New Ideas

Photography of Ken Jones and just some things I like

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Fashion photography is never just about the clothes, the model, or the location by itself.

It is about how all of those things work together.

This Paris fashion editorial was produced on location, using the city’s atmosphere, architecture, streets, and movement as part of the visual story. But Paris was only one element. The final images came from the relationship between model direction, wardrobe, styling, lighting, composition, and the feeling of the location.

That is what I think clients should understand when hiring a fashion photographer.

A strong fashion photographer needs to know how to guide a model, read the clothing, work with the light, control the frame, and keep the story moving. The image has to feel polished, but it also has to feel alive.

For designers, agencies, models, brands, and creative teams, a fashion shoot should create more than isolated pictures. It should create a visual world that supports a portfolio, campaign, lookbook, website, or editorial story.

View the full Paris fashion photography series: https://kenjonesnyc.com/shot-in-paris

More fashion photography: https://kenjonesnyc.com/fashion-photographer-ny

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This image came from a model test I photographed for a hairstylist and nail technician, working with a model from Elite Model NYC.

We created a few different image series during the shoot, using clothing from Zara and building each look around a strong beauty and fashion direction. For this frame, the idea was to push the energy a little further. The hair needed movement and attitude. The nails needed to become part of the expression. The styling needed to feel simple enough to let the beauty elements take control, but still strong enough to support the fashion story.

I wanted the image to feel immediate and slightly raw, with hard light, deep contrast, and a close crop that brings the viewer directly into the model’s face, hands, hair, and nails. The red details create the tension, while the black styling keeps it graphic and controlled.

That is what I enjoy about model testing when the right creative team is involved. It becomes more than a portfolio image. It becomes a space to experiment, to build a visual point of view, and to give everyone involved something that feels intentional and elevated.

The full series is featured here:

Ken Jones Photography | NYC Fashion, Beauty & Commercial Photographer | Manhattan Studio Rental - Fierce Fashion & Beauty Concept

Wild is a beauty editorial by NYC photographer Ken Jones featuring dramatic hair and claw-inspired nail styling, creating a fierce animal-in

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AI-Assisted Photography and the Archive Behind the Image

I have always photographed more than what I need in the moment.

When I travel, I shoot landscapes, textures, skies, water, stone, architecture, interiors, and environments because I never know when those images may become part of a future idea. My archive now spans several terabytes of photographs, and many of those images were captured long before I knew how I would eventually use them.

Before AI, I would use those images as compositing plates in Photoshop. I would combine backgrounds, products, models, textures, lighting references, and color direction to build a final story.

Now, AI has become another tool in that process.

For this jewelry image, the model, product, styling, lighting direction, and original studio photography were all created by me. The environment was inspired by my own images from Diamond Beach, Iceland. AI allowed me to reinterpret those elements and move the image from a plain studio setting into a more cinematic world that supports the jewelry and the mood of the piece.

For me, AI is not replacing photography. It is helping me extend my own photography.

It can adjust posing, depth of field, sharpness, atmosphere, and environment, but the foundation still begins with the photographer’s eye, archive, lighting knowledge, and creative direction.

Ownership is also an important part of this conversation. When I use AI this way, I am working from my own photographs, my own concepts, my own references, and my own visual direction. The software becomes part of the production process, similar to compositing or retouching, but the story still begins with the artist.

The technology is a tool.

The vision still has to come from somewhere.

In my case, it begins with photography.

See more of my work here: https://www.kenjonesnyc.com

[kenjonesphoto]

Moscow in winter has a very particular mood.

This preview features the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Monument to Marshal Zhukov, but the full image session moves through much more of the city — Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral during a snowstorm, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Kiyevskaya Metro Station, historic mosaics, Muzeon Park, public monuments, and quiet winter streets.

What interested me most was the contrast: crowded public spaces, solemn memorials, dramatic architecture, ornate underground stations, and a cold atmosphere that made the city feel almost cinematic.

These images are part of a larger Moscow travel photography story.

View the full series here: https://kenjonesnyc.com/moscow

[kenjonesphoto]

Shot in Paris – A Fashion Editorial for C’Moi

Shot on location in Paris, this fashion editorial for @cmoi.nyc explores a refined and modern approach to modest fall fashion through a cinematic, editorial lens.

