The Bio of John Filemyr
I have said this many times before I am a Professional Photographer and I hate to, and cannot judge myself or work, I can only use the words that others have used to describe me and my work and here are just three, Ethereal, Professional and Judicious. I know I could lavish you with pretty words and give a list of quotes from clients, but I think these three words does the job right. We use the top of the line equipment from 35mm to 8x10 camera's, film and digital. We do mostly location but we have a Studio that is quite impressive it is 18' x 40' with a 20' high ceiling, that's enough about the objects. I am sure you would like to hear more about me and the way I drive my business, boy that sounds egotistical But this is suppose to be my Bio so, I have been a Professional Photography for over 10 years and I also have a well known family history in the art field.
Native to the Philadelphia area, I was born and raised in Levittown, Pennsylvania but am German, and like I said earlier I come from a long line of recognized artists, including graphic artist / watercolor artist, Henry R. Filemyr, Jr., and fine artist / illustrator, Joseph J. Filemyr. So it is no surprise that it would rub off on me. I can only hope to make them and myself proud by being honest to myself and to my clients.
I attended The Antonelli Institute of Art & Photography, in Erdenheim, Pennsylvania. During my very first semester I won the "Best of Show", which is the highest honor that a student can be awarded at any level and grade at Additionally. They said that I was the first student in the Schools history to win "Best of Show" while being only a first semester student. During my tenure at Antonellis I received 10 other awards before graduating in May of 1997. Each print that I entered in their competition at Antonellis had won first or second place awards. I also hold the distinction of having one of my prints published in Illford magazine, an educational magazine for photographers, it was for my knowledge of cross processing and the different effects caused by different film. Prior to graduating, I had been commissioned by Chilton Automotive to shoot photos for their product line and advertising sheets, which I did.
After graduation, I choose to begin my professional career solo but after a few months I got a call From Steve Mullen ( he was one of the judges at my graduation for our portfolio's ) to assist Center City photographer, Mike Pilla. While working under Pilla, I got the opportunity to photograph commercial products and advertising for such notable organizations as the Philadelphia Stock Exchange. I printed countless numbers of Pilla's black and white shots along with negatives from Polaroid prints w/ neg.'s which needed to be processed and printed in a certain manner. I was also assisting Steve Mullen once in a while, when he needed me. After about a year of doing that everyday me and Mike both agreed that I would do better on my own so I left. But Mike, Steve and me became friends and still talk and hang out to this day.
The professional work that I have done on my own includes photographing models from various agencies in Philadelphia to Manhattan; But I have had the models come from around the world to work with me. I have shot interiors from casinos in Atlantic City to historic Colonial Williamsburg. I have done many photo shoots for Brochure's and which I then work closely with the Art Directors and as well as the client. When I was shooting the pictures for the "African-Americans in the U.S. Military: 1863 to 1918" brochure for The Civil War Library and Museum of Philadelphia, I got to handle priceless works of art including The Original Photograph used for the penny and the Five Dollar Bill such paintings as "John Brown", "The Armed Slave" by Philadelphia's own "William Spang", "The 54th Massachusetts Infantry and the assault on Fort Wagner" and "The Fort Pillow Massacre" by "Kurz & Allison". I also shot several uniforms including " Major General Oliver Otis Howard's Frock Coat" w/ out his Medal of Honor. I am also proud to say I shot the rare " Harlem's Own:" The 369th Infantry Regiment Blouse w/ their unique rattlesnake shoulder patch, The "Harlem's Own" was attached to the French IV Armee and saw more time on the front line than any other infantry regiment in the American Expeditionary Force. I thought that they deserved a little blurb. Sorry I will get back on track.
Know I have very strong ideals when it comes to photography. But I apply those ideals not only to my work, but also to the work of young aspiring photographers. I have lectured at schools including his own alma mater, and have judged amateur print competitions.
My new venture is weddings which I have been doing for about 3 years, now I hate most wedding photographers they are cookie cutter photographers and are better business men then photographers, but I love a women in nice dress and I have been doing Fashion for years so I started to do Weddings and it was a great transition. Now don't get me wrong I am choosy I don't just shoot anyone and not all wedding photographers are scum there are a lot of nice ones that do really nice work. But I think there are more bad ones then good ones. I especially dislike the big companies, they show you their best work and you might not even get that photographer even though they say that you will. But when the day comes what can you do. I am sorry for ranting and bad mouthing wedding photographers it is just I have heard so many horrible stories and I take it personal. Because they make it harder for the rest of the wedding photographers. I believe a wedding should be a dream come true and that the bride and groom are the Prince and Princes. Sorry I am a hopeless romantic. Well anyway back to the bio.
My old work I know it needs to be updated but the new site will have all my new stuff and it will be done soon but a sample of the new web site is at: http://www.photo-illustrations.net/images/Wedding.jpg
Some of my wedding samples can be found at the following addresses: http://www.photo-illustrations.net/samples/index_page_1.html
And: http://www.modelmayhem.com/member.php?id=75006
I will leave you with my favorite quote. "I never saw an ugly thing in my life: let the form of an object be what it may - light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful." (John Constable 1776-1837)
Sincerely
John Filemyr
Photo-Illustrator
Photo-Illustrations
Home Office:
37 Black Pine Lane
Levittown, Pa. 19054
Studio By Appointment Only.
office: 215-946-4021