It’s Flower Season Once Again!

05.14.19

Incredible spring flowers

Photographing flowers is a joyful, personal use of my professional skillset

For 35 years I’ve made my living from photography, mostly portraits of people for business – executive portraits and the like – plus the products they sell or the manufacturing they do. In the greater Baltimore and Washington DC region, those products are primarily fine foods and fine jewelry. Of course, there have also been lots of family portraits and weddings across the years, but the mainstay of my business has always been commercial and advertising photography. Much of what I photograph gets shown here or in my galleries (see “Portfolio” above), but not all. Some of it is proprietary, some of it is essential but not exciting, and some of the assignments may look a little too similar.

A riot of spring color

On this blog site I have occasionally shown work I do for my personal enjoyment as well. This post is one of those.
My daughter has created a business – the Petal Patch Flower Farm – centered upon, yes, farming. Specifically, farming responsibly, organically and sustainably grown flowers. I have been absolutely captivated by their beauty, so once a week I spend a portion of Sundays in the market season at her booth in Frederick at the City Market, photographing her gorgeous blooms. I haven’t yet visited her Saturday Market in Leesburg, VA., but plan to do so.

Floral colors extraordinaire

Considering that Julianne grew up in a small rural community riding the horses we were surrounded by, I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that she has turned farmer, but I really didn’t see it coming. The results are certainly worth it!

The farmer daughter

On Sundays, instead of jewelry or fine foods, you can find me hanging out with and photographing flowers. It’s not a bad way to spend time with my daughter, either!!

Jeff Behm Photography is a Frederick, MD. based commercial and advertising photographer, specializing in jewelry, food, headshots and executive portraiture. To reach Jeff, please call 724-730-8513 or email jeff@jeffbehm.com

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Playing with my food…photography

04.22.19

A large cluster of Rosé wines arranged like a flower, on white

Rosé rose.

Rosé rose. A little whimsy, a little wine, imagination and a little time.

Three Rosé wines in conventional arrangements, on white

As the client expected

Photography of products for online sales, or e-commerce, is a large part of what I do in my business, and have for 3 decades, plus. Not so long ago, the bulk of my commercial photography was for print media – magazines ads, product packaging, trade shows, etc. Today, by far, most of it is for e-commerce, meaning websites and pop-ups. The current trend in e-commerce photographs is the product on a white field, like these, below.

When I can, I like to play around in my mind with the “what ifs?”. What if we did this, or changed that? How can we use what we’ve been asked to create and attract more attention?

So, an idea like the first image, above, starts out as the client has requested it, sort of like the screen grab, immediately above. Then that gets expanded upon, like these below.

Three Rosé wines in unusual arrangements

As the experimentation begins

It may be odd to think of food photography in this vein, but this certainly is one aspect of it. Of course, the nature of the product helps determine what kind of photography is most appropriate. A lot of food looks more appetizing slightly warm-toned, so the proper setting is important. A clean white background may be too “cold” for the best overall rendering, unless the food has a packaging advantage, like wines do.

A wine bottle against a white background looks clean, crisp, pleasing. A hamburger, or even a beer, might be less appealing photographed in this way.

Photographed for the wine catalog

Rich chocolate cake, a maraschino cherry, a fork and colorful plates

Chocolate Cake With a Cherry on Top

It’s important to differentiate how best to increase the eye appeal for every product we photograph. We want you to be successful using the images we create for you.

Waffle cones with vanilla and strawberry ice cream on product box

Product photos for Joy Cones

Mint Julep on tray and window light behind

The Perfect Mint Julep

Strawberry iced cupcake with sugar flower decoration in party setting

Gorgeous Gourmet Cupcake

Lobster tail, filet mignon, asparagus and potatoes in outdoor setting

Surf ‘n’ Turf, Shoreside

Red velvet cupcake with butter cream icing on white

Delicious Red Velvet Cupcake

Sometimes, whimsy takes over….and magic happens

Juxtaposition of the sweets we eat versus the veggies we do not

What? Me Diet?

Arrangement of bottles of wine in a floral configuration, on white

How far can we take it?

Lest we forget – our Rosé rose…

…or marshmallow bunnies, taking over the world…

Whatever you need, from reality to whimsy, call us at Jeff Behm Photography. When only the best will do, we can exceed your need.

We are located in Frederick MD, but travel wherever needed. You can call 724-730-8513 or email jeff@jeffbehm.com We’d love to serve you, too.

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Happy New Year 2019!!

12.31.18

I tried to make this post a couple of days ago, but for some reason was unable to access WordPress (totally clueless as to why now, but not then). So I apologize to those who read this on Facebook first, only to see it repeat here. Hey, I’m adding an extra photo!

Loving photography and doing it for a living has certain traps, such as after a while not taking a camera to family events as often, because it feels like working when we’d rather socialize. Or, being so busy with our photography at work that we lose the motivation to go out and create an image for fun.

I don’t know what happened last night. Maybe it was all that coffee at a late dinner with friends, or inspiration arising out of the fog that had settled over the region, giving every light a halo effect. But whatever it was, I’m glad I acted on the thought, because downtown Frederick was absolutely bustling with cars and early New Year revelers, the seasonal tree lights were aglow and this city I call home was totally alive at midnight.

