How bad do you want success?

This has nothing to do with photography, but everything to do with our everyday drive and motivation to achieve a goal. Im am at a point in life where looking at this I feel as though i got comfortable, and lost some of the drive I used to have while working towards a goal. It reminds me of my college basketball career. I was never the flashiest, fastest, strongest, most skilled player on the court. And every preseason new recruits will ask me, how come you are a starter? that always made me laugh because I never accepted being outworked. I used to tell the freshmen "there is a difference between: wanting to play, and wishing to play; I want to play, you wish to play..."

The bottom line is "how bad do you want it? (success)

                

Wedding photography, inside the bag with Herman V.Brandt Photographer

This video is to share the gear that I bring with me for a day of wedding photography. Its the first of a series of videos regarding wedding photography.

I have been getting a lot of questions in regards to wedding photography, and more and more frequently I get request from photographer friends who want to come along to a wedding with me just tag along and see how i handle it. If you have questions or sggestions feel free to hit me up!

ps: forgive the mistakes as i was explaining, i actually squeezed this video right before i took of for a wedding, I shot only one take, and I was a bit stressed out, my mind was elsewere. I was cracking up watching it lol

Herman V.Brandt Photography-Cherise test shoot

Herman V.Brandt Photography- fashion-cherise-3, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

Cherise came to Herman V.Brandt Photography looking to update her portfolio for fashion and acting. She wanted a combination of natural photographs, but also some more edgy and/or artistic photographs.


Cherise Test Shoot - Images by Herman van den brandt

Herman V.Brandt Media: Single black female Promo video

Play writer and director Kash Goins, after award winning plays "VI Degrees" and "VII Deadly Sins" continues on his road to success with his newest stage play "Single Black Female", this story is full of stigmas about genders in different cultures, full of humor and a message that will enhance your relationships. It is certainly a must see, and I had a blast filming them rehearse! I will definitely in attendance, will you?

I was blessed to step into the studio with drummer/producer Darrell "JDR Superstar" Robinson in his own recording studio "Superstar Music". Derril is a drummer out of Philadelphia, PA, but after working with super producer Pharrell Williams as a music director for his band N.E.R.D; Darrell has decided to make a turn into the world of production. Find out more during the interview.
I was amazed to see how easy he made it look to not only make a track, but a hot one!! I spent about a hour in the studio where they showed me around the facility, we got to chit chat, and get the interview. This is how long it took Darrell to make the track!

Herman V.Brandt Photography- Fashion - Melinda for Michael Thomas

Herman V.Brandt Photography- Fashion - Melinda for Michael Thomas-4.jpg, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

After the "run away" editorial with current Miss Norway, Melinda Elvenes, we went to the studio and spent some time getting some shots with a beautiful jump suit designed by young philadelphia designer Michael Thomas. We were going for a natural look, and she makes the job extremely easy. Click on the image to see more.

Herman V.Brandt meets Vice President Joe Biden

Herman V.Brandt meets Vice president Joe Bidden, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

I was honored to be a guest for the annual YWCA breakfast this year where I got the opportunity to meet Vice president Joe Biden. The invitation was extended to my by photographer friend Paul Pruitt, who put me in position to get the chance to chat with the Vice President and exange a couple of jokes, and I must say he was actually pretty funny. The breakfast outlined some of the organizations achievements for the past year, goals for the year to come and fundraising/donation options to support the organization, whos focus is to eliminating racism and empowering women. Some trully inspiring stories where shared and it was a blessing to hear them, and meeting the Vice President was the icing on the cake!

