Pride Fest

So, Amy and I back from the first day of Pride Fest. We are exhausted. Today was the very chill day of Pride Fest, especially because it was raining most of the morning. But we were able to walk around and check out all the booths that they have there. Pretty awesome time. Even after the protests who are against gay pride came out with crosses and signs, Amy and I had a pretty awesome time. Check out the image below for a glimpse of the protesters and supporters.

It's Finally Here

Yay! So, for the past two weeks or so, Amy and I have been discussing the Atlanta Pride Festival. We both have been very excited to go. Its here! Today is the first day of Pride Fest. So, wish Amy and I some major luck. We're hoping to get our feature done this weekend. Woo!

Tim Harmon

So, I got bored and decided to find another band photographer to check out. I found Tim Harmon (not to be confused with wedding photographer, Tim HARMAN). This guy is pretty awesome. He does a lot of band photography that I would really love to learn and do. None the less, he has done covers for my favorite music magazine, Alternative Press. Not only that, but he has done photo shoots with some of my favorite bands (blink 182). Definitely, awesome.
Check out the video below for a behind the scenes shoot with The Maine.

Obama Honors Dead

On National News Photographers Association, President Obama, who lifted an 18 year ban on photographing the dignified return of flag-draps soldiers killed in battle, was found early this morning at the Dover Air Force Base. He was photographed saluting the body of fallen soldier, U.S. Army Sgt. Dale R. Griffin, as the body was carried off an Air Force C-17. Its nice to see a more humane part of the president. I thought this was a pretty cool article, especially because of what Obama did earlier this year for photographers. Cool...

Click here to read the article.

Day 1: Pride Fest

Well, not really. Today, Amy and I decided to go down to Piedmont Park to get a glimpse of Pride Fest. Nothing like wow and out there just yet. But we were able to see the layout of Pride Fest just before the rain came down. Amy and I can't wait to go. Definitely excited!
Oh, we also saw this sleeping man. He seemed quite tired and didn't mind the rain. Ha ha.

Ansel in Color

So, I am still browsing for ideas for homework and what not and found something awesome. I found a glimpse of Ansel Adam's upcoming book, "Ansel Adams in Color." I didn't really think he did a lot of color work, but he did. There are some pretty awesome photos. You guys should check it out!

Click here for the glimpse of his book.

A Hit Close to Home

On September 26, Tropical Storm Ketsana flooded the streets of Manila (the capital of the Philippines). Did you know that 80% of the capital is submerged underwater, which left nearly four million people have been displaced from their homes? This storm brought the Philippines the worst rains in four decades, but that was not it. A week later, Typhoon Parma caused more damage, which led to landslides killing almost 200 people. These two storms caused Filipinos tons of damage and lots of problems, such as fears of disease and food shortages.
This is such a tragedy and hits me pretty hard. I'm half Filipino, and I still have family there. So, this definitely worries me. I wish the best of luck to Santa Cruz and Manila, which were the two cities hit the most by these storms. I hope everything gets better.
Click here to read the photo story found on the First Post website.

Lou Freeman

So, I did an earlier blog about one of my favorite Atlanta-based photographers, Zack Arias. I decided to blog about another. Can you guess? Probably not. She's Atlanta-based and freelances in about everything. Who is she? Her name is Lou Freeman. I enjoy her photography mainly because of how she composes her images. I just find them fun and interesting. She, as well as Zack Arias, are options for internship. Check out the video below for more on Lou Freeman.

Steal from the Rich, Photograph the Poor

Found on Pasadena-Star News, local photographer, Michael E. Stern, offers free headshots for the jobless. On October 22, Stern and his team of interns took professional headshots of nearly 40 men and women at Women at Work, in Pasanda, California--FOR FREE. Seriously, this guy is just... AWESOME. Especially because of the economic struggle that is happening in the U.S., Michael Stern is still giving back to the community. RIGHT ON!

Click here to check out the article.

Click here for the image.

Wednesday Adventures

So, if you haven't heard, Amy and I go on weekly adventures every Wednesday. We get some $1 pizza slices and then go out and take pictures. Usually we go to Atlanta, but today we went to Downtown Duluth. Not as exciting as I wished it would be, but we had fun anyways. I can't wait for this weekend. Amy and I are going to the Gay Pride Festival to get a feature. Wish us luck! We need it.

Lions, Tigers and Bears. OH MY!

Well, not really lions, tigers and bears, but close enough. Don't understand what am I talking about? Well, for our advanced portraiture class, we are doing a fantasy/fashion/glamour photo shoot. I decided to endure some fantasy for once. Therefore, AMY and I will be traveling to Where the Wild Things Are. This makes me so happy that I get to recreate one of my favorite children stories.

