JJacobs photography

Personal Work: Set 2. Gary Indiana Municipal Building

2012-01-28T16:45:00.004-05:00

This building was one I have scouted before and was littered with boxes of old records and misc rubble to one of the most beautiful decaying staircases I have ever seen. This building is one that I will not forget I hold it up there with one of my favorite locations Ive shot to date. Enjoy.

Personal Work: Set 1. Alfred Beckman Middle School

2012-01-21T16:20:00.002-05:00

I have been photographing abandonment for upwards of three years and counting. Its something that I hold near to my person. I have decided to share these sets to a broader audience so you can see what I shoot in my spare time with I'm not doing client shoots. These are Personal Work. Thank you and Enjoy.

Powers + Brad + Jennifer

2012-01-14T12:17:00.002-05:00

This was my first session of 2012. Bloomgington, IN. It was intended to be a baby session. Powers is a super cute little boy who was a rolling machine but was very cooperative, I was impressed. After a while Brad and Jennifer were thrown into the mix and it ended up being a family session with awesome results. Camera upgrade to a Nikon D700 was a success and so was this session! Im stoked on it. Heres to an awesome year! I know its starting off great so far! Enjoy.

Progress. Growth. Change. Life.

2011-12-22T18:38:00.001-05:00

First let me start by apologizing to those who follow this blog because I haven't updated in a while. I recently picked as a small X-mas gift to myself, an Epson V600 film scanner. I wanted to take a peak at my roots, and let me say this scanner was worth every penny. I was able to see images I haven't seen in 13-14 years.

This got me thinking about where I started. 1997, I was a kid immersed in being Straight Edge, Vegan, and into BMX riding(most of these havent changed). Around this time my life shifted and I spent this time period melancholy. I elected to take Photography 101-102 as an Senior at Northrop High School in Fort Wayne. I knew that I wanted to take photographs but I was really uneducated with the process over all. I had always admired those who carried nice SLR cameras to shows etc. I took the class with little time to acquire a camera of my own. Shortly after I was "loaned" a Minolta X-300 manual focus SLR. Little did I know at the time but the camera came with a 50mm f/1.7 lens and would in a small way pave the way for who I am today.

Through this steps in learning the ins and outs of film photography I had many hiccups in the beginning stages. I failed to load film correctly. I wasn't great at printing via darkroom but I did notice(looking back now) I had a knack for angles and composition, however I couldn't tell you if I knew a thing about lighting and how to make it work to my advantage. I eventually shot everything in Bulb setting and guessing my own shutter speeds and who knows what my aperture was set to. Its these things Im thankful for. I wasnt handed an amazing auto camera, The X-300 has a light leak by the film door. I didnt have "hands on" assistance. I learned through trial and error and I shot what mattered to me foregoing assignments for the joy of shooting, to create. In early 2000 I walked away from photography to pursue other avenues in life but I felt comfortable keeping myself at arms length with a then hobby to now my career(slowly building) and passion.

I am posting these images for a sense of accomplishment in a small way to chart where I am to keep me humble and realize where I started and where I am today. Thank you for reading and enjoying. I wish you all a Happy Holidays.

..And the kid behind the camera...circa 1997

Belinda & Kenny

2011-11-08T15:34:00.002-05:00

I was joyed to shoot this wedding. The location was literally in the middle of no where but on the way I was about to scout a few locations that I could shoot this couple in and I couldn't be more pleased. I few things on this shoot was that I used an assistant and a bare Alien Bee free of modifiers, which was the first time for both but I was about to make everything work in harmony and I'm super excited to get this wedding posted and move on to the next. Thank you again Belinda & Kenny and my assistant for the day Nick Parkurst. Enjoy!

Lily and Jeff.

2011-10-06T16:52:00.002-04:00

Lily contacted me to shoot her wedding and I could'nt have been more pleased with how everything turned out and the amount of mutual friends we all had. The location was down town Fort Wayne, IN so that gave us several locations to use. The only damper on the day was the rain(total pun) however I overcame and when the skies opened up we used the opportunities for outside shots as much and as fast as possible. Im completely stoked on this wedding for sure. Thank you Lily and Jeff and I wish you both mass amounts of happiness.

Thank you and Enjoy your day.

