Photon Concepts

Funerals.

2010-11-19T10:02:00.000-08:00

For those of you that know me, you know I've been a Licensed Mortician for about 11-12 years now. For those of you that don't, well, now you do. I remember directing funerals as a photographer in photojournalist school, thinking about the great shots that were available. At the time, a funeral director with a giant digital SLR wouldn't have been prudent. Then one day a family that used the funeral services of a particular employer I was working for at the time, asked me to shoot their funeral. I was both slightly apprehensive and slightly excited. With my contained excitement I proceded to document the ceremony, the burial rights, and some of the family's reception with the same care as I had in my profession as a Funeral Director, yet the same curiosity for finding careful and calculated shots of opportunity as a pro photographer. The results from melding my professions together became a melody of vision in the midst of adversity. It is both a privilege and a deep sense of accomplishment to be granted the opportunity to document both the beginning and the ending of a family's history.

Yosemite and some Flypaper Testing.

2010-11-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

It was a Saturday, late morning when we made the decision to go to Yosemite National Park. It's only about five and half hours drive, but it still meant by the time we got all packed up, two cars, two families, we still wouldn't get there 'til late. We arrived at the gates at about 10 pm. Only to find that there was no camping left in the park. We pitched a tent on the pavement in some desolate parking lot in the woods nearby. In the morning we drove into the splendor of which is Yosemite. It takes about an hour to get down into "the valley" but the drive is well worth it. Half Dome is worth the price of admission by far, but seeing it from Glacier Point is just ridiculous. Its seriously as if the hand of a Deity came down and scraped through to the canyon floor a few million years ago. You can actually see the scrapes against the wall on the far left where the glacier made its way down the canyon. In the words of a friend of mine, it kind of looks like the land before time, both literally and figuratively.

From Glacier Point

Ok so back to going into the park, we ended up staying Sunday night, calling into work, and then you guessed it, staying Monday night and calling into work again on Tuesday. The place was just entirely intoxicating. And we didn't even scrape the surface. In my estimation, if you had to go one place this next summer of 2011, this is it. But make sure you get reservations, because space is limited even during the week. Let me both remind and inform you, that like Zion National Park in Utah there are people from all walks of life and from all over the planet that come to Yosemite National Park. So much so, that I'd suffice to say I heard more foreign language speakers, than American English. I'm not even kidding. It baffles me, how we have such a place on the planet and our own American people don't utilize it more. What I really mean is that I don't know that Americans get OUT enough. Meanwhile some 3.7 million people go to the park a year.

The water was so crisp and refreshing to swim in. It was easy to call in sick.

Last but not least I'd like to thank Tony Sweet for recommending the Flypaper Textures. Along with those and a few of my own other Photoshop recipes, they make for some great imagery.

Treasure Island.

2010-10-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

Out in middle of the bay up in San Francisco is a small island off the Bay Bridge called Treasure Island. I won't bore you with the history, but basically we have a little Naval Base there now along with a neat little park facing the city. When the sun's going down it makes for an gorgeous panoramic of the Bay Bridge and the sprawling city of San Francisco.

Because there were no DSLRs allowed my iPhone 4 and its Toy Camera App had to suffice. Of course once I got in there were professional cameras everywhere. This left me a little vexed but I didn't let it keep me from getting a bit creative I suppose. I'm a bit wore out from the whole weekend, and I have a lot of work to do so I'm going to just let the pictures speak for themselves on this one.

The Mau5

Coachella 2010. Better late than never.

2010-10-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to put some of these up for a while now. I was able to get my camera in because we got in with a vendor pass which basically means you walk in through the back, no lines, no questions, just move on through the gates.

I'm always blown away at the enormity of the music, art, and people these 3 day events bring. On top of the places in which they come from. You have characters from all walks of life, all ages, and from all over the planet. On your right you're meeting a guy from Eastern Europe and sharing a puff and smile, then turning to your left you might meet Prince Harry.

The opening act which in the overall view is perceived above, was a huge collaboration of DJs, water, and mid afternoon fun to get the party started. This was just one of the 4 stages and 3 tents, all playing different genres of music simultaneously. This is the second time that I've gone and I've never seen a concentrated amount of more beautiful people anywhere.