Not being a fool with a death wish, I did wear a reflective safety vest like the highway workers. After all, I was standing in or very near the road in order to get the perspectives I sought.

Ironically, the fog downtown had pretty much lifted by the time I got there with camera gear, while it had intensified out on the edge of town, where I live. So much so, that on the drive home it was nearly impossible to see landmarks such as fully illuminated gas stations until I was right on them. Still, it was a good time, and I’m glad I made the effort.

Jeff Behm Photography specializes in commercial and advertising photography, especially for food and jewelry. Located in Frederick, MD, our principal area served is the greater Washington-Baltimore-Frederick triangle. Call us at 724-8513 or email jeff@jeffbehm.com to learn how we can assist you.

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Food Photography, from Soup to Nuts (well, truffles)

10.15.18

Food photography - Amazing steak on bronze plate by Jeff Behm Photography in Frederick MD

Filet mignon in butter

Top quality food photography is the culmination of my years of training, plus passion.

As a former restaurant executive, the very best in food quality has always been critical to me. Quality food photography is the culmination of years of training and passion. “People buy with their eyes” has never been more true than it is when we’re talking bout food.

From food packaging to print and magazine ads, from cocktails and appetizers to entrees and desserts, if you need a food photographer….call Jeff Behm Photography. Put our team of expert photographer, stylists, and lighting professionals to work on your photographic needs for food and ambiance. 724-730-8513 or email jeff@jeffbehm.com

BBQ ribs food photography by Jeff Behm Photo Studio, serving Baltimore, Maryland, Northern Virginia and DC

Delicious BBQ ribs Kansas City style

When you’re looking for top quality food photography, look at the photographer’s portfolio. Does the food look appetizing? Does it look real?

Food photography of Ahi tuna with eggs tomato and peppers by Jeff Behm

A different tuna salad

If it’s true that people buy with their eyes, make sure your food photographer creates and captures that eye appeal.

Diver's scallops and dumplings by Jeff Behm Photography

Extraordinary Diver’s Scallops

Food photography of duck breast and pâté by Jeff Behm of Frederick MD

Incredible duck breast and pâté with cracked peppercorns

Mint julep with lime by food photographer Jeff Behm of Frederick MD

Summer julep

Pastrami in baguette by Food Photographer Jeff Behm

Incredible Pastrami sandwich by Jeff Behm food photography

Food photography - cheese cakes by Jeff Behm Photography Frederick MD

Overhead view of assorted delicious cheesecakes

Food Photography Ice cream cones for Joy Cones product packaging by Jeff Behm of Frederick

Product packaging photo of waffle cones by Jeff Behm Photography

Food photography of wines for restaurants by Jeff Behm Photography, Frederick

Wines to enhance the dining experience

Assorted of chocolate truffles - Food photography by Jeff Behm

Chocolate Truffle delight

Chocolate truffle solo by Jeff Behm Photography, Frederick MD

Single Chocolate Truffle

Incredible desert photo by photographer Jeff Behm

Bread pudding and toasted marshmallow with ice cream by Jeff Behm Photography

Chocolate cupcake with butter cream icing by Jeff Behm Photography

Gourmet Cupcakes – the perfect party specialty

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So you say you need jewelry photography

10.11.18

It never seems to change. I love photographing beautiful jewelry. Don’t ask why, I haven’t any special or insightful answer. It’s not like I wear anything but a wrist watch myself – one of four that I rotate – but that’s no biggie.

Top jewelry photography for your advertising on white for e-commerce

High end precious gem jewelry in gold and silver

I think it has to do with art. Actually with Art, capital “A”. Somewhere back in time, someone first learned to hammer on certain precious metals and form them as decorations, probably for a loved one or for their local ‘royalty’. Further on, another experimenter learned you could melt the softer metals and create even more diverse designs, turning the making of decorations into an art form that rivals the finest painters and sculptors – especially sculptors. Because these little gems are, to me, sculpture in miniature.

Best photographer for top quality jewelry on white, gray, black and other sets

Silver and gold rings, pendants and earrings with diamonds and precious gems

Eventually, of course, someone added a stone, probably any stone at first. Then a special stone. Then a rare stone, and so on until we arrived where we are today, with CAD designs and lasers and all kinds of combinations.

First quality photography of high end jewelry on white

Magnificent rings, earrings, broaches, bracelets and pendants

Bottom line, it’s always about the exquisite beauty that results.

Getting to this point started with King’s Jewelry, a chain headquartered in New Castle, PA. Their home office was adjacent to what was then my 22,000 sq. ft. commercial studio. One day they asked if I could photograph some necklaces they planned to market for an upcoming holiday, I think it was Valentine’s Day. I said “Yes” and started what is now a specialty, photographing jewelry. (Although I seem to recall I had to rephotograph that first effort to get it the way they wanted it.) Thirty years later, I’m in Frederick, MD., and jewelry photography is a specialty I perform for jewelers up and down the East Coast. Here at Jeff Behm Photography, we’d be glad to help you with yours.

As the title says, “So you say you need jewelry photography”. If that’s the case, call me at 724-730-8513 or email jeff@jeffbehm.com. Allow 3 decades of professional photographic experience to go to work on your miniature sculptures in metal and stone.

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