Herman V.Brandt Photography X Jill Scott "shame" music video (behind the scenes)

Though my main area is photography in Delaware, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, I have been doing more and more short video documentaries. I shot behind the scenes for the newest Jill Scott video "Shame". The video was filmed in north Philly at the Cecil Bmore rec center. Her own foundation raised and donated a large sum to keep the rec center open. This is the very rec center where she did her humble beginings. This rec center is an outlet for many young people to express their talents, giving an alternative to the street life and keeping the youth out of trouble

Herman V.Brandt Photography- Beauty-Melinda Elvenes

Herman V.Brandt Photography- Beauty-Melinda Elvenes, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

After the "run away" editorial with current Miss Norway, Melinda Elvenes, we went to the studio and spent some time getting some beauty shots. We were going for a natural look, and she makes the job extremely easy. Click on the image to see more.

Herman V.Brandt Photography- Run away editorial photoshoot

Herman V.Brandt Photography- melinda "run away" -2, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

In life we all run away from different things, these could be stress, fear, pain, growth, responsabilities, and more. The concept for this editorial resulted from a look into the journey of my my life, and is depicted by displaying the complete opposite, running away. In the real world of Herman V.Brandt, I tend to put the car on drive, push the pedal to the metal and face adversity, challenges, fear, failure, growth, and pain. This does not mean I do not run into these things, I just choose to take my chances at facing them rather than giving into them. Remember, though the shots do not always go in the basket when you shoot, they NEVER go in when you do not shoot, so shoot the ball!


Herman...

Pregnancy photos (Amira and Dominique)

Herman V.Brandt Photography: Pregnancy photos (Amira and Dominique) 1, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

Amira and Dominique chose Herman V.Brandt photography to get pregnancy photos taken. Amira wanted to make sure she had a full belly for her shoot, so we cut it close to the date by setting the maternity session 2 weeks prior to the expected date. The photoshoot was great and very fun! Amira delivered this past sunday, and the baby girl came into the world healty! Yay. They will be coming back this summer for a baby photoshoot session and get some family photos taken as well. See you soon!!

Herman V.Brandt Photography fashion photoshoot with miss Norway Melinda ...

In the fall of 2009 I purchased my first DSLR camera with the simple intent to capture good photographs of my previous passion, custom sneakers. This video displays the culmination of a year of sleepless nights studying, reading and playing with my camera. For this shoot I had a full team for the very first time, Diana Taylor from Lillian Taylor Cosmetics for make up, Courtney B. Willis from Babes Styling Studios for hair and stylist, Chriss and DJ as assistants. The clothes were pieces of the latest collection of Philadelphia designer Michael Thomas, and the beautiful model Melinda Elvenes, current Miss Norway was kind enough to travel from NYC to Wilmington Delaware where my studio is located to rock the camera, and that she did. Finally the flawless 1965 Pontiac Boneville was kindly provided by Ed Massey from Yummy Tummy Foods. Though this day was full of obstacles, it resulted in amazing photographs and a dream come true. This is the first step towards tomorrow...

Transfer

max-5, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

In my life long jurney, aquiring knowledge is something that has always been very important. The thirst for knowledge was transfered to me through my father, who challenged me every day of my life, as well exposing me to a variety of things. At this point in my life, I still have a great thirst for knowlege, but due to the amount of knowledge aquired over the years, I feel an increasing need to transfrer this knowledge. My clients son, Max, was hanging out in the office with me, and kept asking to shoot photos, I gave him my film slr camera, and while I was trying to shoot him with the camera, he was mimiquing every single move I made with my dslr! We both ended up on the floor pointing at each other, only difference, he could not hold the camera. Hilarious!!! But it is crazy how we can change and impact children lives if we expose them to things early.

Food photography, Yummy Tummy Foods menu

Food photography, yummy tummy menu-2, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

Yummy Tummy Foods is a family owned that delivers fresh home made salads, fruits, soups, wraps and hoagies, to Delaware, New Jersey and Pensilvania. Ed from Yummy Tummy Foods came to Herman V.Brandt Photography requesting for some photographs to create a menu cart, but also for his website. Enjoy!

Herman V.Brandt Photography X Quazimotto on wax(behind the scenes+interv...

