Jay Plogman Photography

Photo Shoot with Jesse

2012-01-30T18:59:00.000-08:00

This was my first shoot with Jesse. He's a very creative guy who poses well with little guidance. He's fun to work with and enhances a shoot with his own creativity and enthusiasm.

Monochrome Leather

2012-01-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

Another shot from my most-recent shoot.

First Post for the New Year

2012-01-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! Just before the holidays I had the great opportunity to meet and photograph the wonderful and game individual you see in the image below. I hope to be doing some more creative work with him and many others in 2012. Stay tuned and have a peaceful, healthy and prosperous new year!

Three Great Books

2011-12-07T08:07:00.001-08:00

The holidays are upon us. Anxiety sets in as we wrack our brains trying to come up with the gift that's just right. Maybe I can be of some assistance.Allow me to recommend a few books:TORSO, by my fellow photographer rSEANd Photography. (Caution: contents in preview are NSFW or minors)

Eccentric, by my friend and fellow photographer CJ Kim.

Intimo, by yours truly.

Just click on the titles of each book to preview and/(please)or order.Hope you all are having a wonderful start to the holidays and that this will be a memorable season for you all.peace & love

3 Versions of Intimo Makes Gift Giving 3X Easier!

2011-11-17T18:40:00.001-08:00

Want to enjoy the holidays this year? Get your shopping out of the way early so you have time to appreciate them! My book Intimo makes the perfect gift, is available in hard and soft cover and now as an eBook for iPad/iPod. Your shopping couldn't be any easier! Order now and avoid any anxiety over it arriving on time. All of December will be yours to enjoy! Click here to preview and order.

New Work with Musician Maurice Harris

2011-11-08T08:04:00.000-08:00

In 1988 the Pet Shop Boys recorded the song I Want a Dog, included on their album Introspective. Cincinnati musician Maurice Harris has just made his own unique version of the song and came to me to do still photography work for his video of the piece. His concept was delightful and it was a joy working with him and the rest of the cast and crew. Check out the video and be sure to go to www.maurice-harris.com. Look for this and his other original recordings online! You're going to love it!

New Book Project!

2011-11-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

This is my latest project. I've just finished poring through the 70,000+ images I shot during my years in the Philippines and am now beginning to work on the text for this, my new book project. I hope to have this ready in a few months to share with you all. Stay tuned!

New Visitor's Guide Ad Work for appointments - the business store

2011-10-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

The new ad for appointments - the business store is now out in the new Downtown Cincinnati Visitor's Guide. Photography by me. Ad layout by Talyer Kayumanggi / Brown Workshop.

Intimo, by Jay Plogman is Now Available as e-book for iPad/iPhone

2011-10-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

My book Intimo is now available as an e-book download for Apple iBooks. It is still available as a hardcover and softcover book, but now when you buy Intimo you have the option of purchasing it in e-book format for your iPad and iPhone! It gets even better: the Intimo e-book is only $19.99. Click here to jump to the book preview and order page.Note: The preview of Intimo shows only 65 of Intimo's 120 pages. I've left the best just for those who buy the book.

Wonderful Memory

2011-10-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

I was messaging with my good friend Yucel the other day about including some images of him in a book I am working on when I came across this picture here, which I re-edited just for this post. I shot this when I lived in Manila, Philippines. Yucel and I had only met a couple weeks earlier, and he was kind enough to accompany me on a trip to the Department of Immigration to renew my visa. While we were waiting for the department to process my paperwork he toured me around the old walled city of Intramuros. It was a wonderful afternoon and I will long remember his kindness. Since that time he has grown to be a close and cherished friend and I hope he likes this new take on the photo.

Welcome Autumn

2011-10-12T06:17:00.001-07:00

Early autumn colors have begun to show themselves at Cincinnati's beautiful, and often overlooked gem, Rapid Run Park.

New Quote from Model David Davila

2011-09-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

Regarding working with various photographers, this is what Chicago model David Davila had to say about working with me in a recent interview with BLISS Male Mag:

Jay was an energetic guy and liked to do things in a more impromptu fashion. It worked well for us when we had our shoot.

David, for the record, was a joy to work with who was prompt, takes poses very naturally, takes direction well, and has a good personality. That worked well for our photo shoot, which was literally put together with just an hour or so notice - quite impromptu!

New Photo Art Work

2011-09-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

Graceful, artful, theatrical, powerful, and stunning are some of the words that come to mind after working on the images from the set of which this image is a part - and that's just what the model brought to these! Model Jabari Ajee and I were immediately inspired by the location and the light. His innate talent at striking just the right pose for any given setting is evident here as well as all the other images of this shoot - and this was unlike anything he'd done before - and it was a rare opportunity for me to be able to do as well. A special thanks from us both goes out to Cincinnati artist Anthony Luensman.

Appointments' Pen Fest 2011 Ad Work

2011-08-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

New photo work, with graphics by Edson Cabalfin for Appointments' Pen Fest 2011. Check out the selection of fine writing instruments and quality accessories and gifts at one of Cincinnati's (and the nation's) most unique shops - Appointments here.

Intimo Preview

2011-07-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Check out the preview to my book Intimo!

Note: Only half of the book can be previewed. The best half is left to those who buy the book ;)

peace & love

To preview, click HERE.

Summer Photo Special Soon to End!

2011-07-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

My Summer Photo Special is about to end!

Now is the time to schedule your summer photo session! Be it a prenuptial shoot, family, business, or personal portrait session, now is the time to check with me for special summer pricing. Mention this blog post and receive 10% off any photo session quote! Offer is good on quotes given now through July 31st, 2011.

Some August dates are still available, so call or email me soon to get your shoot scheduled.

513.388.7001
j.plogman@gmail.com

New! Small Business Packages!

2011-07-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

Small businesses are looking to save money any way they can during these hard economic times. Money used for advertising needs to be used as wisely as possible.

Photography used right can go a long way towards bringing new customers through the door. I understand that and have assembled 2 packages inclusive of photo shoots and edits, even custom layout services incorporating a businesses artwork and text for sign layouts - and the banner signage! The best part? Both packages are under $500! Yes, the signage (up to 33" x 78") is included!

Check out this sign done for Ride Renovations:

This is ideally suited for small businesses ranging from boutique shops to restaurants to service providers looking to build their business.

Contact me at j.plogman@gmail.com or call 513.388.7001 for the complete details!

James

2011-07-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a few shots from a shoot I did of model James a few weeks ago along with my good friend, model, and stylist Jabari who styled this shoot.

