LEGION PHOTO blog

Jeremy Lock in Timor_Leste

2011-11-22T23:15:00.002-05:00

Check out this recent video from Timor-Leste shot by Jeremy Lock for Airman magazine.

Legionographer shoots for Flashes of Hope

2011-04-22T14:14:00.003-04:00

Legionographer Tom Sperduto volunteered his time and talent creating portraits of children with cancer and their families for Flashes of Hope at St. Barnabas Medical Center in NJ April 21, 2011 . Flashes of Hope is a nonprofit organization that changes the way children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses see themselves through the gift of photography and raises money for pediatric cancer research.The portraits, taken by award-winning photographers, help children feel better about their changing appearance by celebrating it. For families of terminally ill children, it's especially important to have a portrait that preserves forever the beauty, grace and dignity of their child.

Haiti - one year later

2011-01-28T11:29:00.000-05:00

Legionographer Jeremy Lock was there after the horrific catastrophe that struck Haiti a year ago. These are just a few images from his trip.

9-G Spin in U.S. Air Force Centrifuge at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas

2010-11-05T19:00:00.000-04:00

This is what Legionographer Lance Cheung looks like when in a 9-G spin.

Most of our team are up to date and currently qualified to fly in virtually ANY aircraft.

One last Halloween shot

2010-11-02T08:03:00.003-04:00

Johnny Bivera was recently in New Yrok for this years Photo Expo. On his last day he came across this peculiar sailor and his 'date?'

We hope everyone had a safe Halloween.

Happy Halloween from Legion Photo

2010-10-30T10:13:00.002-04:00

Legionographer Tom Sperduto spent a frightful evening behind the scenes at the Arasapha Farms Haunted Hayride, Corn Maze and Bates Motel. The haunted attraction is consistently rated one of the best haunted attractions in America.

Lance Cheung covering the Shuttle Launch

2010-10-29T11:34:00.002-04:00

Photojournalistic coverage of Air Force Week Cocoa Beach is fun and challenging, but what I am anxiously awaiting is watching the launch of space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-133, on Nov. 1.
This will be the first time for me. It took me 24 years of an Air Force career and a few more years to realize if I wanted to see a launch I'd have to take some time and money and just do it.
So, while there, why not share the experience with you.
Keep checking in for updates leading up to the launch.

Johnny Bivera

2010-10-26T09:24:00.001-04:00

A HUGE congratulations to Legionographer Johnny Bivera who was recently announced as the NPPA's (National Press Photographers Association) new Military Liaison for the Military Photographer of the Year program.
He is filling some pretty large shoes as he replaces Chip Maury.

Chip has been a mentor and father to us all. He is the reason we are where we are today. Whenever there is a military photo workshop, shoot off or competition, Chip has always been there. His teachings have influenced us in more ways than imaginable. He is family to us and although he has passed the torch as NPPA liaison, we hope to continue to see him at the competitions, workshops and shoot offs.

Read the article from NPPA here.

http://www.nppa.org/news_and_events/news/2010/10/mpoy.html

Tom Sperduto is a crazy cool ultramaratho-ographer.

2010-07-20T17:18:00.004-04:00

Legionographer Tom Sperduto photographed the Vermont
100 Mile Endurance Race this weekend.
"I shot before and after portraits of runners less than one hour
before the start and less than three minutes after crossing the finish
line. I shot black and white in camera and only used Capture NX2 to
finalize the images with minimal editing. The images from the course
were shot with the 24 1.4 or the 70-200 VR."

Here are some more shots from the event.

Legion Photo shoots for GX Magazine's July cover

2010-06-30T17:49:00.001-04:00

Legionographer Aaron Ansarov was recently commissioned to photograph SSG Sarah Hernandez of the Florida Army National Guard for the cover of GX Magazine.

"We are very happy to be working with GX Magazine." Said Aaron Ansarov about the shoot. "Not only was Sarah a great subject to photograph, but the theme and concept of such a magazine was a no-brainer when it comes to combining Legion Photo's talents and the magazine's needs.

GX Magazine (The Guard Experience) is a feature publication used to "celebrate and support the soldiers and families of the National Guard..." (from magazine's mission statement).

"We hope this is the beginning of a beautiful and long lasting relationship and just the platform we (LegionPhoto) need to show other magazines and publications who we are," added Ansarov.

Legion Photo is a collaborative photo agency of the top military vet photographers of this generation. Providing professional photography services for multiple global outlets in safety and security industry in government and private military sectors.

