Al The Pal: Ahhhh Shoot

New Website and Blog

2010-05-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

I'm moving and combining my blog and website into one.

Please come visit and check out my new home (www.allentaylorphotography.com).

Newport Beach Portraits and Global Warming

2010-05-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes its great to just get out there to photograph and work with models, make up artists, designers and other fellow photographers.

I love finding great locations and posing models to create a kool look and feel. So last weekend I did just that in Newport when a local group I'm part of organized a meet up.

Newport is a great beach community with a lot of fun places to see and do. Check it out here.

However, sometimes a small part of the year it can get cold when there is an off shore flow and the clouds and wind blows in. I know, I know I grew up in Seattle and should be used to it.

Okay I admit it, I've been in the Los Angeles area too long and have become acclimatized, used to the warm weather, simply a wimp.

When it is a bit chilly here (for here) in Southern California I sometimes wonder how I used to walk to school or to the bus stop in the rain and wind when it was below 50 or 40 degrees . Okay I'm sounding old, but I didn't mention the snow-oops.

So I found myself down near the shore near the Balboa Pier and it started to get around 60. Then the wind kicked in and I was starting to grumble to myself about the cold.

I'm feeling a bit chilled and then I look up from behind my camera at one of these great models. Going where I ask and holding poses in mostly thin clothing, in the now stiff breeze, and cold. I realize I have nothing to complain about. I have a jacket and I can put my hands in my pockets when ever I want. I don't even have to smile.

Thank you to everyone involved, especially the models, who hung in there and did a great job!

Happily Ever After

2010-05-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

Way back in 1977, my mom took me on a rare vacation from Seattle to Anaheim. It was my first experience with Disneyland and we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel.

Now flash forward 20 plus years to last week when Wendy and I had the privilege of photographing Tasha and Jonathan's wedding.

Guess where it took place? Yep, more then twenty years later, I found myself back at the Disneyland Hotel.

Jonathan is a chef and Tasha is an Insurance Agent. Their fairy tale story started when Tasha and Jonathan first met each other at a bus stop. They started talking, emailing, then dating, and well things took off from there.

Tasha and Jonathan are probably the nicest and most easy going people one would ever meet.

One of the "koolist" things they had at the ceremony was a horse drawn crystal carriage complete with coachmen. Many of you may recognize it as just like Cinderella’s Coach in the animated movie, her transportation pumpkin to and from the royal ball.

Doesn't Tasha look like a beautiful princess going to the royal ball to meet her Prince Jonathan? Let's not forget the glass slipper which one of the coachmen carried the ring with.

The wedding ceremony took place in the Rose Court Garden which features an open lawn with a huge gazebo.

Everyone had a blast at the reception in the Sleeping Beauty Pavilion.

And so the story ends as Tasha and Jonathan rode off into the sunset and they live happily ever after!

Congratulations Tasha and Jonathan! Thank you for allowing us to share your magical special day!

A little bit of Ranch with my Cookies.

2010-05-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hello,

My name is Allen and I am a cookieholic. I constantly crave, desire and love them. I must have them, they will be mine! Okay, maybe not all of them. I do have some standards, but many pass it and my lips.

At this moment I have been cookie free for 20 minutes.

Some of my favorites include classics like Oreos (My fiance guts them and only eats the outer shell. Then refuses to let anyone eat the spoils from her efforts. I shed a tear each time this occurs.), Oatmeal Raisin, Fig Newtons, the misnamed Animal Crackers, Chocolate Chip and Nilla Wafers (my mom used to make a banana creme pie with them in at as the crust).

Then there are the more elusive ones such as Danish Butter & Wedding cookies, Russian Tea Cakes-another misnamed type, Ice Cream, Chinese Almond, Macaroons, and the annual Girl Scout Somaos and Tagalongs.

Let us not forget the tried and true Fortune, Sugar, Peanut Butter, Pecan Shortbread, and many more precious varieties that I couldn't possibly list all of them here.

So what does this have to do with these portraits I created of these wonderful models (in order from the top: Karin Lorene Larsen, Kristin Keating, Eryne Shan, Crystal Leland, Ashley Gregory, and Allyson Hoehl) ?

Granted I do enjoy being around both.

(Thanks to the MUA's Melody Rachunok, Brandie Bedell, Kacee Geoffroy)

Though in reality they don't have a damn thing to do with each other! I just really like cookies.

So now I'm off the cookie wagon.

(Special cookies go to Hanssie Trainor, Rob Ninja-Nicholson , Gavin Wade, Erin Wade, Sarah Frenzel, Derek Frenzel, Teale Landstedt, Matthew Saville Baldon, and Yvonne LeBrun.)

Mmmmm shortbread....

Smo mhich cookmie is your favmorite?

Laura and Tyrus: Do you want to go faster?

2010-04-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

When I was in Elementary school we used to get free passes to the Western Washington State Fair.

One of the more exciting rides at the fair was the one that spun everyone around real fast. It was like a horizontal Ferris wheel or a merry-go-round on speed, but without the scary horses.

To add to the knuckle clenching sheer velocity effect the guy running the ride had a microphone and during the ride he would ask just one thing, "Do you want to go faster?"

Of course it didn't matter what the riders said, yelled, or screamed in terror. For you are about to go faster, hang on, take a deep breath, and most of all enjoy it.

Right from our first meeting, I knew that Laura and Tyrus were a couple that had something special. The way they gazed into each other's eyes, I could feel the deep love and adornment they have for each other.