When the lights go down at night the whole park boasts a ton of artistic endeavors from 40 foot flames of fire in giant glass cylinders, huge balloons stretching 1/2 a mile into the atmosphere, harnessing zapping lighting in a bottle creating ear punching electrical shows, to beautiful light sculptures to look at with kaleidoscope eyes.

For all the musicians and artists involved, Coachella starts off the summer tour for them, they put all their resources into this show and give it everything they got. One thing's for sure, there is a reason humans come from all over the globe to come to Coachella every spring. There's nothing like it for light years away.

The Ventura Pier.

2010-10-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

In this beautiful little surf town (city) of Ventura, California, we have this pier that is a big attraction centerpiece if you will. What I mean is you can see it from the highway, and its attractive in the sense that you'd like to go there, walk out on it and view the town from the sea. Maybe see some of the natives or simply watch the sunset at the proper time of day. Its old, well the current one is new, but its been crushed by water once, I think, and also partly burnt down once too. But back in the day it was a way for getting goods to the town and it created commerce at the time. Now, being a popular spot its become a part of Ventura as a whole. You can see it from different vantage points in the city and it just juts out there into the ocean like the arm of Cape Cod - but for Ventura. At any given time of the normal day, you can eat at a restaurant at the beginning of it, or stroll out and see what the different fishermen have caught (or not caught) for the day. Its soothing in a sense... walking out catching a breeze, feeling and smelling the salt air, all without getting wet.

From a photographers standpoint, this poor pier has been done, done, done, and done again and again. At night, during the day, at sunset, people kissing, people fishing, over and over and over again.

Recently, a woman from Keller Williams Realty stopped by the gallery and asked if I had any pictures of it that I might be able to put in one of their new offices. I kindly replied that I didn't, but I'd be happy to go shoot some and share them with her. If she felt they were what she wanted the we could discuss prices. Now after emailing her I'm not sure if she's still interested, but I feel like walked away with some great photos of our great Ventura pier.

YLS & the Cowboys' Training Camp

2010-10-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

Every year since I've lived in the Ventura County area the Dallas Cowboys have been coming over to Oxnard, CA for training. I often wondered why they'd come to an obscure little city such as the Nard, but come to find out its fun for the kids and its really decent for the local economy, naturally. This is the first year I went to the camp and was given VIP treatment because of our generous contribution for the United Way's - Young Leaders Society (YLS). With our contribution two inner city youngsters got a $250 scholarship each for school. On top of all that, a handful of young leaders are there like Timur Taluy (soon to be Harbor Commissioner) and also the locally infamous Pedro Chavez, both of who are on the board for YLS. I'm not a huge fan of popular sports teams too much, however I brought along another friend, Rick Solorio who's an avid fan. Good times, good times... for good causes. Find out more about how you can become involved with YLS and the United Way in our area. Your small contributions can make a big difference.

Pedro Chavez & Timur Taluy

Quarterback Tony Romo

Rick SolorioYours Truly

Zion... Again.

2010-09-29T07:05:00.001-07:00

At this point, I've been to Zion National Park in Utah at least 6 times. I was introduced to it by a friend about 3 years ago. Where most of our national parks have their landmarks that make them so famous, for some reason Zion floats just under the radar. Its easily overlooked and most unsavvy individuals typically ask, "Zion National Wha?" Having been to several of our parks, this one really makes you appreciate that we have the National Park System that we do.

While carving your way up the canyon into the park by shuttle bus, the announcer slowly begins to take you on the journey of how it actually formed. His voice is subtle and he pauses often to really allow you to understand with your own imagination of how over the course of millions of years, at one point this was actually the bottom of the ocean as we know it. The salt and the wieght of the water slowly packed and cemented these gigantic sandstone cliffs. As the water receded it painstakingly carved out this canyon leaving a wildlife sanctuary from top to bottom like nothing else in the world. In fact in addition to the voice of the announcer, on the bus, and in the park everywhere, you'll hear languages being spoken from all over the world.

I've been to Mt. Kilamanjaro in Tanzania, I've been to the tropical beaches of Thailand, I've even spent the night and hiked the Great Wall of China. I won't say that one is better than any of others, but Zion will harness your outdoor spirit and capture your every awe.

Wedding El Mexicano.