Aaron is based in South Florida. A retired US Navy Photographer, Aaron works on assignment globally for publications and a variety of ad agencies and corporations. He is the founder and agent of Legion Photo and can be reached via cell or email anytime.

305.951.4795

agent@legionphoto.com

Be sure to check out the full issue and other info about the National Guard at http://www.nationalguard.com/life/gx-the-guard-experience

Aaron was assisted by his good friend and cinematographer, John Sturdy.

Equipment used was Nikon gear augmented with Elinchrom Ranger Speed RX battery pack, lights and modifiers.

Stacy Pearsall photographs POWs

2010-06-29T11:24:00.001-04:00

Legionographer Stacy Pearsall was recently invited to photograph
former POWs (Prisoners of War) at the Charleston VA hospital.

You can see more of her work at her blog here

Great discount for Joe McNally's one day workshops

2010-06-24T19:35:00.000-04:00

Calling all Military Photographers!
Joe McNally’s One Day Lighting Workshops are back, and being held in Dobbs Ferry, NY, near NYC. Joe is offering military photojournalists a huge discount on attendance to his series of lighting workshops This is a special deal ( a serious special deal) Joe is offering to the military. Check out the workshops, here’s the link..... http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/2010/06/03/the-ny-one-day-lighting-workshops-are-back/

If interested, email Lynn in Joe’s studio at lynn{at}joemcnally.com. She will give you a code for military only. Pass this along to fellow military. The workshops are filling fast.

2010 DoD Military Photographers Workshop Lighting Team

2010-06-14T10:33:00.001-04:00

Legionographer Tom Sperduto was the Team Leader for the Lighting Team at the DoD Military Photographers Workshop this year. The focus of his instruction was learning the HOW so you can get to the WHY of making pictures.

US Marshals Academy 2010

2010-05-03T19:25:00.001-04:00

Legionographer Shane McCoy recently put together a behind the scenes look at US Marshals Academy 2010.

Legionographer shoots a nun

2010-04-20T15:17:00.001-04:00

One of the most intriguing facts about this group of photographers is their backgrounds. They have been in some of the most arduous situations in all corners of the world. Having this background gives them the ability to take any challenge given them without hesitation. It allows for their passion to show no matter what the assignment calls for. This recent portrait shoot is just one of those examples. All images shot by Tom Sperduto.

Here are recent portraits of Sister Mary Beth Lloyd of the Religious Teachers Filippini and Lisa Smith Batchen, one of the worlds top endurance athletes, near Villa Walsh in Morristown, NJ, April 18, 2010.

Batchen and Llyod are running 50 miles in all 50 states in 62 days. They begin running Monday April 19th and will complete their...journey Saturday June 19th at the Idaho and Wyoming border. They are running to raise money for children in need throughout the world.

Stacy Pearsall shoots Army recruits in Fort Jackson

2010-04-06T16:01:00.001-04:00

Recently, Legionographer Stacy Pearsall visited Fort Jackson Army base to shoot a project on the changes made to the new recruit training.

Here are some of her recent images.

________________________________________________

LEGIONPHOTO tactically trained creatives

AARON ANSAROV, AGENT

______________________________________________________________

Tom Sperduto's latest shoot for Overlook View magazine

2010-04-06T15:03:00.000-04:00

Tom was recently commissioned to be a regular contributor to Overlook View magazine. A New Jersey magazine for Overlook hospital.
Here is a recent image taken of a "Da Vinci" robotic operation machine.

How does a military photographer shoot Burning Man?

2010-03-27T10:24:00.000-04:00

"I try to pick stories of things I've never done before," said Legionographer Jeremy Lock of his recent collection of portraits from the Burning Man Festival. "By doing this not only do I get to shoot it with an interesting approach, but I get to experience it."

The importance of personal projects is paramount in the minds of each and every Legion Photo photographer. It keeps the senses focused and the inspirations flowing.

More images from this project can be seen at Jeremy's website at www.jeremytlock.com

Legionographer Tom Sperduto motivates

2010-03-17T11:21:00.000-04:00

Legionographer Tom Sperduto taught two workshops at the National Press Photographers Association Northern Short Course in New Brunswick, NJ. Workshops taught were Lighting and Personal Projects for Profit. Here are a few comments from students attending his workshops.

"Your workshop was the highlight of the weekend for me. I was about to drop out of school because I did not feel I had what it takes but thanks to you I now know I just need to work harder and stay positive. Thank you for that."