Produced entirely from New York to Paris, the project included transporting wardrobe internationally, assisting in model selection, coordinating locations, and managing all on-set production. From prep to execution, every detail was handled to ensure a seamless shoot.

The collection itself is rooted in simplicity—clean lines, neutral tones, and understated elegance—allowing it to live naturally within the Paris environment. From quiet side streets to iconic backdrops, each image was built to feel both elevated and authentic.

This series reflects the intersection of fashion, location, and storytelling—where the environment becomes part of the narrative rather than just a backdrop.

View the full series: https://kenjonesnyc.com/shot-in-paris

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Why Professional Headshots Still Matter in the Age of AI

Headshots have changed.

Today, you can generate a “professional-looking” image from a selfie using an app, or hire a photographer at almost any price point. On the surface, it feels like photography has become more accessible than ever.

But the difference between an image that looks good and one that actually works is still significant.

The Role of a Professional Photographer

A professional headshot isn’t just about lighting and a camera it’s about direction, experience, and understanding how to translate a person into an image that represents them accurately.

An experienced photographer considers:

how light shapes the face

how posture changes perception

how expression communicates confidence, approachability, or authority

how consistency is maintained across multiple people or sessions

These details are subtle, but they directly affect how someone is perceived in a professional context.

AI Headshots: What Works, What Doesn’t

AI-generated headshots can be useful in certain situations. They’re fast, inexpensive, and often visually polished.

However, they come with limitations:

Pros:

low cost

quick turnaround

convenient

Cons:

inconsistent realism

lack of control over expression and nuance

often generic or overly “perfect”

limited ability to match brand or company standards

can create trust issues if the image doesn’t reflect the real person

In many cases, AI images look good at first glance, but don’t hold up under closer review especially in professional environments.

Low-Cost Photography: Where It Falls Short

Budget photographers can be a good option depending on needs, but experience makes a noticeable difference.

Common issues include:

inconsistent lighting

lack of direction during the shoot

limited understanding of posing and expression

uneven results across multiple subjects

The result is often an image that feels flat or unpolished even if technically “correct.”

The Real Cost

The cost of a headshot isn’t just the session fee.

It’s:

how the image represents you

how long it lasts before needing to be replaced

how it aligns with your industry and role

A strong headshot can be used across:

LinkedIn

company websites

press features

speaking engagements

And often remains relevant for years.

Why It Matters

Whether you’re an executive, an entrepreneur, or part of a larger organization, your headshot is often the first point of contact.

It’s not just a photo it’s part of your professional identity.

View My Work

Corporate and professional headshots: https://kenjonesnyc.com/headshots

Corporate headshots NYC (overview): https://kenjonesnyc.com/corporate-headshots-nyc

Environmental portraits: https://kenjonesnyc.com/environmental

[kenjonesphoto]

Guernica (In Progress) — A Contemporary Interpretation

There are certain works in art history that don’t fade with time. They remain present, unresolved, and relevant in ways that continue to shape how we see the world.

In 1937, Pablo Picasso created Guernica in response to the bombing of a Basque town during the Spanish Civil War. It was not a literal depiction, but an emotional one—fragmented figures, distortion, and tension used to express the reality of war beyond what could be documented.

This project began as a personal attempt to explore what that same emotional structure might look like today through photography.

Rather than recreating the painting, the goal is to translate it—moving from canvas into physical space. A series of live-action compositions were created using real subjects, practical elements, and controlled lighting to build scenes that echo the tone of the original work while standing on their own.

The imagery is intentionally difficult at times. It is meant to sit in that space between beauty and discomfort, where composition and subject matter create tension rather than resolution.

The project is also informed by personal experience—time spent traveling, relationships within both Russian and Ukrainian communities, and the impact of watching conflict reshape how people are seen and understood. The emotional weight of war extends beyond borders, beyond language, and into everyday life.

The final piece is being completed in collaboration with artist Gabriel Preachie, who is translating the photographic work into a hand-painted composition. The process itself reflects the concept—moving between mediums, between interpretations, and between realities.

Only a small portion of the work will be shown prior to completion.

The full piece will be released soon.

Ken Jones Photography | NYC Fashion, Beauty & Commercial Photographer | Manhattan Studio Rental - Guernica (In Progress) | A Contemporary In

Contemporary photographic interpretation of Guernica inspired by Pablo Picasso. A fine art project exploring war, emotion, and human conflic

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Celebrity Editorial Portrait Photography in New York City

Portrait photography at this level is less about who the subject is, and more about how the image is constructed.