2010-09-29T05:21:00.001-07:00

After the Marketing Bootcamp this weekend in Los Angeles, it has come to my attention that I have not been keeping up with "the blog." I'm making a statement, that I will now, and I'm looking forward to it. There are TONS of photographic content that aren't put up yet, so I'm just going to keep them coming. I've been told over and over from the "experts" that being a commercial photographer, I shouldn't put anything other than that on our blog. I'm quite aware of the "repercussions" of posting these sort of things when you are supposed to be a commercial photographer. Its safe to say, at this point, that I don't really care. If you want to know what I do for work, if you could call it that, have a look at our website... If you want to know what I do in life, so you know who you're working with, well then... stay tuned.

From time to time I must admit, I like to shoot weddings. Especially when it is for a friend. You also get to choose the amount of time you'd like to shoot, and you almost always end up with a few gems. This was for some friends of mine, Fermin & Nellie. Fermin can be wild and fun, and Nellie always seems to ground him in ways a man should be grounded. They're a wonderful couple and I wish them the very best. ;)

Personal Development.

2010-09-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

Sometime ago I was on the search for additional income for myself to sustain mounting student loan debt. After looking at a couple of different options, you know, selling drugs, marrying a foreign girl, selling my hot body and the like, I settled on a multi-level-marketing company. It seemed like the most reasonable after comparing the risks. Now I did make a few bucks at the company and I did have a little "team" that was working for/with me for about almost 10 months. During which time Photon Concepts did suffer, although as you'll soon find out, I learned a lot.

With this company, and I won't name names but it rhymed with Shmee Shmade Shmegal, there was a large commitment to go to trainings and seminars. Being there to actually make money, I dove in head first. I attended almost every training, seminar, special event, etc.

One of the many things that I walked away with from this company and its trainings once I moved on from it, was embarking on a path of personal development.

I'm paraphrasing here but I was told once...
"In order to succeed in business, you must work twice as hard on yourself as you do your business." -Jim Rohn

The only place where accomplishment comes before hard work, is in the dictionary. You must go to work on yourself, and luckily for you, its not that difficult. That multi level marketing company that I once worked with shouted just - 10 pages of a good book per day. If you think you can't handle that, or its just too much... put the book by the toilet. Its really not that difficult at all and the compounding goodness that stems from it is seriously incredible.

Embarking on that path of personal development almost 3 years ago has left me, 20-30 books smarter, more patient, more thoughtful, a better listener, better speaker, attentive to my daily work, more detail oriented, a better family man, consistently smarter on the take, a better presenter, a better friend, and a better reader, just to name a few.

Recently I attended a seminar called, Craig Duswalt's Rockstar Marketing Bootcamp in Los Angeles with a good friend of mine, photographer, author, Michael Stern. One of the stars of the 5 day seminar was famous speaker, author Brian Tracy. By the time I had gotten to a book by Brian Tracy in my path for personal development I was right where I needed to be. It was a pivotal moment and the name of that book was, Million Dollar Habits. That book single handily catapulted my understanding of what I really wanted for myself and my family both in my business and financially.

I got to meet Mr. Tracy and take a quick snapshot with him in the front of the lobby. Its kind of a shakey pic, but you get the idea. He was kind full of humility and I must admit, I've been to the Playboy Mansion and this was one of the first times being just a little starstruck. I'd love to download his brain via USB. It was really nice to meet a the guy who wrote the words that were the "cherry on top" so to speak.

Here are a couple of books I've read and I believe you should too.

Million Dollar Habits - Brian Tracy
The Slight Edge - Jeff Olson
The Success Principles - Jack Canfield
The Exceptional Presenter - Tim Koegal
4-Hour Work Week - Timothy Ferriss

Paradisus Riviera Cancun

2010-07-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

At the end of May, Karen and I went to Cancun, Mexico to see one of my closest friends marry his bride to be. It was really a memorable, magical time. We met some incredible couples that we will be forever connected to on Facebook! The resort we stayed at with everyone was top notch and gave us a great mark to meet for our own wedding. The Paradisus also has one in Costa Rica, which is where we are seriously considering having our own wedding. Stay tuned.

To Pay or Not to Pay.

2010-03-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

We've had a client that I've worked with, for about a year now, producing business cards, some fliers, banners, etc., and they've really enjoyed our work. When we worked with them last, I really took the time to streamline their look and their brand and from what I could tell at the time they appreciated that. We've also hosted some business events together and become friends, this is really great because people usually want to do business with their friends.

