Aloha 'Auana!
Hawai’i has a new CIRQUE show!
Cirque Du Soleil recently opened their newest show ’AUANA in Honolulu, Oahu at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Resort Hotel.
Hawai’i has a new CIRQUE show!
Cirque Du Soleil recently opened their newest show ’AUANA in Honolulu, Oahu at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Resort Hotel.
We had the pleasure of creating stills for the new campaign Key Art, as well as the live performance photography for the promotion of the show.
We had a great time working with the local team in Hawaii, as well as some old (and new) friends from Vegas too.
Check out the show site here:
https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/auana
Below are some of the LIVE images from the show. BTS and Key Art photos to come soon!
Photography by Matt Beard, Errisson Lawrence and Lily Chan (www.blkXsgr.com)
![Ten Sins / 十悪 [Ju-aku] • Personal Art Project](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c3d1cf185ede174bc19702f/1685954627460-K00ZFHW5MKT4TXG6GPFC/%E9%82%AA%E6%B7%AB%EF%BC%88%E3%81%97%E3%82%99%E3%82%83%E3%81%84%E3%82%93+Ja+in%EF%BC%89Lust%3ALewdness.jpg)
Ten Sins / 十悪 [Ju-aku] • Personal Art Project
This recent series of photographs entitled 十悪 [Ju-aku] or "Ten Sins" explores the Japanese idea of "Bon-nou" ( 煩悩 ) which means “worldly desires, evil passions, and appetites of the flesh”.
十悪 [Ju-aku]
The “Ten Sins” Project
This recent series of photographs entitled 十悪 [Ju-aku] or "Ten Sins" explores the Japanese idea of "Bon-nou" ( 煩悩 ) which translates to “worldly desires, evil passions, and appetites of the flesh”.
Created upon a concept from mindful movement artist & visionary Mai Sato (former artist @ Cirque du Soleil), and with Japanese calligraphy artist Ai Kishimoto, this new photographic body of work examines 10 of the acts we commit against ourselves & others, using our thoughts, bodies, and words.
These acts are: greed, anger, envy, flattery, duplicity, blame, lies, taking or suppressing a life, stealing, and lust.
These words of "Bon-Nou" are painted by Ai Kishimoto, in her unique form of emotionally inspired Japanese ‘Kanji’ characters, on the right side of the body. In the art of “Face Reading” the Right side of our body is the exterior side of ourselves which we show to the world, while the Left side is left unpainted, as this represents our hidden personal side, and our innermost private thoughts and feelings.
All of these thoughts and actions are depicted as an inextricable part of the human experience, and as such, we can never fully separate ourselves from them. However, when allowing these to become unbalanced (by either losing control over them, or ignoring or suppressing them) we can cause ourselves, and others, great suffering.
The purpose of this artwork, is to remind the viewers to consider and practice opening themselves in a mindful way to allow these types of feelings and desires to arise, and to pass, while neither embracing nor resisting them. By simply recognizing and appreciating that they exist in all of us, we may minimize and heal our own suffering, and we may better understand and accept others who suffer as well.
From a quote in the book titled “101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think”, author Brianna Wiest states:
“…healing is really just letting yourself feel. It is unearthing your traumas and embarrassments and losses and allowing yourself the emotions that you could not have in the moment that you were having those experiences. It’s letting yourself filter and process what you had to suppress at the time to keep going, maybe even to survive.”
Photography: Matt Beard
Concept and Creative Direction: Mai Sato
Body Calligraphy Art: Ai Kishimoto
Models: Mai Sato and Ai Kishimoto
Hair/Makeup: Christine Puhl (Nguyen)
Studio: The Studio / Jewely Bennett
Face Reading Research & Guidance: Patrician McCarthy
Disneyland 100 !
Excited to see the photo we did of Mickey for Disney 100 up in my own city. Definitely one to cross off the bucket list this year. :-)
So, what am I going to do next? You guessed it…I’m going to Disneyland.
"You are making a HUGE MISTAKE shooting video with your SLR!"
"You are making a HUGE MISTAKE shooting video with your SLR!"…
Was exactly what I said…
"You are making a HUGE MISTAKE shooting video with your SLR!"…
Was exactly what I said to myself years ago, when I finally learned about the 180º shutter rule.
Using the Nisi V7 Filter system on a Canon EOS R5 © Errisson Lawrence Photography
“What’s up with the choppy look?”
“Why can’t I get smoother motion?”
I had made…A ROOKIE (DLSR photographer-to-videographer) MOVE.
Let’s imagine you are shooting still photos “wide-open” at ISO 100, F 2.8 1/4000th of a second, and decide to switch over to shoot some video.
You want that same nice shallow depth of field, so you leave the camera settings the same.
Instead of seeing a nice smooth video of your subject..it looks like a choppy fight scene out of Gladiator, or a Hip-Hop Dance Video.
So…what happened?
Simple.
A faster shutter speed, with video, is going to give you a more choppy and hyper-realistic look.