"Your energy is contagious! You made me realize that half the battle is the courage to try. I'm now ready to do that. Your workshops ROCKED!"

Keep an eye out for upcoming lighting workshops in NJ in 2010!

Legion Photo is at DC Shoot Off

2010-03-12T07:48:00.000-05:00

This weekend marks the first gathering of the entire Legion Photo crew at the 2010 DC Shoot Off. This should be a pretty amazing event put on by all the team (and others) as staff. WE ARE BROPADCASTING LIVE!!!

View our live broadcast this weekend at the ustream link below

Online video chat by Ustream

Aaron Ansarov challenges the new Nikon D3S

2010-01-12T21:21:00.001-05:00

Legionographer Aaron Ansarov tests out the new Nikon D3s from LEGION PHOTO on Vimeo.

Aaron Ansarov took advantage of a D3s loaned through Nikon Pro Services to photograph a low-light combat pistol course in South Florida. The results were amazing.

A very special thanks to R. Conde of Kokoro Combatives for granting us incredible access.
Visit their site at www.kokorocombatives.com.

Legion Photographers featured in "Decade in Review"

2009-12-31T12:43:00.000-05:00

Tom Sperduto and Shane McCoy have some images featured in several Decade in Review collections.
Check them out here.

http://news.uk.msn.com/photos/photos.aspx?cp-documentid=151078214&page=24

http://www.chron.com/news/photogallery/A_Decade_in_Photos.html#19737332

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2009/dec/29/1?picture=357441818

http://www.rte.ie/news/decadeinreview/2002.html

Legionographer Tom Sperduto's image in a D.C. subway

2009-11-23T15:32:00.000-05:00

An image from Tom Sperduto's series on wounded warriors was used as an ad campaign for the Wounded Warrior Project.

The mission of the wounded warrior project is to honor and empower wounded warriors by raising awareness by enlisting the public's aid for the needs of serverely injured service men and women.

Read more about what they do by going to their site at www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Thanks to Luke Pinneo for taking this photo.

Legionographer Shane McCoy makes a commemorative poster

2009-11-23T15:20:00.000-05:00

Legionographer Shane McCoy who also works for the US Marshal's Service Office of Public Affairs as their premier Photographer and Videographer shot and designed their poster to announce the 220 anniversary of the US Marshal service.

Legionographers interviewed on PhotoPhanatics podcast

2009-11-21T23:18:00.000-05:00

Only a few hours after announcing our site, Legionographer and company agent Aaron Ansarov was contacted to do an interview for PhotoPhanatics podcast with Dave Murphy and Mark iorio. He was able to get fellow Legionographers Brien Aho and Johnny Bivera to participate for this exciting hour long interview about our new agency, it's inception and future.

Listen to the podcast here.

Legionographer Stacy Pearsall on Adorama podcast

2009-11-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

Recently Stacy had the unique opportunity to interview with Adorama Tech Tock. Click below to listen here or at Adorama HERE.

Legionographer Tom Sperduto teaches at B&H

2009-11-20T13:21:00.001-05:00

Legionographer Tom Sperduto was recently asked to give a lecture to a sold out crowd at B&H camera store in New York. The title of his lecture was Portraits with Conceptual and Emotional Significance.

To read more about Tom's lecture, go to this link.
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/find/eventDetails.jsp/id/538

ANDY DUNAWAY / Charleston, South Carolina

2009-11-19T22:06:00.001-05:00

Andy Dunaway won multiple photographic awards and honors over his 20 years as a combat photojournalist for the US Air Force. A graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, Andy documented military conflicts in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Africa, Haiti and three tours in Iraq. He also served as Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld’s personal photographer and was a lead editor on the Department of Defense Inauguration media team.

STACY PEARSALL / Charleston, South Carolina

2009-11-19T22:01:00.001-05:00

Stacy L. Pearsall got her start as an Air Force photographer at the age of 17. During her time in the service, she traveled to over 41 countries, and attended S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. During three tours in Iraq, she earned the Bronze Star Medal and Commendation with Valor for heroic actions under fire. Now retired from the military, Pearsall works worldwide as a freelance photographer, and is the owner and Director of the Charleston Center for Photography.

Pearsall gained wide public exposure when she shared her experiences as a female combat photojournalist with Oprah Winfrey on the media star’s television show in February 2009. Her work has appeared in print and television media, including Time magazine, New York Times, CNN, BBC, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Soldier of Fortune, Sports Illustrated, andBahrain Times. Pearsall’s photographs have also been featured in the Oscar-nominated PBS production, Operation Homecoming, and GQ magazine’s “This is Our War.” Her portrayal of combat experiences in Iraq, “Inside An Ambush,” was published in News Photographer, the National Press Photographers Association’s (NPPA) magazine in 2007.