This series features a range of public figures photographed for editorial, press, and publication use—including athletes, actors, musicians, diplomats, and executives. Each session is approached with a balance of control and flexibility, allowing the subject’s personality to come through while maintaining a clean, structured visual style.

Some portraits are created in studio, where lighting and composition are tightly controlled. Others are photographed in real environments—apartments, offices, or locations that add context to the story—while still maintaining a consistent look across the series.

The work includes portraits created for publications and PR use, with subjects such as Adam Silver (NBA Commissioner, photographed for a Disney project), Alex Morgan, Erin Brady (Miss USA), Trudie Styler (New Beauty Magazine), and other public figures photographed for editorial features and interviews.

What connects all of these images is the focus on presence—how a subject occupies the frame, how light defines structure, and how a portrait can feel both natural and intentional at the same time.

View the full series: https://kenjonesnyc.com/celebrity-editorial-portrait-photography-nyc

[kenjonesphoto]

Selected Personal Work – Travel, Landscape & Architecture Photography

This collection of personal work explores landscape, architecture, and quiet moments observed while traveling. Created outside of client assignments, these images focus on atmosphere, light, and the experience of place.

The series begins in Iceland, where shifting light and scale define the landscape—from the black sand beaches of Diamond Beach to the coastal environments near Vík. Moments of human presence appear subtly within the environment, creating a balance between isolation and observation.

In Arizona, the work shifts toward abstraction inside Antelope Canyon. Light filters through narrow openings, reflecting off red sandstone walls and shaping the space through tone, color, and texture. These images focus less on location and more on how light defines form.

A series photographed in New York City during COVID captures the Oculus and surrounding transit spaces in complete stillness. Areas typically filled with movement are reduced to silence, revealing symmetry, scale, and architectural detail. One image captures the natural light that enters the structure at a specific time of day, referencing the events of September 11.

The final images move to Versailles, where exterior and interior views of the palace emphasize structure, symmetry, and the passage of time. The presence of scale—both human and architectural—becomes central to the composition.

This body of work reflects a more personal approach to photography—one focused on observation rather than production.

View full series: https://kenjonesnyc.com/selected-personal-work

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Environmental Portrait Photography NYC – Corporate & Editorial Portraits

Environmental portrait photography allows the subject to be photographed within their own space, creating images that feel more natural, contextual, and connected to their environment.

In New York City, I work with executives, professionals, and public figures to create portraits that go beyond a traditional headshot. These sessions are often photographed in offices, workspaces, or meaningful locations, helping to tell a more complete story about the individual.

Lighting and depth of field play a key role in maintaining consistency while still allowing the environment to support the image. Whether the goal is a clean corporate portrait or a more relaxed editorial look, each session is approached with attention to detail, composition, and how the final image will be used.

These portraits are commonly used for press features, company websites, editorial content, and professional branding.

View full series: https://kenjonesnyc.com/environmental

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Future Boys – Editorial Fashion Photography & Digital Compositing (Pre-AI)

Future Boys is a fashion editorial exploring the idea of identity, change, and future-facing style—created through a combination of studio photography, on-location shooting, and digital compositing techniques developed well before the rise of AI-generated imagery.

The series was photographed across multiple environments, including studio setups, rooftop sessions, and streets throughout New York City. Background elements were captured separately and later composited to build layered, cinematic scenes that extend beyond traditional fashion photography.

This process reflects an earlier approach to image-making, where the final visual was constructed through planning, lighting, and post-production rather than generative tools. Each image was intentionally built to create a sense of narrative and atmosphere while maintaining the integrity of the original photography.

Originally created as an editorial for The Future Is Now, the project brings together fashion, storytelling, and digital craft—highlighting how compositing techniques can be used to shape a visual world around the subject.

View full series: https://kenjonesnyc.com/future-boys

[kenjonesphoto]

Fall Rooftop Fashion Editorial – NYC Studio Photography

Fall Rooftop is a fashion editorial photographed on a New York City studio rooftop, combining seasonal styling with a mix of ambient light and controlled studio lighting.

The series was shot using natural light alongside a Profoto spotlight to create contrast and depth, allowing the fall wardrobe to stand out while maintaining a clean and modern editorial feel. The rooftop setting adds a subtle urban context while still keeping the focus on the clothing and the model’s movement.