Recently, this particular company was in the market for some corporate portraits, but they wanted a bit more than just your average two umbrella, one-hair-light set-up. This is great because I get excited about creating some new and fresh looks for the clients' needs, to fulfill the pleasure I get in assisting them, and most importantly that I get to create useful commercial art. They thought I charged too much so because I haven't had a blog in a while so I thought I'd clear the air and educate people, new and potential clients, and some of our existing clients as well.

It seems that a key thought, that is missing sometimes, from the layman or common business owner is, what you are asking from us as commercial photographers/designers, has both an art value and also a commercial value. The thing to remember most, is that, you're using these images/designs that we create for you, to make money yourselves. So that product, however intangible as the electronic world may make it seem, is worth something.

And it is our job as professionals to educate the client on how our business works. Also, we are business owners ourselves, and at some levels carry all of the responsibilities of a business, i.e., taxes, insurance, expenses, etc. Even if we come out and do a photoshoot with no lights and an expensive camera, it counts, and it has to be billed appropriately. Over the last few years, I've learned to have a set price for the common things people DO ask for. And we don't do a ton of portraits, in fact they're not even on my website unless people ask. However I do have a price for them just in case they do. Is that price negotiable? Of course, but we do have to have a base to start from.

For example, for shooting portraits we usually start here:
$270 - For a single
$420 - For 2-3 people in a single frame
$600 - For 4-6 people in a single frame, such as a small family or group.

We can bring a studio set-up to your office, home, or a place such as a park or even the beach or a mountain. (One of the many comforts of living in SoCal.) If you're a business, with that price, you get the usage of the image for 5 years on the website of your choice, some 4x6" prints of the 4-6 pictures you choose out of the total shoot, retouching for those chosen, and a larger print such as an 8x10 or and 11x17 if you'd like. I'm easy. Heck if you want an extra print just ask me and I'll give it to you, compliments of Photon Concepts.

What we can't do is, hand over a high-res digital file unless it is paid for, for an agreed upon price. Handing over a digital file, whether its a portrait, product, landscape, etc., is digital business suicide for the future. By doing this as photographers, we are essentially handing over a copyright to that image, something that should be near and dear to the vitality of profit for your business. Copyrights can run 5 times the cost of the production of that photo.

Going to a set location in a department store and getting a photo for $40 can NEVER be compared to an individual that chooses your location, has you bringing in the lights and proper equipment, hiring an assistant if needed, using a very high-end DLSR or medium format camera, and then having you take them back for an edit and hours of potential retouching.

We cannot perform all of the above tasks for the same price as a Sears portrait and remain profitable. Where Sears, school photos, and the other department store photographs do have their purpose, (I have a TON from my childhood like most people) as a commercial photographer we can't compete with them. To be frank, we don't want to either. If a simple portrait with a nice painted backdrop is what you need, then that's what you need. Those establishments will work perfect for you. However, if you want a photograph where your personality comes through in the image, or represents a persona for your business, or you want the photos done in a place of your choosing, and you want that custom service of professional photography to come through in an image, then I'm here for you.

My end thought for commercial clients, businesses, and people that want custom pro photography, please respect us as photographers and designers and pay these individuals for our respective fields. You would expect nothing less from us. We are no longer doing this as a hobby, but as an occupation. One that is absolutely fulfilling everyday, but a job nonetheless.

What's incredibly important for photographers to know is that, if this is your hobby and you want to make a few extra bucks then by all means do it. Photography can be tons of fun and incredibly rewarding. However for those, that this "gig" is your full time job, then charge what you think you are worth for your services. Its taken you a long, long time to get here, you deserve it.

Temporary Loss of Focus.

2010-02-15T10:50:00.001-08:00

Garnica's Construction Inc.

2010-02-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

A few years back I was commissioned to design a program for Oxnard's Annual Mother's Day Mariachi Festival at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center in Oxnard, CA. Well the "program" ended up being about 48 pages from front to back. The great thing is that I had the opportunity to meet with all of the sponsors one on one, and create ad designs and photographs that really said something about their companies. One in particular, Garnica's Construction was a simple design that honestly I wasn't that thrilled about. However the owner, Jesse Garnica, also commissioned me to do their business cards at the time.