New Work with Model David Davila

2011-06-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

I recently had a great shoot with Chicago model David Davila. He's everything a photographer loves in a model. He is not only photogenic, but he's also easy going, personable, and takes great poses naturally. David has an incredible physique which he owes to years of wrestling and a continued regimen at the gym to which I personally would never be able to handle. I think we're going to see a lot more coming from David in the years to come!

Now Scheduling Summer Photo Sessions

2011-06-09T19:40:00.001-07:00

Summer's here and the time is right for dancing in the streee....um, wait a minute: I'm not a dancer (no, really...I'm not), I'm a photographer! The time is right to schedule your summer photo session! Be it a prenuptial shoot, family, business, or personal portrait session, now is the time to check with me for special summer pricing. Mention this blog post and receive 10% off any photo session quote! Offer is good on quotes given now through July 31st. As they like to say on infomercials: Operators are standing by!

Z&D Hair Studio Photo Shoot

2011-06-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

Recent work from a shoot for the good people at Z&D Hair Studio in Cincinnati, OH.

Contact me at j.plogman@gmail.com for you or your company's photo needs.

Caleb's Tattoos

2011-05-26T16:27:00.000-07:00

Model Caleb's tattoos so wonderfully draw attention, it's a shame when anything else in the photo dares attempt to compete, so here we minimized everything to a simple pose and cool lighting, letting the tattoo art do all the rest, but in rich b&w tones.

Latest shoot with Mark

2011-05-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

Mark posed before my lenses for the first time a little over a year ago. Since then he's hit the gym big time and his physique is all the better for it. He's about to leave for a new life in California and wanted to get in another shoot before going, so we met a week ago and did this shoot. Even as I was snapping away both he and I knew we were getting some incredible images to add to both our portfolios. I'll miss the chance to work with Mark again here, but I'm guessing if I find myself in California, he'll want to get something together...and there might even be a sofa for me to sleep on if I need it. Best of luck out there, Mark!

Amongst the Ruins

2011-05-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

I, like many of you reading this, probably never thought of finding abandoned, decrepit, collapsing buildings in Hawaii, but there's at least one. I ought to know: I spent a couple hours during my vacation there shooting in just such a place with model Caleb Shinobi. Here's Caleb checking out a roof in need of a little repair!

New Post of My Work at 2(x)istence.com

2011-04-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

Once again the fine folks at 2(x)ist have included my work in their blog site. Model Brandon Schinaman is featured in this latest post.

New Work with Caleb Shinobi

2011-04-13T13:52:00.001-07:00

Hey all,

I just returned last week from an amazing shooting experience with the one-of-a-kind model Caleb Shinobi. Caleb is a great model to work with because he is also into photography, so he has a sense for what is going on on both sides of the lens. He's also not your standard model in any interpretation of "standard". Caleb brings a lot to the table....er, shoot. I could go on and on about how enjoyable it is to work with him. I first shot Caleb several years ago during my first visit to Hawaii, and we did our shoot on Sandy Beach using my Contax G1 (That's a film camera, folks!) We got along so well back then that we have kept in touch, and when I found myself returning to Hawaii I just had to do another shoot with him.

The shoot was great and we made dozens of remarkable images together, some of which I'll post here and in my site on Model Mayhem. So stay tuned!

Brian's Portrait

2011-03-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

I did a portrait session with Brian last weekend. He was great to work with. This image, we both agreed, was one of the best from the shoot.

Oh, good luck on your new job, Brian!

Spring is Near - Schedule Your Photo Session Now

2011-03-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys, it's Your Time Too! - Schedule Your Photo Session Now

Contact me at j.plogman@gmail.com to begin scheduling your shoot.

Spring is Near - Schedule Your Photo Session Now

2011-03-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

Spring is Near - Schedule Your Photo Session Now

Contact me at j.plogman@gmail.com

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 14

2011-02-14T05:51:00.001-08:00

OK people. It's St. Valentine's Day. Here's the 14th and final flower for you in my bouquet of images celebrating the day. Whether you choose to celebrate it or not, have a great day!

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 13

2011-02-13T05:34:00.000-08:00

The morning of February 13th really ought to be the 11th hour for most people in buying Valentine's Day gifts this year seeing how the holiday falls on Monday. (That would be tomorrow for those not paying attention.) Lines will be long at the stores today, fellas. Get moving!

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 12

2011-02-12T07:54:00.001-08:00

It's February 12th. Only 2 days left for you procrastinators to get out and make that purchase that'll impress your lover (as well as the economy...LOL)!

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 11

2011-02-11T16:11:00.001-08:00

February 11th. Here's a big arrangement of flowers in the St. Valentine's Day set to kick off your weekend.

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 10

2011-02-10T05:59:00.001-08:00

Today is February 10th. Here's the 10th image in the flowers for St. Valentine's Day series.

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 9

2011-02-09T07:59:00.001-08:00

We're in the single digits here in Cincinnati on this COLD February 9th. Hope a little Valentine red warms up your thoughts in this 9th pic in the flowers for St. Valentine's Day set. peace & love

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 8

2011-02-08T06:57:00.000-08:00

I welcome the sunshine this cold Tuesday, February 8th with pic #8 of the flowers for St. Valentine's Day set. If you have someone to celebrate Valentine's Day with and haven't bought or thought of the gift you'll give them, better put on your thinking cap and get to thinking. Tick-tock, people!

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 7

2011-02-07T04:43:00.000-08:00

It's Monday, February 7th. Time for pic #7 of my flowers for St. Valentine's Day series. Have a great week everyone!

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 6

2011-02-06T08:39:00.001-08:00

February 6th. Pic #6 of the flowers for St. Valentine's Day series. Enjoy!

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 5

2011-02-05T08:29:00.000-08:00

February 5th. Time for pic #5 of my flowers for St. Valentine's Day series. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 4

2011-02-04T04:55:00.000-08:00

February 4th. Pic #4 of my flowers for St. Valentine's Day set. Enjoy!

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 3

2011-02-03T06:09:00.000-08:00

February 3rd. Pic #3 of my flowers for St. Valentine's Day set.

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 2

2011-02-02T18:36:00.001-08:00

February 2nd. Pic #2 of my flowers for St. Valentine's Day set.

Flowers for St. Valentine's Day Part 1

2011-02-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

With love to all the fans and followers out there, here's some flowers for St. Valentine's Day each day this month up to the big day.

The Week in Review

2011-01-29T12:57:00.000-08:00

Wow...what a week! Not only have I been working on organizing what looks like will be two amazing shoots, the good people at 2(x)ist chose to use not one, but two of my photos on their blog in the same week along with those from three of my favorite photographers (Joseph Smileuske, Simon Le, and Kevin McDermott) and one of my favorite models (Eric Rensburg). Check it out here. Life is good. peace & love

My Work with Brandon Schinaman featured at 2(x)ist!