Busy Days and Busy Life

2011-10-03T17:35:00.002-04:00

I now realized that I havent blogged in quite a few weeks. I have been working on the book project slowly. I have been focused on my client work and less personal work. I have recently been teaching at the high school level, students who are working on either photography and or portfolios for senior scholastics. Today I went out to shoot this location I have scouted for quite a while. Days Inn. I hope this blog post finds you well and enjoy. thank you

Jenna Sessions v.4.5

2011-08-23T16:57:00.002-04:00

This session was supposed to happen in the spring when it was still some what jacket weather. I had these ideas for a session, finally getting to use my Vagabond Mini and Im glad we used the ideas this session. Everything came out better than I expected while in the field shooting! Im really pleased. Enjoy.

MIll Life

2011-08-19T17:39:00.002-04:00

While on a mentor session Dave and I came across Adams Mill in early July. We had the opportunity to shoot inside and the things they had set up. A sense of history from that time period. It was actually pretty awesome. I captured more than I thought I would. I hope my mentee Dave got something out of it as well. Ive been sitting on these photographs for a while thinking i wasnt going to do anything with them, however the more I look at them, the more I enjoy them..so why not share. Have an awesome weekend.

Its the day i was born, found in their log books

Only real G's!!

HARVEST

2011-08-02T15:58:00.002-04:00

Harvest was a hardcore band from the mid-late '90s that I really latched on to and a band that really pulled me out of some bad aspects of life. Dave Walker was one of the first people that I interviewed for a zine I wrote called xabstsentionx. I did the interview at the Fireside Bowl in 1997, and I feeling humbled and had an odd sense that I made a new friend for life. The band dismantled in 1999, and throughout the years I have remained friends with Dave and Dan. The few times I have seen them around the Midwest, it was like the past 10 or so years never happened. The band has decided to reunite and progress on through new material and tour. It was amazing to rekindle that love for this band again in Chicago, and reunite with old friends. for more info on HARVEST: www.harvesthc.com/

Pretender / Contender Promo Session

2011-07-24T11:17:00.002-04:00

Lucas(black shirt) approached me about doing promo shots of his band while we discussed off camera lighting loosely through conversation and its an area I'd like to break into to advance my portraiture so I jumped at the chance. These shots were taken down town Fort Wayne. Im really pleased with the overall outcome!

Worst Dude

2011-07-18T14:05:00.001-04:00

Jake Willard aka Worst Dude is a budding and up and coming bad ass hip hop dude. He's pretty raw and approached me about a quick impromptu session while I was in Fort Wayne. About 35mins later and the ideas were flowing im pleased with what we pulled off. Check out what this kid is doing www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Worst-Dude/123384674419166

Thank you.

Turkey Run and Friends

2011-07-10T13:17:00.002-04:00

This was a spontaneous photo trip with Jenna and my good friends Dave and Brandi. Im currently mentoring both of them on the digital process in photography. This location was pretty exciting. Being from flat Indiana this was a breath of fresh air, and the 35mm didnt leave my camera, possibly becoming my new favorite lens. I havent shot this kind of subject matter before and its been a while since ive done landscapes. Sharing this with good friends, laughter and my love for teaching made this an awesome day!

Katie and Maddie

2011-07-03T12:15:00.001-04:00

While in Tybee I was approached to do a photoshoot of two best friends. I was stoked to do this shoot. It was simple, candid and everyone was being silly but all in all a good time and to add to that i never knew sand could be so hot! ;) enjoy your weekend.

Savannah Georgia

2011-06-28T17:33:00.002-04:00

Walking around Savannah Georgia at 9:30am in the heat and humidity which was almost so thick you could see it. I noticed a man over by the river belting out what could be popular 90s R&B or maybe even some R.Kelly however it was barely audible. I saw this man and I watched him for a while and I knew in the back of my head that I wanted to photograph him. I am not the most forward person however I asked him and he seemed taken aback by my request, he also seemed extremely humbled. I snapped a couple shots and as I walked away after shaking his hand I told him to "never stop singing!" I was over joyed with this shot. Thank you for looking and enjoy your week.

Haynes Automobile Factory

2011-06-18T19:28:00.002-04:00

I was asked if I would be interested in being a mentor / teacher to an acquaintance who contacted me after seeing my blog. Given teaching is something I love I jumped at the chance and I wanted to start with Urban Exploration. He knew of a factory that had housed quite a few old and abandoned Cadillacs and some other awesome things to photograph through out the levels and rusty stair cases. Ended up being the old Haynes Automobile Factory in Kokomo, IN. I showed him some new things and my secrets ;) and it was a good time. Nick is now 1 of about 5 people ive had the opportunity to mentor over the last year or so and its something i completely enjoy. Thank you.