I was thrilled to be a part of one of the biggest events in their lives. The Ceremony was held at McLean Overlook at Chino Hills State Park. The view was simply magnificent! Go back and look at the photos I took atop the park. Go ahead, I'll wait. It is so kool (that is how I spell it) and I had no idea this place existed so close to my house.

One of the things I love about being a wedding photographer is that I get to go to amazing locations and venues that I would otherwise never knew existed. Laura and Tyrus' reception took place at the beautiful estate, Lilikoilani. Yes it took me 2 attempts to spell that and I still don't know if I pronounce it correctly. Any Hawaiians out there? Anyway, the estate is simply gorgeous. More importantly, the food was delicious! The management and entire staff were extremely hospitable, courteous, and friendly.

I also had a lot of help from the guys at Final Touch Entertainment. The DJ's, Alex and his crew, were really helpful not only keeping me up to date on what was coming up, but taking care of the Bride and Groom through out the reception. Thanks guys!

There are many rides in this world. Sometimes instead of taking a ride I like to run them. For example, one way I can ask the riders if they want to go faster is to suddenly jump up on a table and take their pictures - see the image below.

"Smile Tyrus, Smile!"

Despite my playfulness, I know that no matter the ride they take, Laura and Tyrus will be enjoying it. Congratulations Laura and Tyrus!

Laura & Tyrus: Sneak Peek

2010-04-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

Because the guys never get enough love.

The Notorious "Dean the Kid"!

2010-03-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

What is the high bid

for this Dean the Kid

An idea I say

to the park all day.

Run, swing, all so fast.

Add Mom, what a blast.

Down a big slide, will he ever tire?

Then make a wish, watch it float higher

What is the high bid

for this Dean the Kid

For tired I am

for green eggs and ham.

Vegas

2010-03-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you probably have a pretty good idea that I go to Vegas. Some may say I go a lot. Though I bet if you got free rooms, food, drinks, maybe some money, and a show thrown in, you would consider going as well.

Guess what I got for this weekend?

Guess where I'm going? :)

However, its not always play when I go. The last time I was in Vegas, I had a chance to do a quick street shoot with a bit of a retro look. Check it out!.

Wish me luck!

Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall

2010-03-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I volunteered as the photographer for the arrival of the Dignity Memorial
Vietnam Wall at Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary. From their web site here, "the wall is a ¾-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., inscribed with 58,261 names belonging to men and women who served and sacrificed for our nation."

I doubt many people would argue about the politics and justification of that war. Some of you may not even have been around when it was occurring. Even so, many people forget or simply don't realize that there was a draft then and many of those that served did not have a choice in their involvement. The point is, this isn't about the politics it is about honoring the ones that didn't come back home.

A lot of people participated, volunteered and came to be a part of the arrival. The L.A. County Fire Department, Police, and many motorcycle rider groups escorted the truck carrying the wall all the way in from Indio.

There was a short ceremony before construction of the wall began. A purple heart was donated from a family who had lost a member. This was symbolic of the one that now resides within the original wall in Washington D.C.

Each of the names on the Wall will be read aloud with the help of volunteers from our community while it is in Whittier. The Wall will be the centerpiece of a weeklong program of special events held at Rose Hills Memorial Park, and will be open for visitation 24 hours a day. It was and will be a very relaxed and casual event.

The actual opening ceremony takes place on March 23rd at 3:00pm. The wall will then be open to the public 24 hours a day until March 30th. If you haven't seen the original Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall or even if you have, its worth stopping by Rose Hills in Whittier and viewing the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall . I'll be there Tuesday through Thursday in the late afternoons.

Boudoir deux

2010-03-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

As promised I've selected a few more to Boudoir images to highlight.

As shown above, there is nothing like the traditional boudoir image in the bedroom, after all that is what the word Boudoir means. However, I just can't help but love offering and doing something a little different with outdoor shoots as well. For me adding in the natural beauty of the landscape with that of the subject not only makes them that much more unique, but even more special.

I touched on this previously, but it can't be said enough. You don't have to have supposed model looks to look great and feel great about a boudoir shoot. That is one of the wonderful things about them. It can truly change your outlook about yourself.

Again, the end result can reveal the beauty that you might not have known you possess.

No matter how you think you look and whether you do this for yourself and/or for another I can promise that you will be happy and feel good about the outcome.

Would you..... Boudoir?

2010-03-03T19:06:00.000-08:00

I have been asked if I would shoot Boudoir photography. The answer is, "Of course!" While I like to think I have my specialties, I also believe I'm not limited in my versatility. I love to photograph all subjects. Through the lens, new discovery is found.

Boudoir can be very intimate and special.

True it can be a bit intimidating for the subject at first.

But the end result can reveal the beauty that you might not have known you possess.

When the opportunity presents itself, I also like to add a twist with Boudoir and go outdoors for a little adventure.

More to come.

The Devil is in the Details

2010-02-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

Or so it has been said.

I like to think of it in the opposite way.

I like to think that that is where a little divinity lays

and beauty can be found.

SoCal Photog ShootOut - Couples & Bridal

2010-02-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

Admittedly this is probably my favorite part of the wedding to shoot. The beuatiful bride and the new couple. There is nothing like capturing the bride or the lucky couple in the perfect pose and look. Here are some of my favorites I photographed last week:

Pictured are: Ashley Snyder, Sean Smetona and Jenn King

SoCal Photog ShootOut - Ceremony & Engagament

2010-02-15T21:11:00.000-08:00

Last week I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to shoot in Pasadena with a great group called SoCal Photog ShootOut. The shoot was organized by Hannsie Trainor and Matthew Saville who both did a fantastic job putting everything together. They brought in some wonderful vendors (listed below) that made the event extra special and very worth while.