2011-01-29T12:19:00.000-08:00

Once again (and in the same week no less) the folks at men's underwear maker 2(x)ist have chosen one of my works for their daily blog entry, this time a shot featuring model Brandon Schinaman. Brandon was a great sport during this shoot done back in the fall on a very chilly and breezy morning. We were lucky to get such great shots in as short a time as we did, as I was worried about him being outside in temperatures that must have felt freezing to him wearing so little. Yes, I've already promised Brandon that any and all future shoots we do together would be done under warmer circumstances! See the post at 2(x)ist here.

Jay Plogman Photography Featured at 2(x)ist

2011-01-23T11:55:00.000-08:00

New feature at 2xistence.com: model Jabari Ajee captured by Jay Plogman Photography!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2011-01-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

Fountain Square, Cincinnati, Ohio, in near-zero temperatures - evening of January 21, 2011.

Save $10 on Intimo - Order Now!

2010-12-13T18:11:00.000-08:00

Blurb.com, where my book Intimo can be ordered is offering a super special holiday deal - save $10 on any order now through December 31st! That makes a hardcover Intimo just $49.95 and softcover just $35.95! That Christmas present of Intimo to yourself won't arrive in time for Christmas, but think of how nice it'll be during this warm winter with nearly 4 dozen amazing men to page through...Just enter these codes to receive your discount when you order:
USD $ coupon: CHEER

GBP £ coupon: CHEER1

EUR € coupon: CHEER2

CAD $ coupon: CHEER3

AUD $ coupon: CHEER4
To order your copy of Intimo, click here.

The 12 Men of Christmas #12

2010-12-10T06:06:00.000-08:00

Intimo's 12th Man of Christmas. There's more of him and nearly 4 dozen others within the pages of Intimo. You can check out half of the book and order it here: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1441060 Remember: you must order by December 12 (just 2 days to go!) for delivery in time for you to play Santa for that special someone who has been so nice to you all through 2010!

The 12 Men of Christmas #11

2010-12-09T06:18:00.000-08:00

Intimo's 11th Man of Christmas. If you are someone's true love you'll know they want Intimo for Christmas! And you know what? You have to order before December 12 for it to be under the tree on the 25th! Order here: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1441060

The 12 Men of Christmas #10

2010-12-08T05:40:00.000-08:00

Intimo's 10th Man of Christmas is bathed in sepia-toned splendor. Who knew sepia could be so sexy? There's more of him and almost 4 dozen others in the pages of Intimo, available here: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1441060

The 12 Men of Christmas #9

2010-12-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

The 9th Man of Christmas looks like he could make it down a chimney better than Santa Claus. Be sure to order Intimo by December 12th to have it under the tree by Christmas!

The 12 Men of Christmas #8

2010-12-06T05:32:00.000-08:00

The 8th Man of Christmas today is one of the first guys I shot when I lived in the Philippines from 2007-2009. He is an actor, and working with him and his director was an amazing experience. There are several more amazing images of him inside Intimo, available for Christmas if ordered by December 12!

The 12 Men of Christmas #7

2010-12-05T07:59:00.001-08:00

Looks like someone's waiting for you! #7 in the Men of Christmas Don't wait too long though; order Intimo by December 12 to have him and almost 4 dozen other amazing guys under the tree in time for Christmas.See more of Intimo and order here.

The 12 Men of Christmas #6

2010-12-04T06:03:00.000-08:00

#6 in the Men of Christmas: The intimate, moody sensuality of black & white! One thing that is definitely black & white is this: You must order Intimo by December 12 for arrival by Christmas.

The 12 Men of Christmas #5

2010-12-02T21:17:00.001-08:00

Nights are cold these chilly December days, so don't forget to get out the bed warmers. Here's #5 in the Men of Christmas. There's more of him and over 4 dozen other amazing models in the pages of Intimo.

The 12 Men of Christmas #4

2010-12-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

Out of the utility closet comes #4 in the Men of Christmas. Imagine if he could be found in your closet! Well, more of him and almost 4 dozen others can be found in the pages of Intimo.

The 12 Men of Christmas #3

2010-12-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

It's December 1st and I give you the 3rd image in the Men of
Christmas......er, Intimo. And here's not 1, but 4 great guys all
dressed in seasonal snowy white!

The 12 Men of Christmas #2

2010-11-29T21:09:00.000-08:00

Reason #2 my book Intimo makes a great gift for that someone special (and hey, you're special too...so go ahead and treat yourself to one as well while you're at it!)

The 12 Men of Christmas....er, INTIMO!

2010-11-28T19:43:00.000-08:00

It was hard to choose from the almost four dozen amazing Asian models I photographed, but here's one of among twelve selected reasons Intimo makes a great gift this holiday season:Intimo can be ordered here.

My Work with Jabari Featured at 2xist!

2010-11-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

After my work with model Brandon was featured by underwear brand 2xist, Jay from 2xist sent me some product to use in my shoots. I received the package a day before I was to do a photo shoot with JaBari, just in time to include them among the other looks we had decided upon already. The results, as always with JaBari, were amazing and 2xist's Jay thought so as well.

Check out the post at 2xist here.

At Home with JaBari Ajee

2010-11-09T18:52:00.000-08:00

Working with Jabari is always a joy. This shoot was simple in one respect - just casual shots around the house - but quite challenging when it came to being just the model, photographer, and small bag of equipment to do the whole shoot. Thankfully he knows as much about his role as model as he does of the other elements during a shoot. There's a simple equation: Jabari + any camera in the hands of a good photographer + any location/setting/lighting... = amazing shots.

See more of JaBari here.

Brandon Down on the Farm

2010-10-12T09:17:00.001-07:00

The temperature read 49 degrees Fahrenheit when we pulled the car up to our shoot location on a breezy Sunday morning in the country. Brandon, a local model just starting out, wanted to do an underwear shoot with me. This would be his first ever underwear shoot and the temperatures dove from the 80s to the 40s in a just 2 days - just in time for our mostly outdoor shoot.

Great timing, huh?

Brandon was a real sport and he held together quite well. I think everyone will agree he pulled off come great looks in Calvin Klein, American Eagle, and the new SLIQ briefs from 2(x)ist. He's already said this was his best shooting experience and he wants to work with me again - but under warmer conditions!

See more of Brandon here.

Intimo and Kissed out now!