Pearsall was one of only two women to win NPPA’s Military Photographer of the Year competition, and the only woman to have earned it twice. She was also honored as the Air Force Veteran of the Year in a musical tribute to America’s heroes by the Air Force Band and PBS. In Charleston, she was presented with the Trojan Labor American Hero Award for 2009.

In 2007, Pearsall’s project titled Birth Control Glasses was featured at LOOK3 Festival of the Photograph. The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art presented a selection of her photographs in the two-person exhibition, War on Terror: Inside/Out—Photographs by Christopher Simms and Stacy Pearsall from January 23 to February 27, 2009. She has also been exhibited in Hollywood, Calf., and Milledgeville, Ga.

Her portrait collection of South Carolina veterans will be hung in the halls of the Charleston Veterans Administration Hospital and will be exhibited in Piccolo Spoleto in the spring of 2010.

AARON ANSAROV / Miami, Florida

2009-11-19T21:58:00.001-05:00

Aaron Ansarov believes in creating images with impact and emotion. He has a masterful use of light, color and an ability to push the envelope. Using insight into the subjects’ apprehension, he breaks down barriers and creates imagery to be remembered. His up close and personal style allows him to create captivating, beautiful and original images. Before retiring from the US Navy, Aaron traveled the world as a military photojournalist. He has experienced life through the interactions of many cultures both in peacetime and in war. With more than 30 individual military Photographer of the Year awards on his shelf, he is recognized as one of the top photographers to have served in the Navy.

JEREMY LOCK / Charleston, South Carolina

2009-11-19T21:54:00.001-05:00

An editorial photojournalist, Jeremy "JT" Lock has a passion for immersing himself into and capturing the essence of the world's people, tragedies, celebrations, and everyday realities--empowering viewers to live and feel those moments through his photographs.

A Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, JT has experience, training, and insight that few photojournalists can claim. He's been in the thick of war battles, shooting with his camera rather than a gun; even earning a Bronze Star. He's documented the realities of life in disease- and poverty-stricken Africa. He's covered diplomatic celebrations, funerals and historic meetings. He is specially trained to shoot from the air and under the sea. He is the sole military photographer to be recognized four times as the best in the business (Military Photographer of the Year, 2003, '05, '06, '08).

“I thrive on working stories, diving into each experience, and living for a moment in a world outside of my norm,” JT said. “It is an honor to be able to share my vision and hopefully foster awareness, understanding, and empathy.”

He also ably translates his broad military experience into expert photography for numerous major media publications worldwide including, National Geographic, Time Magazine, The New York Times and The LA Times. In 2002, he worked in collaboration with 125 of the world’s leading photojournalists on a book entitled A Day In The Life Of The United States Armed Forces. His work also appears in many books including, NYC Life Going On and The War in Iraq. One of his latest projects was working as a New York Life photographer on a documentary for PBS title Slavery and the Making of America.

JOHNNY BIVERA / Washington, D.C.

2009-11-19T21:45:00.001-05:00

Johnny Bivera is considered one of the most respected and diversely skilled photographers to come from the military. He has been an official videographer to the President of the United States and personal photographer to two members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Johnny has deployed to document key historical and operational moments of our history like maritime missions during the Bosnia-Herzegovina conflict, the Isreali-Jordan Peace Treaty, Turkey’s tragic earthquake and the spearhead deployment of coalition forces into Afghanistan shortly after 9/11.

LANCE CHEUNG / San Antonio, Texas

2009-11-19T21:37:00.001-05:00

Lance Cheung is a former aerial combat camera photographer and 24-year veteran of the U.S Air Force as well as former Director of Photojournalism for the US Air Force’s flagship publication, AIRMAN magazine and HQ Air Force News Agency. 34 types of aircraft have carried Lance into peaceful and combat zones, but Lance’s focus is always on stories about the human condition, and the things people do to make life a little better.

SHANE MCCOY / Washington, D.C.

2009-11-19T21:34:00.001-05:00

Shane T. McCoy spent over 15 years as a military photojournalist, working in intelligence photography, as a combat photographer and half his career at the Navy’s flagship magazine All Hands as lead photojournalist and photo editor. In addition to still photography, Shane is also a skilled videographer and has won awards as a video editor. He is now working as a freelance photographer in the DC area and is the first official photojournalist for the U.S. Marshals Service.

