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Writer's pictureJesse Jacques

Elevating Frequencies: Behind The Scenes With a Professional Film Photographer


Artistically composed black and white photograph by Jesse Jacques, captured on Kodak Tri-X 4x5 large format film using a Sinar camera, featuring a radial arrangement of vintage wrenches on a textured backdrop. This image channels the minimalist aesthetic and the precise geometrical compositions reminiscent of Constructivist art. The interplay of light and shadow accentuates the sculptural qualities of the wrenches, transforming these common tools into a compelling, thought-provoking tableau that echoes the philosophies of both Minimalism and Constructivism.
Pictured: Photo created by me, Jesse Jacques, April 2024. Shot on Kodak Tri-X 4x5 Film.

 

Hey Everyone, the photo above is from a film photography project I recently wrapped up, and it turned out straight fire, didn't it? What can I say—it's beautiful! While I can't dive into all the specifics (those are reserved for the client), I'd love to share some behind-the-scenes insights and thoughts that made this project so unique.


Redefining Norms

So, about a month or so ago, I found myself growing increasingly bored with the predictability and formulaic nature of what I was seeing across the industry. On one end of the spectrum, everything felt too neatly packaged—perfect to a fault, devoid of genuine emotion. On the other end, there was a wave of "performative darkness", a trend that tries too hard to be edgy, yet often ends up feeling forced. Both styles, while popular on social media, don't resonate with me. I knew I didn’t want my work to just blend into that sameness, to follow those predictable paths. The desire to pivot wasn't merely about being different for the sake of it; it was something I genuinely felt compelled to explore. Regardless of the subject matter—be it people, places, or things—there have to be other ways of seeing and executing, right?


This realization was the catalyst for a transformative shift in my approach to the last five projects, some of which I am still actively working on. I began to question everything from my choice of subjects to the techniques I employed. I asked myself, 'What am I not seeing? What haven't I tried yet?' This line of inquiry has led me to experiment with new themes (within the contexts of these projects) and techniques that could inject fresh perspectives into my work. While everything still bears my style, I'm beginning to incorporate other elements of my skills and talents into the creative process to keep things innovative.

A New Direction in Thought

First up is the photo I created above, which perfectly exemplifies one of the new project-specific directions I undertook. This image naturally embodies a balance between simplicity and complexity, utilizing geometry—a principle that not only shapes artistic expressions but also resonates deeply with the fundamental structures of the universe. The symmetric arrangement of the elements provides visual satisfaction and invites viewers to look deeper, encouraging them to ponder beyond what immediately meets the eye.


While I could detail every aspect of the creation process, from selecting Kodak Tri-X 320 film to capture the rich textural interplay, to meticulously positioning each wrench, I find it more compelling to leave certain elements open to the viewer’s interpretation. Displayed on my website, this photograph, presented without context, acts as an open-ended question rather than a defined statement. Those with an understanding of art & design may recognize and appreciate the subtle interplay of form and the underlying thematic elements it suggests, perhaps even discerning subtle nods to specific art movements. Others might simply be drawn to the visual contrast and the aesthetic arrangement, finding beauty in the structure and the light.


Beyond the Conventional

In my recent endeavors, each project has been a canvas for exploration, subtly echoing artistic principles without explicitly defining them. The goal is to provoke thought and evoke emotion, allowing each observer to engage with the work in their own unique way, while also staying true to myself, the creative briefs and defined goals of the projects.


So when I say 'elevating my frequency,' I’m not just talking about refining and heightening my craft. I’m referring to a conscious shift away from the common currents that flow through our industry. For example, when everyone is creating similar, trendy work or themes, they are all operating on the same wavelength—thinking and creating at the same frequency. My goal is to disrupt this pattern, to think and create outside these prevalent trends, thereby elevating my own creative frequency. It’s about tuning into a higher, more vibrant frequency that resonates with innovative thinking, new ideas, and unique perspectives. This isn't just a pivot; it's a leap towards continually discovering and embracing ways that challenge the conventional, that see differently, and that inspire not just me, but also my audience and clients to think beyond the norm.


And when this frequency runs its course, my aim is to elevate again—each iteration reaching further, pushing the boundaries of creativity and perception. This cycle of elevation is not just about changing how we see art; it’s about evolving how we see the world and ourselves within it. The clients who resonate with this frequency are those who are also looking to elevate their own spectra of life and work.


In this way, 'elevating frequency' becomes more than an artistic strategy—it becomes an ascending life perspective. By continually raising our frequencies, we're not just making art; we're elevating our collective vibrational state, seeking out new peaks of creativity and understanding in every endeavor. Let's discover what new paths and ideas unfold as we initiate the next phase of innovation with the work we do together.

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Evocative vertical illustration for JesseJacquesPhoto.com, depicting a graceful fusion of a woman and a tree, symbolizing unity with nature. The artwork, set against a textured green backdrop, is complemented by the thought-provoking phrase 'Rooted in Memory, Branching into Forever,' reflecting the depth and permanence of film photography. Below, 'Jesse Jacques Photography' is inscribed, anchoring the image with the photographer's signature brand.

Top image for jessejacquesphoto.com: A black and white cinematic photograph of a hand reaching out in the rain, evoking raw emotion and depth. Text overlay reads, 'Experience Every Moment…'. Bottom image: A black and white photograph of a wall covered in butterflies illuminated by cinematic light, symbolizing transformation and wonder. Text overlay reads, '…Let's Create Your Magic. BOOK NOW.

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