Jonny Carroll's Blog

Navika Capital Interiors

2009-11-14T08:02:00.002-06:00

This job sent me all over Texas photographing interiors of office buildings, apartments, hotels and etc. I always love the opportunity to travel, especially when the hotel is free!

-Jonny Carroll
Photographer

Dallas, TX Commercial Photography
Dallas, Texas TX Aerial Photography
Real-estate 360 Virtual Tour production
Dallas, Denton Texas Wedding Photography
Dallas Frisco Texas Denton, TX Portrait Photography

I-35 Motocross

2009-11-06T11:41:00.002-06:00

I got the chance to go out and shoot some motocross.

This is a sport that I was very much into as a child, in fact, it could have been what started my career in photography, just shooting pictures of my friends and such doing extreme sports.

But as I moved away from those sports, I stopped photographing it. And when I could, I'd ride instead of photographing. This was the first time I really went out since I've become a professional to shoot motocross. Even being there for only a few hours, I was very happy with the result.

VIDEO:

Carving pumpkins

2009-11-05T11:03:00.002-06:00

Sarah and I hosted a pumpkin carving party at our house. It was a lot of fun, and we had a great turn out. Over 20 people attended throughout the day some to watch the Dallas Cowboys dominate and some to carve.

This was a shot at the very end of the night.

Here is my wife, Sarah carving.

and her pumpkin:

Trip to the pumpkin patch

2009-11-03T20:32:00.002-06:00

With fall and halloween comes pumpkins. And with pumpkins comes what might become an annual trip to the pumpkin patch for the nieces and nephews. Perhaps one day, for a kiddo of our own.

Meet Conner who's warming up to the camera.

Jessalyn, who knows that Uncle Jonny will almost always have a camera in front of his face, and she loves it!

and Griffin, who once upon a time loved the camera, but in his terrible two's just love mischief.

But with a quick release monopod umbrella lighting rig, I was able to snap a great shot of.

Here's the three in one shot. It was not nearly worth it to try to get all three to look at the camera and smile. Personally, I prefer to shoot them doing their own thing anyway. Kids will be kids.

Fill lighting indoors.

2009-10-29T12:10:00.003-05:00

The importance of lighting a room.

The top image is obviously preferred. There is nice soft white light coming from windows to the right which illuminates the bedroom, but misses the bathroom. The result is a yucky yellow looking bathroom. The fix: a couple wireless diffused flashes. I set up one to the left 1/4th power and one to the right at 1/2 power. For this shot I just used Canon speed light flashes trigger by pocket wizards. They were on light stands and shooting through umbrellas for a diffused effect. The trick was to match the strobe with a slow shutter speed to make the natural light and artificial light nearly equivalent.

Now in the final shot you have a nice white bathroom, and an even better lit bedroom. A shot that makes this hotel room even more appealing, and consequently the difference between amateur and professional shots.

-Jonny Carroll
Photographer

Dallas, TX Commercial Photography
Dallas, Texas TX Aerial Photography
Real-estate 360 Virtual Tour production
Dallas, Denton Texas Wedding Photography
Dallas Frisco Texas Denton, TX Portrait Photography

Amber and Josh

2009-10-27T10:57:00.004-05:00

Josh is in the military and stationed in Iraq. He came home for a little while and Amber jumped on the opportunity for a photo shoot. I shot their wedding back in December of last year, but because of his situation, they were not able to get engagement photos. This was kind of like their engagement shoot.

These photos were in Richardson at a park near Campbell and 75. A neat place that I had heard about, but never been to before. Sarah Carroll was my assistant and light holder. She did an excellent job.

VIDEO:

Jude and family

2009-10-15T15:11:00.003-05:00

I promised you guys photos of my new nephew Jude.

I snapped this one while in Austin @ 1 month.

Here's another shot of their whole family that I grabbed while visiting last month.

That's my brother, his wife (Beth) and little Jude.

My brother has actually become quite a good photographer. You can see more pictures of Jude on Beth's blog as she's an avid blogger.

University of Houston - Robertson Stadium

2009-10-02T23:15:00.008-05:00

I was able to book a job with the University of Houston to take aerials of their game this last weekend, September 26th against Texas Tech. It was a sell out game, and a record crowd. Not only that, but there was a climatic game changing score and fun game.

This job presented many challenges for me. Not only was it night time, and my only source of light would be stadium lights, but I was also in a helicopter which would bring a lot of vibration and require a very fast shutter speed.

EVEN MORE! I'd be flying in restricted airspace over a NCAA open stadium with over 30,000 people. We had to go through all sorts of paper work with the FAA to get permission. It was great to learn how all that was done, and a wonderful event to cover.