A Bit of Boredom

So, I decided to take a break on editing "Bob." Therefore, I decided to browse some Nikon products, including lenses. So, I have been saving up money to buy something. But, I'm on the fence on what I want. I could wait longer and buy a new camera body, such as a D300S or something. OR... I could buy a new lens like a wide-angle lens. I really like the second idea (Mainly because of the image above). I could always buy little (but expensive) things for my camera. I don't know yet. Any suggestions??

"Beautiful Horror"

So, I was browsing around for some inspiration for photojournalism features, I found a pretty interesting art review. As technology flourishes, photographers increase the use of software to create visual fictions. However, some photographers, including Fazal Sheikh, try to help visual truth survive. In other words, Sheikh, like other documentary photographers, try to do "Straight Photography." Straight Photography is photography that attempts to depict a scene as it is actually seen, which means no manipulation. Sheikh is currently exhibiting his images from the "Beloved Daughters: Photographs at the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego, California. Photographers like Sheikh are awesome and a true inspiration. I really like doing straight photography. I really wish I could check out the exhibit.
Click here to read the rest of the art review on Fazal Sheikh.
Click here to read some information about Fazal Sheikh's exhibition at the Museum of Photographic Arts.

Storm Thorgerson

So while my teacher and I were practicing "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd, we started talking about the album covers and what not. I was pretty curious to who did the album cover for "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd. My teacher said it was Storm Thorgerson. In fact, Storm Thorgerson did all the album covers for Pink Floyd. He also did covers for The Cranberries, Led Zepplin and Dream Theater. I thought that was completely awesome. I really like how he incorporated photography with graphic design to create awesome album covers. He not only did non-moving art work, he did partly moving artwork for DVD menus and what not. He also did completely moving work, such as videos and documentaries. This guy is pretty awesome. You guys should check him out.
Click here for Storm Thorgerson.

Productive Day

While the rest of the class worked on creating the set, Damian, Brittany and I worked on the advertising part of Holiday Portraits. In other words, we made the flyers and items related to advertising. Man. I was battling the flyer for a little while. Major props to Damian. He did an awesome job creating the background of the flyer. After he did that, I began to place in the info and what not. I battled that for most of the class period. Brittany worked on creating tags and what not for us. Woo! So, its official. We have the quarter size flyer for Holiday Portraits has been completed. Check it out!
Plus, the blog for Holiday Portraits has been updated. Check it out!
(Click here)

Economic Problems Hit the Photo World

According to PDN, more layoffs are occurring at Condé Nast Media Group. These layoffs mainly hit Vanity Fair and W magazines. On October 8th, PDN announced that Condé Nast had already lost almost over 180 employees. As of October 16th, more employees are losing their jobs, which included Lou Cona who originally took over for Richard Beckman earlier this year. These layoffs are resulting in company wide review and cost cutting efforts. The review lead to four major titles closing, which are Gourmet, Cookie, Modern Bride and Elegant Bride. Apparently, more cut backs and layoffs will be occurring in the company.
Click here for the October 8th article.
Click here for the October 16th article.

Tats For Tits

Today is the day for Tats for Tits. If you don't know what I am talking about, you should check out the flyer above. Magick Dragon II is doing a event to support research for breast cancer and the Susan G. Komen. They will be giving pink ribbon tattoos for $20 and up. They will be doing this from 3:00pm to 9:00 pm today. Half of the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen
Also, good luck ladies on your last day of the Breast Cancer 3 day walk. I hope it went very well. One day, I want to do this walk.
Foundation. I wish I could be there and take some photographs, but I am feeling really under the weather today. I hope I feel better tomorrow. I want to go out and take photos tomorrow as well.

A Sign of Hope

Today, I went out for a little while to search for some interesting things for my Photojournalism assignment. For most of it, I had no luck. Out of the blue, I found something, or someone rather, that caught my eye. A homeless man on the side of the road with a sign that said, "Food." He looked awesome, well, not really. But I thought he would make a good photo. Therefore, I asked him and gave him some money. He was very kind and very happy to see that I had given him something. He just looked quite happy, even after I left. I think I inspired someone else to give him something. Just as I called Amy, a car was pulled over, and he was near the window. I'm hoping they helped out. Well yea. I learned something. Even if they are homeless, a little change gives them hope.
So here's Bob. I'm not done editing the image, but I wanted to blog about it.

Zack Arias

So, I'm still in my Multimedia II class and tried really hard to avoid making another blog. BUT, I found this video that I thought was pretty awesome. It's a YouTube video that one of my favorite photographers, Zack Arias, made for Scott Kelby and his website. He pretty much made an informational video about Photoshop and post-production editing. The video starts off as a mix of bloopers and hard cuts, but as the video progresses, it describes the life of Zack Arias. No joke. This video goes from being funny to a serious tale. It is truly an inspiring story from a great photographer. You see a side that most would not expect to see. I really like it. I hope you do too.