Venue: Ron Hobbs of the Romanesque Room
Wedding Coordinator: Amanda Auer of In the Now Weddings
Florist: Honey and Poppies
DJ: Marcel Gonzalez of First Choice Entertainment
Videographer: Nick Bowser of Crafthouse Productions
Stationary: Alison Howell
Rentals: Town & Country
Catering: Jay’s Catering
Venue Concierge: Mary Lallande
Bakery: Colette at Fancy That! Cupcakes
Linens: Wildflower
Styling: Michelle Cunningham
Hair/Makeup: Kacee Geoffroy & Becca
Hair/Makeup: Alisha Baijournas

I also would like to thank the rotation and lighting leaders for their direction and always keeping things running smoothly. I really enjoyed bouncing ideas of them and they were always receptive to questions. All of us attending were also lucky to have some fantastic models who were all extremely generous, beautiful/handsom, and worked very hard. The event would have been nothing without their talents.

Models: Kacee+Erik Geoffroy, Joanna Calderon, Shane Johnson, Mike Salmon, Timothy Wilkins

Now for me the best part was meeting other photographers and getting a chance to talk about the business and fun surrounding our mutual love of photography. There is nothing like sharing experiences and ideas with fellow photographers.

Models: Derek Frenzel & Sarah Frenzel

I'm happy to say I have many new Facebook friends now!

Lasting Memories

2010-01-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

There are many enjoyable projects I get to do after a photo session. One of them is when I have an opportunity to create additional mementos, often requested is an image wrap photo album.

The above and below is a Coffee Table Album I recently made. I also like to include an image disc along with the album.

Each event is unique so I get a chance to be creative and do something new with each one.

Finding the perfect style, design, and putting together the images to tell a story makes for a wonderful treasured lasting memories.

Lets Have Some Fun

2010-01-22T18:33:00.000-08:00

New 2010 Links

All cakes can be different and unique,

but some take that extra step that well see for yourself.

I found Cake Wrecks a while back, but keep coming back to it for the sheer bizarre reality of some choices people make. What is wrong with a simple good tasting cake. This is one of my favorites-I'm not eating that.

Dresses can also be very different,

however, they too can take a turn to the unexpected.

Tacky Weddings is another site that is worth a peak once in while. As you can tell by the name it is also devoted to the bad choices people can make. Stand back, here are some of my favorites:

We have Camouflage Dresses.

Then the defying gravity dress or ust maybe go for the hot pink make my eyes bleed choice.

Call me conservative, but I'm thinking I'll stick with tradition and keep the Valentines Day type heart design and shun this.

I like inflatable as much as the next guy...errrrr Anyway, I think I might have to charge more to shoot in here.

Okay more dresses, how about a Peacock dress.

Finally lets just put the cake and dress together here.

Deng Family and 10th Anniversary Portraits

2009-10-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

I love photographing weddings, celebrations of a new life together. But a wedding anniversary is even more special, such is the case for Eric and Sharon who will be celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary next month. They have decided to make it a family affair with their 2 adorable children, Payton and Sydney.

Immediately when I met the family, I felt the warmth and love they have for each other. Watching them interact as a family, you can't help but smile. As I photographed Eric and Sharon while they gazed into each other's eyes, I understood how they have made the milestone in their marriage. And I have no doubt, there will be many more anniversaries to come!

Here is Payton throwing a rock into the ocean. Look at that action!

Can you tell Payton loves his sister? It only took mom and dad's $100 toy to bribe him. ;-)

Sometimes you run, sometimes you dance. Life is always fun when you are with your best friend.

A kiss and a smile - it's just LOVE!

So much to look forward to each day!

One big happy family!

Sweet 16

2009-09-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

Amanda's Sweet 16 couldn't be sweeter! She is a sweet young lady and an avid athlete who plays basketball and tennis on her school teams. We started out with a portrait session at the Huntington Beach Pier. There were so many great photos that I decided to make a collage. The photo was used for a signature board at the party held at the 300 Anaheim at Anaheim Garden Walk.

300 Anaheim is not your typical bowling alley. It's ultra hip and modern with neon lights equipped with colorful lounge charis and a bar to chill with friends. Amanda's party is held at the private lounge. It had 8 private lanes, a bar (no alcohol was served since it's a Sweet 16 birthday party), lots of bowling balls, and its own cubies with shoes in all sizes. Best of all, the buffet and chocolate fondue served!

Amanda's mom really knows how to throw a great party. Everyone had great fun, great food, and a great time!

Brett and Stefanie's Wedding at Ramsey's at The Club

2009-06-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Brett and Stefanie! After 14 years of courtship, their dream finally come true. And I was so privileged to have been there on their special day to capture their wedding as they began their lives as Mr. and Dr. Brett Reynolds.

It was a beautiful day! Stefanie looked absolutely stunning in her crystal beaded wedding gown. She and Brett make such a gorgeous couple! Below you'll find a video and a few images from the wedding. Complete wedding proofs will be up at the website http://www.allentaylorphotography.com/Clients later next week. Enjoy!

26 Days of Terror

2009-05-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

Just for the two of you that happen to see this blog or stumble across it just now and foolishly enough hit play. Why?! Because your curious and... well.. just don't know any better.

May Quick Links

2009-05-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

This one is for all the twitters.

This one reminds me of The Lightning Field by sculpture Walter de Maria, though this one is made out of fluorescent lights.

Check out the cool Demekin Pocket Fisheye Camera, can't remember the last time I saw 110 film though.

