I have been awarded my second Daily Deviation Thank you ^hellfirediva for featuring me! I feel so honored to have received this award from you in part because your work is glorious


I was just beginning to think it was about time for a mid-semester update when I logged on today only to see 500 messages, which can only mean one thing... a DD!! This semester my work has been very technical. I have learned a lot of excellent information from my Color 1 class, including how to use an X-Rite Colorchecker Passport. I am mainly using my Canon 7D, which is an excellent camera. While shooting Citrus Bubbles in the studio I used it to see what kind of color difference I could get. My jaw dropped the difference was so astounding, especially for green and orange.

We've also been studying how to shoot studio subjects like metal on white, white on white, and black on black. I learned a lot from these assignments, and I never would have guessed so much work and thought went into subjects like these. I have been keeping as much posted as possible at my School Blog, which is available on Blogger and Tumblr.


Since I'm still mid-semester I have barely taken any photos at all for myself. Now that the green of spring is starting to outshine the windchill I'm hoping to get out and about, but the end of the semester is pretty daunting as far as projects go right now. Lots of film, models and portfolio stuff!


I have added my work and portfolio information to two new networking sites, Behance and Linked In. Behance is social networking for artists, and you can submit "projects" of images, music and video. Linked In is more job-oriented and is for everyone who is starting any kind of career.


Commissions are not available at this time.

Hi guys, sorry my updates are so infrequent but school is happily getting itself in the way of my personal life The first semester included digital camera operations, printing and color basics, work with the 4x5 viewcamera , critiques and photo composition, amongst other things. I really enjoy working with my teachers and peers, it is so great to see other people's work and discover so much diversity. This semester I am taking Color 1, Studio 2, Photojournalism, and Digital Media for Photographers (video editing with Final Cut Pro). Why video editing in a digital photography program? Because the program is designed to reach a variety of commerical opportunities, including events and weddings where clients often request video in addition to still photographs. I am very excited for all of these, particularly Color 1 because we will learn everything about calibration in monitors and printers, as well as theory and application stuff. I guess some people were telling our instructor that the information is useless, but to me it seems like some of the most critical and important. Anyway, this semester will keep me busier than last semester from the sounds of the first day back, and I probably won't update here again for a while. I try to update my School Blog at least once a month, or when a project worth posting comes up. Many photos are posted there that never see DA, and I love comments and critiques on those just as much!


Unfortunately right now, with school and all, my personal time for outdoor photography has been really limited. Especially because I live in Wisconsin and as I write this there is a snowstorm. It's truly lovely, and so is the thick blanket of fog that comes between snowstorms, so I do hope to capture some of it by winter's end, but I won't get my hopes up.


I have added my work and portfolio information to two new networking sites, Behance and Linked In. Behance is social networking for artists, and you can submit "projects" of images, music and video. Linked In is more job-oriented and is for everyone who is starting any kind of career.


Commissions are not available at this time.

This week was my first week at Madison College in their photography program. It's going to be an amazing two years. The group I start with is probably going to be the group I end with as well, and they all seem to be fantastic people. To read more about my time in the photography program, check out my Photography School Blog.


The winner of my first ever kiriban contest is =OminousShadows , congratulations to him! Enjoy your 200 ! I enjoyed this contest so much that I will likely hold another very soon, I just have to decide on a number.


I thought it might be interesting for some to read a blog from the perspective of a newly emerging photography student, so this summer I started one. My main goal with this is to share my work, projects, inspiration and experiences as a student and then on into my career. If you feel like following along you can check that out here.


I started posting my works to a new community call RedBubble, which I believe is based out of Australia. If you are a part of this community you can see my works here.


I have added my work and portfolio information to two new networking sites, Behance and Linked In. Behance is social networking for artists, and you can submit "projects" of images, music and video. Linked In is more job-oriented and is for everyone who is starting any kind of career.


Commissions are not available at this time.

Soon I will reach 100,000 views and have decided to offer a KIRIBAN contest. The winner will receive 200 for the winning screen shot. There can only be one winner, so submit your screen shot faster than anyone else! More info: here!


My website has been updated to a new look-and-feel. I really love how clean everything is, and it's a huge performance boost on both speed and design. Both my regular portfolio and my portraits portfolio are available, and there are photos there that are not included here on DA.


I have been accepted into the photography program at Madison College! Usually applying for this program means a wait list period of 3-5 years, and I managed to break through after only one year! I am seeking my associate's degree in their two year program of trade photography. This means I will be working with studio lighting, models, dancers, products and other "trade" projects. I am really excited because normally I only work outdoors, so this will mean a whole new dimension of work and critique for me. I begin August 23rd, which means I should have work posted this fall!


#dA-Photographers recently held a Macro Contest in which my entry, la petite tortue won first place! Congratulations to 2nd and 3rd place, and thank you to all those who participated in the vote. I am so honored (and so is the turtle)!


I have added my work and portfolio information to two new networking sites, Behance and Linked In. Behance is social networking for artists, and you can submit "projects" of images, music and video. Linked In is more job-oriented and is for everyone who is starting any kind of career.