TOM SPERDUTO / Oxford, New Jersey

2009-11-19T21:16:00.001-05:00

Tom Sperduto began his career as as U.S. Marine Corps machine gunner before becoming a Coast Guard photographer in 2000. He is the most award-winning and published photographer in Coast Guard history. Today, he is a portrait photographer who specializes in images with emotional and conceptual significance.

We are here!

2009-11-18T01:28:00.000-05:00

Today is a great day for us. It is the day we announce the release of our new site at www.legionphoto.com. After nearly a year of planning and efforts from each of us we are able to provide a website that defines us as a team and a creative collaboration. This is just the beginning and there is much more to be done and we are excited about every step of the way. We ask for everyone to spread the word and tell everyone about us.

As well as Facebook at www.facebook.com/legionphoto

Purple Heart Hunt in Eden, Texas

2009-11-16T16:02:00.000-05:00

For the last four days, I have been in Eden, Texas, with a truly extraordinary organization called the Purple Heart Hunt. Many companies contributed their services such as Antler Ranch, Main Frame Outfitters, Ranch House Meat Company and Sideoats Cafe to give Purple Heart recipients a chance to get out of the hospital and get in the field. There are several individual contributors who helped with the Hunt as well. One particular gentleman Phil Mason and his wife, Linda, flew out participants and even lodged several Hunt goers!

Bobby Ehrig, U.S. Army Military Police, is a burn patient at the San Antonio Military Medical Facility (Bamsy). He was injured in Iraq after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive filled with a flammable liquid. He has been recovering in Texas for the past two years. To date, he has received 15 surgeries and will undergo several more. He brought his son Tyler to the Hunt for an out-of-the-hospital bonding experience.

Roy Burnes, who is an Eden, Texas, native and philanthropist, donated several high-point bucks to the Hunt. His wife, Arzenet Burnes, made two home-cooked meals of steak and potatoes and also opened her amazing Quarter Horse farm up for visitors.

Regis Giles and her father, Doug, flew in from Miami to participate in the Hunt as well. This wasn't their first Purple Heart Hunt. They actually went all the way to Alaska to volunteer with the non-profit. Doug Giles has a radio show called Clash Radio.

Happenstance image of Dominican soldier

2009-10-31T23:23:00.001-04:00

Legionographer Aaron Ansarov was recently in the Dominican Republic on assignment for a unique company that specializes in construction and equipment projects around the world for public entities in emerging communities. He was chosen for his quality and capability in adding human impact to large machines and buildings.

"This week I was documenting a series of new hospitals being built around Santo Domingo. During one of my visits to an unfinished hospital I was getting a shot of one of the hallways. I liked the colors on the walls and the way the light was dancing around with all the mess and clutter of wires and windows. But one thing missing was the human element. I knew workers were all around the building and it was only a matter of time before someone walked by. Well, I had absolutely no idea that within the next few seconds a Dominican soldier would pass by in almost a march-like pace. I shot about 3 shots on the motor drive which made him turn his head in angry curiosity. His face was so intimidating which I am sure is meant to do just that. This didn't scare me, but rather made me smile because I knew right then I caught something nice."

Legionographer Stacy Pearsall talks about her current project

2009-10-30T18:27:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, I have been working on a project that is near and dear to me heart. I have photographed well over 100 veterans in Charleston and today I visited the Veteran's Affairs Hospital located downtown.

I actually get my medical care at this facility and know my way around well. Me and my crew (Des'ola Gunter and Shannon Di) met up with VA Public Affairs Officer, Michael Dukes. He's been my main point of contact throughout this adventure. He took us up to the resident veteran's ward.

On the residence floor, I met several wonderful people. Actually, they were playing poker and listening to the oldies station on the radio. I thought to myself, "I sure hope I can learn poker before I get my paycheck check swindled by a bunch of veteran card sharks!"

After I photographed all of the residence folks, I headed downstairs to the lobby. From there, I started shooting VA Hospital patrons as they walked through. Again, some of the best people in the world.

Next week I will be at Veteran's Village, which is a housing development for homeless veterans. I really look forward to meeting the souls that reside there.

To see more images from her project, visit her blog at http://f8pj.blogspot.com/

Cameras, Bags and Helicopters? The Latest at PDN PhotoPlus Expo

2009-10-25T15:24:00.000-04:00

Legionographer Johnny Bivera recently attended the Photo Plus Expo in New York. Here's a few notes from his journey.