Finally this one is just too funny by Ikea of all people. Have fun making these guys dance with your keyboard.

Seattle

2009-04-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

So a week ago I found myself back in Seattle photographing my oldest sister's wedding.

I'm always asked why I left Seattle. Over the years I have thought of many quick answers that seems to satisfy them over the years. I hate rain...I lost a bet with Sasquatch....There was nothing to keep me there. None were completely true, but some partially true (you ever smell a Sasquatch? whewww).

I was not so much looking forward to my return especially since my list of needs for my arrival went unmet and unanswered. But in the end seeing the family and the mountain again... well..

I actually enjoyed it.

Happily Ever After

2009-04-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

Group 3 had their installation this week.

Great picket fence leading into it and the grass was a lot of fun to walk on and eventually sit on. They also had images projected onto screens made up of paper airplanes and giant paper airplanes swooping through the entire gallery.

Unfortunately there where to many complaints concerning the smell of the
grass and it had to be removed.

A shame, but still a great job by the final group!

PDN's Photo of the Day

2009-04-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Somebody messed up and I managed to get an image in for PDN's Photo of the Day , the direct link is here.

They have links to my website for more from this series and if you like, here is a link to the movie as well.

Thanks PDN!

Art 21

2009-04-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hulu now has 16 episodes of the PBS series ART 21. If you haven't seen or heard of it check this out from their description, "...the only series on television to focus exclusively on contemporary visual art and artists in the United States, ... Fascinating and intimate footage allows the viewer to observe the artists at work, watch their process as they transform inspiration into art, and hear their thoughts as they grapple with the physical and visual challenges of achieving their artistic visions."

One of my favorite artists featured is Cai Guo-Qiang in episode one of season 3 Power-see below. He is the first artist in this episode, some of you may recognize some of his work I've linked to before like this.

Art 21 also has there own blog here. Now go forth and be enlightened.

Life

2009-03-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

APE has spotted the launch of Life.com

Love these shots of Marilyn and Cassius Clay.

Great imagery and certainly worth some extensive browsing!

Enough

2009-03-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

Reception and Attendees:

The Exhibit:

Almost "Enough"

2009-03-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

Group intallation with Tiffany Slagle, Tenaz Shirazian, Tammie Rothstein, Ramiro Rubio, Melaney Schmidt and myself.

Now open through this Saturday, reception Wednesday, March 25 11:30am - 1:30pm in the Exit Gallery at Cal State Fullerton

LOOK

2009-03-19T19:08:00.001-07:00

The first group installation went up this week titled, LOOK. Showing this week at the Exit Gallery located on campus at Cal State Fullerton. I think they did a wonderful job. Loved the curtains and how they intersected the projection image and divided it up into layers.

The installation consisted of two rooms with this first room having projected voyeuristic videos through curtains and onto a built wall. Yes they built the wall, pretty cool.

The second room was like, for me, a carnival House of Mirrors.

With mirrors surrounding the viewer and a projection of video that consisted of people staring at you. All of this reflected off the mirrors and placed on more hanging curtains. Oh did I mention the peep holes in the wall? Nice touch.

Nice work Group 1, my group is next with "Enough".

Redundant

2009-03-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

Simple Installation

2009-02-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

On the Cal State Fullerton campus this last Wednesday, students (including myself) presented Simple Installations all over campus. The first one on the right was done by Melaney Schmidt. It ran down the entire hallway.

Tammie Rothstein was making bubbles.

Miho Aiba changed a campus bench.

Tanaz Shirazian hung out to dry.

Ricky Yarnall changed our perceptions.

Stephanie Lundstrom was sick but still managed to get her installation hung.

Adding some color and growth to the drab campus.

Kataoka Megumi had an old style alarm inside the can with smoke billowing out.

The string and many little crystals looked great in the sun.

Tiffany Slagle incorporated a sculpture garden for her web idea.

Kelly Rice placed these in the entrance to the men's bathroom, creeped some guys out.

Notice the huge mouths over the urinals in the men's bathroom, also notice the entire class (including females) was in there- "hellooo ladies".

Jesus Lozano "chewie" had some great light
modifications in another building.

This one was a salute to Duchamp, with a sort of reverse on taking and changing the object into the museum to taking the museum to the object.

"I am not your doormat"

Romiro did a wonderful installation with string.

The men's bathroom was very popular, this shrine was created by the artist in the refection .

Even though it was using sound I didn't want to miss at least mentioning this one that sounded earily like being in a strange airport with all the different and garbled voices.

Okay mine is last, I'm putting two images so you can read the text, see whats in the box and becuase it's my blog. :)

Thats me in the reflection, notice the professional elbow action.

Please let me know if I did not give you or gave you the wrong credit and I'll jump back in here and fix it.

You know its Sunday and you have to much to do when...

2009-02-22T13:18:00.000-08:00

Okay stranger links first:

Starting with, 38 Cute Animals, 1 Cool Screen, 8 Different Uses.

I can't believe I forgot to add these yesterday, My hero and a sing along.

A bit more adult and this just seems wrong unless you find yourself in a large window in Amsterdam.

More photo related,

Trendhunter gives us 15 Scandalous Underwear Advertisements, here is the full gallery of gender equality images.

Calikartal has posted some great work from photographers Greg Kadel (love the contrast) and Emma Tempest (the last image is one of the best landscape images I've seen in a long time-the link is correct, look again).

Cameras cameras, cameras:

Lego style.

Leica's Safari Edition M8 with bag.

Polaroid 4 shot, this kit comes with film.