This type of setup allows for a balance between studio precision and location atmosphere—bringing a natural quality to the images while still maintaining full control over lighting and composition. The result is a series that feels both seasonal and timeless, with strong attention to tone, texture, and expression.

View full series: https://kenjonesnyc.com/fall-rooftop

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Androgynous Beauty Editorial – NYC Fashion & Beauty Photography

Androgynous Eucalyptus Beauty is a studio beauty editorial created in New York City, exploring a more minimal and gender-neutral approach to portraiture. Shot for agency development, the series focuses on clean skin, natural tones, and subtle styling to highlight the model’s features without distraction.

Working with an androgynous aesthetic allows the images to move between fashion and beauty, emphasizing structure, expression, and presence rather than traditional gender styling. The use of soft lighting and organic elements—such as eucalyptus tones and natural textures—adds a quiet, refined mood to the series.

These types of sessions are often created in collaboration with modeling agencies ahead of fashion week, helping develop new faces and expand a model’s book with strong beauty-focused imagery.

View full series: https://kenjonesnyc.com/androgynous-eucalyptus-beauty

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Advertising & Lifestyle Campaign Photography NYC

Advertising and lifestyle campaign photography is about creating images that feel real, engaging, and aligned with a brand’s identity. Whether working with agencies, corporate clients, or in-house creative teams, the goal is to produce imagery that communicates a message while still feeling natural and visually compelling.

I work with brands, PR firms, and advertising agencies in New York City to create lifestyle-driven campaigns that balance storytelling with clean, professional execution. These shoots often involve a mix of environmental portraits, candid moments, and directed scenes designed to feel authentic while still maintaining a strong visual structure.

Campaigns are photographed both in studio and on location, depending on the needs of the project. From corporate environments to public spaces and real-world settings, each shoot is approached with attention to lighting, composition, and how the final images will be used across digital and print platforms.

Recent work includes campaigns for corporate clients, global organizations, and advertising agencies, producing imagery used for websites, marketing materials, and brand storytelling.

View campaign work: https://kenjonesnyc.com/campaign

[kenjonesphoto]

Corporate Headshots NYC – Professional & Personality-Driven Portraits

Corporate headshots don’t always have to feel overly formal. While many professionals need clean, consistent portraits for company websites and LinkedIn profiles, there’s also value in capturing personality and approachability.

In my work with executives, entrepreneurs, and corporate teams across New York City, I focus on creating headshots that feel both professional and natural. Some sessions lean more traditional, while others allow space for more relaxed expressions and moments that show a bit more of the individual behind the title.

This mix of polished and candid portraits works especially well for companies looking to present a modern, human side of their brand, as well as individuals building a personal presence.

Sessions can be photographed in studio or on location, with consistent lighting setups for teams or more flexible approaches for individual portraits.

View more corporate headshots: https://kenjonesnyc.com/headshots

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Music Artist, Actors & Model Portrait Photography NYC

New York City offers a wide range of talent across music, film, and fashion, and portrait photography plays an important role in shaping how artists, actors, and models present themselves.

I work with musicians, actors, and agency-represented models to create portraits that feel natural, expressive, and visually strong. These sessions are often used for press kits, casting submissions, editorial features, and personal branding.

Whether the goal is a clean studio headshot, a more stylized editorial portrait, or a series of images that show range and personality, each shoot is approached with attention to lighting, direction, and mood. Sessions can take place in studio or on location throughout New York City depending on the concept and intended use.

Recent work includes portraits for actors, recording artists, and fashion models working with agencies and publications.

View portfolio: https://kenjonesnyc.com/headshots

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New York Fashion Photography – Editorial & Studio Work

New York City has always been at the center of fashion photography, from editorials and lookbooks to advertising campaigns and creative test shoots. Over the years, I’ve worked with designers, agencies, and publications to create fashion imagery both in studio and on location throughout Manhattan.

My work focuses on combining strong lighting, direction, and movement to create images that feel both editorial and commercially relevant. Whether shooting in the studio or on the streets of New York, each project is approached with an understanding of styling, composition, and the overall visual story.

This portfolio includes a range of fashion photography—from clean lookbooks and beauty-focused portraits to more conceptual editorials and campaign work.

View full portfolio: https://kenjonesnyc.com