Okay, normally when I get the chance I spend two to three days covering a photo trade show, but this year during New York’s PDN PhotoPlus Expo it only had to be 4 hours. With work schedule and other priorities, I was limited but did take advantage of a quick stop from a road trip between Cape Cod and Washington, DC.

So with only four hours one applies discipline, stamina and a focused mindset. As usual there’s so much, but having done this before I was focused on my interests of which I will share with you. First is registration, having registered very early online and getting the complimentary exhibit pass for doing so, saved me at least half an hour on arrival and money.

A quick sweep through the aisles, eyes careful to not miss anything, I managed to stop to say hello to a few colleagues and questioned vendors about their products that were new or upgrades.

I stopped and registered my name on the petition run by the Copyright Alliance. An effort to tell the White House to pursue policies that support the rights of artists, I just couldn’t pass up. You can do the same at: www.copyrightalliance.org/letter

I priced the cost of large paper trimmers for the office but ended up buying the latest lens baby ‘the Composer’, a cute lens that makes wonderful images. I find it hard to walk away from something great when you get them in your hands, which is probably why I opted not to put my fingers on the latest Nikon D3S. Too tempting and financially not the right time frame for my office to do that upgrade.

I saw lots and lots of bags, and took a good hard look at Kata’s video One-Man-Band (OMB) travel cases (http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/lang/en_US/pid/19391). I could see its use especially for overseas travel, it’s sturdy and versatile. I met award winning photographer and equipment designer Peter Geller, and we talked about his new line of camera straps, harness and laptop bag/fanny packs called the Sun Sniper. Geller and company is widely known for light modulating photo equipment ‘California Sun Bounce’. I gave him my two cents on future design possibilities for the needs of the new media photographer and we exchanged contact info and made commitments to collaborate on a later date.

I visited the booths for external storage drives and looked at the Lacie 4Big Quadra and the latest from Data Robotics, and it was great stuff, but I was very much impressed with the DroboPro (http://www.drobo.com/products/drobopro/) from Data Robotics. This will probably be on my list of equipment upgrades for the new-year. It gives you large business capability with user-friendly operation.

Another piece of equipment to look at if you haven’t already is the NEXTO Extreme ND 2700 (http://www.nextodiusa.com/) handheld multiple memory card slot backup system. I’ve used other brands before but they weren’t very consistent. This one sounds promising and has received pretty good reviews already.

I can’t list everything I saw but what I’ve mentioned is of what was most interesting to me, and to end this write up I want to share my most favorite piece of invention by photographer Jason Lam, creator of the AeriCam (http://www.aericam.com/), a personal portable aerial remote controlled mini-helicopter made from 30-pounds of aluminum that can carry a safe 6-pound payload, so it can attach different types of digital SLR's or video cameras within that weight category. It is remote controlled by a pilot who along with a camera operator steers the still or video camera via a live feed from the ground. Wow, I really could’ve used that in Antarctica where that high vantage point capability would have provided some unbelievable imagery. Mental note, create a project, find sponsor(s), have sponsor buy the helicopter…

Aerial Photography New York from Jason Lam on Vimeo.

Legionographer runs 100 miles, breaks sweat.

2009-10-16T13:18:00.001-04:00

Legionographer Tom Sperduto recently participated in the Oil Creek 100 mile trail run. A task not even considered by many people. Tom, a former Marine and current Coast Guardsman is not one to stay in the norms of society. His photography proves this by his willingness to do new things, experiment and be passionate in whatever it is whenever he is doing it.

One of Tom's many projects has been his coverage of Ultra marathon runners which is one reason why he became one himself. He photographed a series called "Ultra Marathoners - 100 MILES LATER" where he photographed portraits of runners before and after a run. This series can be seen on his website at TomSperduto.com

Below is Tom's self portrait shot before and after the run. Fellow legionographer Jeremy Lock was there to cover Tom's entire race. His images can be seen at the PhotoShelter site here

Legionographer, Johnny Bivera featured in NFL profile video

2009-10-09T16:58:00.000-04:00

NFL did a profile of Legionographer Johnny Bivera.