2010-10-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a shameless and none-too-subtle sales plug:

Buy these books! Intimo and Kissed: Sensuality in Gay Art. Already have yours? My deepest and sincerest thanks. I hope you enjoy each and every page. If you still need ot order yours, here are the links to do so:

Intimo: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1441060

Kissed: http://www.amazon.com/Kissed-Various-Artists/dp/3867871469/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277424303&sr=1-1

peace & love

NOW AVAILABLE: Bruno Gmünder's KISSED

2010-09-22T11:42:00.001-07:00

Several of my images are included among the works of 46 other photographers in Bruno Gmünder publisher's new book, Kissed: Sensuality in Gay Art.

But it was only a kiss! -a sentence you won't ever say again after having leafed through this book and marveled at these unique kissing pictures. How much a kiss can mean and how much a kiss is a universe of its own-that is pointed up in this volume on 260 pages by more than 40 photographers. From sensual and erotic to wild and debauched: Here you'll find everything that can happen between lips. Kissed is anthology that makes you find truth in the words of Mark Twain who once said: "A kiss is something you need both hands for." Well, that still says it best.

One reviewer on Amazon.com wrote:

Beautiful and Loving

A kiss can mean so many things but I believe that most of us take a kiss to be a sign of affection. In this new anthology of photographs of men kissing each other we see a kiss as it is rarely presented to us and I must say all of the photographs are beautiful. Bruno Gmunder has given us some fine photography books but rarely do we the emotion and affection that we see here. In fact, rarely do we see men expressing feeling through kisses. A kiss as expressed here is sensual and erotic, sometimes decadent and wild and all kinds of kisses are in this book. After looking at the photos here you may never kiss anyone the same way again. For me, at least, the word kiss took on a whole new meaning.
More than forty photographers have contributed to this volume and there are many different kisses s there are photographs. This is the kind of book that makes you smile as you leaf through the pages--something you do again and again.

-Amos Lassen

To order your copy, follow the link here: http://www.amazon.com/Kissed-Various-Artists/dp/3867871469/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277424303&sr=1-1

Oh, and Amos: Thanks for the kind words!

Shooting Grace Jones in NYC

2010-08-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

First, allow me to clarify why I've titled this post as such: There's this amazing model named Charles in New York City. I was traveling there to meet up with some dear friends I hadn't seen in years. I scheduled the trip when I did in order to shoot with another amazing model who was flying in from France and had expressed how much he'd love to work with me. So I figured as long as I was in New York, I might as well do another shoot. I immediately thought of Charles and messaged him. He had but one free day and a whopper of an idea: to pay homage to one of his idols, Grace Jones...in Times Square.

So we did. And the tourists (As well as the Times Square Police - thank you so much, officers!) loved it. Hope you readers do as well.

The two other models joining Charles are Azamani Jaye (in black) and Simmi Mumphrey (lying down).

Meet the Models: Njames

2010-07-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

For many months in 2008 back in Manila, one of the models I worked most frequently with was a young man who went by the name of Njames (pronounced as if it were spelled as "N. James"). He has a quite endearing personality, heart of gold, and a remarkable presence in front of the camera. With some models a photographer has to work hard to get what is needed out of them for the shot; with Njames the photographer just has to try to keep up with him. Like the Energizer Bunny, he just keeps going and going....

Njames left the Philippines in December 2008 for a job as a sailor, working aboard a cargo vessel plying the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean, and Baltic Seas. Now sailing along South America, he has taken camera in hand and produced some fine photographs of his own.

See more of him here.

Meet the Models: Kage Green

2010-07-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

Kage came up to Cincinnati from North Carolina for a three day photo shoot. He's a bit quiet, but a great model who brought his own ideas to the shoot.

You can see more of Kage here.

Architectural (Interior & Exterior) Photography

2010-07-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

Jay Plogman Photography Featured in New Book

2010-07-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Several of my images are included among the works of 46 other photographers in Bruno Gmünder publisher's new book, KISSED. The release date is September, and can be pre-ordered now at Amazon.com.

New Book: Intimo

2010-06-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

Intimo is a collection of intimate portraits of Asian men by photographer Jay Plogman. The images explore multiple dimensions of the male body in various settings. The photographs celebrate a wide range of expressions: from the passive to the dynamic, from the gritty to the elegant, from the exotic to the erotic. Intimo is a call to appreciate the diversity of male beauty.

Order your copy from Blurb now

View (some of) the book here:

Meet the Models: Jerwin Mercado

2010-06-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is a story of networking, knowing the right people, and being in the right place at the right time!

It was 2007. I had just moved to Manila, Philippines at the very end of March. Just eight short weeks into my Philippine adventure I find myself clear on the other side of the island of Luzon at Pueblo por la Playa resort in Lucena with film director Felino Tañada and Jerwin Mercado, one of the stars of his latest film Hanggang Dito Na Lamang at Maraming Salamat.

Felino is a friend of a friend I had met just a few weeks earlier. Knowing Felino needed a photographer for a photo spread publicity piece about Jerwin, my new friend gave him my contact information. So Felino calls me up and early one morning a couple days later I'm being driven across the island to do the photo shoot!

Jerwin was no stranger to the camera, which was a big help as he was a pretty quiet and shy guy the day of the shoot. With a little direction from his trusted director acting also as my assistant in set up and lighting, we pulled off a wonderful all day shoot. Fourteen hours later I was back in own bed, weary but very satisfied with the work we'd produced that day.

The shame of it all is Icon magazine (the magazine for which we were shooting these images) went under just days after our shoot! The photos were never able to be used to promote Jerwin and the film before it opened. Actually, we did manage to have some prints exhibited at a local club in Manila along with a trailer for the film, but it wouldn't be until a few months before I was to return to the US in 2009 that the images would make it to a magazine, promote Jerwin and the film, now out on DVD...and even that issue came out a year late!

I owe my friend, Felino, and Jerwin many thanks. The initial response to the images from this shoot helped bring attention to me and my work, encouraging others to work with me. For that I am eternally grateful; especially to Jerwin, for being so easy to work with...and a tremendously good looking model.

Meet the Models: Reinan

2010-06-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

The photo shoot I did with Reinan in Manila last year was his first ever by a professional photographer. I remember he had a little trouble at first with posing, but he has such a great personality and attitude that after a few poses he quickly fell into a comfortable groove and the shoot was a smashing success. Apparently I'm not the only one who thought so, as the marketing manager of Slitz saw the pictures and told Reinan how much they would like to include them in the magazine.

So some of the images from that shoot of Reinan were published in Slitz magazine's October 2009 - January 2010 online issue. Here are the pages for you to enjoy!

You can check out Slitz's website here.

