Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Safe Landing

This weekend was exactly how I had envisioned it minus a planned shoot. It was long, exhausting, emotional, and above all else incredibly fun. Friday was the dinner rehearsal for the wedding. Everything went well and the food was very good. After some mingling all the groomsmen went back to La Paloma resort to continue the party and for Jeff to enjoy his last night as a free man. I must say all of the groomsmen were really cool and we got along well. Saturday was the big day and it didn't disappoint. The wedding was really beautiful and it was nice to see the love in the air. Considering I was in the wedding party, I didn't shoot much at all. Not to be outdone I couldn't resist bringing "Thee ol girl", my beloved Pentax K1000. I still have to get that roll developed but ill be sure to digitize it for you all to see. Since the wedding carried over into the next day quite late, I took it upon myself to sleep in on Sunday and get some rest, but that didn't happen. Being a determined photog I decided sleep could wait and I set up a shoot with two of my friends and their cars. I've always been a fan of action shots and shooting cars in motion is just my style. Since both the cars are vastly different I couldn't help but think about all the arguments between gear heads. Turbo vs NA, Euro vs JDM, and AWD vs RWD. Personally, there is nothing better than a turbo rotary engine in a small two door car with RWD, but that's just me. Shooting cars again was a great time, considering its what got me started years ago. I hope you all had a great weekend and enjoy these photos. Until next time

The groom Jeff being held up by the bridesmaids

Lovely Couple

Waiting game

Ready for the big moment


Le Ring

E36 M3

Subaru WRX





Euro vs JDM

Behind the scenes of car shoot. Lauren soaks up the sun


Friday, April 26, 2013

Take Off

It's Friday and the weekend is here in full effect. I can already see it being very busy so I wanted to get in a post before I take off for a few days. Lots on the agenda so i'll keep it simple. This past two weeks I felt like I haven't been street shooting enough so I got on my grind and took some shots I am happy with. I'm dropping some film off today at Photographic Works so I can wait to get those results. I hope everyone is doing well and have a good weekend. I'll see you next time.









Tuesday, April 23, 2013

So Rich So Pretty

This past weekend was an eventful one in a few ways. I worked for a mutual friend on Friday night taking portraits of a child. Simply documenting his first concert experience and limo ride. Saturday I attended a car show in the morning. All of the vehicles on display were absolutely stunning. Especially my friend Carlos' custom 63 Impala, which won best in show award. It's always nice to get out and see people's toys all cleaned and shined up for everyone to enjoy. I spent Saturday afternoon and evening with some of my good friends at one of my favorite places to relax in Tucson. I'm of course talking about the JW Marriott Starr Pass resort. Shooting during that time was kept to a minimal so we could relax and enjoy ourselves. I spent Sunday editing photos from the previous week. I also had some time to teach my good friend Nick some photo skills and how to setup a studio lighting session. As my friends passed out late Saturday night I couldn't help but look east, to the sparkling lights of the city I love so much. Reflecting like the lights, I thought about a lot of things. Above all, I can truly say I am happy with where I am going in my life and I am excited to see where it takes me. Considering this upcoming weekend will be very challenging physically, emotionally, and professionally. It will be interesting to see how far along Ive really come. I hope you all had a great weekend and enjoy the photos I took. Thanks for stopping by

Julian was shy at first but soon enough we were on the same page.





Arrived at the concert



63 Chevrolet Impala

Tail Lights



The view from the balcony in my room




Le Chao


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Terrible Reminder

As I sit here and write this it's still hard to comprehend what happened yesterday in Boston. Considering I live literally thousands of miles from that incident it doesn't directly affect me, but I can't help but feel for these people. The Boston Marathon is an event for charity. These past two years I have personally done three races for charity and I can't help but think if I was in the victim's position. It's incredibly sad and my heart goes out to those involved. I can't even imagine the pain and sorrow that follows. It's led me to not only think about the loved ones in my life, but to also help me remember to cherish every single day, because you truly do not know when it's going to be your last. If you died yesterday would you be happy with the life you lived and what you left behind? If the answer is no then maybe you should enjoy it while you can. I do appreciate everyone who supports me in what I do and what I'm trying to achieve. Thank you for everything. I would be nothing without you. I love you all. Until next time. Be safe out there

Sending some love to those affected

Both photos light painted with a bic lighter.
24mm,  30 sec,  F/10,  ISO 100


Monday, April 8, 2013

1 v 2

This past weekend was definitely a good one. I got quite a few shots in and celebrated with some awesome friends. Saturday I did a maternity shoot with for a couple i'm friends with. I ended staying after our shoot and relaxing in the nature area. I actually took alot of video from while i was there, which my next post will be about. Speaking of video, it's something I have been doing alot more of recently since upgrading my computer to a MacBook Pro Retina. I'm really excited to add this element to my blog and work flow in general. Sunday I was able to get together some of my good friends do a shoot. The idea was simple, go to these pecan fields south of Tucson and shoot some photos of my friends fighting with swords. We arrived kinda late but I was really happy with the photos I was able to get. Hope you guys like the photos. Oh and there is definitely something to be said about unpublic support. You guys rock. Until next time, konnichiwa bitches :)



The path of the Number 1 is a righteous one 
A challenger appears

So it begins

Stand off

Power struggle


Killer Blow



Fin

Friday, April 5, 2013

Photoflexing

It's friday and that only means one thing. The weekend is here and its time to do some shooting. I've been all over the place these past week and it feels good to post again. Aside from alot of personal shooting, I have been working with "YourPinUps" taking photos. As some of you may or may not know I recently acquired a pair of Photoflex StarFlash 650w flash strobes. Essentially they are heavy duty use flash units used heavily in studio photography for their robust build quality and long lasting operation. I'll be the first to admit I am relatively new to the off camera flash world especially these style of flash units. I had ordered two stands, two umbrellas, two reflectors, and a wireless transmitter/receivers unit to trigger the flash units wirelessly. After a mix up where my transmitter/receivers did not arrive with the rest of my order I had to wait for their arrival. I've since had a night to mess around and play with the flash units. They are and very controllable regarding the light output and operation. I'm currently looking into different style soft boxes and light modifiers like an octodome to shape the light differently. Overall I was extremely pleased with the operation and total creative control the lamps/modifiers have over the lighting. I still have alot to learn but its exciting to know I have these bad boys to help me out along the way. The photos in this post go back about two weeks to present considering its been awhile since I've posted. Hope you all have a great weekend. Stay safe and stay shooting
They arrive

Mounted on the stands

Umbrellas attached

Back of the flash unit with umbrella mounted

Wireless receiver mounted to the strobe unit

Wireless transmitter mounted to hot shoe of camera

iPhone 5 shot while on my bike ride


I had the chance to work with my friend Nica while she was in town




Self portrait using a two light setup. One light directly behind me with 6 inch reflector mounted. One light to my right at 45 degree angle one foot above my head angled down with umbrella mounted.