Legionographer Aaron Ansarov on USS San Jacinto (CG 56)

2009-10-04T13:13:00.000-04:00

This weekend USS San Jacinto (CG 56) pulled into Savannah, Georgia for
liberty. The last time I was here was my very first port visit in the
Navy. Now here I was 16 years later and visiting my brother who is
stationed onboard. When we arrived, he was able to get permission to
show me and my family around. With little less than a half an hour,
armed with a D90, a 12-24 lens and 2 SB-800s, I decided to see how
many portraits I could shoot within the time on the tour. To me this
mini project isn't so much a challenge to myself, but a lesson and
challenge to others. Too many times I hear from sailors I mentor that
say, "There isn't anything to shoot," or "Nobody wanted to cooperate,"
or "I don't have the right equipment."

The best camera is the one that's with you. The best light to use is
the one that's in your hands. The best tactic to get people to open up
is to be confident and know your equipment.

Here are just four of the 12 portraits taken of sailors throughout the
ship.

Legionographer Stacy Pearsall shares tips on a recent shoot.

2009-10-04T11:29:00.001-04:00

Recently, I traveled over to the USS Yorktown for the Welcome Home 2009 celebration. I had a crack-team of interns who helped me immensely. Des'ola Gunter and Valerie Yermal helped set up stands, lights and back drop. They also helped me to organize all of the veteran's names and managed to get all of their model releases and contact information. It's a pretty big undertaking when you are shooting over 100 folks! FUN!
Anyway, we set up a white back drop and three SB-900 strobes. I chose not to use a soft box today because I wanted a really hard light. I was looking for a high contrast black and white and new straight strobe would give me the desired effect.

I used a Nikon D3 and Nikkor 70-200mm lens. I used a Justin Clamp on stand. The Justin Clamp has a hot-shoe, which I placed a Nikon SB-900 flash on. My camera was set on ISO 100 with an aperture of f-8 and shutter of 1/125. I had two strobes in the back on stands shooting at an angle toward the back of the subject's head. I didn't move those for the duration of the sitting. However, I moved my main strobe depending on the subject's face and expression.

I would like to thank the veterans for being great subjects today. I also want to thank theCharleston VA for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful event!

To see more portraits from the VA celebration click HERE.
-Stacy Pearsall

Legionographers Andy Dunaway and Stacy Pearsall in Maui

2009-09-21T17:37:00.000-04:00

The first annual Maui Photo Festival and Workshops was held this year. And Legion Photographers, Andy Dunaway and Stacy Pearsall, got the call to appear. Now this is the way to have a workshop. Hanging out of a helo with no doors hovering over beautiful West Maui. photographing whatever comes along. Much different than being in dry desert heat and combat gear.
Legion photographers Andy Dunaway and Stacy Pearsall just returned from Maui Photo Festival

where they got to play around, mentor some young photographers and do some aerial work in a very relaxed atmosphere.

Take a look a their blog to see more of what they did.

LEGIONphoto is on Twitter

2009-09-20T19:23:00.001-04:00

2009-09-20T11:48:00.000-04:00

Legion photographer Tom Sperduto recently gave a lecture in New York on how to turn your personal projects into profit. Tom covered how to begin a personal project through research, planning, implementation, and feedback. Next, he taught how to identify markets that will provide the opportunity to present work, with the goal of making a sale.

Tom is an award winning editorial and commercial photographer based in Western New Jersey. His most recent award is as the 2008 Grand Prize winner of the Advertising Photographers of America National Photo Competition.

Tom's campaign clients include the Wounded Warrior Project and the US Coast Guard to name a few.

Stacy Pearsall's work in Georgia exhibit

2009-09-08T12:56:00.000-04:00

Stacy Pearsall has had an incredible year in the public eye. Not like past years are any different. From awards, magazines, commercial clients to even being interviewed on Oprah Winfrey.

Now to add another link to Stacy's list is an upcoming gallery exhibit in Georgia College and State University Museum. Titled War on Terror: Inside/Out-Photographs , Stacy's work will be on exhibit with another photographer showing images from training and war.

This gallery will be on exhibit from September 10 - November 28, 2009.

To learn more about this, please visit the Muesum's calendar of events at

http://www.gcsu.edu/library/museum/calendar.htm

Stacy Pearsall featured in Post and Courier

2009-09-04T17:05:00.000-04:00

Legion Photographer Stacy Pearsall was interviewed about her Military Photographer of the Year awards in The Post and Courier.

Stacy is the only woman to ever win Military Photographer of the Year twice. The second woman to ever win it in the history of the competition which dates as far back as 1961.

Read the article here.

Legion Photographer Aaron Ansarov on Photo Phanatics podcast

2009-08-27T20:24:00.000-04:00

One of our own was recently featured in a podcast on Photo Phanatics. On this podcast you will learn Aaron's background and the choices he made in his life that led him to where he is today.