Recently I bought a Canon 7D! I am so excited for this upgrade from my Canon EOS Rebel XTi/400D. It's a jump from 10MP to 18MP! Not to mention the 19 autofocus points, auto leveler, and larger sensor size (sadly, it still is not a full-frame sensor). Of course, there is also the 1080P video it shoots... wow. I must admit I have no plans at all for using it and I would trade it for a full-frame sensor any day, but maybe I will change my mind after playing with it a little. I also ordered a new 18-55 IS lens (my previous was non-IS), a Giottos MT-8340 carbon fiber tripod and Giottos MH1002-310 ball head, an upgrade from my beginner's aluminum Sunpack 7500-Pro.


jvrichardson.com is now mobile! Access from your smartphone/iTouch to see it. I am still playing with scripts for it and if you happen to have any ideas or tips I would be grateful.


I watched as many of the cup games as I could this year and am happy to congratulate Spain on their victory! Both Spain and The Netherlands deserve a pat on the back for surviving the length of the game, over 120 minutes!


Commissions are not available at this time.

Today I bought a Canon 7D! I am so excited for this upgrade from my Canon EOS Rebel XTi/400D. It's a jump from 10MP to 18MP! Not to mention the 19 autofocus points, auto leveler, and larger sensor size (sadly, it still is not a full-frame sensor). Of course, there is also the 1080P video it shoots... wow. I must admit I have no plans at all for using it and I would trade it for a full-frame sensor any day, but maybe I will change my mind after playing with it a little. I also ordered a new 18-55 IS lens (my previous was non-IS), a Giottos MT-8340 carbon fiber tripod and Giottos MH1002-310 ball head, an upgrade from my beginner's aluminum Sunpack 7500-Pro.


jvrichardson.com is now mobile! Access from your smartphone/iTouch to see it. I am still playing with scripts for it and if you happen to have any ideas or tips I would be grateful.


My photography and other accessories made with my prints are now available at Zazzle.com. Personally, I would use DA to purchase everything. There are more options, prices are better (and the artist can choose them), I am betting DA is easier to use as well as better quality, not to mention the artist makes a better commission which means more future art for you to see! I may not keep this additional prints resource for very long.. so far I am just not as impressed!


The group held an ID Contest recently, and I won 2nd place! View entry: here. One of my prizes included a stamp made by which looks like this Thanks Ailedda!


May 7th, 2010 is my two year mark for DeviantART. Since becoming a member my photography, web skills, and graphic design skills have increased a thousand fold. Thank you DA for being so awesome, and thank YOU for your critiques, features, , and . The support of the community here is a blessing!


I know the trend is dying down now that it's been a while since their release, but I love them! I interact with more artists, and have discovered more art that I like by trading them. Still trading!


Mmmm... Google. I started playing around with Picasa Web recently and I've posted a couple albums, take a peak if Picasa is your thing.


I do have a small portfolio of human photography if you're interested, a couple pieces are in my gallery on DA, but there is more in the Naturals portfolio. I do not specialize in model photography by any means, so critiques of the two posted here would really be awesome!


Commissions are not available at this time.

I received a portable studio for my birthday that I have been experimenting with... the latest shots of an ongoing series of ink drops in water have been posted. I will love you for your critiques of these.


Mmmm... Google. I started playing around with Picasa Web recently and I've posted a couple albums, take a peak if Picasa is your thing.


I do have a small portfolio of human photography if you're interested, a couple pieces are in my gallery on DA, but there is more in the Naturals portfolio. I do not specialize in model photography by any means, so critiques of the two posted here would really be awesome!


I've transitioned over from the old journal css to the new "gruze" style. I noticed a lot of the issues I had with IE are now gone! And two cheers for Chrome & Firefox for working either way.


Commissions are not available at this time.

Although I have done private portrait commissions for some time, the portfolio has never been released for public viewing. It is now available on Facebook and my website.


Love Twitter? I recently made an account and would be honored if you would follow me! Check out JVRPhotography on Twitter and follow away!


During my summer escape to northern Wisconsin I had the opportunity to work with high dynamic range photography for the first time, and it seems to have stolen my heart. I have opened a new gallery so you can see the first of the collection I have started, and I promise to add more soon!


Especially now that my new HDR gallery has been opened, I am looking more forward to critiques than ever! Since I am new with the practice of HDR I need to hear some good feedback on what I have done so far, and everything else that is in my gallery!


I have recently created a business page for Facebook! I would appreciate anyone who has time to take a look! Friend requests for my personal profile on Facebook will be denied, sorry. Always accepting +Fans!


My commission status is currently open for Winter 09'-10'. I am involved in several projects and commissions at the moment, and I may be booked or may be accepting projects on a case-by-case basis, but if you have something interesting you would like to involve me in feel free to note me and we might just figure something out!

Location/Travel - Currently I live in Madison, WI (US), where I am a freelance photographer, web developer, graphic designer and computer technician.
  
