We are so excited to welcome the fabulously talented Jeff Rojas to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about his gorgeous men’s fashion photography, and be sure to visit his website SAJORFFEJ (which is his name spelt backwards). Thank you so much Jeff for taking the time to share your work with us today!
Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
To be completely honest, I never thought I’d be a photographer. It wasn’t a childhood dream and I didn’t have friends or family that were photographers. It sort of fell in my lap. I was a car enthusiast and wanted to showcase the work I’d put into my car in a creative way. I picked up my first DSLR to do just that. Somewhere around that time, I decided to attend a meetup photography group in New York that was put together to showcase lighting. It was from that day forward that I was hooked. 🙂
How would you describe your photography style?
Simple, Clean and attention to detail. I try my best not to over-complicate things these days.
Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I don’t have a formal photography education. In fact I started college want to be an aerospace engineer. That’s a story for another day. I attended workshops early on with photographers like Lou Freeman and Steve Prue and picked up little tricks along the way.
Do brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I currently shoot with a Canon 5D Mark ii/iii on set and you’ll find the Sigma 35mm f/1.4, 24-105mm f/4.0, 70-200mm f/2.8, and Sigma 150mm f/2.8, although my current favorite lens is the Sigma 35mm f/1.4.
Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Yes! Switch your Picture Style (Profile) to Monochrome while you’re shooting in RAW. Your eye will instead focus on exposure instead of color, which makes lighting a million times easier. You’ll also want to be sure to use a color checker when you’re using this method. 🙂
What is the most challenging thing about photographing men and fashion?
Not fitting into most of the clothes I’m photographing… no samples for me. lol I’m kidding. I would have to say that working with guys is relatively easy, but learning how to work with Alpha Male complexes when you have one is an art. 😉
What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
Focus on keeping it simple. That goes with everything in life. The more you complicate things, the longer it takes and the less you’ll be productive. The less time it takes you to shoot, edit and deliver, the faster you can find your next client.
If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
I would encourage them to work for someone else (even retail) before they ever decide to do this as a business. It’s so much cheaper to make mistakes when it’s not on your dime.
What do you love most about being photographer?
The freedom, which is also my biggest fear. I’m free to do ANYTHING I want as a sole propriety (within reason), but there aren’t any restrictions. This can be a great thing if you’re focused or detrimental if you can’t find your focus.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’d love to write a couple of books in the next couple of years and work with larger clients. I also love being able to work with smaller clients these days and I hope to grow alongside them in the next 5 years.
About the Artist: Jeff Rojas is an American Photographer based in New York City. His primary body of work includes Portrait and Fashion Photography, although he’s directed misc. fashion films and commercials. Rojas also frequents as a photography instructor and has taught on various photographic platforms including: CreativeLIVE, WPPI, PhotoPlus Expo, Gulf Photo Plus and APA.
Visit Jeff at his WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST pages
These are amazing portraits. The black and whites are killer.