Brick by Brick

2011-06-04T17:06:00.001-04:00

Brick by Brick is a collection of photographs of abandoned Indiana schools. I have been working on this project diligently for over a year. Blood, sweat and tears have come to this and this will be my book. Steadily approaching completion, updates will follow. Thank you so much for your support

L & C

2011-06-01T16:52:00.002-04:00

This was the first engagement session of 2011 for me so i was stoked. Once i met the couple my mind was running circles with ideas for how i wanted to some of these ideas in photo form. Lisa and Chad gave me creative freedom with a couple of "Mom" shots which we pulled off awesomely minus the weather at times but all in all super pleased with the outcome of the session! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and thank you Lisa and Chad.

I honestly had a really hard time limiting my photos on this one! Enjoy!

Long Days

2011-05-28T13:47:00.009-04:00

I wanted to give an update of sorts, I have been working hard to get my personal project up and running, which I still have under wraps for now. My plan was to work some slight magic in Photoshop and pull an awesome layout spread but I havent had the time. Trying to live a double life between and full time job and a full time photographer with somethings on his plate has taken some adjusting. The plan is to get the "big announcement" out, Blog my most recent engagement session and gear up for the summer.

I hope you and yours have a safe and awesome Memorial Day weekend and thank you for the love and support!

From my current "big announcement"

H&C

2011-04-25T13:31:00.002-04:00

This wedding was awesome! I know I say that a lot, but reality is I really enjoy this gig! Once I saw the location I was over come with ideas for shots, placements. I had a small note pad with sketches of poses and as you can see they came out really well. This would be my best wedding to date. I was glad everything went off without a hitch and the rain held off. The location was Bridgewater Golf Course in Auburn, Indiana. Thank you Heather and Chris!

Phunk-N-Ink Tattoo Festival

2011-04-12T15:01:00.004-04:00

I was hired to photograph this convention based on the work posted on this blog...STOKED! all the while I was psyched to shoot the festival I kept telling myself "I'm not an "event photographer" but being this is what I do I wear many hats, however this one I dont wear too often. When they say "festival" they were not kidding...There was a mix of live music, BMX. Thrill Show. Body mod shows on top of the several tattoo shops and booths set up. I shot for 3 days, I met some cool people and all in all it was a good time.

For a Friend

2011-04-07T14:57:00.005-04:00

Its rare that I make personal blog posts outside of the photography side of myself and I wanted to post this photo that I made for a friend of mine Dusty Neal. Once I took this shot I knew whom it was intended for. Ive known Dusty for some time but we just recently became friends in the true sense of the word. He is one of the best Tattoo artists/Fine Artist in the Fort Wayne area! He has more motivation in one arm than most people I know! I believe in the last year he has produced 7 zines as well as book! the kid is unstoppable, his work is awe-inspiring, his love for his friends and family is awesome in its own right and I am proud to call him my friend. For more info:

http://sistinepress.wordpress.com

3 Inches of Blood

Update of sorts

2011-03-29T15:51:00.003-04:00

I do apologize for not blogging sooner. I have been hard at work doing personal work for my soon to be announced project. I shot the Fort Wayne Phunk-N-Ink Tattoo Convention recently. It was actually more challenging then i thought being an "event photographer" I can say I was just a bit out of my element but I made it work. I have an up and coming wedding and possible family session to get geared up for. As I sit here and feed almonds to my dog that I separated from my trail mix, I partake in the awesomeness that is the Swedish band KOLOSS I will leave you with an old photo that I have reprocessed just because this is a photo blog. Enjoy your day.

This photograph is for Nate Click. A good friend who really deserves more credit for his work than i can make in a blog post. You can see his work here: http://nateclicktattoo.com/

My Awesome Daughter

2011-03-02T11:51:00.007-05:00

At 4:54am on March 2nd I stood by Joanna's side. I saw something I had never seen before, I saw something that made me speechless. I saw something that was a part of me. Endless emotions flowing through me as an overwhelming sense of "please tell me everything is ok" but this was the moment...this moment I saw my daughter Heaven being born. I will never forget these moments and I will never forget the days we've spent together and I look forward to so many more. Youre the best daughter I could ever ask for! Happy 11th Birthday Heaven!

I dont generally get too personal when writing this blog but this deserves some space.

