Jay Watson Photography

Tearsheet | Editorial portrait of hip hop artist A.B.S in XXL Magazine.

The hip hop music and entertainment magazine XXL Mag got in touch for a piece on Philly born rapper Chris “A.B.S.” Schaefer in San Francisco. He was the winner of a rap battle sponsored by Corona, so XXL assigned me to photograph A.B.S for a full page feature. Ahh….. the full page editorial portrait. This is the holy grail of editorial photography and a highly coveted space for any portrait photographer. God bless print.

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Portrait of A.B.S. | XXL Magazine. My version of the final image.

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A.B.S. on location in San Francisco, CA. Not knowing if the feature would be a single page or a double page spread, we shot the location options in both landscape and portrait formats.

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Portraits and outtakes of hip hop artist A.B.S. from the studio set up.

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BTS. A behind the scenes shot of the location set up. Yeah we were working right next to a live train line, and we were trespassing. So what. It’s for hip hop.

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BTS. A behind the scenes shot of the “studio” set up.

There is no smoke and mirrors here. The photo editor asked for a location scene plus a studio shot. Taking the studio to the location was done for one reason only. It saved time. Some of the best things about this shoot included getting kicked off the train tracks by the transit police, and getting to meet Chris “A.B.S.” Schaefer. He’s solid. We share an East Coast connection, respect for old school rhymes, and love for Allen Iverson. Plus I dig his music.

Check out A.B.S.
www.absmusic.net
Twitter/ihateABS
Facebook/ABSmusic
Youtube/skullneckrecords

Here is the Palatov D4 race car designed by Dennis Palatov being track tested at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Ca. One goal for this outing was to compare the results against a race simulator by Simraceway. These are some of the images which ran in the British car magazine EVO, and in Sympatico Autos (Canada). Above is Brian Makse, an auto racer and automotive journalist driving the Palatov D4. Makse lives a life of constant travel test driving new production models and exotics for various publications. Tough life huh? One of the highlights of this job was shooting on the track from the back of an open SUV while the Palatov zigzagged alongside. It was just an SUV, but the driver was a racing instructor who knows the course inside and out.

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Brian Makse with his GoPro helmet cam at Infineon Raceway. At one point there were more cameras mounted to the Palatov than tires.

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Auto racing expert and journalist Leo Parente was also called in to get behind the wheel of the Palatov. Leo provides great insight with is knowledge of racing. It was fun to watch him play back his video clips from the car mounted cameras. He was a kid in a candy store. Racing heads might appreciate the full report of the Palatov D4 on Leo Parenete’s YouTube channel. Some of my photo gear shows up in the background on a few clips.

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Behind the scenes of Brian Makse at the wheel and my Nikon DSLR with a wide angle lens double suction cup mounted to the Palatov. Image shot with my iPhone.

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Results from the DSLR suction cup mounted to the Palatov body. Shooting with in-camera blur (panning) is risky. It takes multiple attempts which is not always possible while on assignment. With too much blur the driver and car will blur into the background. Too little blur causes the car to look like it is parked which is the opposite goal of auto racing! This image was triggered with the in-camera intervalometer set to fire every 2 seconds. That gave me coverage of the entire course and allowed me to pick the best lighting/background combo later when behind the computer.

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Here’s Brian Makse heading out for a lap via my Nikon DSLR. This image was processed through both the Snapseed iPhone app and Photoshop. Just because and just to experiment.

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The Palatov D4 race car shot in the studio after it’s track session. Dennis Palatov is an amazing designer.

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Under the shell of the Palatov race car. Two D4 models were brought down from Seattle just for this special closed day at the track.

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Behind the scenes set up for the car studio shots. 8 lights and 2 power packs, 13-14 light stands. A new technique for shooting cars has involved walking around the set and hitting each wheel with a gridded strobe while the camera is on a tripod. The images are then combined in Photoshop. It saves time on the set and reduces the amount of equipment needed.

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Opening tearsheet spread in EVO Magazine, a British performance car publication.

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Center tearsheet spread in EVO Magazine.

