Commercial, Fashion works of: Jeff DeHaven

GlamModelz.com Magazine would like to extend a warm and hardy welcome to Jeff of DeHaven Digital Photography as one of our newest Contributing Photographers. Jeff, from Littleton, Colorado is available for commercial, fashion, portraiture, pinup and glamour projects. Jeff’s work inspires us with his unique, creative eye for beauty, fashion, glamour and his awe inspiring talent in lighting. GlamModelz.com Magazine is proud and honored to have him on the team and we look forward to his creative style adding to our own.

GlamModelz Magazine: Let’s get started! Tell me about your background…how did you get started in Photography?
Jeff DeHaven: I am what you might consider a “late bloomer” in the realm of photography. I started out at an early age in the broadcasting and television business; moved into video editing, then onto computer animation, and recently photography. As a whole I have always had an interest in visual arts. Through chance and networking, I stumbled into a large scale glamour shoot for a local bar that wanted a calendar produced featuring their waitresses. I have been shooting ever since. It has become a passion, an obsession, and I am driven to improve with every day and every shoot.

GlamModelz Magazine: Why Glamour, Beauty? What other genre’s and styles interest you?
Jeff DeHaven: Glamour, Beauty, Fashion are all genres that connect the viewer and model in a very visceral and uniquely intimate way. It is a moment in time, a capture of pure beauty that is stopped and preserved by the image–using techniques that our eyes would never process–the high intensity of studio lighting enhancing skin tone or the reflection of sunlight outdoors for fill light. “The tricks of the trade” to create that perfect moment in time and the end results from this creative exercise are very fulfilling to me. Getting that perfect capture of a beautiful model is a collaboration that creates art that I am proud to display, and one that the model can share in as well.

I enjoy a large spectrum of photography styles and genres, particularly macro and HDR (high dynamic range) landscape photography.

Macro photography is a joy, as you create images that bring the smallest details or elements and make them larger than life. Seeing the pollen particles on a flower, or the tiny hooks on a Praying Mantis’ arms, or a more recent obsession: water droplets- capturing the moment of impact.

HDR landscape photography creates powerfully toned images that represent a full spectrum of exposure that would otherwise be impossible in a single capture. It is a combination of several exposures (image captures) to combine, tonemap and better represent the full gamut of what our eyes can see. For example, when you expose an image for the foreground, and it’s a very sunny day, you may acquire a decent capture, although the sky is blown out to pure white. If you expose that same image for the sky, trying to capture all the cloud details and blue, you will end up with a very dark foreground. However; if you take several exposures (captures), one balanced, the second two stops above and a third image that is two stops below, then combine them into a High Dynamic Range image (HDR) and then tonemap that image for viewing using a program like photomatix,  then you are playing with some fun stuff!

GlamModelz Magazine: What or who inspires you as a photographer?
Jeff DeHaven: My fellow GlamModelz photographers are certainly an inspiration to me. In fact, Dave Davis is largely responsible for the success of my first large scale studio glamour shoot. I am also driven, compelled, obsessed with creating art and imagery that grabs people’s attention. I am fortunate to have friends that have worked in the industry and offer me real critique to help improve my craft.

GlamModelz Magazine: What challenges do you face in this industry? What would you change about it, if you could?
Jeff DeHaven: There is definitely a lot of competition in this industry, as well as technical challenges. There is nothing I could do to change that fact, however I look at these challenges as an opportunity, educational and mental, to improve my work constantly. To rise above the competition and show what a truly driven and passionate individual can accomplish.

GlamModelz Magazine: What equipment is essential for you as a photographer, to capture your “best shot”?
Jeff DeHaven: Good glass and quality lighting is key for me. It doesn’t matter what camera you use, but a sharp lens and proper use of lighting can make or break an image. I happen to use Canon gear, specifically the EOS 5D MkII and all my lenses are all “L” series, which are top of the line for Canon cameras.

GlamModelz Magazine: Paid vs. TF* shoots – What are your views and preferences?
Jeff DeHaven: I am still building a portfolio in glamour and fashion photography, it is a constantly evolving genre, so I will work with models interested in enhancing their portfolio as well. There is a well known saying that if you are good at something, never do it for free- and I do charge for portrait work among many other commercial venues of photography–see my website: www.dehavendigital.com . I can see the value in exchanging my time for quality portfolio pieces as both parties can benefit greatly.

GlamModelz Magazine: How would you best describe your personal style?
Jeff DeHaven: Under construction! I am evolving as I go; not sure how to pin down a particular style, but I tend to enjoy a more vibrant and warm style of image- where the colors are rich, the tones are balanced and the resulting image shows depth.

GlamModelz Magazine: What drives you?
Jeff DeHaven:  My son is my world, a source of inspiration for me to be the best I can. To set an example for him. I am also driven by a passion for excellence, constant improvement.

GlamModelz Magazine: What qualities should Models/MUA’s/Stylists, etc have to work with you?
Jeff DeHaven: Be professional, on-time, ready. Have fun, have a sense of humor, know how to “work it”!  Makeup artists and stylists put in alot of time just like the photographer and model. When everyone is working and doing their part, enjoying themselves, magic and epic images are the result.

GlamModelz Magazine: Tell us about your biggest accomplishment to date or what makes you most proud.
Jeff DeHaven: My career in both Photography and I.T. are all self taught, and I am very proud of my ambitions bearing fruit. I have a strong will and determination to learn and improve, and that is a great source of pride for me. As of 2010 I am a full time photographer, this is my business and profession.

GlamModelz Magazine: What advice do you have for new/amateur photographers who want to shoot glamour?
Jeff DeHaven: Be passionate, dedicated to learning and don’t ever fall into a trap where you think you know more than anyone else. There is always more to learn… about everything. Do research, try tutorials, read the information on Glammodelz.com and other sites or blogs like Strobist.com. Don’t be afraid to try new things or “break the rules”. Use your camera equipment and experiment, defy the light meter every now and then.

GlamModelz Magazine: Any advice for models?
Jeff DeHaven: Use a mirror, work on your poses. Learn to be as expressive as possible, particularly with your eyes. Learn your best angles and use them. Always keep in mind where your lighting is. If you will be doing any glamour photography that exposes skin, do not wear a bra or other constrictive clothing to your shoot as the lines and creases in your skin will take time to wear off.

GlamModelz Magazine: In addition to photography, do you have other skills/interests/talents in which you excel?
Jeff DeHaven: I am very proficient in all areas of Information Technology, this was my main job until switching to photography in 2010.

I have worked in 3D animation, stills, video editing, sound editing, and music. I am also classically trained in Graphic Design, proficient in the entire Adobe creative suite, Quark Xpress, etc…

GlamModelz Magazine: What other interesting facts would you like GlamModelz readers to know about you?
Jeff DeHaven: I once ate 46 pieces of sushi in one sitting, and I am not a big guy. I love sushi. However; I do NOT like monkfish liver, I almost projectile vomited trying that.

Jeff’s Gallery

GlamModelz Magazine: Where can we see more of your work? How can models who wish to shoot with you contact you?

More of my work: You can see more of my work on my website www.dehavendigital.com, my Flickr.com Photostream, or if you would like to see more of my 3D artwork, my DeviantArt page.

To get a hold of me, go to my website and use the contact page.