Pussycat Vintage Promo Session

2011-02-22T17:17:00.002-05:00

I had a chance to help Nicole and Lindsay with their operation and i thought it was awesome! Its very family oriented and it was a great opportunity for everyone involved. Im stoked on how these came out. Who knew i could shoot fashion! ha. For more info on Pussycat Vintage their blog site is available here: www.misfittribe.blogspot.com/

Diamond Windows

2011-02-18T15:13:00.002-05:00

Ive spent a lot of time in the car recently exploring the different counties of Indiana for a huge project im working on that im still keeping under wraps. I have no idea why but ill continue to keep it hush hush. Either way this house really caught my eye. Ive been exploring the heartland for years and rarely do i come across a house like this. I guess in all of its uniqueness i give you the "Jay County Diamond House" or at least thats what im tentatively calling it. Enjoy

Incaseofemergencypress Studio Promo Session

2011-02-14T11:57:00.002-05:00

I did these for my good friend Jarod in his studio space to showcase a bit of what he does as well as new promo for his site. Bloomington, IN : www.incaseofemergencypress.com

3 Inches of Blood

2011-02-05T15:35:00.001-05:00

Ive been into this band for a while. Their style is true metal with a twist of viking and who doesnt love that? They put on an awesome show and i was stoked to get a chance to see them when i did. For more: www.myspace.com/3iob

Holy Grail

2011-02-03T14:56:00.002-05:00

The first time i heard this band i was instantly overcome with memories of my childhood and i honestly couldnt stop smiling. They really brought me back to my childhood so getting a chance to see them and shoot them was awesome for me.

Medusa.

2011-02-02T23:25:00.002-05:00

This band shares several members of the band Race Bannon who have been in the Indiana "screamo" scene for a long time..or whatever genre youd like to put them in. I remember seeing them back in '98 which was some their best stuff. Some of the members are in now in Medusa who bring their own flavor and really put on a good show!

Universe Park Medical Buildings

2011-01-20T16:33:00.005-05:00

This building was built in the 1960s i do believe. ive been to this building several times as a child. The structure is basically a set of round buildings. The buildings have been abandoned for some time and are in the process of demolition(will be gone by the time these are posted) These buildings were a memory for me

Thank you

Z & A

2011-01-18T17:05:00.004-05:00

This couple approached me to shoot their wedding about 3 weeks before New Years. It was about 2.5 hours away from where i live in my home town so i said sure. It was only for the ceremony and was quick. This makes wedding number 3. I think im getting better but still have a long way to go. here you are.

thank you for viewing

Breaking the Rules Workshop

2011-01-12T15:07:00.001-05:00

David Jackson is one of my mentors and more respected photographers in the business. I was about to shoot with him in November for his Simple+Dirty work when he came through Gary Indiana. Truly genuine and down to earth guy.

His Breaking the Rules Portrait Workshop wrapped up in a little under 14 hours! adding the 5.5 hours of drive time there and back and little to no heat in my hotel it was an awesome experience.

He challenged my skill set along with teaching me several things I used to better myself and push my photography to that next level and I was awesome to say the least.

Cookie Monster

2011-01-06T14:31:00.006-05:00

85mm f/1.8

Jenna 85mm

2011-01-06T14:31:00.004-05:00

Grandkids Session

2011-01-06T14:30:00.005-05:00

what guns?

K & K Session

2011-01-06T14:30:00.004-05:00

Kelsey and Katie. Frankie Park. Fort Wayne, IN

Winds of Plague

2010-12-18T14:53:00.005-05:00

Winds of Plague
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Winds of Plague

2010-12-18T14:53:00.003-05:00

Winds of Plague
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Winds of Plague

2010-12-18T14:53:00.001-05:00

Winds of Plague
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Carnifex

2010-12-18T14:52:00.005-05:00

Carnifex
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Carnifex

2010-12-18T14:52:00.003-05:00

Carnifex
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

War of Ages

2010-12-18T14:52:00.001-05:00

War of Ages
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

War of Ages

2010-12-18T14:51:00.003-05:00

War of Ages
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Upon a Burning Body

2010-12-18T14:51:00.001-05:00

Upon a Burning Body
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Ambassador Apartments

2010-11-26T16:52:00.001-05:00

Ambassador Apartments
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Ambassador Apartments

2010-11-26T16:51:00.003-05:00

Ambassador Apartments
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Ambassador Apartments

2010-11-26T16:51:00.001-05:00

Ambassador Apartments
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Gary Post Office

2010-11-26T16:50:00.005-05:00

Gary Post Office
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

City Methodist School

2010-11-26T16:50:00.003-05:00

City Methodist School
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

City Methodist School

2010-11-26T16:50:00.001-05:00

City Methodist School
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

City Methodist Church

2010-11-26T16:49:00.001-05:00

City Methodist Church
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Incaseofemergencypress art opening @ Paper Crane