Last Friday, he called me to photograph three properties and design a proposal for him for a $4 million project. We kindly obliged. He's created some beautiful properties both private and commercial. I want to sell his portfolio with my photographs and designs. Its a simple equation really, if he gets this job because I've done mine well, Photon Concepts will have a customer for life.

Rice-A-Roni The San Francisco Treat.

2010-01-27T15:13:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas.

2009-12-28T13:14:00.001-08:00

Automotive Rig Test.

2009-10-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

For some time now, I've been using some Photoshop motion in our images to achieve results that I like. Spinning of wheels, motion blur, etc. Motion in a vehicle shows life and is almost always has some appeal, even shot terrribly. However in Photoshop you're limited to a large extent to make the motion totally believable. You really need to get dirty and put something together to put some real life into the picture. I purchased a few Manfrotto F1000 Suction cups and a couple extra super clamps to create a simple vehicle rig. The piping you can purchase at automotiverigs.com also has a sweet magnet and crimp setup but in this case and the piping is nice, but I chose a little DIY and got some aluminum piping from Lowe's. I'm pretty sure the piping from automotiverigs.com is going to be a better choice, as the piping from Lowe's ended up being a bit like a skinny noodle and its harder to keep the ride smooth with slower shutter speeds. The camera bounces around pretty badly. This shot is about 1 in 200+ pictures. We tried mounting to the back fiberglass cover over the truck bed, however it didn't seem like a shot that was as appealing.

This was of course a test and I wanted to illustrate the DIY rig so I left it in the picture. After some time in Photoshop you could obviously remove it and have a pretty nice shot. The great thing about these type of images is that they're appealing and totally marketable. Tonight we have a shoot with a nicely hooked up 350Z and on Sunday we have a REALLY nice blue R32 we're going to shoot up on Mullholland Drive off of California Highway 1 in Malibu. We'll keep you posted.

How to get Work.

2009-09-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

This entry and more like it were inspired by Peter Lombardi. Peter attended and as far as I know graduated Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA. Peter got a better education than me, in that he actually attended and completed more classes. I didn't graduate, but that's a blog for another day. He's managed to find himself assisting in Los Angeles, where as I've heard through the grapevine, so many photographers get caught. The money's good, you're around creativity and you're learning. However you can get worn out from 14 hour days and forget that you're busy building someones photography career. (Hint: Its not yours.)

For some silly reason I think (myself included at some point in the past) that individuals pursuing a career in photography or design, think that the work fairy just appears one day or that there is some well kept secret. (another HINT: there isn't a work fairy or a big secret)

To make it in the photography/design freelance world, in my experience thus far, mostly you just have to be persistent, relentless, and CONSISTENT with everything you do pertaining to where you want to go with your photography. I realize that was a bit of a run-on sentence, but I really just wanted to get my point across to you. Maybe you have a great little portfolio, but you haven't shot/designed anything in awhile. Or at least you haven't posted anything in a while. If you have a job right now, this is going to require 2-3 hours PER NIGHT of your time after work... for potentially 2-3 years before things really start rolling. Even then, there are no guarantees. If you know you don't suck, then its time to fly. No offense but there are some dreamers out there, that really just aren't that good.

You can be the a great photographer and not know how to market yourself and waste talent. There is nothing worse than wasted talent. You can be a snapshot artist but a great business man/woman and make millions.

You need to be right between the two. Do NOT WASTE YOUR TALENT. You have it, you enjoy it, and if you're not working at it EVERY day then you're wasting it. And I don't mean shooting everyday (shoot often of course) I mean, searching for ways to be SEEN.

If you don't have a current business card this is the most important. You should be giving out at least 2 cards a day at EVERY opportunity that you see where your talents can be used. How many times have you been asked for a card and didn't have one?

Create a blog. (pimp the shit out of it on every social networking site) Creatives lately I've heard are looking to see how you see, the blog is the new website 2.0. Moreover you're inspiring others to create new work, its a great way to give back and its great creative karma. Artists are slightly narcissistic. We want some recognition. If you're an "artist" and you choose hold on to your art, and you want to make a living doing it, you have to be willing showcase it.

Update your website, you know it needs to be done. Don't have more than one photo from a shoot. Ask for another qualified person's opinion. Your Aunty doesn't count. She loves all your shit.

