Designer Showcase: Massey Design Group

One thing I love about my job is how many DIFFERENT types of photography I’m asked to perform. Early in my career, I shot weddings almost exclusively. I still love wedding photography, but it’s no longer my main focus (pun intended). Over the past ten years or so, I’ve found incredible artistic fulfillment in photographing architecture and real estate in all forms. You’d rightly think first of photographing houses for realtors as probably the most common part of that business, but lately, I’ve been getting more and more requests from architects and designers to document their latest creations. Frankly, I’m often shocked when I look at the websites and social media accounts for both of the above and see that their “after” photos, ostensibly showcasing their months of hard work, and they’re shot on cell phones with zero consideration for lighting or composition! SUCH a lost opportunity.

Thankfully, there are still those who understand the value of professionally documenting their work. Recently, I got a call from designer, Mary Massey, who said her longtime photographer had moved away and she was looking for a replacement. She had just completed work on a kitchen remodel in Carlsbad and could I give it a shot. There’s always a moment where you hold your breath when working with a new client, but the second I walked into this gorgeously finished kitchen, I knew my job would be easy.

The challenge of this type of photography is to both create great light where there is often none present, while at the same time, not drawing too much attention to the photography itself and letting the space shine. It’s a fine line and one of my favorite challenges of this type of photography. Happily, my new client seemed thrilled with the results and I look forward to working with her again very soon. Enjoy her amazing work below and go to her website at www.masseydesigngroup.com to see more. Keep in mind, the photography of her work you’ll see there is still entirely from the previous photographer.

Family Portrait Session with their Furry New Addition

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with the Hoskins family, who had recently welcomed a new addition to their family – an 11-week-old golden retriever puppy named Teddy. The shoot took place at the family's beautiful home in Carlsbad, CA, and it was a blast working with the three young boys and their energetic new pup.

One of my favorite images from the shoot is a black and white shot of Teddy sitting slightly in front of the three boys. In this image, Teddy is in perfect focus, while the boys are slightly out of focus, creating a sense of depth and movement. The image has a boy band vibe and it captures the playful energy of the family through the faux seriousness of this image.

Working with animals can be a challenge, but Teddy was a natural in front of the camera. The boys were also great, and it was a joy to capture the bond they shared with their new puppy. The Hoskins family's home was the perfect backdrop for the shoot, and it was a pleasure to work with such a lovely family.

I'm happy to have been able to capture such a special moment in the Hoskins family's life and I look forward to working with them again in the future.


Welcome to my Blog!!!

Some of you may remember that many years ago there existed a John Riedy Photography blog. It was filled with beautiful young couples whose weddings I had photographed both in Southern California and all over the world. Blogs were all the rage back then and I was pretty good about keeping it current…for a while. Then, like all good things, it came to an end. Becky and I had kids and life just got in the way. Well, the kids are pretty much grown now and we’ll be empty nesters before you know it. My career has taken myriad twists and turns over the past 20 years and I never would’ve guessed I’d be where I am now. I shoot few weddings these days (though I still do love them), but rather spend most of my shooting days in either Vietnam or Europe photographing war veterans back on their battlefields. When I’m home, I do a lot more studio work focusing mainly on corporate headshots and personal branding. I also love photographing commercial and residential real estate.

Suffice it to say, my life and priorities have changed. I’m very excited to use this blog to give my friends and clients a glimpse into my career and how I approach my work/passion of photography. If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed over the years, it’s that I LOVE what I do and the people I do it with. So to conclude this first post of my new/old blog I just want to thank EVERYONE who has allowed me to capture them through my lens. You are why I’m still doing this with love and gratitude after 20 years. And thank you to my loving wife Becky, who’s incredible work you can check out at www.rebeccariedy.com, and my sons Jack and Cole, for putting up with my wacky travel schedule and for always being more or less willing to sit as my lighting dummies.