Canon's PowerShot D10 goes 33 feet underwater with 12 megapixels.

SuperHeadz has a sneaky Deer Book Camera.

Mmmm how to describe this, Oh! Skull camera! yep thats it.

A shrine to our tarpin friend, oh "c"ameras. oops.

My Open Letter to Richard Prince

2009-01-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

Many of you may recognize the name or at least some of the images in some long lost deep memory from an art and/or photography history course (to jog your memory check these out here, I'll wait). Recently controversy has sprung up again concerning Mr Prince's habit of taking/using images that someone else has photographed and using them in his art. Check out A Photo Editors blog from last week and especially the comments-this will take longer, but I can wait. Done? Good.

So what do you think? Pissed off? Could care less? Been there done that? Well I've decided to take a different approach.

Dear Mr Richard Prince,

Ahh Hello, sir. Mr. Prince? Richard? Can I call you Richard? Well here is the thing... Mmm just take it. Take it all, use it how ever you like. Yes, that is right steal.... errr appropriate away. Go on check out my web site here. Its okay that you are the first to ever go there. I promise it won't hurt and I have a wide variety of images to chose from. Lots of pasting and cutting opportunities. Heck even mashings, look see here ----> I've even started one for you.

So get crazy, I'm looking forward to seeing the results. If you need a print out to photograph so that it can get blown up real real big just drop me a note. No problems here.

Oh and could you let me know, just give me a heads up. Buddy to buddy like so I can let my parent know. They kinda think I'm wasting my life with this whole artsy photography thing and wondering why I don't do weddings. Well its a long story, maybe we could chat over some Sxxxbucks coffee sometime.

Love,

Your friend and mine,

Allen
xoxoxo

X-Mas List and Links

2008-12-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

Link:

Boom has a nice posting on some images by Jacques Oliver where he has created some nice juxtaposed images with fashion and a trailer park. Would have liked to see more hair curlers and menthols, but love them just the same especially the first one.

Ever wonder what and how much the top ten photographs sold for? Well here is a list put together by River66. Remember its not my list so don't ask me to defend the prices paid for them.

Melissa Rodwell has her own fashion blog here. I'm enjoying what she has written so far, lots of insights and background for those interested-like you're not.

List:
Not necessarily what I want, but the Photo person in your life may enjoy.

From Sundance some blown glass ornaments some with a photo theme.

A bit pricey, but Visionair's 55 edition is a fantastic looking pop up book. Durn I've been wanting to create my own pop up book, but mine was to have a miniature golf theme with working windmills-oh well. Check out some of their other edition while you are there.

Urban Outfitters has always carried a line of fun Lomo cameras and stuff. Find it here and at the Lomography shop here.

I'm guessing mostly women will appreciate this camera bag at Acme Made. Wonderful idea with the bowling bag look.

Okay an educational link, Nikon has this video on lighting.

If you are familiar with the item and know exactly what you want, nothing beats good old Ebay for a chance at a good deal.

Take this section on Vintage cameras as an example. It is were I got the camera from the above image.

At a Theater Near You

2008-12-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

Good. Bad. That is for the winners to decide.

2008-12-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

In a universe where posing as someone you are not is a necessity.

2008-11-26T18:40:00.000-08:00

ALT Productions Presents

2008-11-25T09:24:00.001-08:00

Coming to a theater near you

2008-11-23T13:34:00.000-08:00

Turkey Link Day

2008-11-21T19:52:00.000-08:00

Which hopefully none of the following links are turkeys, just a little stuffing:

If It's Hip, It's Here found a great Paper Fashions by Zoe Bradley. They are incredible along with some really good photography, see the entire portfolio here.

This one is right up my alley, Shi Xiaofan is a Chinese photographer with a new series of images titled, “The Stranger In The Glass Box”. Go to his web site and click on the portfolio link, this particular piece is under Project One. Its a great blend and throw back of French Fashion and Chinese Culture.

Check out the work by Kris Kuksi, I'm especially amazed by the intricate detail of his grotesque series.

In Photographic history we learn about "typology". One f the best examples of which are the Bechers, who systematically shot over 200 images of water towers almost all in the same way. Okay so why the photo art lesson? Well I came across this blog post by box vox and and the connection was made. Water towers turned into packaging for advertising products. I think the milk bottle tower could use a fresh coat of paint though. Maybe we don't forget everything as soon as the final test is taken.

Okay this one was in a spanish blog (no I don't know how I found it-just enjoy) so I've made the link to run through Google translator to save you a step. The Compass is a camera among many things, kind of like a swiss army knife camera for spys-must be why I love it and a must for my character "Agent Lee".

And finally a bit of fun. I laughed I cried, I wet myself- Swedish Dance bands form the 70's. These are priceless.

Coming Soon

2008-11-20T13:12:00.001-08:00

My Front Porch

2008-11-15T22:02:00.000-08:00

So it started early today.
Then got worse.

All of these are really taken from

my porch and with only a 105mm.

To give you perspective, the one below you can easily see my house.

Lee

2008-11-14T22:45:00.000-08:00

A sneak peak-Unfinished Teaser

2008-11-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON!

2008-11-08T18:26:00.001-08:00

God bless volunteers, who needs a KLS supermodel.

PLF Brothers Unite!

2008-11-03T21:24:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow all of us of the P.L.F. (Photographers Liberation Front) will be making not only a momentous decision, but one that could potentially haunt us for four years. I speak mostly to our brothers in the journalistic brigade, though all of us could be affected in many ways. The question is, who do we want to photograph for the next 4 years?