So I stopped by to visit my photographer friend J. Quazi King from www.quazimottoonwax.com. Quazi is African brother, we share a lot in our background. He is a fashion photographer out of New York that focuses on portrature. He was kind enough to invite me to his home studio where I watched him in action and got the chance to ask him a couple of questions. You can find him on facebook as Quazi King, on twitter @quazimottoonwax, or visit his website www.quazimottoonwax.com.

Herman V.Brandt @ Legendary Damon birthday party

Legendary Damon birthday party-79, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

Last week end I went up to New York city, and took Herman V.Brandt Photography out of delaware for a week end. On Saturday night Legendary Damon, American Apothecary and Remy Martin presented “The Luxxx Ball: Legendary Damon’s Annual Birthday Celebration”. Hosted at Millesime at 92 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016, it was a packed house throughout the entire evening. The opening reception was hosted by notable Producer/Director ZM Wright, where guests enjoyed an open bar of the nights signature drink the “D-Luxxx” (VSOP and Piper), courtesy of Remy Martin. The night included special performances by singer Unique, and Mic Murphy from The System; and the icing on the cake was the surprise performance by Hip-Hop royalty, Lil Kim. However, it was the grand entrance of the evening’s guest of honor, Legendary Damon, who stole the show. While the “King’s Motorcade” (from the film, “Coming to America”) boomed over the sound system, Legendary Damon descended from Millesime’s decadent stairway with his entourage of flower girls, outfitted in African-inspired headpieces and skirts.
Damon was quoted as saying:
“From the minute I walked into room I had a great time at “The Luxxx Ball” (with my 3 rose peddler's). When I saw everyone's luxurious outfits, and heard the DJ’s (DJ Kiss and DJ Jimmy) I knew it was going to be an epic party. I always wanted Lil Kim to perform, and she was both amazing and gracious. Time to start planning next years!”
With an overflowing VIP section, and droves of well wishers, Legendary Damon celebrated his birthday like a King.
Click on the image to see all the photos, and be on the look out for the video.

Herman V.Brandt Photography @ Philly Fashion Week Spring '11

So more and more people ask me how is it like to do what I do with Herman V. Brandt Photography, is it fun? can i come with you? unfortunately very rarely can I take people with me for work, but this is one of the exceptions. My friend Dustin Davis, to whom I thank for this footage and the assistance provided during the event, came along with me to give me a hand while using the experience as an opportunity to network. This should give you a little idea on how the shows go, enjoy...
Photos available here and here

Here is the slideshow with the photos for day 1 of Philly fashion week runway show photographed by Herman V. Brandt Photography

And here are the photos for day 2 of Philly fashion week runway show photographed by Herman V. Brandt Photography

Herman V.Brandt Photography X Lillian Taylor Cosmetics photoshoot (behind the scenes)

This is the behind the scenes video for Mia´s Beauty photoshoot part of the series of portrait photos collaboration between Lillian Taylor Cosmetics and Herman V.Brandt Photography.
Model: Mia Boyer
Make up artist: Diana R Taylor
Make up used: Lillian Taylor Cosmetics
Photography: Herman V. Brandt Photography
Full video: http://www.vimeo.com/20580294
 visit: hermanphotos.blogspot.com/​

Herman V.Brandt Photography- Beauty Photoshoot (Jess)

Jess Elaine Hartman, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

This is the second portrait photo from collaboration portraits between Lillian Taylor Cosmetics and Herman V.Brandt Photography. These photos are to showcase how Lillian Taylor Cosmetics work in a variety of different types of skin complexions as well as the color range of the different products. It will also display my different lighting techniques. The intent of the beauty portrait was to emphasise the neck of model Jess.
Model: Jess Elaine Hartman
Make up artist: Diana R Taylor
Make up used: Lillian Taylor Cosmetics
Photography: Herman V. Brandt Photography

Capri and Eden baby photoshoot

elijah-baby photo-11, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

Capri came to Herman V. Brandt Photography's studio for some baby photos of her son Eden who is just a few months old. Eden is her second born and she absolutely wanted to get photos of him as a baby. The reason for this is because she did not get baby photos for her first born, and being that they grow out of their baby phase so fast, she always regrets not having enough memories to look back to. With this being said, they came in and i went to work. It was a great experience and I had a blast!

