Rebirth of the Bird at L’Atelier & Beyond Studio in Paris

Claire

I’m headed to Paris tomorrow for probably the last time this year. So in honor of that, here are some portraits I did with model, Claire aka RebirthoftheBird. A brilliant model, Claire has one of the most intense gazes I’ve ever seen, drawing immediate comparisons to alluring actresses like Penelope Cruz or Eva Green. Her look could cut glass! Can’t wait to shoot with her again.

These were taken at my favorite studio in Paris, L’Atelier & Beyond. It was the first studio I’d worked in in Paris and it remains my favorite to this day. Not only for the space itself, but the friendly staff. I consider the owner, Karine, a good friend. She always takes care of me and rolls out the red carpet whenever I’m in town for shoots. It feels like “my space”, a space where I can create at my best. The light feels right and the rustic backgrounds are reminiscent of old Paris. We often talk about gear feeling right to use, but I’ll take that notion farther and apply it to places as well. There are just some places where I feel my creativity can flourish and this is one such space. Honorable mentions being the studios I frequent in Düsseldorf and Prague. Paris as a whole always leaves me feeling inspired. Walking the streets and visiting the places frequented by artistic legends from Picasso to Avedon or Dior to Saint Laurent, fills me with a zest for creating and enjoying the process I don’t get anywhere else.

Closing thoughts at the end of this post. Hope you enjoy this set!

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PHOTOGRAPHS

Model: Rebirth of the Bird @rebirthof.thebird
Studio: L’Atelier & Beyond @latelierandbeyond_studio
Location: Paris, France

ALL IMAGES SHOT ON THE SONY A7RV + SONY FE 85MM f/1.4 GM II AND SONY FE 28-70 f/2 GM LENS

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My favorite photo from this set. I told you, her look can cut glass. The intensity!

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IN CLOSING

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This set of images utilized a different approach to post-production than I’ve previously used. Usually I would edit the original in color then convert it to black-and-white in Capture One. However, I’ve found that Capture One alters the RAW image very differently than a .TIFF or .PSD file. Colors and/or tones don’t look the same. So I’m looking at my finished works and they don’t quite have the punch as my adjustments on the RAW files within Capture One.

To outline the old process: Global adjustments in Capture One > Export as a TIFF > Retouch in Photoshop > Bring final TIFF back into Capture One > Apply chosen Style of Preset > Export JPEG at various sizes for desired medium (e.g. social media, website, etc.)

The new process: Global adjustments in Capture One > Apply chosen style of preset > Export as a TIFF > Retouch in Photoshop > Bring final TIFF back into Capture One > Export JPEG at various sizes for desired medium (e.g. social media, website, etc.)

Below are two examples. The image on the left utilizes the old process, the image on the right uses the new process.

New process
Accurate color, contrast, and tones applied to the RAW file in Capture One.

Old process
Notice how faded it looks or the flatness of the white background?

The only downside is, I have to commit to a look. The old process would allow me to get both a black-and-white and color version of the same photo. This new method requires me to commit to one or the other. Or process both a black-and-white and color version which will have to be retouched independently. It’s more work, but yields a higher quality result overall. I’m still tinkering, but wanted to share my findings.

As for the shoot, it was a chill and fun vibe. I like my sessions to be low-stress affairs where people can come in, chat, chill, and create. This is not a high-pressure fashion campaign, but more of a personal, intimate setting which often results in portraits that feel relaxed and most importantly, authentic. As mentioned, I have more to come from this session, but hope you enjoyed these. Not every group of photos I post will be 15-20 image epics. Sometimes it’s just a handful. And sometimes, that’s enough.

Hope you enjoyed this post! Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below!

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Musings: October 31, 2025

Unattractive actress Sydney Sweeney at Variety’s Power of Women Event

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INTRO

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Happy Halloween! Can you believe Fall is already here? 2025 has gone by so quickly! It seems like yesterday I was just celebrating my birthday and now it’s Halloween! Crazy.

My apologies for the lack of posts these past months. I needed to shift focus for a bit as I prepare for a project. Sometimes it’s good to step away, focus on something in order to improve, then come back to something else. In this case, the blog. Don’t get me wrong, I love posting here. However, this is more of a therapeutic, creative outlet for me where I share my thoughts, plans, and other things I’m interested in. Money isn’t the motivator, so I write and post at my leisure. I also don’t want money to be the main incentive for writing on the blog as I don’t want to get roped into doing reviews and shilling camera products.