Areas of Study - I try to take opportunities to learn about as much as possible, and I have dabbled in fields here and there, including oil on canvas as well as graphite. I have always had a digital mind, and a broad understanding of technology and gadgets of many kinds. Within the last few years, my desire for education has been dominated by computers and my SLR.  For nearly 5 years now I have been slowly learning photography on my own, as well as photo manipulation. I have never taken any classes on computers, graphic design or photography. I have sought the knowledge of how to do these things myself, and afforded myself the time and effort to do so. Eventually I hope to pursue a degree in digital photography, and am currently looking into education at The Art Institute of Chicago for my undergraduates, and possibly continue on at the Brooks Institute School of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. Recently I have completed the Web Development Certificate at Madison Area Technical College.

Educational Tips - Use Google. Use a computer. If you aren't good with computers, figure out how to be. Life will be easier. Google knows everything. Really, everything. Learn how to speak to Google, and learn to listen to your computer, and you will learn everything you want to know.

My Web Skills - Although I have used HTML for many years, and recently acquired my own understanding of CSS and PHP, I have also completed the Web Development Certificate at Madison Area Technical College. This certificate included knowledge of both design of graphic elements for web pages, and also coding such as HTML, DHTML, Javascript, and CSS. My website was coded, designed, and all elements including photography are my works.

My People Skills - I have a deep appreciation of cultures in all places. I have taken classes in several languages, such as Spanish, Japanese, and Latin, and also studied privately French and Arabic. Latin helped me to understand romance language tremendously, but I by no means am fluent in anything other than English. I hope one day to expand my horizons in language and culture by immersing myself in a variety of new regions globally.

My Intentions - I am looking to dive into the work of photography, which I know is a big open pool of lots of people looking to do the same thing. I approach it with what I hope is a unique perspective enhanced by digital evolution and broadened by an open mind. Eventually I hope to do travel commission work, and I am pretty much willing to go anywhere, for any amount of time.




My computer is custom built by my boyfriend and I for advanced digital manipulation, gaming, and mass storage. I am using an ASUS Premium 5k motherboard, Intel Q6700 Quad Core, eight gigs of ram, a couple terrabytes of storage, watercooling, and two BFG Nvidia GTX 275 OCs. My system is currently running Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit. I also have a 2GHz Macbook, which is currently set for dual-booting with Mac OsX Leopard and Windows 7 Ultimate.

All original photographs were taken with a Canon Rebel XTi, a wonderful beginner SLR which has given me the capabilities to take photos I never though I could. All new photos are taken with a Canon 7D and I use several lenses with this, including a 70-300mm IS, 18-55mm IS, 55-250mm IS, and a 60mm macro lense.

Software I Use - I have used nearly every version of Adobe Photoshop from 7 to CS4. I now use Photoshop CS4 Extended for all major digital edits made. I also use this program to design all layouts for web design. For photo storage, sorting, and minor edits I use Adobe Photoshop Lightroom II. I use these programs together to do all panoramic stitching, macro stiching, and HDR photography.




If you are in my area and you have a project you would like my involvement in, please note or email me with details. If you are interested in commissions which involve travel, I may also be able to accommodate for this.




Permission to Use my Photography - If you plan on using my photography in any form of media, including print, web, or video, I am to be notified and you must have a consent form which allows you to do so. This includes using my work for texture or manipulation in other photography. If this work is used in a project, collaboration, or collage, I must be notified prior to its use, and you must provide a visualization of how it is to be used. All credit for the images must remain in my name, and there must be a link back to either my website or my DeviantArt page near or on the same page as the work.

Trades & Requests - I do not trade my photography. I do not give prints away by request. If you are interested in commissions, please see the commission section. If you are interested in collaboration, note me, and depending on the project I may choose involvement.

The following artists & groups can be credited for assistance in the process of coding the CSS for this journal. All CSS/HTML code involved was ultimately hand-typed by me in notepad, but their templates, user guides, and tips on the new "gruze" journals really made it easy to switch for the old css.



The two groups above have made CSS for DA better than ever. No more tearing apart source code to figure out what works, they know everything. I love their helpful tutorials, and they also answer questions for more specific issues.

Gallery Moderator - - She has all the hottest tips, and spells it all out for even the noobiest of noobs. I love her for two specific tutorials: Ungruze your journals & Old vs Gruze Journals. My switch from old to gruze was made incredibly easy by reading them.

Official Beta Tester - - The custom DD area on my profile page is his credit. He also offers many similar styles for customization.

All the Fellas used in the various titles in my journal are the official Fellas found in




If you feel you deserve credit, or that credit has been given inappropriately, please note me regarding the issue. I will be  happy to accommodate.

I am always looking for new groups to be a part of, ranging from photography and web design groups to anti-pollution and political groups. If you do not see a link to your group, or a group your are involved in, and you think I could contribute as a member please note me. I try to contribute to the galleries and collections as often as I can, so if you check out their latest you may see something of mine. I also try to post a comment on the original art when a deviation of mine has been added to a group gallery or collection, and there should be a link to its location if you are interested.









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