Without getting in to the technical details of why this happens (you can watch a great video here explaining it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4vg1Qmb0Eg&t=315s )
Simply put…
Your camera shutter speed should be approximately 2x the frame rate you are shooting at, to get a more natural looking result.
Ok, cool story.
But…your DSLR camera only shoots at 30fps, 60fps and 120fps.
Even when changing your shutter speed to the fastest speed at 1/250th, you are still finding yourself at least 4-stops overexposed.
Yikes!
THE FIX
Wait patiently for the sun to go down…
or…get yourself an ND (Neutral Density) filter.
With the ever increasing amount of quick video requests during my own still-shoots in recent years, I’ve found a great new system by NISI.
Nisi recently came out with the new V7 filter system, which allows me to quickly slap some ND filters on any of my lenses, to switch over to video…and remove them quickly to switch back to stills.
Adjusting the polarizer / Quick attachment of Nisi V7 filter holder. photo © Errisson Lawrence Photography
Not only is the Nisi V7 system easy to use, it allows me to stack a variety of square filters including ND, Graduated Filters, SFX filters, etc. It also incorporates Nisi’s “True-Color” color-neutral polarizer that can quickly be added and easily adjusted, and a nice carrying case (which can be attached to a belt or tripod leg) for easy access. It also comes with a variety of Stepping-Rings (67mm, 72mm, 77mm & 82mm), which allow you to attach the filter holder to most commonly used lenses.
ND filters are a MUST for any DSLR photographers who are looking to gain control over the look of their videos, and get better overall video results.
Nisi V7 Filter system on Canon R5 for “Missing You Video” with Jessica Carter Altman © Matt Beard Photography
ND Filter Result / Screenshot from “Missing You Video” with Jessica Carter Altman © Matt Beard Photography
The Nisi filters are very well made, so they aren’t as cheap as some of the low-grade options or other imitations you might find online. The Nisi filters stay color-accurate (especially with the new True-Color Polarizer), there’s no vignetting as everything fits perfectly, and with ease of use and higher quality material (compared to other brands), the Nisi filter systems are well worth the price.
Check out the NISI V7 starter bundle here:
https://nisiopticsusa.com/product/nisi-100mm-v7-explorer-starter-bundle/
Easy solution.
Better video results.
Get an ND filter system.
Have a great shoot!
-Matt
Check out my Unboxing video of the Nisi V7 system below…
Nisi V7 Unboxing Video
Check out the unboxing of the new NISI V7 Filter system
#dslrvideo #nisi #nisiopticsusa #nisiv7 #slrvideo #videotips #NDfilter #filterholder #polarizer #truecolorpolarizer
2020 ADDY Award Winner x2!
2020 Addy Award Winner for advertising photography
Matt Beard Photography, Inc is proud to be the recipient of (2) ADDY American Advertising Awards, for our work on the 2020 Bouqs Valentines Day Campaign!
The OOH and ONLINE campaign ran across the country, but had featured most prominently in New York’s iconic Times Square.
This is our 3rd time being featured in a Times Square ad campaign, but our first time ever submitting and winning 2 awards for the photography work.
MENDOCINO FARMS / 2021 NEW WORK
New FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY for Mendocino Farms 2021 Menu by Matt Beard
There’s no better way to start a New Year, than with a great meal.
I’m excited to share some of the NEW PHOTOGRAPHY WORK we’ve done for the growing restaurant chain, Mendocino Farms.
With about 40 locations in California and Texas, Mendocino Farms is quickly becoming a go-to favorite for local residents and foodies alike. With their delicious and fresh Chef-Created menu items, it’s easy to find something new and something everyone will love. From Vegan to Bacon, they offer a tasty variety that’s hard to beat.
On a personal note, the Mendo team has been great to work with. It’s been a fun and inspiring collaboration, and I’m looking forward to more great shoots (and crew lunches) coming soon.
-Matt
"BONES" photo shoot for the new release by @LoneKodiak
Check out the behind-the-scenes from our shoot with the band Lone Kodiak, for their new release “BONES”
Check out the behind-the-scenes from our shoot with the band Lone Kodiak, for their new release “BONES”
Photography: Matt Beard @mattbeardphoto
Makeup: Angie Bulmer www.angiebulmer.com & Jessie Maranda www.jessiemaranda.com
In the photo (L-R): Josh Harris, Dainéal Parker, Daniel Alden
STAMP OUT 2020
We are selling a limited edition of postcards featuring the work of amazing upcoming artists, in order to raise money to help the USPS continue to deliver mail (in a timely manner) through the November 2020 Election and beyond.
#StampOut2020
We are selling a limited edition of postcards featuring the work of amazing upcoming artists, in order to raise money to help the USPS continue to deliver mail (in a timely manner) through the November 2020 Election and beyond.
100% of profits from the net sales of these postcards will be used to purchase more postage and services from the USPS, as it is the only way they are currently able to make money.
By doing this, we are also helping to support various local print shops, as well as the Artists who will receive a small commission and recognition on the artwork they provide.
Everyone benefits.
The United States Postal Service is under siege, has become politicized, and needs our help.