No, the blog will remain a platform for my thoughts and ideas. Sort of a look into my mind so maybe you’ll understand me better as an artist and to an extent, a person. I value authenticity and going against the grain. Let the others shill gear for camera companies, be overly PC, or not share they’re true feelings about a topic, we do things different over here.

On to this week’s musings!

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IN THE DEFENSE OF BOMBSHELLS:
SYDNEY SWEENEY EDITION

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Ugh, hideous.

Sydney Sweeney is one of the most brilliant actresses of this generation. Beautiful and talented. Ever the provocateur, from her American Eagle ad that stirred “controversy” earlier this year and now this silver sheer dress reminiscent of the draped fabrics used in the famous sculptures of Michelangelo. She knows how to turn heads and stay in the headlines in both a simultaneously subtle yet in your face way. It’s racy without overdoing it, sexy and unapologetic so. I particularly like how she makes a certain contingent of people seethe for committing the crime of being attractive and existing. For not listening to the haters or those jealous of her figure, refusing to shut herself away and act ashamed of who she is. For refusing to engage in politics and feed into the oh so tiring political discourse in modern day America.

For leaning into her sex appeal. And for understanding that men find her attractive and not being appalled at the thought. A refreshing sight in the west, where anything catered to men is seen as(what some odd looking liberal arts grad in New York may tell me), “Patriachy” “Misogyny”, “Sexist” or some other dismissive criticism lobbied at what they deem as the “male gaze”.

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It’s an odd, contradictory time of supposedly sexually liberated and opened minded people who screech in disapproval when someone attractive is getting praise and attention. Especially when it’s a woman(in this particular case, a white woman - which they especially hate) eliciting attention from men. Because as we know, men aren’t allowed to like attractive women(and in turn women aren’t allowed to like men) anymore or have preferences. And yet, that seems to be the lifeblood of modern social media. Attractive women in grand locations, fancy restaurants, showcasing often form-fitting clothing sent by corporate sponsors, etc. What a contradiction to clamor for this sort of content but respond like a prudish nun whenever certain women garner attention from men.

When it comes to Sydney Sweeney, what are you so afraid of? Does she bring out your insecurities? Given how so many people act as evangelists regarding therapy, maybe you should see a therapist. That’s some pretty heavy baggage you’re dealing with there.

Sweeney is no different than other bombshells of the past from Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Jayne Mansfield, Angelina Jolie, Pam Grier, Farrah Fawcett, Pamela Anderson, Halle Berry, Vivica Fox, Kate Upton, Monica Belluci, Salma Hayek, Lea Seydoux, Eva Green, Scarlett Johansson, Sharon Stone, Denise Richards, Carmen Electra, Kim Kardashian, and the lists goes on. Women who embrace their looks and sexuality, flaunt it in a tongue and cheek sort of way, and have fun doing it. I like bombshells, sue me.

Her existence and this dress wouldn’t have been a problem in the 90s:

Rose McGowan’s dress at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards

Or in the 2000s:

Jennifer Lopez’s dress at the 2000 Grammy Awards.

Or in the 2010s:

Rihanna’s dress at the 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards.

But today she’s basically representative of the third reich according to some unhinged types.

Oh no! It’s Nazi propaganda!

It’s lame. Stop hating. You look and sound jealous.

The girl’s hot. The dress is cool and she looks beautiful in it, like it was made for her.

She’s likely this generation’s Marilyn Monroe and I’d love to shoot with her someday.

I also think she should reach out to comic artist, J. Scott Campbell and talk to him about producing a Danger Girl live-action film. You know, one of those campy but sexy spy thrillers like Charlie’s Angels. She’d be perfect. And Hollywood could use a win.

Sydney Sweeney as Abbey Chase in Danger Girl?! I should work in casting.

Sydney have your people contact my people. Cool dress by the way!

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RECENT PHOTOGRAPHS

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Model: Emma Helena @riel.life
Studio: Studio Stadtwald @studiostadtwald
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany

ALL IMAGES SHOT ON THE SONY A7RV + SONY FE 28-70MM F/2 GM

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A couple of new images featuring model Emma Helena. I took these in Düsseldorf months ago and they’re probably my favorite set all year. There are so many great options to choose from, it’s overwhelming. The more I learn about myself as an artist, the more I realize what visual elements I like to consistently see in my work. Balanced framing, pleasing composition, sharp lines, and emotive expressions. I feel I’m improving with each shoot, but now it’s more about defining “my work”. Who is Jamiya as an artist? After years of shooting beauty photography, then pivoting to portrait and nude work, I’ve really started to find myself.

