When Photography and Video Meet

It all began as a very small project—video a few birthday greetings from guests for a client and friend, then edit them together into one piece. Sounds simple enough, right? But anyone that knows me, knows that I don't just do things simple. When I get an idea, I have to follow it to the end. So the simple idea took on a life of it's own and I ended up with... well, sort of a short film with a fusion of video and photographs.

Robert Ballatt, aka The Massage Mogul was celebrating his 40th birthday and the 10th anniversary of his business, Just 1 Touch. It wasn't just a party, it was a weekend celebration. Because I was taking photos anyway, I got the idea to switch over to video mode a few times... my camera not only shoots still images but motion also. And I mean HD cinema-quality video.

After I downloaded three days of photos and party video, the art director in me kicked in and I got a vision of how to put it all together in a neat little presentation. That little presentation turned out to be 16-minutes but when it flows, why fight it? In the future, I may be doing more of this photo fusion and offering it to clients.

Anyway, if you have a few spare minutes, hit the play button and check it out. I'm no Martin Scorsese or Kasi Lemmons, but it is fun and I had a blast putting it together.

Enjoy! And congratulations Robert on both your milestones!

Robert Ballatt, aka The Massage Mogul celebrates his 40th birthday and 10th anniversary of his business, Just 1 Touch Mobile Spa Service.

Meet The Massage Mogul

Robert "The Massage Mogul" Ballatt, CEO of Just 1 Touch mobile spa service.If you don't know him, than you need to. Meet Robert Ballatt. In black entertainment he’s also known as The Massage Mogul. He’s the founder of Just 1 Touch, which is a mobile spa service. 

I was contacted by Cole Media Inc, which represents Just 1 Touch, to photograph Robert in preparation of the launch of their 2011 Have You Been Touched Week campaign. During our two sessions, I shot a series of portraits plus photos in a spa setting—which will be available soon.

Information on his website says Robert "has touched more than 10,000 women in his ten-year career." Hmmm, okay. I'll leave that one alone. But seriously, he is serious about his craft. It was such a pleasure to work with and watch Robert work, and I can’t wait to book my own session. Thanks again to Cole Media Inc for the trusting me with this client.

Stay tuned, because in the next few days I will have more photos from my session with The Massage Mogul. In the meantime, if you haven’t been touched yet, what are you waiting for? Visit Just1Touch.com for additional information or to book your session during Have You Been Touched Week.

Hey, I Did That!

I've been a graphic designer for many, many years but I still get excited sometimes when I see my work printed... especially when it's rolling by on the side of a bus. Before you ask, no I didn't take the photo of Fantasia, I just designed the ad. This one is bit crooked, but I was excited none the less. (Designed for Cole Media Inc., representing E3: Excellent Education for Everyone)