Set up a new shoot or three. Once you have one, it starts to get addicting to update with new images. Put the production images or anything like that in your blog. Since we're in a "recession" you have a ton of time to do self promo/personal work. PDN's (Photo District News) when questioning professionals, as to what they were doing in the "recession", their answer was spending time streamlining portfolios, their look, creating a blog, and shooting tons of personal work.

Brand yourself. This is probably most important and should be in the number one spot. But it comes with time. Your website should match your blog, should match your business card should match EVERYTHING that goes out of your office. Down to the label on the DVD of images you give to a client. You're a professional, act accordingly. Even the Golden Arches took years and years to serve 90 billion hamburgers.

Start using "normal" job money and invest it in your photography/design company. Skip the new pair of shoes and create a promo card and send it out. Pay for a user friendly up datable website like Livebooks or Sitewelder.

Utilize Professional Photography Profile websites. These are KEY. Even if you're not getting work from them, you're still putting it out there. There is a list below.

Craigslist. This is a necessary evil. There are so many people scrambling for the crumbs of work on this site. But really, I've wrangled in a few really nice jobs from it, as well as some great personal work.

For your first logo save some money and come up with some designs yourself that work for you. They don't have to be perfect right away. Your brand and logo, everything for that matter, evolves into itself. My logo now is not the same as it was 4 years ago. It is the one I feel most comfortable with though.

Last and not least is LET NOTHING STAND IN YOUR WAY. Nothing. If you have a partner that does not support what you do, they're fired. Student loans? Take care of them later when you're making more money, you're never going to pay them off anyway. Parents, dogs, cats, rats, pelicans, NOTHING. KIDS! Oh man this is the biggest excuse for people getting a grinding job and not pursuing a creative career. Don't you want to inspire your children to be what they want in life?? Kids are part of your life, don't use them as an excuse, put a picture of them by your desk and use them to inspire you! You are on a mission to become the best photographer/artist you can be. Perhaps you've paid a lot for an education pertaining to the field you wish to be in. It WILL NOT just come to you. You are essentially trying to become a ROCKSTAR, if I had a dime for every person that said it was impossible I would not have a career in photography, I'd have a career in money management.

You need to think, eat, sleep, breathe creativity in the beginning. Only now after 4-5 years of REALLY wanting to become a photographer have I been able to rest just a little bit. Metaphorically speaking, I have bigger hills I want to climb, my hill might not be as steep, but my pack is SO much heavier. The bigger my company gets and I want it to be, the bigger my costs get. That is just the nature of the beast. Once you tame the beast just a bit, its beyond a feeling of bliss, but the beast gets pissed you have to get stronger or beat. YOU WILL NOT BE BEAT.

The more profiles you have online, and the more places you are involved with, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Websites, the easier it is for the Googles, Yahoos, Bings, Leapfishes and other search engines to find you. Here's a couple that at reasonable in cost, but if you want to play with the big dogs then you have to pay. I'm not sure, but I'm almost positive there isn't any site that's FREE and you're going to get QUALITY work from. There may be some, but believe me, Saatchi and Saatchi creatives are not looking there for you.

Profile sites, these sites get thousands of hits a day looking for people like you:
www.altpick.com
www.workbook.com
www.photoserve.com
www.photographers.com

Companies that have databases of creatives looking for you:
www.agencyaccess.com
www.adbase.com

A great freelance site I haven't been on in a while but is great:
www.freelanceswitch.com

I know its not much but I feel good just getting this out there. Writing this has been as therapeutic for me as I hope it has been for you to read it.

MC Construction Advisors.

2009-09-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a new business card, for MC Construction Advisors, we recently designed. MC just happens to be my soon-to-be brother-in-law, Miguel Cortes. In my eyes a business card has to be something that the receiver won't throw away. Also it has to be a conversation piece. You have about 30 seconds at a mixer or an event to make and impact in someone's mind, you might as well start with your business card. Its like a mini-flier! I feel like it can make a HUGE difference. Again we go with standard size business card, but the round corners have been more of our signature move. On this one though as opposed to the Quirk Law Firm cards, we're going to have a UV coating on the front to really make the gradients in the logo shine. The backside will be matte finish like a piece of wood. Miguel loved them and they're going to be a great way for him to obtain new business and side jobs. He just built my office, so its the least we could do!

