Daniel Berman – Seattle photographer – Editorial & Corporate photography

Seattle Seahawks Fan Portraits

Posted in Downtown Seattle, Washington, personal work, portraits by bermanphotos on November 9, 2009

Before the start of the Seattle Seahawks game against the Detroit Lions at Qwest Field, I made portraits of some of the Seahawks’ most dedicated and passionate fans. I have really been enjoying making portraits of people at different events recently (like the Seattle Tattoo Expo and the Bellingham ComicCon) and wanted to try a similar style with the Seahawks fans.

I want to return for another game; these superfans are as fun to meet as they are to photograph!

Lighting was accomplished with three Nikon Speedlights, with the mainlight a softbox, and connected using Pocket Wizard Plus II Transceivers.

Thanks for looking!

-Daniel

Tagged with: Bellingham photographer, Detroit Lions, NFL, portraits, Qwest Field, Seahawks Fans, Seattle Photographer, Seattle Seahawks

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Stanley Park in Vancouver Canada

Posted in personal work by bermanphotos on October 27, 2009

You may recall seeing photos from my trip to Vancouver last July but I also shot a roll of film with a friend’s Hasselblad camera.

A view of the seawall at Stanley Park in Vancouver Canada.

A runner jogs along the seawall at Stanley Park in Vancouver Canada.

A man poses with his umbrella for a portrait along the seawall at Stanley Park in Vancouver Canada.

The film was a black-and-white Tri-X 400 film by Kodak.
I love the square format and hopefully I can shoot that camera again in the future.

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Tagged with: Bellingham photographer, Canada, film photography, Hasselblad, Seattle Photographer, Stanley Park, Vancouver

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Fall in Bellingham

Posted in Bellingham, Washington, personal work by bermanphotos on October 26, 2009

It is definitely Fall in Bellingham, with rain most days and wild winds everywhere. Some photographers think that this means time to put away the camera, when really, some beautiful photos happen in terrible weather. A few of my favorites from the past month below:

Fall in Bellingham, WA

Bicycle reflection with Fall colors near Western Washington University

Students walk beneath umbrellas as it rains at Western Washington University

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Tagged with: Bellingham photographer, Fall colors, Seattle Photographer, Western Washington University

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Portraits from Bellingham Comic Con 2009

Posted in Bellingham, Washington, personal work, portraits by bermanphotos on October 25, 2009

On a whim I decided to check out the Bellingham Comic Con, in its first year under new ownership, this past Saturday. Met some very nice people and had fun making portraits of a unique subculture: the comic book collector.

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Tagged with: Bellcon, Bellingham Comic Con, Bellingham environmental portraits, Bellingham Portraits, comic book collectors, comic books, comic con, Seattle environmental portraits

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Downtown Seattle Central Library

Posted in Downtown Seattle, Washington by bermanphotos on October 19, 2009

The library in Downtown Seattle is one of the most architecturally-stunning buildings in Seattle, and shooting there is always exhilarating. Every level and corner of the library is so different and unique. If you ever have the chance, take a few hours to explore and wander and shoot. I know I did.

A man stands outside of the downtown Seattle Central Library. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A man waits for the elevator on the Red Level inside the Seattle Central Library. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A woman walks around the Red Level of the downtown Seattle Central Library. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A man takes the escalator inside the downtown Seattle Central Library. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A man browses literature in the Seattle Room of the downtown Seattle Central Library. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A couple take in the highest public point in the downtown Seattle Central Library. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A view of the street as seen from the sixth floor. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Tagged with: Bellingham photographer, downtown seattle, Rem Koolhaas, Seattle Central Library, Seattle Photographer

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Eagle Scout-to-be portrait

Posted in assignment work by bermanphotos on September 21, 2009

Eagle Scout portrait in Seattle, WA by Daniel Berman | www.bermanphotos.com

Joel Smith hopes to become an Eagle Scout after cleaning up the steps leading from the tennis courts at Shoreview Park to the new Shoreline Dog Park.

I used two Nikon SB800 speedlights w/o modifiers as my main and fill, with the sun over his right shoulder providing the rimlight.

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Tagged with: bellingham portrait photographer, boy scouts, eagle scouts, Nikon SB800, pocket wizards, Seattle Photographer, Shoreline Washington

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Seattle Engagement portrait session

Posted in Downtown Seattle, Washington, personal work, portraits, weddings by bermanphotos on September 12, 2009

I had a wonderful engagement portrait session with Amanda and Patrick this past week, and it was great to get to know this young couple. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding next August! We started off around their favorite Seattle locale (Pike Place Market) and ended up walking around the Seattle waterfront for a few hours. What a great way to enjoy a warm Summer day!

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

For this last photo, I wanted to do something very different with the couple. I set up a Nikon SB800 speedlight with Pocket Wizards in a small softbox (without the front diffusing material) and aimed the flash down towards the couple. A couple of test pops to see how the shadows would look, and then I took an elevator five stories up to the Red Lion Hotel’s rooftop lounge and shot directly down. I love the effect.