Listen to it here.

ASMP supports our troops

2009-08-25T15:22:00.000-04:00

Aaron Ansarov was featured in Fall of 2008 issue of ASMP bulletin for his efforts in getting the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP.org) involved with the development and mentorship of military soldiers and sailors. At that time it was just 'talks.' Well now, the talks are in motion as this year's class of military photographers attending Syracuse University will each receive a merit membership to ASMP. The merit membership receives most of the benefits of a general member (not able to vote and not listed on Find A Photographer database) and is good for one full year.

The ASMP was founded in 1944 by a small group of New York magazine photographers and today represents some of the top publication photographers of the industry today. ASMP advocates and supports the highest standards of professional ethics, technical skills and business practices.

In existence for over 45 years, the Military Photojournalism Program at Syracuse University is the most highly sought after program in the DoD as well as highly recognized throughout the civilian photography community. All (but one) of the Legion Photo have attended this program either at Syracuse or during the program's short time at Rochester Institute of Technology.

We look forward to following these students and how they utilize their new membership throughout their very exciting next year.

To read the bulletin go to this link and scroll to page 9.

Also scroll to page 21 to see a selected image from his website.

Lance Cheung's image used for Northrup Grumman

2009-08-14T16:50:00.000-04:00

Recently Northrup Grumman Corporation used an image that Legion photographer, Lance Cheung took while deployed in Iraq.

"This photo was taken during my last deployment before transitioning to commercial media. This is a F-16CG Fighting Falcon over central Iraq on 14 May, 2006. The fighter was deployed to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), Balad Air Base, Iraq from its home station, the 177th Fighter Wing (ANG), Atlantic City, New Jersey."

See more of Northrop Grumman's fighting machines at their flickr account at http://www.flickr.com/photos/northropgrumman/

Stacy on the cover of Focus VA magazine

2009-08-14T16:37:00.000-04:00

Legion Photographer, Stacy Pearsall on photophanatics

2009-08-14T16:31:00.000-04:00

Stacy was recently interviewed on photophanatics podcast weblog.

Check out her interview here

over 140 years of active service and counting

2009-08-14T15:12:00.000-04:00

While gathering everybody's info for a combined 'resume' and qualifications, I noticed that between the 9 members of Legion Photo we represent over 140 years of combined active military service.

That is pretty amazing. It may just seem like just a number to some, but for anybody who knows better, this is 140 years of professional and tactical training and experience. Life in the field, on a ship, in the jungle, in the desert and in combat. Working out, marching, running, swimming, shooting, pressing uniforms and polishing boots, eating 'chow,' MREs, bugs, dirt, and salt water.

But most importantly it is also 140 years of talent and creativity. Photographic excellence, environmental executive portraits, elaborate lighting, executive interviews, professional awards, teaching and attending photo workshops, schools, mentorship and more.

ALL OF IT AMAZING AND INCREDIBLE!

Now we are able to provide that 140+ years into a creative alliance to provide to our current and future clients.

AA

Eddie Adams workshop live feed

2009-08-07T17:26:00.000-04:00

At one point or another, photographers from Legion Photo have been a part of the Eddie Adams Workshop. Most of us have or are currently on the Black Team. This is the "ELITE" group of people that make the backbone to the workshop. From mowing the lawn, repairing the barn to set up and take down. It is quite the team of passionate individuals that give tons of time to make Eddie's workshop great.

Now they are testing a live web feed of the goings on at the barn. Check it out here. We will announce on our facebook site when the live feed is up and running.

Make comments/suggestions. They appreciate it.

WE ARE COMING!!!

2009-08-07T15:40:00.000-04:00

Today may be just any day for many, but for the team of Legion Photo this is a milestone event. Today, we made our order for the site to be built by the crew at LiveBooks.
We chose Livebooks for their innovative site delivery and design that allows for photographers to display their work with a great visual experience.
In the month or two months to come we will be creating and updating our web presence as well as gathering a fan base and list of our potential clients.

This is the first time such an organization of military photographers has come together to provide a collaborative portfolio. We are very excited about this and look forward to the months and years to come.

Subscribe to this page so you can get email updates as things progress.

Once we become established our future blogs will be about photography techniques, experiences and passions, events, state of the industry and other items of importance to our industry.

Submit ideas and suggestions for what you would be looking for in a blog like this. All ideas are welcomed.

AA