Ken Briscoe

IMG_9463e, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

Ken "keny" Briscoe is a good friend of mine, and one of the main reasons for it is because we are passionate creative individuals. Ken came to Herman V. Brandt Photography looking for some head shot photos, he wanted these to be quite descriptive of who he is: a fun creative guy, that provides marketing tools to corporate america and non proffit organizations. These two worlds are so far appart, and blending them into a photograph was not a easy task, but being that we are so similar in some areas, I took the head shot photos the way I would have shot myself. The turn out was pretty good, and we were both happy with it.

Mia beauty photo shoot

Mia beauty shoot, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

This is the first of a series of portrait photos which is a collaboration between Lillian Taylor Cosmetics and Herman V.Brandt Photography. These photos will showcase how Lillian Taylor Cosmetics work in a variety of different types of skin complexions as well as the color range of the different products. It will also display my different techniques.
Model: Mia Boyer
Make up artist: Diana R Taylor
Make up used: Lillian Taylor Cosmetics
Photography: Herman V. Brandt Photography

Herman V.Brandt Photography at Philly fashion week day 2

_MG_6127, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

Last week end I attended the FBH Philly Fashion Week as a runway fashion press photographer. The event was full of young talent, and offered a great networking platform for people in the entertainment and fashion industry in the tristate area. For the rest of the images click on the photo, they are located on my Flickr Herman Brandtor my facebook fan page XCLSV WORLD.

Herman V.Brandt Photography at Philly fashion week day 1

_MG_5369, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

Last week end I attended the FBH Philly Fashion Week as a fashion press photographer. The event was full of young talent, and offered a great networking platform for people in the entertainment and fashion industry in the tristate area. For the rest of the images click on the photo, they are located on my Flickr Herman Brandtor my facebook fan page XCLSV WORLD.

the Cook family

reeda bleech-1, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

The Cook family is a returning group to Herman V. Brandt Photography. Although I have taken their family photos for family events, this was their first official family photoshoot in the studio with me, and it was a ball!!!! I have not had this much fun with a camera in my hands in a very long time! They only spent a hour, well a bit over that, and I wish I could have kept them longer. I know I will be having them in front of my camera again, there is no doubt about that. Make sure to check out the black and white version, click on the image to see the stream.

Shaun

shizz-6, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

Shaun is a young up and coming model, and came to me to assist him with a diverse session to get his portfolio started. Though he had no experience in front of the camera prior to this shoot, he managed to give me some great looks, he has some angles that worked very well for me, giving a natural strong but kind look that resulted in some great portraits.
Tank you Shaun for choosing me to assist you in your first steps.

Alex from vultran creative group, by Herman V. Brandt

Alex from vultran creative group, by Herman V. Brandt, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

So I went on craigs list and got a crazy deal on a mint canon 70-200L 2.8 IS! i had to drive for 2hrs to get it, but it is definately worth it! these where the first shots I took to test it out. I love how it reduces the ammount of noise at high ISO's. I got it mainly for weddings and fashion, and will keep it safe for those opportunities. My next moves are the 24-70L 2.8 and the canon 5D MKII

pastor D

pastor D , originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

Pastor D is a returning client. I have worked with him in a couple of project. These head shot was to be used for a political campaign, as he goes for mayor. This head shot was to give a friendly but strong corporate look.

antoine

antoine, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

Antoine came in the studio for some head shots he intended to use for his marketing campaing, as he sells medical supplies specializing in diabetis medical supplies. Antone goal was to get some headshots that will give a young business casual feel, these head shots were to look friendly, aproachable but still business.

Testing my new 70-200L 2.8

_MG_3013, originally uploaded by Herman Brandt.

so i just got the 70-200L 2.8 for canon, and i love it, here are some of the test images, click on the link