Lauren Jonas

Editor, Office Operations http://charlestonweddingphotography.com/ @joanponeFacebook
My name is Lauren Jonas and I am a wedding photographer based in Charleston, SC. I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2009 with a BFA in Studio Art and Photography. Originally I started out studying Graphic Design but quickly switched over to Photography. I realized that having a degree in Photography still doesn't qualify you as a professional photographer. After moving to Charleston in 2010, I became friends with Patrick and Lee. Here at Fstoppers, my title is "office manager" but I do a little bit of everything. Feel free to email me at Lauren@fstoppers.com with any questions you may have.

[Editorial] If You Don’t Own It, Why Not Rent It?

As a photographer just starting my own wedding photography business, I quickly realized how much pro gear really costs. I don’t shoot often enough to afford all of the gear that I need but when I do have a shoot, I like to use professional gear and I like to have backups in case something breaks (especially for weddings). For those of you who are just getting started like me, or those of you who need specialty equipment, you may want to consider renting gear. [more]

[BTSV] A Wedding Deconstructed

You may remember R.J. Kern and Amanda Tipton from a shoot we featured on here before – well they’re at it again and this one is pretty awesome too. Using the PhaseOne 645Df camera and the Capture Pilot w/Camera Control photo app they got some really cool images. They had the models lay flat on a white seamless background while they shot a typical wedding day in a 2D approach. To see more images click here.

[BTS Video] Abandoned State Mental Hospital Shoot

Photographer, Michael J Moore was granted access to a creepy and abandoned state mental hospital for this fashion shoot. He used a combination of lighting setups but mainly, the Phase One 645DF camera with a Profoto 8A 2400W and various Profoto strobes. With all three different lighting set ups, Michael did a great job at capturing that Vanity Fair-esque look that we all know so well.

[BTSV] Photoshoot With Hockey Legend Trevor Linden

Photographer Dave Hamilton takes us behind the scenes on his latest shoot with hockey legend, Trevor Linden. This video is very informative and well produced – including a lighting diagram for each of the different setups. Aiming to get that perfect cover shot for Vancouver View Magazine’s April 2012 issue, Dave was able to get some nice shots using his Canon 5D Mark II.

[BTS Video] Take A Walk Down Memory Lane

If you grew up during the late 1980s through early 1990s, then you can remember the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Using a combination of action figures, about 60 hand-drawn backdrops, and over 4,000 individual images, director Kyle Roberts pays tribute to this classic cartoon with a stop motion animation. This is one you won’t want to miss. [more]

[DIY Video] Fix Your Lens Hood With Peanut Butter

In this oh so clever DIY video by Casey Neistat, he shows us how he fashioned a replacement lens hood on his Sigma lens by re-using the cap from a peanut butter jar. I’m sure that this method wouldn’t work with every lens but if you ever get into a situation like this and need a quick fix, this video just might come in handy.

[BTS Video] This Short Film Will Blow Your Mind

Shot with the Red MX Camera, director Andrew Huang created this incredible short film about the gaps between people and the way those gaps are filled. Solipsist is the antithesis of human connection. This video had me glued as the models swayed back and forth in a Yin & Yang fashion, often times co-creating each other. [more]

[BTS Video] Tips On Using Natural Light And Strobes

In this behind the scenes video, Jay P Morgan shows us how he combined natural light and strobes to get that perfect shot while on location. First, he starts by determining where the sun is going to set on the horizon by using the very handy iPhone app, Sunseeker. For this project, he was shooting stills as well as video, which can get a bit tricky. Using a Kessler Crane he was able to get the video shots just before sunset. After the sun started setting he pulled out the strobe lighting; two Hensel Porty L 1200 kits. If you enjoy this video be sure to check out some of his other videos here.

[Video] Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend, Stunning Commercial

It goes without saying that besides the Superbowl commercials, we can pretty much expect the same run of the mill advertisements. Whether it’s cartoon bears with toilet paper stuck to their butts, or of babies talking like grown adults, this commercial really blew them all out of the water. Advertising film director, Bruno Aveillan, (along with a crew of about 50 people) spent two years putting together this epic 3.5 minute journey celebrating the 160 year history of luxury jeweler, Cartier[more]

[BTS Video] Flour Explosion With A Bit Of Post Production

By using flour and hot cocoa powder, Photographer Don Horne was able to capture some really stunning images. How did he do it? The idea behind his shoot was to shoot a model while having flour and cocoa powder tossed in her face – thus the explosion effect. Set in a studio, Don had an Alienbee B800 in a medium softbox sitting camera left, a Nikon SB800 shooting into an umbrella acting as a rim light and finally, a large white reflector camera right to fill in the shadows.  [more]

[Video] 90-Minute Richard Avedon Series

This is a series of videos that make up a fascinating 90-minute documentary about the great Richard Avedon. It’s called “Richard Avedon: Darkness and Light,” and first aired back in 1995 as part of the American Masters Series. If you’re like me, you could spend hours watching things like this. [more]

[Contest] Enter To Win A Nikon D3x Camera

Hey guys! Creative Motion Design is in their final month of the Nikon D3x Camera giveaway which means you’ve still got a chance to enter and win big! All you have to do is log onto Creative Motion Design’s Facebook page and enter an image that correlates with this month’s theme, “water”. If you win March’s theme, you’ll automatically be entered into the final contest to win a Nikon D3x. [more]

[Gear] Pre-order The Canon 5D Mark III NOW!

Hey Guys! Hopefully you’ve been saving up because the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is now available for pre-order at BH Photo, Adorama and Amazon! If you’re still on the fence, read all about the specs in our previous post here.

[BH Photo] [Amazon] [Adorama]

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