For more info about Zack Arias, click here and check out his blog

Museum Maximizes the Value of Photo

Today, the creator ImageSpan Inc., the creator of LicenseStream, announced that the Missouri History Museum has selected LicenseStream to promote, protect, track and create new revenue streams from prints and images. This process is helping maximize the value of its extensive library of history images. Apparently, this helps save customers and staff valuable time by making it easy for customers to find and license with a few mouse clicks historic images from its extensive archives. The museum has over 3,000 images, including an image of Charles Lindberg (shown above). So this is definitely helping them out. I found that pretty awesome especially because of how many images that the museum has. Just awesome.

If you would like to read the actual article, click here.

Don't Harsh My Mellow Man

Haha. I love saying that.
Any who. Today was awesome. Amy and I have a new tradition. We get pizza and go on a photo adventure. I suggest joining us.
After pizza, we drove down to Atlanta and explored. We got a glimpse of Cavalia by Atlantic Station. However, we didn't see a lot of images that we would like to capture. Therefore, we ventured (or got lost rather) to Little Five Points. It was awesome. We broke our insecure fear of talking to strangers and got some awesome shots. I'm so proud of Amy! She got amazing photos of Copper John. He's a really awesome guy who makes jewelry out of copper. Awesome day.

This is Copper John

P.S. The GTC Holiday Portraits site is being fixed. The facebook is up.

Struggling Welfare Family

While browsing my photojournalism book last night, I started reading a particular photo story. It is called "Struggling Welfare Family." All I have to say is wow. I love reading intense stories about struggling families and wish I could find more ways to help them out. However, this one story just stopped me dead in my tracks. I think it's because I can actually see the story being told. It is definitely an inspiring story.

If you want to read the story I am talking about, it can be found in "Photojournalism: The Professional's Approach." It's in Chapter 11 and starts on page 254. Enjoy.

Major kudos to the author, Kari René.

Ban Reversed

While browsing PDN for some photojournalism inspiration, I found this article that just made my jaw drop. Apparently in September, the US government issued a ban on photographs of military personnel being killed in action. It seems the main reason the RC East (Regional Command East) placed this ban on photographers because of Associated Press distributing a photography of a mortally wounded American Marine in Afghanistan. However, on October 16th, the ban was reversed. PDN stated, "The change came as the Pentagon called the ban an “isolated incident” amid media scrutiny this week."
Wow. Simply, wow.

Click here for PDN article.
Image by Julie Jacobson of Associated Press
Image of Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard

Work Work Work!

Lab was just crazy. Haha. Not really. Despite the craziness (or lack of), I had a very productive day. Even though I was battling my photo for almost 4 hours, I finally finished it and printed the final version. Woo! Not only that, I got my low key assignment approved! Not bad. Well, back to the grind stone. PEACE!
Check out what may be my low key photo.

Morphing MAN

So, I was browsing around trying to find some inspiration for upcoming portraiture assignments and I found this guy.
Now, don't be fooled. This isn't really him. His name is Martin Levinne.
He is known as the "Morphing Man." No joke, this guy can really look like the people he is portraying. It's crazy. Every week, he chooses 3, I repeat 3, people to portray in pretty much full make up and create images like the one above. The images are wow. Especially for a guy who has had surgery twice, just to manipulate his face. I say dedication.
Click here for his website.

Image by Martin Levinne

Amy Blues

So, it's official. I really enjoy doing low key photo shoots. I AMY for being an awesome model and just having fun with it. I also have to thank Amanda, Nicole and Damian for their help and suggestions with my shoot. The shoot wouldn't have been as smooth and fun without their help. Wooo! I feel accomplished.

Low Key

Tomorrow is our Low Key/High Key shoot for our Advanced Portraiture class. I'm preeeetty excited. Even though my model got sick today, AMY is filling in for her. I really do appreciate it. I think tomorrow is going to be fun. I'm going with a "Blues Brothers" theme with a little twist. I'm pretty excited. Once again, THANKS AMY! Feel better Heather.

Image found here.

Ghost Tours

Yea! If Halloween is your favorite holiday, then you might enjoy this. In the Gwinnett Daily Post, there is an entire section dedicated to ghost tours. In Duluth, there is a ghost walk and paranormal investigation through on Main Street. In Norcross, there is a ghost tour that goes through the Cultural Arts and Community Center. And of course, in Historic Lawrenceville, there is a walk through the Historic Lawrenceville Cemetery. Therefore, if this intrigues you like it does me, go on one of the many ghost walks.