Summer Portrait Specials - July Bookings

2010-06-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Jay Plogman Photography announces 3 special summer portrait packages. I'm now booking for July shoot dates.

All packages include:

-Pre-shoot consultation
-2 - 3 hour photo shoot session
-Individuals or families/groups of up to 4 persons
($40 fee for each additional person)
-Preview and selection appointment

Makeup artist services also available upon request. There is an extra charge for this service.

-------------------------------------------------------

PRINT PACKAGE

From your 3 favorite poses you'll receive:

-2ea 8x10 prints
-2ea 5x7 prints
-8 wallet prints
-Free digital file of each pose purchased*
(File is low resolution suitable for internet display)
*Additional files available at $10 each.

Regularly $200
JULY SPECIAL: $150!

-------------------------------------------------------

SHOW OFF ONLINE PACKAGE

Up to 15 of your favorite images will be saved to CD in low resolution suitable for posting on Friendster, Facebook, MySpace, Multiply and other internet sites.

Regularly $280
JULY SPECIAL: $230!

-------------------------------------------------------

ULTIMATE SHOW-OFF PACKAGE

This takes the Show Off Online Package one step further! You get up to 15 of your favorite images saved to CD in both low resolution and high resolution file sizes! This way, one file can be used for online applications and the other can be used for prints! Each size is saved to CD in separate, specially-marked folders for ease of locating.

Regularly $350
JULY SPECIAL: $300!

Remember, no matter which package you choose, all shoots include the following retouching/editing of all poses selected.
-brightening of eyes
-whitening of teeth
-removal of skin blemishes
-minimize appearance of wrinkles
-adjustment of shadows
-improve brightness
-optimization of color and tone

*Featured model: Billy Mosura

Simmi

2010-06-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

Simmi is a 21 year old model based in Cincinnati, OH. Full of life, energetic, and enthusiastic, he's a joy to shoot. You can see more of Simmi's work in his Model Mayhem portfolio here.

The Lucky 7

2010-05-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

The Lucky 7 was my first group concept shoot. Done while I was living in Manila, Philippines in 2008, it came about as a response to the awful stereotyped portrayal of Asian men. No emaciated teen twinks with androgynous looks. No nerdy guys with pocket protectors. No Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan wannabees. Instead, here's a what-you-see-is-what-you-get, honest group of guys who are super fun, super hyper, and baring it all to show Asian men are sexy too.

These images and an accompanying article were published in the Philippines' only online gay magazine, Outrage. Here's the article and some of the pics from the shoot:

“They’re still decent,” Jay Plogman says, smiling, “so you can interview them, if that’s what you want.” We were in a studio in Makati City, dropping by, as requested, to supposedly see him in action, taking photographs that will “highlight Filipino men,” he says, since “it really doesn't matter if they are gay or not, (but) it's no secret that Asian men, in general, are marginalized when it comes to their presence in (the) media. Even here in the Philippines, only white men or the fairest-skinned mestizos are deemed worthy of being in advertising campaigns, magazines, et cetera. So I hope that through (these) photographs, people will begin to see that guys (and girls) can have dark skin, et cetera, and be really good looking, and worthy of the same presence.” Casually garbed in dark blue T-shirt on top of dark shorts, he was Sunday personified, even as he was quite adamant in saying that he prefers for his photographs not to be seen as “gay” or have necessarily anything to do with the gay community, since in photographs he takes, even those “inherently gay,” he, more than anything, says something about the people portrayed in it, or the characters played in it, “in a positive light, showing how normal it all is,” he says.

He then excused himself, walking barefoot towards the inside of the studio, off to check his equipment. His boyfriend Edson stays behind to make small talk on how the shoot should, hopefully, help shift impressions on beauty – a theme Plogman almost always approaches with gusto, especially here in the Philippines, where he is based now. Padding back to where we were, if only to inform us that the photoshoot is about to start, Plogman starts giving some instructions to his models – Edson moves to where they were, to help out, I suppose, as off they went to put flesh in Plogman’s vision. But how, exactly, did the country end up having an adept photographer cum advocate in the person of Plogman?

STARTING YOUNG

Everything started when he was younger, when Plogman recalls getting excited by photography, especially “when I (saw) my father bring out his 35 millimeter (mm) camera to take pictures on a family vacation, (and) I knew they’d be something special – there was something about that camera and the images it took that I perceived as better than what my mom and I got from our 126 and 110 cameras. Dad's was a ‘real’ camera, and I couldn't wait until I was old enough to have one of my own,” he says. He got “old enough” to have his own camera when he was in high school, “when I saved up enough to buy a used Fujica 35 mm all-manual single-lens reflex (SLR) camera.” It helped, too, that one of his high school teachers was an avid photographer. In hindsight, Plogman “originally took up photography because I loved to photograph trains. They're still one of my favorite things to photograph – nature and what I loosely term ‘travel’ are others. Yes, people are also some of my favorites, but shooting nature, architecture, or trains is very spiritual and therapeutic. The zen calm of nature, geometry of architecture (and the play of light on both), and the power of a train. So (it’s) work I get to do alone, just myself and the camera.” In college, Plogman studied visual arts, familiarizing himself with theories and practice of, among others, painting, drawing, theory, history, sculpture, and, yes, photography. “The lessons I learned from all of those disciplines are employed every time I pick up the camera to take a picture,” he now says, adding that good knowledge base is important since “photography today can be a daunting profession to enter, since every time you move, you're starting over from nothing. There are the established professionals working in every city in every country to compete with, plus it seems every person who buys a digital SLR camera thinks that makes them a professional photographer.” Among Plogman’s credited influences are “masters including O. Winston Link in railroad photography, Robert Mapplethorpe in nature and nude, Nan Goldin in real-life portraits, and, lately, Richard de Chazal for manipulative photographic work. I'm also heavily influenced by writers such as Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde; and the comedian Jack Benny. I know it isn't readily apparent how they affect my photography, but they do,” he says. Plogman recalls, too, how, “for my first 17 years in photography, the only things digital were watches,” he says, noting how “digital imaging is in many ways a great advance, but it is also a great obstacle. I'm not the type of person who takes to computer features easily. Personal computer (PC) or Mac, none of it is intuitive at all to me. Going from film to digital and using editing software instead of simply reading a negative or slide and making corrections in printing has been a long process for me. I'm so lucky I can use both, and I feel the strength I and other pre-digital photographers have over those who know only digital.” He adds: “With film (especially when shooting slide films like Fujichrome or Kodachrome), a photographer has to do everything right the moment the picture is taken. As a result, those ‘old timers’ get it right on the first take. Those photographers in Luneta are FAR more talented than the public gives them credit for; and using equipment often over 30 years old. People today think of a camera as obsolete after a couple years.”