2010-11-19T19:03:00.001-05:00

Incaseofemergencypress art opening @ Paper Crane
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

http://www.incaseofemergencypress.com

Incaseofemergencypress art opening @ Paper Crane

2010-11-19T19:02:00.003-05:00

Incaseofemergencypress art opening @ Paper Crane
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Incaseofemergencypress art opening @ Paper Crane

2010-11-19T19:02:00.001-05:00

Incaseofemergencypress art opening @ Paper Crane
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Incaseofemergencypress art opening @ Paper Crane

2010-11-19T19:01:00.003-05:00

Incaseofemergencypress art opening @ Paper Crane
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Incaseofemergencypress art opening @ Paper Crane

2010-11-19T19:01:00.001-05:00

Incaseofemergencypress art opening @ Paper Crane
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

R&D

2010-11-16T14:33:00.003-05:00

R&D
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

R&D

2010-11-16T14:33:00.001-05:00

R&D
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

R&D

2010-11-16T14:32:00.007-05:00

R&D
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

R&D

2010-11-16T14:32:00.005-05:00

R&D
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

R&D

2010-11-16T14:32:00.003-05:00

R&D
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

R&D

2010-11-16T14:32:00.001-05:00

R&D
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

R&D

2010-11-16T14:31:00.003-05:00

R&D
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

R&D

2010-11-16T14:31:00.001-05:00

R&D
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Nicole & Family

2010-11-11T11:22:00.003-05:00

Nicole & Family
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Nicole & Family

2010-11-11T11:22:00.001-05:00

Nicole & Family
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Trinity

2010-11-01T12:47:00.003-04:00

Trinity
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Trinity

2010-11-01T12:47:00.001-04:00

Trinity
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Trinity

2010-11-01T12:46:00.001-04:00

Trinity
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

northeast indiana

2010-10-27T11:23:00.001-04:00

Misc Building
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Kayla

2010-10-19T14:59:00.001-04:00

Kayla
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Kayla

2010-10-19T14:58:00.001-04:00

Kayla
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Kayla

2010-10-19T14:57:00.001-04:00

Kayla
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Kayla

2010-10-19T14:52:00.001-04:00

Kayla
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Jesus Saves?

2010-09-28T12:59:00.001-04:00

Jesus Saves?
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Cairo Illinois

2010-09-28T12:58:00.005-04:00

Cairo Illinois
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Cairo Illinois

2010-09-28T12:58:00.003-04:00

Cairo Illinois
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Cairo Illinois

2010-09-28T12:58:00.001-04:00

Cairo Illinois
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Cairo Illinois

2010-09-28T12:57:00.001-04:00

Cairo Illinois
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Brandon and Stevee

2010-09-16T12:02:00.003-04:00

Brandon and Stevee
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Brandon and Stevee

2010-09-16T12:02:00.001-04:00

Brandon and Stevee
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Brandon and Stevee

2010-09-16T12:01:00.005-04:00

Brandon and Stevee
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Brandon and Stevee

2010-09-16T12:01:00.003-04:00

Brandon and Stevee
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Brandon and Stevee

2010-09-16T12:01:00.001-04:00

Brandon and Stevee
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Brandon and Stevee

2010-09-16T12:00:00.003-04:00

Brandon and Stevee
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Brandon and Stevee

2010-09-16T12:00:00.001-04:00

Brandon and Stevee
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Linton Township School

2010-09-11T13:52:00.005-04:00

Linton Township School
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Linton Township School

2010-09-11T13:52:00.003-04:00

Linton Township School
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

General Store

2010-09-11T13:52:00.001-04:00

General Store
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Ohio

2010-09-11T13:51:00.003-04:00

Ohio
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Charlottesville High School

2010-09-11T13:51:00.001-04:00

Charlottesville High School
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Bush Stadium

2010-09-11T13:50:00.003-04:00

Bush Stadium
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Bush Stadium

2010-09-11T13:50:00.001-04:00

Bush Stadium
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Jefferson Township School

2010-08-29T13:43:00.001-04:00

Jefferson Township School
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Natalie & Family

2010-08-26T17:19:00.003-04:00

Natalie & Family
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Natalie & Family

2010-08-26T17:19:00.001-04:00

Natalie & FamilyNatalie & Family
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Marion Township School

2010-08-23T16:48:00.003-04:00

Marion Township School
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Marion Township School

2010-08-23T16:48:00.001-04:00

Marion Township School
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography

Marion Township School

2010-08-23T16:47:00.003-04:00

Marion Township School
Originally uploaded by JJACOBSphotography