Though I’ve enjoyed this exploratory journey, I also feel like it’s time to reach a destination. So my focus has been refining my style, testing different looks, all in hopes of getting to a place of contentment. I guess that’s folly as art is often a lifelong pursuit with constant learning and refinement, but I want to feel like, “This style is me.” if you get what I mean.

Hope you like these!

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GEAR TALK

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The New Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM Lens

The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM Lens. Can’t wait for this lens to arrive.

Not much to report on the gear front. I’ve been using the same lenses for most of the year and have been more than happy with their performance. I squeal with glee every time I see shots from the 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens or how I rarely remove my 50-150 f/2 GM Lens(it does 95% of my work these days). The lenses are so good for what I do, I’m just free to focus on what I’m creating. But there’s one missing.

About a month ago, Sony unveiled the upcoming Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM Lens. I used to favor the Sigma 105 f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art Lens(a great lens), but have since gone with a mostly all first-party lineup and sold all my third-party glass except one, the Tamron 20-40 f/2.8, which I use for vlogging. I do miss the Sigma macro lens, but now that Sony’s announced this, my kit can be complete. I finally have all the things! This lens will mainly be used for video, but will see occassional use on photoshoots.

It’s great to whip out a specialty lens from time to time to get something unique. The 100mm focal length is also a change as Sony’s premium Macro lens in the past has mainly been 90mm. I prefer 100mm+ for a general purpose macro lens. Or something longer like 150mm when shooting macro beauty images for example.

I’ll also be using this lens on my upcoming project. Which leads me to…

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I’M MAKING A MOVIE

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Hence the lack of updates on the blog over the past few months.

Begin November 22nd I’ll begin work on a documentary film I’ve been planning for about 4 months now. Since it will be my first project of this scale, it has required extensive planning, research, testing of various equipment, and there’s still loads to do ahead of the first day of filming. Unlike photoshoots, film productions have so many more layers to them. It’s vitally important to be as organized as possible as it’s easy to overlook a small detail that can make all the difference in the final product. So I’ve been giving the film my undivided attention.

I’ll share details when I’m able to speak more publicly about it, but for now I’m excited and can’t wait to begin filming. More things to come!

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I NEED YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY QUESTIONS

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As I’ve mentioned branching out into YouTube and having my own workshop eventually, I’m looking for questions from photographers regarding portrait photography. What are some of the things you would like to learn or know more about? Leave a comment below or shoot me a message on Instagram. I want to compile a fairly comprehensive list as I build the curriculum for the workshop and come up with topics for tutorial posts. Your contributions will be much appreciated!

Hope you enjoyed this post! Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below!

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The 1X NEO Home Robot

I have a lot of thoughts on the rise of A.I., robotics, etc. but for now I’ll simply say that over the next 10 years(barring some sort of global catastrophe - knock on wood), we will see some of the most dramatic and disruptive advances in technology. We’re already seeing it with software through leveraging A.I., next we’ll see it through robotics which will combine both advanced, A.I.-driven software with robust, articulate hardware.

The 1X NEO is the first of its kind for the consumer market. It’s a little silly looking but it could serve a crucial purpose in the homes of many. Think of elderly people who need a home attendant? Or someone who just needs a robot to keep their place tidy while they focus on taking care of their newborn child. Once this space becomes competitive with big companies launching their own versions with even more advanced tech and better software ecosystems, they’ll get better and better and better. In 10 years. Ten.

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They will work for companies, deliver packages, provide security, and do jobs too dangerous for most people.

And yes, there will be companions. Or “sex bots” as they will be derisively described. Which will cause all sorts of backlash. A.I. companions are coming within a year, mark my word. Only a matter of time before people will want them in the physical form.

The film Subservience starring Megan Fox delves into this arena.

Once the robots look like Megan Fox, it will be a big problem.

It all reminds me of the videogame, Detroit: Become Human. The social backlash and divide around the use of robots(or androids) and their implementation in modern society will be one of the tensest topics in the years to come.

The 2018 videogame Detroit: Become Human captures may of the fears and excitement around androids and their place in society. Amazing story and the visual are still impressive today.

The future is here and it doesn’t care if you like it or not. You can’t stop it.