FOREIGN LOCALIZED

“The Philippines is fascinating, depressing, delightful, and much more... much like any other place I've been. That's not to say the Philippines is the same as other places; IT ISN'T! But I've traveled to many other countries around the world and have always found some quality in each that I admired or thought should be adopted in the US to make life there better,” Plogman says.

BEAUTY IS EVERYWHERE.

Jay Plogman believes he offers a different point of view (call it Western, if you may, he says) in his photographs.

Interestingly, Plogman says that the Philippines, especially Metro Manila, “is the gayest place I've ever been. It makes San Francisco look straight. My boyfriend and I have never seen so many obviously gay guys in one place, holding hands on dates in Gateway and Glorietta Malls (GAYway and GAYetta),” he says, smiling.

Not that the local gay community, if it can be called that (“I'm disappointed it isn't more of a community; just obnoxious little clans,” Plogman says), is all ideal. For one, “it would help if gay Filipinos would just admit they are gay to begin with. One gay social networking site I checked had seven of 10 Filipinos claiming to be bisexual. The Philippines is the only country on this planet to claim such. Most other countries have only a single-digit percentage of people claiming to be bisexual. Don't even bother mentioning the variety of ‘meanings’ Filipinos give to the word ‘bisexual’! That's bullshit, (for there) is only 1 meaning: you are sexually attracted to BOTH men and women. Gay Filipinos will never enjoy respect, tolerance, or acceptance until they can admit to themselves they are gay,” Plogman says.

And while “it's 2008 and it has never been easier to meet other gay people; no longer is the gay community one that exists just underground, in the shadows of alleys in the night,” due to the “outdated, bigoted views of the Roman Catholic Church, so many Filipinos still can't live their lives the way that's best for them and their happiness.”

And while he laments that like in cities like New York, Metro Manila's gay community suffers from the problem of guys constantly on the search for someone better than the boyfriend they already have (“Look guys, there's ALWAYS going to be someone better-looking, richer, et cetera. Get over it. FIND and LOVE the one who LOVES YOU”), he is still glad to have been “blessed to have met mostly great people here. I've met my share of cheating, lying, petty, gossips as well; but the number of talented, educated, interesting, caring, lovely people far outnumbers them,” he says.

LOOKING FORWARD

Plogman, who admits loving writing (“I blog – I realize that sounds odd, and it makes me no money, but I love to write, and my blog allows me to share my experiences here in the Philippines”), recalls one time, in 2000, when a neighbor asked “if I'd shoot him and his boyfriend having sex. That wasn't as weird as waiting while I listened to him try to ask the question. He was so nervous, I think it took him almost five minutes,” he laughs.

He tries to be flexible, though, even if “there are clients who I'll refuse due to uneasy feelings I get around them. Some don't want to be photographed; they want me. There are also those who ask for the unreasonable, or those who ask for particular types of photography I don't have the proper equipment to shoot.”

This early, “I can't say I have had any one defining achievement that has been more satisfying than any others. I look at each shot as an achievement. If I'm able to capture some unique aspect of each person, interpret something or some place in a unique or special way that says something to others, and have people react positively to these, that's achievement enough,” Plogman says.

For now, though, the focus remains in coming up with good pieces – not just advocating beauty, but advocating advocacies, a seemingly easy enough endeavor for Plogman who says his style is quite straightforward. “The fact
that I don't need to do this give me a competitive edge,” he says, “and since I
don't need to do this, I am a lot less stressed. That also allows me to charge less than other photographers here. I haven't the long-established reputation some have, and I know my time in the Philippines will end in approximately a year; so I needn't charge higher rates. I'm not looking to take away anyone else's business, anyway. Just so I just charge enough to make it worth my while.”

Back in the studio, shooting almost naked Filipinos, Plogman quips how he’s looking at coming up with a book (“Hopefully, the images I create during my time here will be something I can organize into a book in the future”), he says. That’s relatively long way away still, however.

So for now, he shoots “in a style that is from a different point of view – call it Western, if you will,” highlighting how Filipinos can really be beautiful.

Now, if only Filipinos start seeing themselves the way Plogman sees them.

Track & Field

2010-05-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

Model JaBari leaps the hurdles.

Scheduling Shoots for May and June Now!

2010-05-01T18:00:00.001-07:00

Photo/Makeup Packages Now Available

2010-04-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

Contact me: 513.388.7001 j.plogman@gmail.com

Solitary Bride

2010-04-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Subject: Christina

Makeup: Galvin Mason

Location: Cincinnati's Parker Woods

Contact me at j.plogman@gmail.com or 513.388.7001 for packages Galvin and I are offering!

Peacock Princess

2010-03-31T14:27:00.000-07:00

Springtime shoot with Jenn.

Makeup by Galvin Mason.

For details on photo/makeup packages with Galvin and I, contact me.

j.plogman@gmail.com

513.388.7001

Ethereal Beauty - Christina

2010-03-30T12:19:00.001-07:00

More work with makeup artist Galvin Mason.

To learn more about our service packages, contact me.

j.plogman@gmail.com
513.388.7001

Ethereal Beauty

2010-03-28T14:14:00.001-07:00

More work in collaboration with makeup artist Galvin Mason.

Contact me at j.plogman@gmail.com for our packages.

Photo Shoot Tuesday, March 16.

2010-03-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

Working with makeup artist Galvin Mason.

Model: Brandon
And the makeup artist himself: Galvin Mason

Contact me at j.plogman@gmail.com for information on our services and packages.

Galvin Mason Makeup Artist Teams up with Jay Plogman Photography

2010-03-17T12:32:00.001-07:00

Makeup artist Galvin Mason and I have teamed together to provide a combination of makeup and photography services for your engagement and/or wedding photo needs.

Contact me for our packages.

Body Art Immortalized in Photos

2010-03-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

Blurry pictures shot in your bathroom mirror don't do justice to you or your body art. A great body and great art should be immortalized in a work of photographic art.

Meet the Models: Larissa Maestro

2010-02-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

I had the good fortune to work with the exceptionally talented and photogenic singer/songwriter Larissa Maestro back in 2006. Our shoot in her family's warm and historic home was conducted pretty spur of the moment in that we just meandered from room to room (even to barn) looking for great opportunities - and did we ever find them!That's actually the thing that I find makes for the best portraits of people - being able to use their own space. The reason these images speak so eloquently to the viewer is that they say so much about their subject. Only with extensive preparation and great expense could we ever have hoped to create a studio setting as rich as this! Many may argue that they don't have such nice homes, but I've never found that to be a problem. Furniture almost always has to be re-arranged for the best effect. Lamps and tables are re-positioned. Area rugs may find themselves on the wall instead of the floor. All the makings of great images are there, wherever you are! That's why I always have (and always will) say: your best images are the ones shot in the comfort of your own home. Don't go to the photographer; have the photographer come to you!Here's a clip of Larissa in concert:

Meet the Models: Carlo

2010-01-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd go back in time and add a little background story to the faces of the subjects pictured throughout my portfolio over the years. Today I focus on my first shoot in the Philippines. It took place in May of 2007, on the beautiful beaches of the island of Boracay.

