Nike

This is a collection of photographs I took of different athletic cleats. All of the cleats were made by Nike since I wanted to create an ad that could potentially sell their products. Each cleat had a fairly different set up, the cleats are represented with the corresponding sports' ball along with some other added props.  

Airport

What does a photographer do when siting in an airport for hours? Photograph it of course. This is the Barcelona Airpot in Spain. I photographed this terminal one early morning as I waited to board my flight to London and then from there get on my plane back to Philadelphia. This is one of the largest and newly renovated terminals at the Barcelona airport, nearly 30 million people pass through this airport every year. 

Fireman

This spot news opportunity happened right out side my apartment window in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I heard a pop and an explosion outside, which seemed to spontaneously catch a dumpster on fire. Neighbors started to gather as the firemen arrived at the scene. I photographed this fireman right as he became engulfed by the thick yellow smoke in his haste to extinguish the fire.  

Strawberry Shortcake

I was given this magazine cover template and had to create an image involving food that was designed to fit within the template. I used shallow depth of field to direct the viewers attention on the strawberry shortcake. I also added the white bowls and red colander to make the background more interesting and add dimension to the shot. 

Panera Bread

This is the interior of a Panera Bread located in Pennsylvania. For these two images I used all available lighting to capture the dining area and Bakery. I arrived there just as they were opening so I could photograph the bakery just as the fresh breads and pastries were being displayed for the day. 

Pet Portrait

Pet portraits are becoming more popular in the photography field since pets are family members too. This pet portrait is of my cat, Sally. I got her for my 5th birthday present, she is now 17 years old and still full of energy. Sometimes I think she believes she is a dog, constantly beging for food or some how taking up my whole bed.  

Dipping Oil

This image was photographed using the white card technique. This technique works well with clear bottles such a perfume, soap, cooking oils, liquor bottles, and much more. It is designed to photograph a clear bottle on a black background to show the separation of the product from the background giving it that extra pop. First a normal shot of the product just on the black background is taken, then another shot with a white card behind the product, finally in post-production you combine the two images together creating an image such as this. 

Lizard

Capturing wild life can be a bit difficult but the out come is rewarding. Sometimes your subject matter will even appear to strike a pose for you as you take their photograph. I captured this lizard in Mexico as it sat among the rocks sunbathing, it soon noticed me and put his head up eyeing my every move. 

Park Hyatt Los Angeles

This is a photograph of the Park Hyatt located on the Avenue of the Stars in Los Angeles. I photographed the hotel just after sunset so I could capture the lights illuminating against the vibrant blue sky.  Finding a location to stand to photograph the whole building was a challenge because of its size and location. 

Splash

Creating this photograph was fun and messy; water went every where. The day I shot this I dropped a series of different objects into water including vegetables, fruit, and even an old camera. Each splash was unique and created an unexpected affect. To photograph this I used an old fish tank filled with water and then two alien bee strobes on either side to light the object being dropped. 

Portrait of Alisha

This is a portrait of my friend Alisha, a fellow photographer. I photographed her outside against a color background using natural light and a reflector. 

Sushi

Making food look its best can be a challenge but with the proper lighting and styling it can turn into a great image. This is a plate of sushi I photographed and styled my self. The California roll is one of the most popular styles of sushi in the US. This type of sushi contains rice, seaweed, cucumber, crab meat and avocado. I hope it does not make you too hungry. Enjoy! 

Kitchenware

Hey everyone today is my 50th post! I would like to say thank you for all of your views and comments on my photographs. I have recently been asked if any of my images were available for purchase and the answer is yes. If anyone is interested in any of my photographs please contact me at slezak.photograohy@gmail.com and I will be happy to assist you with your photographic needs. Depending on the image and size the prices may vary but I will be more than happy to give you a quote if you have an image and size in mind. I appreciate everyones interest in my work. Thank You, 

  Kelly 

As for this image, I created it to advertise kitchenware. Like many of my other images I tend to shoot through things which adds depth to the over all photograph and makes it more interesting for the viewer to look at. I photographed this from above as well to give the viewer a different perspective of the products than what is normally seen. 

Spring Catalog

This image was created for a spring catalog assignment in my advanced advertising class. We were given a catalog cover template with a text box on it and were expected to design a spring cover that would not interfere with the layout we were given. Photographing a spring catalog cover can be quite a challenge in the fall since you need to find the proper props to advertise spring. 

Old

I created this image by shooting through the hole in a burnt piece of newspaper. I liked the affect since it framed the subject matter and gave more depth to the image. The idea behind this photo is that the viewer is peering in to the past. The subject matter in this images is an old weathered typewriter, globe, books, leather suit case, and some crumbled up old paper.  

Portrait of Karen

The model in this photograph is my friend Karen. I used a Nikon 35mm camera and hot lights to photograph this portrait. I developed the 35 mm black and white film my self, then scanned the negative and edited it in photoshop. I chose to add color to the image to emphasize her eyes and really make them pop. 