I shot the first half from the helicopter and was on the ground for the second half. Here are some action shots and captions:

Texas Tech kicker Donnie Carona takes flight while kicking the ball deep to Univeristy of Houston's Tyron Carrier to start the second half Saturday night, September 26, 2009 at Robertson stadium.

University of Houston's Bryce Beall (25) breaks though his offensive line against Texas Tech Saturday night, September 26, 2009 at Robertson stadium.

University of Houston's wide reciever Tyron Carrier (35) catches a high pass against Texas Tech Saturday night, September 26, 2009 at Robertson stadium.

Texas Tech Brett Dewhurst (30) tackles University of Houston's wide reciever Tyron Carrier (35) after a catch Saturday night, September 26, 2009 at Robertson stadium.

Texas Tech running back Baron Batch (25) breaks tackles Saturday night, September 26th at Houston

Texas Tech Detron Lewis (17) makes an open field move after a catch on UH sophmore Marcus McGraw (55) Saturday night, Spetember 26 2009 at Houston.

Texas Tech's Aaron Charbonnet runs for a touchdown against UH Saturday night, September 26, 2009 at Robertson stadium.

University of Houston wide receiver James Cleveland (19) catches a pass against Texas Tech Saturday night, September 26, 2009 at Robertson stadium.

A University of Houston dancer cheers on a record breaking crowd at Robertson stadium Saturday night, September 26, 2009 against Texas Tech.

University of Houston Running Back Charles Sims (5) runs for a first down Saturday night, September 26, 2009 against Texas Tech.

University of Houston Running Back Charles Sims (5) is brought down by Texas Tech Defensive Back LaRon Moore (28) Saturday night, September 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium.

University of Houston Cornernack Brandon Brinkley forces an out of bounds fumble after a catch by Texas Tech Detron Lewis (17) Saturday night Spetember 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium.

A Texas Tech dancer cheers on a record breaking crowd at University of Houston's Robertson stadium Saturday night, September 26, 2009.

University of Houston middle line backer Marcus McGraw (55) brings down Texas Tech receiver Adam James (82) Saturday night, September 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium.

University of Houston Linebacker Matt Nicholson Saturday night against Texas Tech September 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium.

University of Houston holds Texas Tech Quarterback Taylor Potts short of the endzone to force a 4th down tunrover Saturday night September 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium.

University of Houston wide receiver L.J castile (10) stiff arms Texas Tech Linebacker Brian Duncan (57) Saturday night September 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium.

University of Houston Quarterback Case Keenum (7) pass leads to an interception by Texas Tech Saturday night September 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium.

Texas Tech safety Will Ford (7) intercepts a pass to University of Houston widereceiver Tim Monroe (24) Saturday night September 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium

Texas Tech safety Will Ford (7) celebreates an interception with teammate Cody Davis (16) against the University of Houton Saturday night September 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium.

Texas Tech DB Nathan Stone (40) and DS Austin Burns (50) celebreate a little too early on a road loss to the University of Houston Saturday night September 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium.

University of Houston Quarterback Case Keenum (7) leads the cougars in their final drive against Texas Tech Saturday night September 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium.

A cute domestic Cougar gives University of Houston photographer Stephen Pinchback a wave Saturday night September 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium.

With less than a minute remaining, University of Houston quarterback Case Keenum drives one into the end zone to put the cougars up 29 to 28 against Texas Texas Saturday night, Septemeber 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium.

University of Houston quarterback Case Keenum celebrates with teammates a last minute touchdown to put the cougars up 29 to 28 against Texas Texas Saturday night, Septemeber 26, 2009 at Robertson Stadium. The Cougars would go one to win the game.

University of Houston students and fans rush the feild at Robertson stadium Saturday night, September 26, 2009 against Texas Tech after a last minute touchdown which would lead to a victory for the cougars in front of a record attendance of over 32,000 spectators.

-Jonny Carroll
Photographer

Dallas, TX Commercial Photography
Texas TX Aerial Photography
Dallas, Denton Texas Wedding Photography
Dallas Frisco Texas Denton, TX Portrait Photography

lightning

2009-09-23T21:26:00.000-05:00

Sarah and I were driving back from community group a couples nights ago, and saw the most amazing strike either of us have ever seen. And I've seen a lot of strikes!

Illuminating our entire plane of vision it crawled through the sky back and forth including over our heads three times before it came to a stop. When we got home, Sarah went to sleep and made me go shoot lighting. I didn't have a choice. haha.

While they don't compare to what we saw together on our drive home, (nothing ever will). Here's what I came up with.