In print this month for the French magazine Science et vie is my editorial portrait of Dr. Jay Lalezari (Dr. Jacob P. Lalezari) of Quest Clinical Research in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Lalezari is working on a very promising HIV treatment that involves genetically engineered human cells that are resistant to the invasion of the virus that causes AIDS. He’s blazing some trails indeed.

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Dr. Jay Lalezari of San Francisco, CA for the French Magazine Science et vie.

A lesson learned from this shoot: The window of opportunity to shoot Dr. Lalezari was very narrow. We had less than an hour before he had to catch a flight at SFO and within that window he was busy. Shooting inside his office was a good start (obvious choice), but it didn’t yield a heroic portrait and it wasted a little bit of time. The roof top was our second option. The images from that set up were decent and very usable, but they still didn’t grab the attention that I felt Dr. Lalezari deserved. Time was running out. But wait! On the way back inside, I noticed the stairwell leading to the roof had some interesting architectural lines. Four minutes later with 1 light, 1 shoot through umbrella, a few test shots, and enough time for only 10 real frames – we get it.

The cool part is that Dr. Lalezari would have been fine with the portraits from the office, yet he saw how those few extra minutes had paid off without making him late. There was never any stress. It worked out and I didn’t cave in on myself just because of the time. That’s a good lesson for all photographers. I love photography, but it’s not rocket science. Getting to photograph people who are able to change the world help make my efforts feel more worth while.

Bucky Lasek

The April issue of The Skateboard Mag ran a double page spread with 16 of my portraits in their editorial section called “Exposed.” They even asked me to write a few words about this ongoing series that includes portraits of both pro and amateur skateboarders. It is short and to the point, but I forgot to mention the obvious. It is with a ridiculous amount of pleasure that I get to do this type of work! The 14 year old kid from Baltimore inside is extremely stoked to have these opportunities and to meet some of these friends. This is not just “photography.” It’s part of my life. These images were photographed in San Jose, Santa Cruz, and Encinitas over the course of 6 different photo sessions. They are a small slice from what I have already shot, and I will try to share more when I can.

Ironically there has been some internal pressure building inside over these portraits. I feel like I owe it to everyone who has been photographed to turn this project into something worthwhile. A book? A gallery show? I am not sure. For now I just want to skate and keep shooting, then figure out what to do later. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.

Duane Peters

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It’s hard to photograph skaters when I’d rather be skating myself, so shooting portrait set ups instead of action has been my way around the problem. This series began with the idea to document skateboarding friends in Nor Cal, but the project unexpectedly evolved into a collection of something bigger. It’s about roots, history, and concrete. Groms and legends. I’m stoked that everyone has been so willing to participate which I attribute to skateboarding’s brotherhood and for the shared love of a grind. People appreciate the admiration that comes with spending even just a few minutes to be photographed. I just want that respect to come out in the photos, or at the very least show a glimpse of what each person’s skating style is like through their portrait.

- Jay Watson

Included in this gallery: Grant Brittain, Bob Burnquist, Steve Caballero, Eddie Elguera, Bennett Harada, Christian Hosoi, Daren Jenkins, Jason Jessee, Bucky Lasek, Keith Meek, Darren Navarrette, Pat Ngoho, Zach Miller, Duane Peters, Dave Swift, Sergie Ventura,

Christian Hosoi

Three facts about these skaters:
1) Duane Peters would make an excellent boy scout leader.
2) The first time I saw Bucky Lasek skate was at a street skate contest at Patterson Park in Baltimore, MD roughly 25 years ago. He won first place. I was disqualified for jumping off the judges table.
3) This is one of the last photos taken of Dave Swift (in the gallery) before he got his front tooth fixed.

A big thanks to Grant Brittain, Steve Potwin, Bucky Lasek, Judi Oyama, and Pineappleluv for the support.