Who is most photogenic? Obama or McCain.

Do we want the textured and rugged face of ages past or a smoother face not unlike models we have seen many a time. Which one must we choose. This is critical for our well being because day after day we are the ones who have to focus in on these mugs. Because dammit we do important stuff and we can't get stuck having to photograph the same guy for 4 years of magazine cover after nauseating feel good fluff articles.

Decide quickly my PLF legions for tomorrow we must expose and frame the correct shot .

This Weak ...errr.. Week in Studio

2008-11-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

You know not every model can look like Christina Aguilera or even have the same hair color or even be the same sex. So you work with what you have, hot lights and a very good sport.

Would Stephen Webster be proud?

Flying

2008-10-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

When I was very young I often dreamed, like many, that I could fly.

I can't remember when I was not a very visual person and I have memories as far back as when I was 3 years old (asking my mother how old I was-She said I was 3, my 4th birthday party, zip lining a practice parachute jump at the military base in Naha, Japan before we moved back to the US and I started kindergarten). That and my very vivid imagination (clearly seeing a huge fiery comet crashing into my back yard when I was 6) and my memorable night terrors (the devil, killer robots, and werewolves made many appearances) as a kid probably had something to do with my going into photography, my sometime surrealistic ideas and the work I create.

Today I got the following e-mail, one of many, including one from Alan Meckler on the same topic:

Dear Customer:

This morning Jupitermedia announced that it has entered into a purchase agreement to sell its Jupiterimages division to Getty Images. While the companies have signed a definitive agreement, the deal will not close until shareholder and government approvals have been obtained. Approvals could take up to several months and ! there is approvals, but that is not expected. There will be no change in your relationship with Jupiterimages as a result of this announcement. Jupiterimages will continue to operate as it always has delivering the highest quality imagery with world-class customer service.

I will continue to communicate updates periodically as we move through this process.

James Alexander
Senior Vice President and General Manager
jupiterimages

Landings can get bumpy.

Link Day

2008-10-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

Title says it all:

Especially for LA area photographers, check out this blog We Can Shoot Too.

A new pet store just opened up New York City, Wooster Collective has all the cool mechanical details.

A great new take on the old holiday snapshots using souvenirs is shown at the Daily Mail English news.

Another interesting blog, Your Source for All Things Wicked and Awesome. Does a great job of finding, "A blog about the things that strike me as unique or odd, the things that inspire me and the things that I find beautiful." The link above highlights the ones on photography. Wonderful imagery, but check all the other postings out.

Always leave them laughing or cringing I forget which, you figure it out and, Don't Shoot the Puppy.

Just Completed Project

2008-10-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Slovak and American Video Exhibition

2008-10-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Last month one of my videos was selected for the video festival in Slovakia. The video was projected in the main square of Kosice, (the second largest city in Slovakia) October 1 - 3, 2008. The exhibit then traveled to the city of Banska Bystrica where it will be projected in Europe's largest shopping mall and at the Academy of Art, Oct 7-8; then to Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia) where the work will shown on an large electronic billboard in the center of the city, Oct 10- 12.

Just recently I was informed that the web site for the Slovak and American Video Exhibition is up and running. The direct link to my video "Life" that was chosen is here. If you have a chance check it out. Its interesting to see the Slovak translations that they added to my video (the original video can be seen here on YouTube). If you do click on the Slovak link I would appreciate a "good" rating as well.

The main video page link to see all the videos is at www.nmpoint.com Check out my friend Melaney Schmidt's great video as well.

Thanks

TED Prize

2008-10-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

James Nachtwey puts us all to shame.

More information here.

Photoshelter Goes Kaput

2008-09-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

Last week Photoshelter, a seemingly up and coming photo stock agency called it quits after only a year in business. You can read the statement here that was sent out to contributors and such.

I had several images with them and had planned to add more. Though in light of what has happened, I've since deleted much of what I had up with them. I'm hardly taking a big hit like Rachel Hulin (whose blog I mentioned in my last post) and others that worked there, but I am disappointed and feeling a bit mislead to say the least. APE (A Photo Editor) and PDN along with many other blogs have written about it and I think the comments made by a lot of people (contributors and otherwise) made on all those postings are enlightening.

Photoshelter is now pushing hard their other service. Can't blame them for wanting to stay alive and continue in business, though I can't say I'm very interested in what they are offering. Maybe I'm just a cynic, but I've been burned and seen similar things happen to others far to many times in the past for me to consider doing business with them again-see my reasoning below where I've copied what I wrote on APE's blog.

What do you think?

Seems to me they were a bit ill prepared or short sited. I mean to pull the plug after only several months in business doesn’t seem like a very well thought out plan was in place. I could be completely wrong, but I really have to wonder about doing business with them in the future. I mean I see these agencies as a partnership (Am I alone in this?). We all know how it works, the photographer provides the imagery/content to sell and the agency provides the backbone and clients. Usually a good fair deal. Though now if I had just gotten the rug pulled out from under me from such a partner I’m not so sure I would be partnering up with them again all to soon.

However, like you said they had the guts to do this. Though I still can’t shake the thought and wonder how the guts feel of those who spent the time and effort into investing with them with their imagery? I suppose one could say we should have seen it coming, but it still feels like the curtain go peeled back all of a sudden. Well time to click your heels together.

Anthropology sucks, unless my instrutor is reading this

2008-09-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

I like my coffee at f5.6 at 1/250 .

Wonderful short video take with role reversals for toy collectors here

I always enjoy insight into an artists thoughts and process. Here is Audrey Kawasaki's live journal blog where she shares some background and updates to her pieces. Love her work and there are link to her regular web site as well.