Depending on your perspective, it’s either a scary time or an exciting one. I’m somewhere in the middle. I love the promise of it, yet dread how destructive it will be for social norms, job markets, etc. But I’m aware it’s nothing we can do to stop the progress of technology and more broadly, time. The people that road horses lamented the transition to cars. People who depending on the Yellow Pages dreaded the rise of the internet and having to have a website. Yet time and technology pushed forward. This will be no different. I think people are afraid as they sense deep down, this could actually replace them in a variety of ways.

Who wants to get excited about potentially being replaced?

I’ll monitor NEO’s progress with interest and see how the market responds, but I wouldn’t consider purchasing one until about 5 years in when the tech has matured.

What do you think? Will you be getting one someday?

Hope you enjoyed this post! Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below!

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Olivia Linz at Ape Studios in Barcelona

Olivia Linz. Easily one of the greatest models of all-time. I like giving people their flowers while they’re here.

I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best models in the world. Truly. Maybe they’re not as famous as the supermodel, influencer ilk (not because of talent mind you), but man if these wonderful ladies and gents don’t bring their A+ game to shoots. Olivia Linz is one such person. I think she’s a generational talent. Every pose is effortless, delicate, and considered with the facial expressions to match.

To grow as a portrait photographer, it’s vitally important to work with people that help raise your game. From your team to the model in front of the camera. Especially the model. Olivia’s brilliant for this. No kidding, everytime we shoot, I feel like I go up another level. I approach the picture differently and consider options I may would have overlooked before. A great model can bring that out of you, just like a great photographer can bring something unique or surprising from the subject. That transfer of inspiration not only makes shoots fun, you also feel like you’ve grown as an artist from the experience. Isn’t that a big part of what it’s all about? Constantly pushing ourselves and seeing how we can improve shoot after shoot?

This set is from a previous trip to Barcelona and my first time working in the wonderful Ape Studios. It’s a beautiful space in a great location. The lighting and layout are perfect for my style of working and I really appreciated how clean the space was and how accomodating the staff were for our little shoot. The first time Olivia and I worked together, we were in a tiny studio in Lisbon, so it was great to work in a much larger studio to see what we could really do when giving the proper space. For portraits, a small space is fine, but I like a bit of room when shooting nudes.

I have enough images to create 3-4 sets from this single shoot, so here’s the first. I love these images. Sexy, sensual, yet refined and beautiful. Those four adjectives sum up the goal of my nude work. Or at least the goal I strive for when working.

Closing thoughts at the end of this post. Hope you enjoy this set!

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PHOTOGRAPHS

Model: Olivia Linz @oliivaa_linz
Studio: Ape Studios @apestudi0s
Location: Barcelona, Spain

ALL IMAGES SHOT ON THE SONY A7RV + SONY FE 85MM f/1.4 GM II AND SONY FE 28-70 f/2 GM LENS

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This last image is one of my favorites. Just a happy accident when I saw her reflection in the window. Yeah, it’s out of focus, but that’s the whole point.
It was intentional I swear. ;-)

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IN CLOSING

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As you can see, I’m still using the same gear as mentioned in previous posts. I’ve been really happy with my kit, so no need to tread over old ground again.

Regarding the shoot, I had a bit of a struggle with the Instagram police when posting any images from this shoot. If Instagram even sees a hint of nipple or too much skin, my account gets flagged and it won’t show the post. So after removing several images from this set, I ultimately decided to just post a single image and those curious to see the rest can visit me here on the blog. I think we need to convince people to venture out of their social media bubbles anyway. I hate censoring my work on Instagram. Don’t get me wrong, I totally understand why. My work is not for children and my account is public, so in the spirit of decency, we censor to protect the children. And maybe the grandmothers. But it’s disappointing as some people won’t bother to click elsewhere and will only see one frame from the set. Guess I can’t worry about that too much. It’s beyond my control.

Creatively, things just flowed as normal. What differs with this group of images is I’ve change my post-processing style. I think this is the best style yet. I’ve been tinkering around with a new, more contrasty, almost Tri-X like style in Capture One. I love the tones in these. Dark shadows that aren’t muddy. Strong highlights that aren’t blown. Contrast that isn’t over done. Grain that gives the image texture and character. And when the right subject matter is featured? You have a winning combo. I even made a new color style as I’ve yet to be happy with any styles I’ve used that are supposed to have bold color. I basically want the depth and style of my black-and-white images, but in color! Is that so hard?! Thankfully I think I’ve cracked it. Expect to see more color images going forward.