1973 Riviera lowrider. Hayward, CA. Auto Cult Magazine

In a few months the second issue of Auto Cult Magazine will be released. Inside will be an editorial feature on the Royal Jokers Car Club that I photographed. We shot each car with it’s owner at different spots in Hayward, CA – a great town for shooting lowriders and customs. The ride above is RJ’s 1973 Riviera and lit with 3 strobes at dusk. The photo does not do the paint justice. The Jokers don’t clown around when it comes to paint.

One of the things I’m most looking forward to seeing is Patrick Cheatham’s 360 spherical panoramas of the Royal Jokers for Auto Cult’s website. It looks like a nice way to blend photography into interactive pieces for online publications or editorial websites. Big thanks to Jokers RJ, Javier, Jimmy, Carlos, Ben, Jose, and Freddy. I also want to thank the town of Hayward for staying inside to watch the super bowl. That allowed us to shoot at several spots without getting noticed or kicked out. Thanks!

A portrait series of surfers from Santa Cruz, CA photographed for the book titled Cold Water Souls by author Chris Nelson. Outtakes, selections, and archives on Northern California surfing below.

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Zach Wormhoudt, Santa Cruz, CA. Cold Water Souls

Zach Wormhoudt represents Santa Cruz well. His father Ken Wormhoudt, built the legendary Derby skatepark in 1976 that has been featured in classic skate videos and magazines. The park still stands today as a mecca for skaters visiting Santa Cruz and is a landmark to local residents.  Zach is also a humble and well respected surfer in the lineup at Mavericks and has won a Billabong XXL Award for the biggest paddle-in wave one winter.

California skate culture owes a big thanks to the Wormhoudt family. Not just for Derby but for all of the amazing skateparks Wormhoudt Inc has built up and down the state. It has made a huge impact in the lives of skaters young and old with me being one of them. I’ve worn out plenty of shoes, gone through numerous decks and wheels, and had some great times with friends riding these parks. So what do you do when you get to photograph a person who has played a role in your life by building bowls and pools that you previously only dreamed about? You come with gifts, a handshake, and gratitude.

click to enlargeZach Wormhoudt surfing Mavericks Half Moon Bay, CA. Cold Water Souls

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Cold Water Souls, by UK author Chris Nelson is NOW available at select book shops, surf shops, and on Amazon.com

update:
Cold Water Souls (1 of 4)
Cold Water Souls (2 of 4)
Cold Water Souls (3 of 4)

A portrait series of surfers from Santa Cruz, CA photographed for the book titled Cold Water Souls by author Chris Nelson. Outtakes, selections, and archives on Northern California surfing below.

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California surfer Richard Schmidt

Richard Schmidt has been a dedicated big wave surfer, competitor, professional, and surf instructor for decades. Though most of his time now is focused on his surfing school in Santa Cruz, Richard was a regular in the line up at the North Shore every winter for 15 years. A multi year invitee at the Eddie, many people are not aware of Richard’s role in the history of Mavericks. He too was one of the early pioneers along with Jeff Clark who helped figure out how Half Moon Bay’s behemoth could be ridden. I have a deep respect for Richard and his presence commands attention. This comes from either his heroic stature among Santa Cruz locals or from his reputation and list of accomplishments. However I like to think it comes from his quiet manner that gradually diffuses any preconceived ideas that go along with a legendary status. That to me is cooler than charging monsters and slaying giants.

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Sunrise over Cowells. Santa Cruz, CA

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Cold Water Souls, by UK author Chris Nelson will be published world-wide January 25, 2011. It will be available at select book shops, surf shops, and on Amazon.com

update:
Cold Water Souls (1 of 4)
Cold Water Souls (2 of 4)
Cold Water Souls (4 of 4)

A portrait series of surfers from Santa Cruz, CA photographed for the book titled Cold Water Souls by Chris Nelson. Outtakes, selections, and archives on Northern California surfing below.

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John Hunter is one of the product designers at O’Neill Wetsuits. In fact he created the exact same wetsuit that I use – the O’Neill Mutant. For that same reason, I can say that John has made a significant contribution to not just me but to many other surfers. He makes the cold stuff much more tolerable. John is extremely dedicated to his job, his love of surfing, his love for Santa Cruz, and he has an insane quiver that I am dying to see.

