the Gracies – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Recently worked on a documentary with Brasilian director Pedro Gorski about Hélio Gracie, one of the founders of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and an all-around amazing human being. As always, I was found behind the still camera, producing production stills. Without a doubt an extraordinary group of men across the board, and it was an honor getting to meet each one of them. Here are a few selects from the experience.

We started at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Torrance, CA. We interviewed with Rorion Gracie and his sons, Rener and Ryron. While there, we also interviewed Ed O’Neill, who has been training at the Gracie Academy for 18 years *AND* is a black belt!

On the last day of production, we found ourselves at the home of Royce Gracie. We finished off the shoot with a couple of short interviews.

Can’t wait to hit the big time so I can start taking classes!

Pennywise!

When I was in 6th grade, 12 years old, I got a cassette tape in China Town in Philadelphia of a band called Pennywise… A year later I saw them in concert for the first time, oddly enough only a few blocks from where I originally got the tape. I was hooked!!!

Fast forward 16 years, they are still the top of my list of favorite bands, but just two weeks before I moved to LA, the singer quit the band!!!

No worries, because the rest of the band has forged forward!

After a recent APA meeting, I found myself at the Air Conditioned Supper Club where they played a show, vocals were filled in by Zoli, singer of the band Ignite.

Since I’m a complete geek for Pennywise, and since my friend is their web guy who I’m always happy to help, I got to work and shot some images of the gig! Enjoy, and please contact me if you are interested in usage and licensing. 415.509.7407 – jess@jessreynolds.com

the Fenceline

Not too long ago, I worked on a short film called the Fenceline. I was responsible for both production stills and the one-sheet. (AKA the movie poster) It was my first experience photographing on a movie set, and truth be told, I wasn’t quite sure how I’d like it. I imagined there being dozens of people on set, a good amount of tension, and a HUGE amount of chaos. Not typically the work environment I’ve grown accustomed to!

Suffice it to say, I was extremely pleased to find that production ran as smoothly as a well-oiled machine. I’ve been told that it really all depends on how well the Assistant Director does her/his job, but in this case, it was really great. I look forward to shooting for more films in the future!

Here are some shots from the production, starting with the one sheet. Enjoy.

Baby Naming Event…

Every once in awhile, I get offered jobs in the realm of “event” photography. Though typically not something I regularly do, every once in awhile I get the job from a fellow photographer who originally intended to do it, yet somehow, something at the last minute came up, and they need saving…. Since I enjoy being a super hero, I usually am the one to swoop in and rescue them!

Most recently, I had photographed a Jewish Baby Naming… It is something that I never knew existed before. So I got to learn about something new, enjoy a day of abnormally nice weather in the Bay Area, and let go of all of the rules I set for myself during my usual shoots. Wow! Win-win-win situation! Here are some of my more favorite shots from the event.

Tattoo Series

A while back I had started a project on tattoos. I was interested in shooting people who had an excess of body work not only because it’s instantly interesting to look at, but it became even more interesting to hear their stories. I never imagined that the word “addiction” would have been used so much. Here are some of my favorites from the series. I wouldn’t mind starting it up again soon now that I have a little bit more time on my hands. Any interested models? Thanks to both Cold Steel America and Black Heart Tattoo for allowing me the space to shoot.

© Jess Reynolds Photography

Bilenky Junkyard Cyclocross

Recently found myself in Philadelphia for the 3rd Annual Bilenky Junkyard Cyclocross race, and by recently, I mean this past December. I received the special invite from my brother Joe who was one of the riders. What an unexpected event! Drive into the less than glamorous section of Philadelphia, walk through some frozen shrubs and sticker bushes, duck into the side door of what looks like an abandoned garage, only to find all sorts of crazy and exciting things on the other side! The below-freezing weather wanted me to keep my little fingers in my pockets and off my camera, but I somehow managed to walk away with 200+ images from the event. Here are just some.

© Jess Reynolds Photography