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Tagged with: Bellingham photographer, engagement portraits, Pike Place Market, Pike Place Market Gum Wall, portraits, Seattle Photographer

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Bumbershoot 2009 Day 3 photos

Posted in Downtown Seattle, Washington, assignment work, editorial work, music, news by bermanphotos on September 8, 2009

Macklemore performs on the Fisher Green stage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Well, it’s over now. Bumbershoot. It only lasts three days these years (instead of the older four day schedule), and it just flies by. As I sat in the echoey walkways of Memorial Stadium filing my last photos from Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse, it really hit me: Bumbershoot is over.

During the day I might be feeling tired from lugging camera gear all over, but each evening I tried to reflect on how terrific an assignment Bumbershoot is, and how privileged I felt to document it all three days. It is a special event each year, and as the last band plays the last show of the festival, I try to remember to put down my cameras and just take it all in. Something for me, and nobody else.

Crowds brave their way through the rain on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Walking from one stage to another, I love how new music fades in as others fade out. It allows you to experience so many different performances in no time at all. As in previous years, I left with a list of at least a dozen new acts to check out on iTunes.

Crowds dressed in layers and holding umbrellas scream as The Knux perform on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Although some critics say that we don’t get the top musical talent in the country for the festival, those that performed were on the top of their game — all the way from the mainstage to the smallest — just really enjoying their time and fans. As both a music fan and a photographer, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

More photos from Bumbershoot’s final third day:

The Knux perform on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

The Lonely Forest performs in the EMP Sky Church on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Singer Fergie performs with her band The Black Eyed Peas on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

An overview of Memorial Stadium, host to The Black Eyed Peas on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

A crowd member laughs as she surfs during a performance by The Black Eyed Peas on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

The Black Eyed Peas perform backed by android dancers on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Confetti is released during a performance by The Blackeyed Peas on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

After exiting the craziness of Blackeyed Peas’ performance, I was on my way back to the press room when a powerful voice drifted over the hill. At the Fisher Green stage, Janelle Monae had just begun singing to a swaying crowd. Then she started to move. During the first three songs Monae climbed a stool, jumped down, danced rhythmically back and forth, all while performing like a kind of robotic Motown femme. She was enthralling to watch, listen to, and photograph. And before today, I had never heard of her — one of the best parts of Bumbershoot: finding new music.

Janelle Monae performs on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Janelle Monae performs with her band on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

After filing a few more images back to the PI, I went and waited to shoot Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse, two of my favorite bands. They both played terrific shows and I am glad I got a chance to see them perform. They are both so electric live. I also got to hear new-to-me music from both of them.

Franz Ferdinand performs on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Modest Mouse performs on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

A person in the front row helps support a security guard working on removing a crowd surfer, during a performance by Modest Mouse on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Tagged with: Bumbershoot, Fergie, Franz Ferdinand, Janelle Monae, Macklemore, Modest Mouse, Seattle Photographer, The Blackeyed Peas, The Knux, The Lonely Forest

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Bumbershoot 2009 Day 2 photos

Posted in Downtown Seattle, Washington, assignment work, editorial work, music, news by bermanphotos on September 7, 2009

Jamison Hanson, 4, splashes on the mainstage floor, which was soaked with rainwater at the start of day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

The second day of Bumbershoot 2009 was a lot of fun, despite the ever-looming rain. Even when the sun did come out, rain still fell off and on. Nonetheless, any chance I get to see this much good music in a single day is a treat.

From those I had seen before (Handful of Luvin, U.SE.) to those I had not (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Michael Franti and Spearhead, the second day of Bumbershoot was just a blast

I also photographed a bunch of new-to-me bands, such as the worth-the-hype Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, and Jason Mraz, whom I had not heard outside of commercials on TV.

Handful of Luvin performs on day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Taylor Gawlik, 16, Drew Estes, 16, and Cameron Dymoke, 15, were in the front row for a performance by Cold War Kids to start day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Cold War Kids perform on the Samsung Mainstage on day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Benjamin Verdoes and his wife Traci Eggleston perform with the Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band on the Broad Street Stage on day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

A Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band crowd member tosses a tortilla onto the stage on day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

A Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band band member tosses a tortilla back into the crowd while performing on day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

My next shoot brought me the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s performance mid-day. Man, I had never heard this band live before, and they blew me away. Their energy was infectious and the crowd dug it. They also drew them in with giant inflated eye balls. Tip to other bands: giant eye balls make for fun concert photos.

Giant inflated eye balls bounce around during a performance by Karen O and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs on the Samsung Mainstage on day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Crowd members play with balloons passed out by the U.S.E. band before their show on the Broad Street Stage on day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

U.S.E. performs on the Broad Street Stage on day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

After that I took a break and sat down for a comedy performance piece with Doug Benson. I have seen Benson before at past Bumbershoots, and he never disappoints. His act had comedians delivering their material while he interjected his own stream of thoughts. The lineup of four participating comedians was not announced ahead of time, and when Sarah Silverman and Patton Oswalt came out, it was a big surprise.