This was the street that we saw the strike on. The strike was very similar, but basically over the top of us, rather than in the distance, and it was about 5 seconds long.

A zoomed in version.

More shots from that night:

-Jonny Carroll
Photographer

Dallas, TX Commercial Photography
Texas TX Aerial Photography
Real-estate 360 Virtual Tour production
Dallas, Denton Texas Wedding Photography
Dallas Frisco Texas Denton, TX Portrait Photography

Morgan

2009-09-21T09:07:00.000-05:00

Morgan needed head shots, this was another example of going a little beyond just headshots and getting some fun photos as well. I'd say Morgan is one of the prettiest girls I have photographed.

VIDEO:

-Jonny Carroll
Photographer

Dallas, TX Commercial Photography
Dallas, Houston Texas TX Aerial Photography
Real-estate 360 Virtual Tour production
Dallas, Denton Texas Wedding Photography
Dallas Frisco Texas Denton, TX Portrait Photography

rain rain go away

2009-09-16T23:17:00.001-05:00

sky, originally uploaded by Jonny Donut Carroll.

This is just a tribute to the sun. I took this in near rush hour stopped at a red light back in december of 2005. It's one of my recent uploads to Flickr as I try to catch up to present day.

Tomorrow, if it's rainy, and it's forecasted to be, will be a week strait of rainy colorless days. Don't get me wrong, rain brings life and is so essential to our ecosystem, but day after day after day really wears on you.

As an individual it's amazing to see how the rain really does impact my emotions. Luckily, I was able to play nine holes of golf today in a windy mist, and snuck in a 30 minute bike ride the other morning when it was just cloudy, which helped a lot.

As a photographer, my job and life really revolve around the sun/ weather. Postponements are underway. It's nice to have time to catch up on logistics, office organization and etc, but I love to shoot!!

Soon enough.
-Jonny

TX aerial site!

2009-09-14T13:58:00.004-05:00

Sorry for not updating in so long. There have been alot of changes going on.

One of which was getting a house. I'm now in a home with a large office, a studio and a client viewing room. The house is right next to the school that Sarah, (my wife) teaches at in Denton ISD. Needless to say, we're very excited. Pictures coming soon!

Another big announcement is the new aerial site. New name, new identity, new design, new expanded market and the addition of video! Please check it out. TXaerial.com

ps. more frequent blog posts coming soon.

Stephanie - Bridals

2009-08-19T13:51:00.003-05:00

Stephanie was great to work with. We had a shoot out a the Dallas Arboretum, always a beautiful location. Jason Chinnock accompanied me on the shoot.

and from Jason:

that's me!

-Jonny Carroll
Photographer

Dallas Commercial Photography
Dallas, Texas TX Aerial Photography
Denton Texas Wedding Photography
Dallas Frisco Texas Denton, TX Portrait Photography

Flickr

2009-08-15T15:12:00.002-05:00

flickr_2000, originally uploaded by Jonny Donut Carroll.

So. I've finally joined, got a pro account and will start uploading. I have a lot of catching up to do.

This is the first photo I uploaded today. It was taken December 2, 2001. I took this when I was 15, 9 years ago. This was not my first time to start shooting, just the oldest digital photograph that I like really. Digital was cutting edge at this point.

What I like about the image is not the quality, but rather what it represents at that time in my life.

Keep an eye out for more to come on flickr, I'm going to try to upload a few a day and plan to catch up to current by the end of the year.

Brandi

2009-08-15T07:39:00.003-05:00

In Austin a few weeks ago I had a shoot "just for fun" along with my brother. He's learning the art of photography, so we got ourselves a young hippy model and went out for a late day shoot.

As you can see, we got a little creative and goofy.

Honeymoon in Hawaii - Photos

2009-08-12T15:40:00.003-05:00

Wonderful trip, wonderful wife.

Hawaii is a geographer's paradise. While the trip wasn't about photography, (with the exception of Sarah's bridals on the beach) I was still able to snag a few keepers. Here are some of the best photos from the trip.

lava tube cave.

lava into ocean

Davis Wedding

2009-08-05T17:18:00.001-05:00

Austin is a friend of mine from my high school, bmx days. Now a marine and happily married to Brittney, it was great to be able to cover his wedding.

In the middle is "Chopper". He's good friends with Austin, and was the best man at my wedding.

-Jonny Carroll
Photographer

Dallas Commercial Photography
Dallas Aerial Photography
Real-estate 360 Virtual Tour production
Denton Wedding Photography
Frisco Portrait Photography

Select Rehabilitation Hospital

2009-07-28T09:54:00.002-05:00

I don't post many commercial shoots, but I want to start to post more. After all, that is the majority of my work. This is at the Select Rehabilitation Hospital of Denton. They wanted photos for their marketing department.