UCSB Architecture

This architectural photograph was taken on the UCSB campus. The building struck my interest as I drove past it one night so I decided to go back and photograph the building. I decided that the best time to photograph this building was just after sunset so that the lights would be visible to help emphasize the structure.

Hyannis Youth & Community Center

This is the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Memorial Skating Rink which is located inside of the Hyannis Youth and Community Center. This rink is open year round and offers bench seating for 1,600 people during hockey events. The community center also offers a second rink where public skate and rock night occur. Other amenities of the new community center are a gymnasium, walking track, skate park, computer lab, game room, and a snack bar. 

Grand Canyon

 This image of the Grand Canyon has captured one of earth’s most spectacular natural beauties and one of the world’s most visually appealing landscapes. The magnificent landscape of the canyon seems to be carved by famous sculptors. The sheer drop of the canyon is unreal, but in the distance I can see and hear the turquoise colored Colorado River down below, twisting and turning like a snake around each corner. The canyon walls shimmer as the sun struck them, changing each layer of rock from dull colors to vibrant reds, oranges and browns. The rough white rocks beneath my feet have rust red dust gently scattered across them. The whole terrain has cracks and crevasses where plants had pushed their way through and were now thriving in this harsh environment. The otherwise monochromatic surface of the dry Grand Canyon terrain had bursts of stunning green shrubs, bushes and evergreen trees. 

Smoke

Its amazing what interesting effects you can have with smoke. This was photographed using two Alien Bee strobes with a blue gel attached. Using different color gels you can come up with very unique images. When using a red gel the smoke almost appeared to be fire. 

Buried Alive

Photographing a single word can be quiet a challenge and can be interpreted in many different ways depending on the persons perspective. The word I used for this photo was truth. My idea behind the photograph was to show someone being buried alive. 

Absecon Lighthouse

When you first glance at this photo you may question what it is or if its positioned the right way. You may want to take your computer and turn it all around to see what this looks like from a different angle. I photographed this image to do just that, to play with your mind and make you think. Taking a different approach to photographing common objects can be a challenge at times but can be rewarding. This photograph is of a spiral staircase inside the Absecon Lighthouse which is located along the coastline of Atlantic City, New Jersey. This is New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse with 228 steps to the top. 

Heels

 These images were shot in a studio using Alien Bee strobes with soft boxes. I choose to photograph the heels on a black background to show off the distinct color and texture of the heels. I photographed the front and the back of the shoes to show off the design, style, and elegance. 

On Location

These two images are part of a model portfolio I did of Taylor. The full length photograph  was shot at a Philadelphia train station. The lighting source used for this photograph was a bounce flash. The head shot was taken along a street up against a weathered telephone pole. For the head shot a reflector was used as the lighting source to bounce light back in to the models face. 

Bob Golding

Today Bob Golding, or Bobby G. as he is know to many, will be remembered and honored at a memorial held at Antonelli Institute. Bobby G. was a legendary photographer, an outstanding instructor, a mentor and a grandfather figure to many Antonelli students. I am honored and blessed to have gotten to know him. He has inspired and taught me so much. You are remembered and missed by many. Rest in peace Bobby G. 

Necklace

I used a model to show off the necklace’s style and form. I then decided to use selective color to emphasize the color of the stone against the model’s arm. With the hand and arm being black and white it almost feels as if it is a mannequin's hand which also allows you to easily see the product. 

Bon Appetit

I wanted to create an unusual but simple image for a food assignment. So I chose to photograph an uncooked fish and simply put it on a plate. To emphasize the fish, I chose to use a black plate with a black placemat which helps draw your attention to the fish. I also added a lemon to the corner of the photograph as a surprise hint of color.

Manayunk Church

Churches around the world all have very different architectural styles. Some have a simple design while others may be an elaborate masterpiece. This photograph is of the St.John Baptist Church in Manayunk, PA. The church is a large stone building which is beautiful and elaborate inside with a cathedral ceiling and stain glass windows. The church resides in a small neighborhood of Philadelphia which is located along the Schuylkill River. Manayunk is known for its unique shops and local restaurants. Many visitors enjoy strolling the streets of this small urban town with the historical feel. 

Abstract

This is an abstract image I took by shooting through a glass. The red in the image is a lampshade and the white is a piece of paper. When you look at this photo, there appears to be movement because of the design in the glass.

Paris at Night

Traveling to another country can be quite unpredictable and an awarding experience. The best thing to do when traveling is to just go with the flow, you never know when or where you will come across something interesting.  When traveling, you can learn so much about the people and the place.  There is an incredible amount of things to see and experience in the world. I hope to travel and photograph many different cultures across the world. This image was taken at night in Paris.  

Product Shot On Location

This is a product shot I took of a necklace using all available light. This necklace looked like an old pocket watch you might find an older gentleman carrying around in his pocket back in the day; so I decided to photograph it in my friend’s old barn. I chose this location because even though this product is new, it has the old time feeling which was brought out with the rusty tractor. I tried capturing the necklace in a few different ways, but in the end I liked this image the best. I was able to get it to sit and lean just right on top of the tractor’s gas cap so that it would capture the light just right.