The O’Neill R&D department is old school and legit! It consists of the Pacific Ocean right in their own back yard. Non surfers see a wetsuit as a weird neoprene monkey suit, but once someone points out all the features they’ll be surprised at how much technology is used just to provide warmth and freedom of movement to surfers. As for genius product design, take a look at the Zen Zip on the O’Neill Psycho wetsuit – yup another Hunter design.

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Darryl “Flea” Virostko at Mavericks in Half Moon Bay, CA.

Darryl Virostko is a cold water legend. I have not had the privilege of meeting him, but will hopefully someday get the chance. This cat has definitely lived an epic life. There have been some injuries and demons, but the three time winner of Mavericks should never be counted out as long as he is in the line up. This image of Flea was taken at the 2010 Mavericks contest. He took a terrible spill in the first heat, but here he is in the first heat of the semi finals with a few tricks up his sleeve.

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Cold Water Souls, by UK author Chris Nelson will be published world-wide January 25, 2011. It will be available at select book shops, surf shops, and on Amazon.com

update:
Cold Water Souls (1 of 4)
Cold Water Souls (3 of 4)
Cold Water Souls (4 of 4)

I was commissioned by a publisher in the UK to shoot a few portraits of surfers from Santa Cruz, CA for a book titled Cold Water Souls. The publisher also ran a few images from my archive of surfing spots in Northern California including Capitola, Santa Cruz, and the biggest monster of them all – Mavericks!

Cold Water Souls will be published world-wide January 25, 2011 and will be available at select book shops, surf shops, and on Amazon.com

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Outtake from Cold Water Souls. Steamer Lane. Santa Cruz, CA

from www.coldwatersouls.com:
Cold Water Souls: In Search of Surfing’s Cold Water Pioneers is the ultimate journey of discovery. It has seen author Chris Nelson embark on an epic exploration of surfing’s most frigid outposts to track down those pioneering souls who call the world’s coldest and least hospitable line ups ‘home’. From Iceland, Thurso and Hokkaido to Nova Scotia, Alaska and beyond he has journeyed into the heart of surf culture to tell the story of each destination through its surf community, exploring how the landscape and harsh environments have shaped their lifestyles and surfing experiences. Never before seen archive images and photography contributed by some of the world’s leading surf and documentary lensemen, including Brian Nevins, Jeremy Koreski, Jay Watson, Nick LaVecchia, Richie Hopson and Tim Nunn help capture the essence of these regions. In celebrating this underground seam in surfing’s rich culture, Cold Water Souls goes to the very boundaries of modern surfing, exploring waveriding’s final frontiers thorough fresh perspectives and stunning imagery.

British author Chris Nelson was recently interviewed in Huck Magazine. He surfs all the cold stuff and has published several travel books on surfing in Europe. Too bad I didn’t get to shoot Chris or the bearded Wayne Vliet from Vancouver Island. Thanks to Chris and Demi for the gig.

Over the next few days, I will be posting more images and outtakes I shot for the book.

update:
Cold Water Souls (2 of 4)
Cold Water Souls (3 of 4)
Cold Water Souls (4 of 4)

Below is an editorial portrait of biologist Janine Benyus for Future Magazine, a Swedish publication about engineering. Photographed at the UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens, Janine Benyus is a founder of the Biomimicry Guild which specializes in finding solutions to modern design problems by studying answers that exist in nature. She has worked with the automotive industry by experimenting with paint finishes that perform like a leaf that washes itself with the help of raindrops. In our conversation on the day of the shoot Janine told me about wrapping synthetic fabrics over buildings to improve the efficiency of the building’s heating and insulation. Imagine walking into a building with cloth fabric on the outside! This is very interesting and powerful science. Maybe Janine can find a solution to the BP oil spill in the Gulf. She is a getting a lot of attention for her research and these photos were also published this month by the French science and technology magazine Science & Vie. Big ups to the Euros for sending me some gigs in San Francisco!

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