They went through two photographers before me with low quotes and bad results. The Industry is starting to learn that there's a difference between a professional and someone with a dSLR. I'm glad I could be their final person. At least they didn't go stock photography, right?

The photos turned out great. The patients were great to work with and in high spirits.

wiihab.

-Jonny Carroll

Photographer

Dallas Texas Commercial Photography
Dallas Texas TX Aerial Photography
Real-estate 360 Virtual Tour production
Dallas Denton Texas Wedding Photography
Dallas Frisco Texas Denton TX Portrait Photography

Social Networking

2009-07-23T12:43:00.003-05:00

Alright. So I keep up with my blog, facebook, and just recently twitter. It's no secret that web 2.0 has contributed greatly to my business success, reaching a market I would not have otherwise.

I'm thinking about becoming frequently active in another 2.0 network, just not sure which one. Here is kind of what I was thinking: Myspace, Flickr, ModelMayhem, Vimeo, Youtube, Picasa, DeviantArt, Bebo (whatever the heck that is), Linkedin.

What do you think?

Where would you like to see me more active?

-Jonny Carroll

Jdonut Photography, LLC

Stephanie Smith and Sister

2009-07-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

Here's a shoot I found that never was posted from earlier this year, January. January was a slow month for me. If I'm not shooting as much as I'd like, I'll call up a friend for and improv no charge shoot. It's good to stay fresh and creative and after all, photography is a job but also a passion, I want to be shooting. :)

Meet Stephanie. I worked with her on a film a few years back, she was one of the main characters and did a great job. When we planned a shoot, she decided to bring her sister along, so we snapped a few of her too.

You can't tell, but it was bitter cold, we made our way inside, to a storage unit of all places. I had helped chopper (my best friend) move that morning and discovered this place.

Here's the sister.

We then made our way to another indoor location. A house.

It was a fun day with good results. When I get some more time, I'll plan a couple more shoots like this, they're always fun.

-Jonny Carroll
Photographer

Dallas, TX Commercial Photography
Dallas, Texas TX Aerial Photography
Real-estate 360 Virtual Tour production
Dallas, Denton Texas Wedding Photography
Aubrey Frisco Texas Denton, TX Portrait Photography

My wife's Bridals ... after the wedding!

2009-07-16T20:44:00.002-05:00

Well, of course I couldn't take Sarah's (my wife's) bridals. To see her in her dress before the wedding would be bad luck or against tradition or whatever. Nevertheless, we decided to take her dress with us to Hawaii on our honeymoon for a photoshoot. So Much Fun!!

This was my favorite from the shoot. The rest are in chronological order:

That's a wrap.

Claire and Greg Wedding

2009-07-13T09:51:00.004-05:00

Claire and Greg were a lot of fun. They know how to have a wedding. Claire is the sister of one of Sarah's good friends. Claire and Greg also attended a wedding I had previously photographed. I knew a few people there, and that's always fun too.

This was his reaction to her walking down the aisle.

Here's Meredith, maid of honor and Sarah's good friend. My friend too.

Paige Phillips

2009-07-07T14:36:00.003-05:00

Paige is a stunning model. I know her from when I photographed for the North Texas Dancers. She's trying out for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and needed headshots. We also took a few creative shots, which is more what I'll post.

Here is the picture she picked.

-Jonny Carroll
Photographer

ps. In other news, the wedding went great, the honeymoon great, and my wife is wonderful. Pics coming soon.

Dallas, TX Commercial Photography
Dallas, Texas TX Aerial Photographey
Real-estate 360 Virtual Tour production
Dallas, Denton Texas Wedding Photography
Dallas Frisco Texas Denton, TX Portrait Photography

Getting married!

2009-06-19T06:44:00.004-05:00

I do have an auto responder on, but I want to let any prospective clients or readers know that I'll be out of the office until July 1st for my wedding and honeymoon! Internet and phone will be limited but I will do my best to get back to you, otherwise you'll hear back from me just as soon as I return. Keep a lookout for pictures of the Hawaii honeymoon.

The love of my life:

-Jonny Carroll
Photographer

Dallas, TX Commercial Photography
Dallas Texas TX Aerial Photography
Dallas, Texas Wedding Photography
Dallas Frisco Denton, TX Texas Portrait Photography

Uncle Jonny!

2009-06-16T22:38:00.001-05:00

http://elizabethcarroll.wordpress.com/2009/06/16/jude-urban/

Just thought I'd give you an update from the last post. I wasn't able to be there, but that's alright. I'll be seeing plenty of the little fellow hopefully. It looks like Jason will be making the wedding!

-Jonny Carroll