Lastly, I know it’s been quite some time since I’ve posted on the blog. There are many reasons for this and I will go into more detail in a separate post. I haven’t gone anywhere, just had to shift focus for a bit to grow as an artist, but I’ll delve into it next week. An important announcement is coming soon.

A big thank you to Olivia. I’m not exaggerating when I say, it’s models like her that make me a better artist. I can’t thank them enough for sharing their creative energy with me and assisting in my growth. I’m scheduled to work with her again soon and I’m eager to see what we’ll come up with next. More sets from this shoot to come, but I hope you like these as much as I do!

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Nici at Kuuz Studio in Prague

Love this photo so much, I posted a color version below. I think I prefer the black-and-white though. What do you think?

I have a few models I work with whenever I visit Prague. It’s a city I often like to begin my trips through Europe in. There’s something about the setting, the atmosphere, and my favorite studio, Studio Kuuz, that gets me excited to take photographs. And the models are phenomenal. Beautiful, creative, and enthusiastic about shooting. They help me do my absolute best work. I stress the importance of working with the best people you can, and my model Nici, in this set, is one such person.

This was our second time working together and I feel like we improved dramatically over our first session. Don’t get me wrong, the first shoot was great and I felt I improved as an artist. But I feel like we really raised our game even farther with this set. One thing I like about working with her is she understands posing and positioning so well. Not a finger or toe was out of place whenever she would pose, then pause in order for me to get the picture. She always knows where the light is and what angle she should be at for the best results which makes my job so much easier. I have to do considerably less directing and can get in a flow of capturing photographs as they occur naturally. It’s a very freeing experience and one of the benefits of working with experienced models over, say, regular people who will often need more directing. It’s also one of the reasons, I only shoot professional models for nude work. Who has time to deal with the awkwardness, insecurities, etc. of the average person who wants to pose because they think “it will be fun”? When you work with professionals they know themselves, they have experience, they understand what you’re trying to achieve, and everyone’s working to serve the photograph, not their individual vanity. Or at least that’s the environment I foster on my own shoots.

I would argue nude modeling is much more difficult than posing with clothing. Not to dismiss the hard work of fashion models, but posing nude requires such a higher awareness of where your limbs are. A misplaced hand here or there may still work in an image with clothing, but ruins a nude photograph. You can even hide limbs with clothing or accessories like handbags or some other prop the model can play off of. When posing nude, you don’t have that luxury. You have to play off of the space itself, be aware of the light’s position, and pay attention to your entire body. Plus hair and other anatomical parts for the women. It’s a skill not every one has and takes time to get better at. Not to mention, most people are uncomfortable posing nude altogether. It isn’t for the shy, prudish, or faint of heart.

A big thank you to Nici, who has helped me grow as an artist every time we’ve worked together.

Closing thoughts at the end of this post. Hope you enjoy this series!

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PHOTOGRAPHS

Model: Nici @rici.pic
Studio: Kuuz Studio kuuz.studio_kosire
Location: Prague, Czech Republic

ALL IMAGES SHOT ON THE SONY A7RV + SONY FE 85MM f/1.4 GM II AND SONY FE 28-70 f/2 GM LENS

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IN CLOSING

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Whenever I do shoots like this, I end up with thousands of images. These sessions last about 2-3 hours and I’m shooting nonstop. I’m not a spray and pray type of shooter, but when you work with such a great model, they’ll give you so many amazing opportunities to capture a great photograph, it makes sense I tend to shoot more than normal. This series is just a small sample from our shoot. There are many other images that work as either a series or as a one-shot, so I’ll be sharing those over time as well. It’s great to have options.

Equipment wise, I went with my trusty Sony A7RV, the new Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II (My favorite 85mm lens of all time), and the Sony 28-70 f/2 GM. The 28-70 is a beast of a lens, but I prefer its improved light gathering capability, sharpness, and character over the standard 24-70. The new 85mm is fantastic. So sharp and detailed with such a perfect rendering of faces. It is by far my favorite 85mm lens and one that stays in my kit for all shoots. I can do practically all my work with this trio of lenses. I’ve been so enamored with Sony’s lens offerings lately that I’ve sold all my third-party glass. I’m all in with Sony these days and I feel my creative life has been easier and more peaceful as a result.

I’ll be back in Prague next month and will probably shoot with Nici again. She’s essentially my muse there so you’ll be seeing a lot of shoots with her going forward.

Thank you again to Nici and Studio Kuuz. You bring out my best!

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