We all rely upon the USPS.
We need to acknowledge the frightening reality of trying to rely on a system that is underfunded, understaffed and under attack, before it’s too late.
We can all agree that the biggest threat to a free and fair democracy, is to have our votes suppressed in one way or another. We can not allow that to happen.
No mater who you vote for, your constitutionally legal vote should be guaranteed to count, by all means necessary...especially during a pandemic such as this.
The USPS is currently restricted by law, from receiving public or private donations. They receive NO direct taxpayer money.
However...
We CAN buy their products and services. We CAN get our votes out.
We CAN make a difference.
Help #StampOut2020.
Help support the United States Postal Service, small businesses, and artists.
Help make your vote COUNT.
MASK UP!
Recently we partnered up with JVST, to release their new brand of face coverings (masks) : JVST BREATHE +
Wearing a facial covering/mask in public, has been proven to reduce the outward spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the Covid-19 coronavirus disease. This simple and compassionate action will reduce the chance of others contracting this virus, and will help to slow the spread of other germs as well…possibly even the seasonal Flu…
We are proud to be a part of the solution.
Recently we partnered up with JVST, to release their new brand of face coverings (masks) : JVST BREATHE +
Wearing a facial covering/mask in public, has been proven to reduce the outward spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the Covid-19 coronavirus disease. This simple and compassionate action will reduce the chance of others contracting this virus, and will help to slow the spread of other germs as well…possibly even the seasonal Flu.
Slowing the spread of any contagious disease, is the first step toward eliminating it.
Covering your nose and mouth in public, is similar to establishing a temporary form of HERD IMMUNITY, until we develop treatments or a vaccine. Instead of you being protected from getting the disease, you are protecting others from getting it. In turn, they will be protecting you by doing the same.
We ALL need to protect each other, for this to actually work.
E Pluribus Unum “Out of Many, One”
COVID-19 Awareness Certificate of Completion
Covid-19 Awareness Certificate of Completion
Certifications for Covid-19 awareness and safety training.
We practice the safest protocol on set.
We are constantly re-training and updating our safety measures and strategies to provide
a safe and comfortable working environment for our clients, talent and crew
Staying Safe means Staying In Business
NEW Video for Beauty Bar Chocoate
Following the Safer-On-Set protocol, we were able to put together a new video for Beauty Bar Chocolate.
An amazing Keto-Freindly, Low Glycemic, Vegan, and Fair-Trade chocolate brand, Beauty Bar Chocolate is rising quickly in the boutique hand-crafted chocolate world…and doing it with style.
Check out the new video explaining what Beauty Bar Chocolate is all about, and see how it’s truly made locally…here in Los Angeles…by Owner/Operator Candice Puthawala.
You can order Beauty Bar Chocolate online here…or pick it up at a store near you FIND A STORE NEAR ME
"Fuel the Fun in Fear"
Webinar replay: “WE KEEP IT REAL” (Fuel The Fun In Fear)
“I'm so grateful to have been able to share my platform with two very Special Guests from Hollywood Matt Beard & Pitof Comar…”
"Innovate with Impact" interview with Alessandro Tschabold
Check out this interview to learn how his business has been impacted by Covid-19, what he does to keep going, getting ready for the future, how he meditates to help him stay positive and focused, keeping the news to a minimum, and the first thing he will do once he can roam free again (an answer I didn't see coming - so much fun!).
March 2, 2020 Cirque du Soleil's "Drawn To Life " / Press Event at Disney Springs
In this first-ever collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, journey into a world…
From Disney,
“Set your imagination in motion with Drawn to Life—a love letter to the art of Disney animation.
In this first-ever collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, journey into a world where an animator’s desk becomes the stage and drawings come alive. The show is a celebration of life, accentuated by the delightful, mesmerizing movements of Cirque du Soleil’s acrobatic mastery.”
Source - https://www.disneysprings.com/entertainment/drawn-to-life-cirque-du-soleil/
All Photos - © Matt Beard Photography / Cirque du Soleil
The Bouqs Campaign / Times Square Billboard
The Bouqs campaign on a billboard in Times Square, photographed by Matt Beard
The biggest bunch of flowers you’ll ever see…
As a photographer, it’s always a strong feeling of accomplishment to see your own work up on a billboard in New York’s Times Square.
It’s an even better feeling when it’s for a company you really respect, and enjoy working with.
Thanks again to The Bouqs for making it happen.
:-)
So...Very...SOLUNA Swim
Soluna Swim photo and video shoot on Jan 31st 2020 with model Daria Miko
We had the pleasure of photographing the Soluna Swim campaign once again, this time working with the beautiful model Daria Miko at the Blue Lagoon Jungle
Hair/Makeup by: Brendan Robertson
Check out the video below shot by the talented: Ryan Hackbarth
…and some of our photos as well.
Check out our photos from the day below.
Visit the Soluna Swim Website to see more, and place orders.
What’s new?
Here is where you will find the latest work, commentary, and ongoing projects.
Instagram Feed @mattbeardphoto