For the taxidermist in all of us.

Rachel Hulin formally of Photoshelter, "Shoot the Blog" (damn them) and a great blog she had there has created her own blog site here. Currently simply titled, A Photography Blog. I think she is looking for name suggestions-I don't think she liked mine, "Shove it Photoshelter!".

Another blog that I think is worth checking out is one by the British Journal of Photography. Titled 1854, a nod to when they first started in print. Lots of great stories, links, and a great way to get a peak and another point of view from someone outside the U.S.

Asian in a Box

2008-09-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Pretty much finished this shoot for now, though I never completely walk away from ideas and I may add or tweak them later. Now lets see if I can get these images up on Flickr so you can see them all.

Link This

2008-09-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

Some forgotten films to add to the list that just don't get shown enough.

Little Big Man (1970)
On the Waterfront (1954) (love the glove scene between Brando and Eva Marie Saint)
Harvey (1950)

New topic, Guilty Pleasures:

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
Starship Troopers (1997)
Stargate (1994)
Tremors (1990)
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

Oh yeah the links:

A wonderfully updated and trendy Twin Lens Reflex on 35mm from Japan, blackbird, fly.

Rain Photography, my favorite is the waist deep umbrella shot about 6 down. Not the most colorful, but interesting.

From Kanibal, something for the tired photographer to rest their heads on.

Oh this is good, a blog on Modern Mechanics old classic articles. Some are interesting, others hilarious, and still some you have to wonder what the heck were they thinking. The link is to the photography section, but check out some of the many other articles. One of my favorites titled Exploring the Moon by Rocket Ship (Aug, 1931) has this fantastic image of a female surveyor/photographer with a tripod and in regular hiking clothes. The heading under the image read. "...which gives a scientifically accurate view of the moon's surface.

Check it out.

p.s. Independence Day was on one of the Fox cable channels tonight (sigh).

What I'm currently working on

2008-09-04T19:17:00.001-07:00

Independence Day (rinse and repeat)

2008-09-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

Now I know it is past and not July 4th, but do others know this? What I mean is that it seems that the entire year on satellite/cable they have been repeating the movie Independence Day over and over and over again. Now I'm not a movie snob for the most part and I don't hate this movie, but is it really the only option for movie and tbs ilk channels? Heck I saw this film when it first came out at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. A good example of a summer action movie I suppose, but damn it seems like everyday I look at the t.v. guide and there it is-nooooo. It's like Jason from the Halloween series, it won't stay down. Do I really need to see it this often 12 years after its release and it has already been on t.v. a gazillion times? It was on two channels last night and it will be again this weekend. Are there really no other movies made in the last 12 years? They don't even have to be great just good movies. Anything that could be shown in I.D.'s place. Heck you don't, and I'm actaully encouraging this , even have to have Will Smith (see I Robot, I Am Legend, Shark Tale, Men in Black and Bad Boys II, Wild Wild West....etc.) in it.

Here is a small list off the top of my head:

Serenity (2005)
Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Touching the Void (2003)
25th Hour (2002)
Equilibrium (2002)
Shaolin Soccer (2002)
Band of Brothers (2001) (mini)
Unbreakable (2000)
Iron Giant, The (1999)
Payback (1999)
Bowfinger (1999)
eXistenZ (1999)
Red Violin, The (1998)
From the Earth to the Moon" (1998) (mini)
Dark City (1998)
Rounders (1998)
Great Expectations (1998)
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Princess Mononoke (1997)

Now some do get some air play, but not like I.D. Hey how about even some older movies that deserve more play time:

Get Shorty (1995)
Crumb (1994) (documentary)
Postino, Il (1994)
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
Trois couleurs: Bleu (1993)
Sneakers (1992)
Singles (1992) (Takes Me Back to Seattle)
The Fisher King (1991)
The Commitments (1991)
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1990)
Jacob's Ladder (1990)
The Grifters (1990)
Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)
Say Anything... (1989)
Do the Right Thing (1989)
Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
The Big Picture (1989)
The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)
Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Evil Dead II (1987)
Swimming to Cambodia (1987)
Explorers (1985)
Breaking Away (1979)

You can easily find details and more movie options at IMDB (Internet Movie DataBase). The bottom line of what I'm saying is, "Mix it up a little Mr. Movie Programmer, there are plenty of other good movies out there... ass."

Facebook

2008-08-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

Since I've added this blog to a Facebook application, I thought "sheit" I better write something. At least add a few interesting links dammit!

Okay what color is that? Word List

Mmmm I should promote some friends. How about Steph at her blog and her Stephanie Fowler Photography site. Also check out Ivy at Ivy Reynolds Photography. Ivy won this years PDN's Top Knots Wedding Photography Contest, if you follow the link the bride in the image you see on the cover is Steph. One of the few weddings I actually snuck into... errr was invited too. I still dream of Steph's ding dong (yes the hostess kind) wedding cake mmmmm. So we all know each and I can recommend both since I've hired them both twice in the past to work for me at two different companies. Both wonderful people and photographers.

Some fun, Worst Album Covers Ever

Last and most strange, absurdly humorous and certainly NSFW (not safe for work) The Erotic Falcon

All Me, All Day, All the Time

2008-05-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

If you are anywhere near Ft. Collins, CO you may consider stopping by The Center for Fine Art Photography. I managed to bribe.. errrr, be accepted into the current "Edgy" exhibition now showing. You can also see it on line through the link above on their name. Not surprisingly, you can find my submission way down almost at the bottom.