Although it was morning, the day was already scorching hot and not a cloud in the sky as I met Carlo for our shoot. We were both living in Manila and just happened to both be vacationing in Boracay at the same time, so it had been planned for us to do a memorable shoot on the soft, sandy white beach there as opposed to the hard, gray concrete of metro Manila.

In discussing the shoot the night before, Carlo impressed me as a kind soul who was easy to get to know and chatting with him that first time felt like we'd known each other forever. Our friendship continues to this day, and my first impression wasn't wrong.

Nice Quote from My Interview with BLISS

2010-01-18T14:57:00.001-08:00

I was flattered to be interviewed by BLISS Male Mag for their December issue. They included a nice comment about my work which I've combined with an image from a recent shoot. Click on the image to enlarge and read.

A Little Color for 2010!

2010-01-03T18:36:00.000-08:00

In the northern hemisphere, the new year begins during a time of short days, bitter cold, and oftentimes gray skies. Combined with the already leafless trees, this can be a pretty dreary and colorless time of year.

Add a little color to your wardrobe (your cheeks are already reddening!) and appreciate the vibrancy of life through some color.

Having trouble remembering color?

Here's a dose of it for you from a series I did this past fall at Cincinnati's oft-overlooked gem of a park, Rapid Run Park.

BLISS Features Me in its 4th Issue

2009-12-16T11:26:00.000-08:00

My photographic interests are varied and diverse. I have the same enthusiasm for photographing nature as portraits, trains as pets. One area of my portraiture concerns the male form in all its genres. Everything from fashion to the erotic arts. Sean at BLISS Male Magazine contacted me a while back expressing his interest in my work and asked to do a feature on me and my work with Asian (more specifically, Filipino) men for their 4th issue. Well, I've just been told the issue is out as of today.

BLISS does deal primarily with the erotic arts, even articulately discussing the oft-debated topic of erotic art vs. porn, so due to the images represented this is probably not the site to visit while at work or any minors are around. It's a wonderful read and I was delighted as well as flattered to take part in the interview with Sean.

The link is here.

Learn Photography with Jay Plogman Photography Tutorials.

2009-12-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

Jay Plogman Photography offers affordable, 1-on-1 tutorials in photography to help you make the most of your camera gear. No matter if you have a simple compact digicam or a full-feature digital SLR, you'll learn how it works and how to make the most of all the features to make your pictures the best they can be.

5 lessons are offered in all. Here they are in the order in which they should be taken:

BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY (SPLIT INTO 2 PARTS - PART 1 & 2): These lessons cover all the basics of photography, whether it is film or digital. All the principles of how to take a good picture are the same. PART 1 covers different camera types, getting to know lenses, how they affect what you see, and composition. PART 2 covers in-depth how camera functions affect your photos and how to manipulate them for desired effects. Each of these takes approximately 2 hours for the average beginner to go through, maybe more, especially if in a group setting.

DIGITAL photography covers all the things that make a
digital camera different from a film camera and what that means to your pictures. There is then an introduction to the basics of Photoshop to see how to deal with the pictures once they're taken. Class takes approximately two hours.

FLASH covers how, when, why and where flash should be used in
picture-taking. Approximately an hour for this class, plus practice time*.

PEOPLE covers what you need to know to get good portraits (and some action photography shots) in virtually any environment. Class takes approximately an hour plus hands-on practice time*.

Because these are offered as tutorials, students are able to ask as many questions as need be without worrying about holding back others. We'll go over your specific camera in depth, so you know what all the features are and how to use them to maximum benefit. Together we'll set many of the menu features to exactly where you want them. The Flash and People lessons also include practice time*. During the practice time for the People lesson, it is heavily suggested you have a friend or family member present to use as your model.

The cost of each lesson individually is $30. If you choose to take all 5, the total package is $125 (a $5 discount on each lesson for a $25 savings overall).

So what are you waiting for? It's time to take your camera off of "AUTO" mode and discover what amazing images await you! And for those who are still afraid to use your camera: pull it out of the closet, take it out of the box, and in just 5 lessons, you may never put it away again!

Email me at j.plogman@gmail.com to set up your private tutorial sessions today.

Just Published: Paradiso: Images of Mangenguey, Palawan, Philippines

2009-12-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

paradiso

images of mangengu...

By Jay Plogman

Book Preview

November Portrait Specials

2009-11-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

Jay Plogman Photography announces 3 special portrait packages.

All packages include:

-Pre-shoot consultation
-Up to 2 hour photo shoot session
-Individuals or families/groups of up to 4 persons
($40 fee for each additional person)
-Preview and selection appointment

-------------------------------------------------------

PRINT PACKAGE

From your 3 favorite poses you'll receive:

-2ea 8x10 prints
-2ea 5x7 prints
-8 wallet prints
-Free digital file of each pose purchased*
(File is low resolution suitable for internet display)
*Additional files available at $10 each.

Regularly $200
NOVEMBER SPECIAL: $150!

-------------------------------------------------------

SHOW OFF ONLINE PACKAGE

Up to 15 of your favorite images will be saved to CD in low resolution suitable for posting on Friendster, Facebook, MySpace, Multiply and other internet sites.

Regularly $280
NOVEMBER SPECIAL: $230!

-------------------------------------------------------

ULTIMATE SHOW-OFF PACKAGE

This takes the Show Off Online Package one step further! You get up to 15 of your favorite images saved to CD in both low resolution and high resolution file sizes! This way, one file can be used for online applications and the other can be used for prints! Each size is saved to CD in separate, specially-marked folders for ease of locating.

Regularly $400
NOVEMBER SPECIAL: $350!

Remember, no matter which package you choose, all shoots include the following retouching/editing of all poses selected.
-brightening of eyes
-whitening of teeth
-removal of skin blemishes
-lessen appearance of wrinkles
-adjustment of shadows
-improve brightness
-optimization of color and tone

Experience

2009-10-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

I started out in photography over twenty years ago. Back in high school, my goal was to take great pictures of trains. In college, I added photographing nature and artworks. Later on came people.

