minute span and my fingers go tired adjusting my white balance setting. Needless to say, I was exhausted at the end of my session and felt as if I had spent three hours shooting.

For all my effort, I didn't walk away with a single photo that I could use. Most of the photos were mediocre at best and certainly not web worthy. On my next shoot I will time the tide better and go during the week to avoid Red Bull addicted kids. With regards to the rude weather conditions, all I can say is that I can only wish Oceanside was in The OC. I believe we've made a deal with a higher being to ensure we only have favorable shooting conditions.

Exposure

2008-12-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

I heard from Joe Farace of Shutterbug magazine recently. Joe is a published author, photographer, writer, and has a monthly column in Shutterbug that profiles photographer's websites. He has informed me that he would like to feature my website in the May issue. This is obviously a tremendous opportunity for exposure and I'm very honored to be chosen.

If you would like to view Joe's current and archived web profiles please use the following link: Shutterbug. I would also encourage you to visit Joe's blog at: www.joefaraceblogs.com. Also, feel free to check out Joe's book: "Creative Digital Monochrome Effects."

Great day at Balboa Pier

2008-12-19T09:20:00.000-08:00

It's raining here in Southern California which means one thing, great photo conditions. I spent a half a day under the Balboa pier taking pictures at low tide which I find to be the best time for my type of photos. I have tried to take photos here in the past at high tide but I find myself pinned up against the back of the pier. There is something amazingly peaceful and cleansing about the beach during the rain. I have a chance to block everything out and have an absolute laser focus on my creative process. I was so focused that I didn't realize the wind had pushed my open umbrella up behind me. I felt a tap on my back and it startled me thinking someone had snuck up behind me. I hadn't seen another person on the beach for two hours so I turned around ready to throw some blows...only to find out I would be fighting with a pugilistic umbrella. I thought the photo session was a success and have posted new photos on my website: www.jerryhiller.com