A Rainy Track Day

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I was told by one of my professors that take great photographs, but I needed to develop a style that carries through my portfolio.
I believe that I’ve been developing that style over the last 6 months – more than I did before.

Today I was up in Buttonwillow at the raceway for another track event. Thirty or so drivers turned out for a blustery, rainy track day. There was plenty of sliding all over the track, too.

So, rather than take a bunch of standard “panning with a bit of motion-blur-background” shots, I decided to what I do… find interesting lighting and color, and approach the shots a different way. This is one of many different images I had. It’s funny that I had this type of lighting and clouds for a track day; I’ve been wanting this type of light for a fashion shoot for weeks.

More to come later. But right now, it’s nearly 3am.

Practicality, with style and power

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I’m stoked.
Flat out… just plain excited.

Nearly everyone I’ve talked to about my life and how I’ve got to where I am has said “John, I wouldn’t have the balls to do what you’re doing…” For those who don’t know, I’ve been working purely as a freelance photographer since the summer, moved to a completely different area, left a steady job w/ great benefits, all to pursue something I love – photography.

What does this have to do with the new BlackBerry Storm… I’m practical – most of the time. The majority of my money is directly invested into my career. My “toys” are tools, expensive tools, but tools regardless.
So, when it came time to let my parents know what I wanted for Christmas I asked for things like a monopod, batteries, and running shoes. All things I need and use daily.

My parents took one step further though in support of my decision to pursue photo by moving, freelancing, etc. They replaced my three year old, but damn realiable, Palm Treo 650…. with this. And helping me with health insurance in case I come down with something – although I don’t ever really get sick/hurt.

So, Mom and Dad, since I know you’ll read this eventually… Thank you!

And since I know everyone else will want to know about the Storm and how it performs, I’ll post a review soon. Let’s be real, I’m a proud new owner of the most sought after phone right now.

The Moooooon!

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Well, unfortunately tonight I don’t have new fashion photos to share with everyone like I had hoped.

Due to my other job, I missed the fashion show and party/concert at Kress with my friends. But, now you get to enjoy this rockin photo I shot of the moon tonight at about 1am when I got home. I’ve been really wanting to go out and do star trails too, but the recent storms have prevented me from doing that. So, hopefully soon.

I also have a shoot this weekend, another track day next week, new gear arriving in the mail soon… anddd, some friends in town next week, woo!

Good night world. Sleep well.

My work, on Fender

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My work has been featured on the Fender artist’s pages!

I’ve done a lot of work for the Good Guys in Black – they actually make up about half the band photos I currently have in my portfolio.
Anyway, on Fender’s website they have an entire section devoted to featuring various bands. Currently you can view many of the images I did for the GGiB last month during a band shoot. Rick Thorne wanted clean, even images of each member as well as group shots. Those are featured as well as shots of the band performing at On The Rox, Hollywood, Calif.

I also have work featured on a couple more artist pages like this… one for drumming equipment, and one for something else… I’ll have to look those up.

Portfolio updated

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Fashion section has been updated with images from last week’s “Think Green” fashion show. I have a few more images that I my touch up and edit, but for now I’m pretty pleased with the shots that are up.
There is another show coming up Friday/tomorrow that I’m not sure if I’ll be doing much, if any, shooting at. It’s a Moulin Rouge costume party… so, it could potentially be a great time.

Also, I put a few images from the races at Buttonwillow in my automotive section. Only a few though, because there’s no real reason to upload a ton of photos that all look similar, ie: cars on the track with motion blur..

More shoots are pending for this month. I’m looking forward to the holiday themed stuff that’s in the works.

“Think Green” gallery uploaded!

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The gallery from last night’s fashion show at Cincada is now up, please click the image above or here.

This is the largest gallery I’ve uploaded to date. Nearly 200 images, mostly because there were so many designers. I do apologize for the first few sets of girls on the runway having bad lighting. I’m not one to bother much with situations where there are 7 other photographers scrambling to get every single possible photo the whole night.

That’s just not my style.

So, I did a few shoots before and after the show in a flavor that’s a bit more my taste. The image above is a preview of the new images I will be adding to my portfolio this weekend.
I did maybe four different shoots that night. I believe I have very usable images from each. I’m looking forward to spending a bit more time touching up and polishing those shots.

However, until that time please enjoy the gallery. And check back soon for further updates.

Ok, here’s one more preview..
Good night all you beautiful people.

“Think Green” Fashion Show

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Tonight was the “Think Green” eco-friendly fashion show at Cincada in Los Angeles.

Multiple designers, lots of models, but sadly – due to a last minute venue change – a small turnout of guests for the fundraiser. All the lines were made from recycled products and other materials like paper. It was a lot of fun. A bit hectic because of the sheer volume of pieces… but a lot of fun.

So, I’m sharing one image, as usual, before I call it a night.
Check back tomorrow for a gallery, and perhaps a couple more photos from some of the models I was able to shoot.

50th post, and a few updates ;)

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This is my 50th blog entry since going live – with this version – back in August. So fifty entries in approximately three months is pretty good. Hopefully I have kept you, the readers, entertained and impressed with my work.

Tonight I share with you another image from the track yesterday. I was having fun with the dusk lighting, slower shutter speeds, and panning toward the end of the day. Throw in the headlights that people started using and it made for interesting photos. I will admit, I would love this photo more if there was no cloud cover and I had a gorgeous pink and blue sunset behind it… but, I can’t be too picky, can I?

I spent all day sorting 3,200 photos from yesterday – and burning DVDs for everyone who ordered discs from me. If you drove an S2000 yesterday, this Lotus, the black 300Z, or the white RX7… I have photo discs available for a small cost if interested.

Kat said look tough… Alex just looks drunk, haha… good times though..

Click the photo above, or here for the gallery from BC’s After Black Friday Birthday party at Shark Club in Costa Mesa. I was pretty tired after spending the whole day at the track… but I still made it out to celebrate for a bit with everyone. Call/Email me if you want any of the photos.

Post-Turkey Racing…

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Today I spent most of the day at the track in Buttonwillow doing some Autocross photography for the Bay Area S2ki crew – the car club I’m a part of.
I had a great time with old friends, hanging out, catching up on life, and shooting some photos. I’m beat though… nearly 400 miles of driving for me today… and over 3,000 images shot.
I have a lot of editing to do tomorrow.

Good night all