Doug Benson performs Benson Interruption with fellow comedian Tony Camin on day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Comedian Sarah Silverman performs with Doug Benson in an act called The Benson Interruption on day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Comedian Patton Oswalt performs with Doug Benson in an act called The Benson Interruption on day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

As day turned to night, fellow SeattlePI shooter Josh Trujillo pointed out some festivalgoers playing with glowing neon hula hoops. Thanks for the tip Josh!

Michelle Purvis of My Art Maker demonstrates her rechargeable LED hula hoops outside of Key Arena near the end of day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Closing out my day were Michael Franti and Spearhead, and Jason Mraz. Enjoyed shooting both their acts — talented singers and some intriguing lighting too.

Michael Franti and Spearhead perform on the Samsung Mainstage on day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Jason Mraz drew a massive crowd to Memorial Stadium:

Jason Mraz and his band perform on the Samsung Mainstage to close out day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Crowd members holding signs scream as Jason Mraz and his band perform on the Samsung Mainstage to close out day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Jason Mraz and his band perform on the Samsung Mainstage to close out day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

A crowd member surfs at the start of a concert by Jason Mraz and his band on the Samsung Mainstage to close out day 2 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 6, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Thanks for looking! Check back tomorrow night for my photos of Day 3!

Daniel

Tagged with: Cold War Kids, Doug Benson, Handful of Luvin, Jason Mraz, Karen O, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, Patton Oswalt, Sarah Silverman, Seattle Photographer, U.S.E, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

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Bumbershoot 2009 Day 1 photos

Posted in Downtown Seattle, Washington, assignment work, editorial work, music, news by bermanphotos on September 6, 2009

I was lucky enough this year to be credentialed for one of the coolest events all year in Seattle: Bumbershoot. Between the dozens of music stages, the performing arts spectacles, and the myriad of other activities, Bumbershoot is a visually-stimulating environment. It can really only be explored by wandering. My favorite pictures from yesterday are from when I just kept wandering the massive Seattle Center grounds.

In all, I shot something like 10 bands yesterday in as many hours, and will be doing the same thing for the next two days. It’s like the musical olympics.

Hotels perform inside the EMP Sky Church during day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Everest performs during day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Kristen Ward performs during day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

My first mainstage assignment would have been to photograph Katy Perry, but her publicists did not allow anyone other than Spin magazine to cover her appearance. That gave me two hours until the All-American Rejects’ performance. When the Rejects finally took the stage, thousands of kids screaming made it obvious my bringing earplugs was a smart idea. What a crowd! Their lead singer Tyson Ritter arrived dressed like a festive pirate: coated in glitter, and going shirtless with striped pants. We only are allowed the first 3 songs but Ritter gave us plenty of material to work with. He was all over that stage. I am still trying to get all the glitter out of my hair and off my backpack/camera gear.

The crowd waits for the All-American Rejects to play on day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Festivalgoers scream as the All-American Rejects take the stage on day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Tyson Ritter of the All-American Rejects performs on the Samsung Mainstage on day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

After that it was off to file the above images and then cover a few more bands…

Iglu & Hartly perform on the Rockstar Energy Drink Stage during day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Festivalgoers watch a performance by Iglu & Hartly during day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

The Old 97's perform during day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

The Old 97's perform on the Samsung Mainstage during day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

My last assignment of the day was Sheryl Crow on the mainstage, and it was a nice way to end the evening. Like the Rejects, Sheryl Crow was kind enough to work the stage and move for the photographers. There is really nothing worse from a concert photography standpoint, then an artist standing in one place for the allotted three songs. Thanks Sheryl!

Sheryl Crow performs with her band on the Samsung Mainstage during day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Sheryl Crow performs on the Samsung Mainstage to close out day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Sheryl Crow performs with her band on the Samsung Mainstage during day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Even the non-musical aspects of Bumbershoot are fun to shoot. One of my favorite places at Bumbershoot is the vertical ramp set up by Rockstar drinks. The location is perfect for dramatic images of skaters and bikers flying by across the Space Needle.

Day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Skateboarder Mitchie Brusco, 12, of Kirkland, watches as Danny Warden rides at the Rockstar Energy vert ramp during day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

The vert ramp is one of my favorite place to relax, except when you are trying to dodge flying skateboarders (and their boards). I got hit with the skateboard immediately after making this frame. At that point I moved. I’ve got a nice bruise though.

Day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

More of my photos from the first day of Bumbershoot 2009:

Festivalgoers take advantage of meditation pods near Mercer Street during day 1 of Bumbershoot Saturday September 5, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Aaron Esteb slides down the side of Key Arena, from about fifty feet up in the air, during day 1 of Bumbershoot. "The view is great," said Esteb, who has slid down twice today. "Except for halfway down you feel the friction. Pants are a necessity," added Esteb. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

What a day. Something like 1500 photos shot, and despite an 80% chance of precipitation, and my packing rain gear, not a drop of rain. Lets hope similar circumstances befit me the next two days — I’ll need it!

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Tagged with: All-American Rejects, Bumbershoot, Everest, Hotels, Iglu & Hartly, Katy Perry, Kristen Ward, Rockstar Energy Drink, Seattle Center, Seattle Photographer, Sheryl Crow, The Old 97's, Tyson Ritter, Wise Fool NM

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