Los Angeles Lifestyle Product Photographer
Directorial Vision Creative Direction Visual Storytelling
Available worldwide 310.809.7562
Sunglasses
Branding Visuals
Shoes & Footwear
Handbags
Tabletop Studio
Hand-forged Japanese Chef Knives & Traditional cookware
Private Collections
...in Studio images
Lifestyle Images
Editorial images
...about the photographer Les Heri, the Coast Dog
Aloha
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Les Heri and I am a Life Style Product photographer as well as a conceptual Visual Branding Specialist. My niche in the Lifestyle Product photography arena is in that stage where the Founder is aware that they must stay current in their Branding and cross-platform Advertising content, yet do not have the budget for a full blown Advertising Agency. THAT is exactly where I bring great value to the advertising and branding efforts and SOLVE all of the Visual Branding problems and challenges to stay Visible and viable in todays competitive business climate.
...in the early 1980's I graduated with honors from the legendary Germaine School of Photography in N.Y.C. from their Professional Commercial Photography program. More than one on my clients have commented to me that my commercial images, have a 'zen like' feel to them-this is rather unique in the world of commercial images. That is not surprising to me because I have a deep interest and affection to Japanese Budo for decades. My favorite artistic medium of all time is Japanese woodblock prints. I especially value and collect the works of Hiroshige and Hokusai…on the other hand, my favorite commercial photographers are Hiro, Hashi and Penn, who have all clearly mastered the craft.
Fast forward to today, the state of commercial photography has declined substantially in direct proportion to the ease of image-making technology provides! Sadly, the few super large photographs I see at malls and outlet shops today, often have HUGE text ACROSS the image itself-describing the purpose of the item. Sometimes even shoving a separate image in the torso of some so-called Ambassador.
A failed image that needs TEXT to explain the purpose of the image itself makes a mockery of our craft... We’ve lost so much vision, talent and technical expertise when we could see the image before pressing the shutter. Film FORCED pro shooters to use Intentionality AND Mindfulness…
Once, it was famously said that, "A Picture is worth a Thousand words!"
We've devolved to the point where now... we NEED WORDS to EXPLAIN the Picture!
As a Stills Photographer, MY JOB is to frame and capture that perfect image in a Single Static shot. This requires mastery over composition, lighting, depth of field, and expert timing to be able to capture that "perfect moment". Everything from websites, catalogues, flyers, promo pieces, e-commerce and advertising Branding efforts will be supplied with fresh, exciting-Hi-Impact images by hiring the right Lifestyle product photographer who will highlight and showcase your product in a way to show your viewer how the product can be used in their own lives and make it tangible.
As a Stills photographer, I can devote all of my creativity and attention to the technical details required in creating high-quality images. I focus on lighting, composition, angles, and many other critical aspects to ensure that the images are perfect for a campaign, product showcase, or branding effort. I will focus on the overall balance of the image within the frame and make decisions to enhance attractive textures and details of the product or brand that will make the Stills visually appealing and impactful.
The reason that commercial/advertising photography is the most expensive genre in the photographic industry is that YOUR profits increase because of the investment you make in the images. It's not just about capturing images; it's about capturing moments to tell the story of YOUR brand/product! A STILL photographic image; has no script, no actors, no motion, no dialogue, and no audio!
As a Stills photographer, I have a 1/2 second and only ONE Still image to:
Stop your world
Capture the your eye in 1/2 a second
and
MOST importantly,
HOLD the attention of your eye for 3 to 4 seconds:
In the world of commercial photography, any image that can do THAT-is a masterpiece!
My job is to find that beauty, that Hero Shot, in the humblest of items such as a pair of shoes, a hood ornament or a tennis ball. Personally, I have always loved images that are clean, simple, balanced, beautifully illuminated with tons of mad resolution!
THAT'S how I landed in Commercial Advertising Lifestyle product photography!
I don't shoot Flat Lay or White background, but I AM the guy who's featured Lifestyle product Banner photos on your site-SELL the product in the catalogue ordering section of your site.
Let's schedule a 6 minute discovery phone call to see if we are a good fit in this exciting endeavor designed to elevate your brand and update your Visual Content needs with exciting images of your products. My Visual Branding style of commercial product photography is especially important to you if your business model utilizes e-commerce exclusively!
Your choice of photographer to Visually represent you and your Brand is a crucial decision that should be made in a thoughtful and mindful way. The images produced will Live on LONG after the selection of the photographer has been made.
For those of you who have built your business from the ground up, you are proud of the success that hard work and sweat equity and countless sleepless nights have won for you. IF you still have the autonomy to make your OWN marketing decisions and have NO desire to relinquish the reins to some big city agency...I understand and I stand ready to hear your vision from the founding, to the present and into to the future. Lets set up a six minute discovery call to see if we can mutually benefit from working together.
Mahalo
Les Heri
Héri Sensei
Critical information regarding e-commerce sales
Critical information regarding e-commerce sales
The reason that Advertising Photography is the most costly segment in the commercial photographic industry is because by choosing a professional product shooter, your ‘sales conversion rates’ will increase as the images begin to Bridge the 'Trust Gap', a common impediment that consistently stands against nearly all E-commerce sales. The photographer you select will represent your Brands' Visual Image and bring it to the world of viewers/potential customers. We are speaking of the 'Face' of YOUR Brand that we are showcasing to the public.
It's not just about capturing photos; it's about capturing outstanding, hi resolution images that tell the story of your Brand.
A STILL image has No script, No actors, No dialogue, No narration, No motion and No audio!
As a Stills photographer - ONE humble, static and silent STILL image is ALL I HAVE to capture your eye in a half second and MOST importantly, to HOLD the attention of your eye for 3 to 4 seconds.
In the world of Commercial Advertising Photography, THAT is called a masterpiece!
MY JOB is to find that beauty, that Hero Shot in the humblest of items, such as a pair of athletic shoes, a hood ornament or a tennis ball. I love images that are clean, simple, mindfully composed, free of clutter, beautifully luminescent with gigs of mad resolution! If you would like to elevate your brand and find yourself in need of New Product Images and update your website, we should chat. The type of photography I offer is especially important if your sales are EXCLUSIVELY online! I've had the incredible opportunity to assist regional and international brands achieve their sales goals while working with clients to target their specific needs and together we come up with concept, plan, schedule and execute the shoot. These carefully crafted images have so much IN them and have so much riding ON them! I'm passionate about supporting my clients every step of the way.
Please use the Contact Me Feature at the footer of this site and let's schedule a 6 minute discovery phone call to see if we are a good fit in this exciting collaborative creative endeavor we have before us.
I'm excited to understand your Brands' vision as you see it and in how-I can best assist you in exceeding your goals.
Les Heri ...mahalo