If you are in school you may come have come across an issue of PDNedu. Again I managed to extort..errrrrr, get a runner up status in the still life category. You can view all the winners (and me again in the back) again through the link in their name above.

So you should be asking yourself, damn if he can win why can't I. And you are right. So check out my last two journals for contests still open and go for it. Oh and just for giggles here are some new ones:

AN-NE Marketing Awards

Exposure, Artists Wanted

PIX 14th Digital imaging Award

Go!

American Idol and more contests

2008-05-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

Okay I watch it, though more so at the beginning for all the usual disillusioned horrible singers fun. However, lately I've been both annoyed and thrilled by the continued presence of Jason of the Dreadlocks. I mean sure its fun to yell at the tv while he is getting judge feedback, "Run Forrest Run!". Or simply mumble like my fiance, "grrrrrr die!!!". Though in reality when Simon said to Jason for his critique, "Pack your bags". What he really should have said was, "Pack your bong".

The Pilsner Urquell International Photography Awards has extended their deadline . There is a discount on the entry fee for students and non-professionals.

Here is a free one from Professional Photographer Magazine due by May 31st.

Livebooks has one that ends this month I believe it is free to students.

This one ends May 12th at Photographer's Forum Magazine. With a small fee of $4.95 per entry.

So who do you think will get voted out tonight. One of the 3 singers left or the box of rocks?

Photography Contests

2008-04-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

Contests can be frustrating, rewarding and of course very subjective. However, I do think they can help you with your photography? Not only in getting publicity, but also in forcing a photographer to look critically at their own work-edit.

But I also think they can be hard to find sometimes and the deadlines can be a real beaatch to keep track of and not miss. Unfortunately we missed a bunch in March and the many contests that had deadlines at the end and beginning of the year. However, there are more going on through the year and its never to late to start.

So, lets begin a list of all the "good" contests and their deadlines. If you know more let me know and I'll add them as we go.

Oh, good luck. :)

APRIL 2008

The Pilsner Urquell International Photography Awards - Deadline 4/30/08

MAY 2008

The 24th Annual PDN/Nikon Self-Promotion Awards-Deadline 5/23/08

JUNE 2008

Center for Fine Art Photography: All Things Horses - Deadline 6/18/08

JULY 2008

Aperture Foundation: Portfolio Prize Competition - Deadline 7/11/08
Center for Fine Art Photography: 2008 Int'l Exhibit of Fine Art Photography - Deadline 7/15/08

AUGUST 2008

Center for Fine Art Photography: Our Environment - the good, bad and ugly - Deadline 8/18/08

World In Focus (Seems travel oriented & the site is updating in late April so more info should be coming) - Deadline 8/21/08

KINDA ON GOING:

JPG Magazine: Constantly having contests for images to get into their magazine. Its free, check it out.

Shots Magazine: Call for Entries for each issue.

National Photo Awards: Kinda funky site, but they seem to have a monthly photo contest.

-----------

Notes: Personally, if possible, I like to take a look at past winners to get a feel for what type of photography each contest is looking for in submissions. Sometimes it helps me decide what image to submit or to even bother submitting. Though you never know, maybe its better to just submit whatever you want. Also read the rules and terms carefully. Some contests require more from you in image rights then you may want to give. Most are run by fellow artists and try to be fair though.

... and yet more

2008-01-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought I forgot about you.

More interesting finds:

Fun and silly stuff first this time. I kind of like this item from ifnbooks. The Accordion Photo Album Kit seems like a great alternative to standard photo gift or card.

Okay this is really strange, Kittywigs, and that isn't a typo. The blue and pink ones are especially divine. I'm betting you just might know somebody who would actually buy one-at least for a gag gift.

The Top 10 Worse Logos created by the list universe is fantastic. Some people have no visual imagination, thankfully for those of us that do we can laugh at the results.

Okay here is an actual Photo link. First go to The State of the Art Blog to read about their response to an interesting (interesting as in wrong) article in Newsweek. It basically says that digital imaging has killed photography. As they point out much of the article statements are absurd, but its interesting to read State of the Art's response and the comments left by others. Plus there are links to the original article.

Magnum has this great on line documentary titled The Self Assigned Photographer about photographer Dennis Stock. Wonderfully presented and well worth the time viewing all of it.

I'll wrap this up with two very good blogs I like to look over. One is avisualsociety by photography agent in new york that can be very insightful. The other is A Photo Editor, whom is Rob Haggart the former Director of Photography at Men’s Journal. this blog started out as being anonymous, but just recently Haggart quit his job and came out so to speak. Lots of very good postings on the business and how photographers are chosen and other internal process'. Also a lot of good industry people comment on the posts with their thoughts as well.

Instead of one of my images how about a link to a video I recently completed, Life

Interesting Finds Now, History Later

2007-11-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

Having been and still part of the Photoshop retouching world I've come across some interesting related web sites. This first one is an great fine art pursuit using user feedback. Prototypicality

This next site is not for the faint of heart - Pageant Retouching. You may want to keep your children away from the screen while viewing.

Now if you ever wondered how all those celebrities are so photogenic, go here - Iwanex Studio - click on the portfolio link and pick an image. Rolling the mouse off and on the image will give you the before and afters-very enlightening.

Last one and just for fun try Drum Machine. Click on the red dot, then the box, and finally on the asian language characters above the character-you'll know what I mean when you get there. Make sure you have your ear plugs or speakers on.

Why is it called the "The Lost Photographer". Maybe next time....

You can always see some of my work at my web site ALTPhotoImages.

An example of one image is above.