From 1998 through 2004 I did wedding photography. Today I continue to shoot for those about to be married, doing prenuptial portraits. These have proven to be some of the photos the newly wedded couples love the most, as we are able to capture them in locations that have great significance to them and do so without the time constraints imposed by all the events of a wedding day.
I've also worked with a variety of models, ranging from beginners/amateurs to professional.

My first work in digital came in 2006 when I worked with Venezuelan model/fashion accessory designer Dayo Litmanovich:
I later moved to the Philippines and began working with models there. Here is versatile Philippine model/actor Jaws Andrada from a short test shoot we did in 2008:
He's not the first Filipino actor I worked with though. That would be Jerwin Mercado. I had the privilege of working with him in 2007 when director Felino Tañada approached me to do some publicity photos of the young star for the movie Hanggang Dito Na Lamang at Maraming Salamat. These were used in articles in magazines to introduce readers to the fresh face on the screen. Here's a couple from that session, done at Pueblo por la Playa resort in Lucena, Philippines:

Also in 2007, I worked on a shoot documenting the taping of MTV Philippines VJ Search at Camp Explore in Antipolo, Philippines. Here, one of the VJ wannabees is seen after her descent on the Slide for Life:
I don't restrict my photographic subject matter. In 2008, the people at Slivers magazine (a Philippine publication covering interior design and architecture) had me do work for two articles covering an architect and the Mango Camp resort in Zambales, Philippines. Here's a few shots from that shoot:

Experience from the early years on behind the camera really helps when it comes to dealing with continually changing persons, places, and events in front of the camera!

Professional Quality: Before & After Shots

2009-10-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

There is a common belief nowadays that any time you want your picture taken, all you have to do is call on the relative with the digital SLR and you'll get pictures as good as the pros. That's fine, if your relative is a pro. If he or she isn't, you'll end up with the same pictures you used to moan and groan about in the days of film.

Digital SLRs don't make better pictures; better photographers make better pictures!

Like me, more professional photographers today are working hard after the picture is taken to make it the best it can be in ways they couldn't imagine ten or fifteen years ago. During the picture-taking process a professional photographer uses all the training, talent, and experience they have to create a great image. Sometimes that just isn't enough though. Sometimes we have to work extra hard to make our subjects look great after the shoot is over.

Notice this shot: (click on image to enlarge)The subject's skin is almost perfect, so removal of a few blemishes and some touch up to the eyes was all that was required; but after the shoot was over it was determined the watch on her wrist just didn't work, so it was removed as well.

That edit work was relatively easy compared to what I did here, though: (click on image to enlarge)All the make up in the world wasn't going to conceal the blemishes on his skin that day. So I had to become the dermatologist later on and edit out all the marks. I didn't remove the skin texture though. You can still see the signs that his skin isn't without its flaws; just that it wasn't breaking out like it was the day of the shoot. Many people today go too far in improving the complexion of their subjects, and in turn create more mannequin-like complexions. One fellow photographer I know calls them plastic people.

Edit work like this after the photo session with a client has ended is what takes up a majority of a photographer's time for each job. The photo shoot itself may take an hour or so, but editing may take another five or six hours (or more), depending on the number of images ordered and the complexity of edits required. An all-day shoot could literally take weeks of work for a photographer to process!

Welcome to Jay Plogman Photography

2009-09-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Jay Plogman Photography. I'm a professional photographer, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. In this blog you'll see some of my latest work and learn about special offers and events as they are scheduled.

I have over 20 years photographic experience photographing everyday people as well as professional models in the US and abroad, including Latin America and Asia; most recently, almost 3 years in the Philippines. Although now based in Cincinnati, OH I do travel to Philly, NYC, and Tampa every so often.

I do all my shoots by appointment only. Individuals, couples, and groups are welcome. Shoots can be in studio, on-location, or within your own home. Schedule a free consultation with me by contacting me at j.plogman@gmail.com or call (513) 388-7001.

Here's what a reviewer has to say of my work:

The fantastic work of Jay Plogman, where East is Best. His portraits are sensual, vivid and enchanting. His colors, style and positioning are perfection. His Asian influence embraces culture, spirituality and sensitivity. Jay has an amazing talent for bringing everything together and capturing the essence of his models. Each set and each model tells another story, each is soft and inviting. Jay really is an amazing stylish, photographer and artist. -Try State Magazine, 8/31/2009

(http://trystatemagazine.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-09-09T18%3A40%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=20)

And some words from clients:
Hello Jay..saw your exhibit last Sat...whew! They're GREAT!!! -Carlo

Hey, Jay! Thanks for the shoot. I definitely had fun. :) -Kince

I believe that its rare for someone to capture the essence and beauty of a person and I believe you're one of them.;) -Yucel

It was great to finally meet you and work with you the other day. I
definitely felt comfortable in front of the camera. -Wayne

Jay is a great photographer and a great guy...love him. -Dennis

I had a great time over the two days we shot. Jay really made me feel
comfortable despite the cold weather and is a pleasure to work with.
-John San Juan

Hey Jay. I love those pics. You make me so glad and proud of my pics. What can I say..? -Franco

You're an excellent photographer. You make us beautiful. :) -Jerry

Jay Plogman is an artist who can find your unusual side, discovering
the other beauty hidden inside you. Modeling is group work because
you need to build a link with the photographer and help him to express
his ideas. I feel a strong connection with Jay when he 'makes' his
images. It is a whole experience. -Dayo Litmanovich

Dear Jay,
Thank you so much for all your hard work. We are very pleased with
the pictures. You did an excellent job at capturing the "special"
moments. It was a pleasure working with you.
Sincerely,
-Jennifer & David

Hey guys, let yourself experience the one of a kind professional photographer like Jay!!!!! You'll definitely enjoy and it's worth the price I had a lot myself!!!!!!
Hi 5 for Jay!!!!!!! -Charlton

Thanks mate! I really liked the photos. I will definitely recommend you to friends if they need some photos taken. -Raymund Imperial

Wonderful work! Really awesome! I look froward to working with you again in the future. -Billy

Hi Jay. We have a big smile on our faces when we saw the pictures. And it is very sweet. -Aiden & Jerry

Thanks for including me, I had fun during the shoot. Take care always. -Jay Errol

I never thought it'd be a lot of fun. It was my first time actually
to join a group shoot and I had the best time. Keep me posted. Mwah!
-Ajjie

I have seen the pix already, and wow, they are really good! -Ken

You're such a great photographer. -Jeff

Thank you. I didn't expect it would turn out this fun:) Jay-thanks for allowing me to work with you again. And as before, I enjoyed it. -Billy