First Place Winner: Jason Lee Parry
Born in Portland, Oregon, currently living in Los Angeles, 29-year-old Jason Lee Parry is a self-taught photographer who has been taking pictures since he was a teenager shooting his skateboarding friends. As his interest in photography grew, he moved into the professional world, specializing in high-fashion subjects.
Jason regards himself as an artist with an authentic, natural style that offers something different to the world. His photographs are inspired by day-to-day life and his favorite kind of photograph to take is one in which the simplicity of the subject is beautiful as-is. He doesn’t follow trends because he finds they limit his individual expression. Instead, he shoots from a deep intuition that connects the people he works with to his vision. Jason states, “There is nothing better as a photographer than the moment when your energy merges with the energy of your model.”
Jason is available for hire. He can be contacted at 503.888.4535 or via email at jasonleeparryphotography@gmail.com
Second Place Winner: Amber Mortensen
32-year-old Amber Mortensen recently spent more than seven years in beautiful Vancouver, BC, but moved back to her hometown of Sacramento, California in 2007. Next year she hopes to have no fixed address and trot as much of the globe as she can. Though she considers herself an amateur photographer, Amber hopes to put her prize money toward a good camera and see what comes of it!
Amber’s first love is fashion. She started a blog, PainfullyHip.com (Fashion-Forward Finds for the Weak of Wallet) a couple of years ago. It’s all about giving vintage clothing a modern edge. Via the blog, she gained many amazing contacts from the fashion industry. So far, they've come together to create 6 beautiful photography collaborations based on diverse influences like film noir, 80s couture, Stevie Nicks and the Circus. Amber had chosen a professional photographer for this shoot, but the photographer was not feeling well and her camera's battery had given up the ghost. It was an incredibly hot day and the crew had been preparing all week, so Amber ended up taking over the photography with her Kodak point and shoot! Models Jillian and Liz were troopers, posing with a stunning white stallion and an amazing junked truck that made a perfect backdrop. They got the winning shot at the very end of the day. Amber did all the editing and post production on her laptop.
Amber is available for wardrobe styling and photo editing positions. She does everything from high fashion photo shoots to personal closet makeovers. Check out her blog at www.painfullyhip.com for more info. She can be reached at painfullyhip@gmail.com.
Second Place Winner: Patrick Carruthers
25-year-old Patrick Carruthers was born and raised in southern California where he has been a semi-professional photographer for six years. He started taking photography seriously at Chaffey College, shooting black & white with a medium format camera, and then eventually moving to digital.
For his award-winning photo, Patrick collaborated with a stylist/friend from Orange County. They had an idea for a fashion shoot involving velvet chairs in an outdoor location. After several attempts to shoot were rained out, they finally got lucky with a dry day and gorgeous clouds looming in the background. Patrick says he usually doesn’t have a master plan when shooting. He just gets started and works with the ideas that pop into his head, confident that he has the skills to create a great photo in the moment. He specializes in portraiture and he reaches to create images with the broadest possible appeal.
Patrick suggests you view his work at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninja_vanish and leave a million comments. He is available for commercial work and can be contacted through his website PatrickC.carbonmade.com
Third Place Winner: Teresa Klostermann
Teresa Klostermann, aka Teresa K., was raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Sacramento, California in 1997. The 35-year-old mother of two has been seriously involved in photography since 2006 when she purchased her first DSLR. A lifelong fan of the arts, she considered herself to have a good eye, but was never personally creative. That all changed when she picked up her camera. She was instantly addicted and photography became her all-consuming passion. Teresa shoots professionally and strives for clean, well-balanced, distraction free images that highlight the subject.
She always has a concept in mind when she shoots, but finds that sometimes the best images are unscripted. Her winning image of Alex was a perfect example. Working on a commission where the model was busy getting her hair and make-up done for the session, Teresa spotted Alex who was along for the ride with the hairstylist. Never one to let a photographic opportunity pass her by, she decided to get some warm-up shots of Alex while they waited for the model. Alex was relaxed and a natural in front of the camera. It was toward the end of the day, the light was beautiful and everything fell into place. So far, Teresa’s photographic journey has been the same way.
You can see more of Teresa Klostermann’s work at www.teresakphotography.com. Check out her blog for the latest news at www.teresakphotography.blogspot.com.
Third Place Winner: Alex Thamer
Alex Thamer is a 38-year-old self taught photographer, currently living in Silver Lake, CA. Alex is an experienced semi-professional who is looking to expand. He’s done photojournalism, event photography, portraits and weddings, as well as his current favorite, fashion photography.
Alex was excited to enter Crossroads’ contest to have a chance to work with a group of eager collaborators. His main preparation for the shoot was to find the right location to contrast with the clothes and models. He had a vision of what he wanted the photo to look like and the day of the shoot everything was planned out and ready to go. Alex used to think great pictures only happened by chance. But now what gives this photographer the most satisfaction is realizing his vision, making a plan, designing a shot and executing it.
Alex’s favorite photograph to take is one that perfectly captures a moment in time. “To capture the decisive moment” as Henri Cartier-Bresson said, “is magical.” Beauty fascinates him and to portray it in all its forms--whether it's the beauty of a child, a young woman, or the face of someone who has seen it all--gives him a sense of pride. Thamer notes, “There is beauty everywhere, you just have to train yourself to be able to see it.”
Alex does commercial photography and is available for hire. He can be reached at alexone12002@yahoo.com and you can see more of his work at http://www.flickr.com/photos/acthamer
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