Click here for more info.
Image by Jonathon Phillips

Tats For Tits

Yes, it's true. Every October people all over the world help support breast cancer. Therefore, on October 25th, Magick Dragon II will be supporting the cause. They are giving pink ribbon tattoos as well as other tattoos for $20 and up. All half of the profits from the pink ribbon tattoos will go to the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer. So, even if you are not getting a tattoo, you can help support. Therefore, join me! I will have photographs from this occasion soon.

Peter's Path

Oh, not to mention after 9 hours of editing over 70 images, I finally have my images ready for Peter's Path. I definitely did not to expect it to take so long.Its weird especially with as much details and adjustments I did, I accept how long it took. So, tomorrow ,or later today rather, I will be delivering the images final. So here's a small sneak peak of what I have done. Also, check out the Peter's Path blog for more images.

Flickr

Yes, it's official. I have gotten a Flickr Account. Right now, there are a few basic images (mainly the favorites). Pretty excited to use a new site to support my photography. So enjoy!

If you click the image above, it will direct you to my Flickr.

RVCA

So one of my favorite companies is RVCA. Transcending the boundaries of traditional action sports apparel, RVCA is a design-driven lifestyle brand free from passing trends. It's a clothing company as well as a company that supports the arts. So I was browsing the site today, and I saw an amazing painting that was being done on the outside of the RVCA building. It's just amazing.
Major kudos to Mac and Retna of RVCA.

Children Portraits and Pirates

Today, we took photographs of children. Definitely a fun shoot and keeps you on your toes. I took photos of a little girl in a cowboy outfit. She was adorable and so was her brother. Great shoot. I'm really thankful that Deb was able to let me take photos of her great niece. Hopefully, I can get the shots for my photojournalism and advanced portraiture without any problems. Thanks to Deb, Taylor, Zach, Amy and Twitty.
Wish me luck tomorrow.

Best way to end the photo shoot was with this photograph.
Thanks Twitty and Cooper.
And yes, Twitty is a pirate that enjoys photography.

It's A Muddy Success!

So, Amy and I lucked out. The sun began to shine and we were able to take photographs of multiple games. Got some awesome shots and definitely learned to always pay attention. Not only that, but we were covered in mud due to rain the night before. (Sorry AMY!!) So, battling mud and watching a game of lacrosse definitely made today a great day.
Also, I learned to make sure that you should always put your memory card away. So I accidentally washed my 4 GB memory card, but I still have a bunch of photographs. Plus, I'm going out for more tomorrow. So wish me luck. Hopefully, Finch will pick something between those.

To see a close up of the muddy mess, click here.

Lacrosse

Even with the mild weather, Amy and I are still going out to take photos for our Photojournalism class. So the first assignment is to take photographs during a sports game. Therefore, Amy and I will be attending a couple lacrosse games today. I can't wait to see if we get some awesome action shots. Wish us luck!

Irving Penn

On Wednesday, Irving Penn passed away at the age of 92. I'm not really a big fan of fashion photography, but I really liked his work. I also really like how he created a set with the corner of two walls. It was just wow. The series with that was a really cool idea. Anyways, rest in peace Irving Penn. Your work will never be forgotten.

Here's the story from pdn.

Here's the story from the Wall Street Journal.

Attention Nikon Users

Amy just sent me a link to a really good deal on hot shoe adapters for Nikons. It's only $19.99 before shipping. It's not a bad deal.
Click here to navigate to the site.

If you are unable to wait, I also found that Showcase has the same adapter in stock. It's $25.99. So Nikon users have some options for finding the adapters. Hopefully, this helps everyone (well, Nikon users). Have a good weekend guys! See you Monday.
Click here to navigate to the site.

Peter's Path

Not too long after my first post, I left to go to a photo shoot at Peter's Path. It's a clothing store located in Historic Lawrenceville. It was a really good shoot. I figured out how to problem solve a lot today and also helped a store update their photos. I feel accomplished for doing as much as I did in four hours.

Juicebox

On Monday, we were asked to photograph animals for our Advanced Portraiture class. I chose Juicebox, which is Lindsay's little kitten. He's definitely adorable. Plus, he also taught me to be prepared for the constant movement. He also taught me to never look in the back of my camera, but to keep taking photographs.

I had a great shoot. I would like thank Lindsay and Juicebox for all their help!

Its only the beginning.

It's true. This is only the beginning of this blog and my second year of the Commercial Photography program. I am quite excited to see what this year and this quarter has in store. I can not wait to dive into Photojournalism, Advanced Portraiture and Multimedia II. Yeah man!