Quirk Law Firm, LLP

2009-09-11T12:26:00.001-07:00

Photon Concepts was, if you've read or seen our work before, based on the premise of building and branding businesses through pictures and designs. It started because I love advertising, and I love making pictures. But more importantly, I love putting words and phrases to pictures and designs. Thus the name is truly, Photon Concepts - Photography & Ad Design. We like the idea of acting like a boutique style advertising agency. After all we're in a smaller community, but we're growing pretty well and we really love to share what it is we do. We were commissioned by one of the brothers of Quirk Law Firm, LLP in Ventura, California, Logan Quirk, to revamp their image for an upcoming business expo they have at the Ventura Fairgrounds. We were much obliged. We were told Green is a must (they're Irish go figure) and the "Q" is something they really want to stick in the minds of potential clients.
New Business Cards with round corners, matte finish, 16pt thick card stock... front & back.

4x9" flyer front - these are handouts while they will be tending to their booth...

4x9" flyer back

Below is the 6'x3' Banner for top of the booth at the Business Expo. You want to make a statement when people first browse your booth, like a billboard. "Quirk will make it work" has been their motto... but in advertising as you know, its all about the customer. Adding "for you" at the end really makes the reader feel a bit of personalization in our opinion.

Beautiful design comes in odd numbers in our opinion as well... These two vertical banners below, for a total of three, really bring the whole presentation together. They tell a bit more info of how Quirk will make it work for you. They're clean and not to busy, sweet and to the point. Two vertical banners Left & Right side 79x31" both with collapsing stands, these look real nice and have a great professional presentation for any business doing a booth at an expo. They're also really incredibly priced.

Ahhh Venice.

2009-09-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

A Little Diddy. About Aaron and Liana.

2009-09-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, engagement shoots! No wonder why photographers flow to these love sessions. I barely ever do them, but when I do, I get nervous because I don't want to screw up some one's day with bad pictures. But in this case as with many we killed it. Of course these are some of my favorites, although I did get the money shots, kissing, ring on finger, smiles, etc... some of these are ones that the bride and groom to be would probably call outtakes... This guy's incredible, we found each other over the web through friends and colleagues. Really, really great guy. I think my girlfriend wanted to marry him after she saw their pictures. He hired a helicopter, took Liana to wine and cheese on a mountain top somewhere and then over to Santa Barbara airport. A friend picked them up and they went to a balcony where she used to live on the UCSB campus in Isla Vista, where they first met.

Meanwhile I'm in the neighbor's yard with the videographer, Ryan, and we're (also three drunk college kids, one of which wants me to pay him a $20 or some more beer) shooting through the fence paparazzi style so Liana didn't see us.

Aaron popped the question she says yes and they all lived happily ever after. Super super fun couple. Hopefully we'll do their wedding for them too. The END. :)

Palm Springs.

2009-08-30T00:38:00.001-07:00

Ventura County Fairgrounds.

2009-08-17T17:35:00.001-07:00

Carnies.

2009-08-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

The New Cam.

2009-07-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

Just got a new 5D Mark II and I'm stoked to say the least. The HD video I haven't even messed with yet, but its in the works. It was listed in the stores with an extra battery, which I was told "are rarer than hen's teeth" for about $3055. We got it brand new in the box (not opened yet) for $2700. So we saved ourselves the tax and got an extra battery taboot! Gotta love Craigslist. I got it Friday and I shot a children's birthday party, then the beach the next day with my 580 flash. I'm LOVIN' it. The dynamic range is light years from my original 1Ds. Business has been good to say the least and its nice to have a new paintbrush to work with. This and the image above are my favorite from the weekend.

It was Jordan's Birthday...

There is a metaphor here... *hint* I was as excited to shoot this new camera as this child is eating this cake.

Spider man was SO wasted on A&W...

Pinata's

You've Got Mail.

2009-07-17T09:56:00.001-07:00

When we send out E-Promos like the ones from our "Come Create With Us" campaign (listed a few posts below) through Agency Access, we can track who opened our emails, as well as the individuals or Art Buyers that have clicked and gone to our site. On top of sending them a friendly, personal follow-up email, these babies will be sent to the "clickers" personally. A good friend of mine didn't quite like the "bleed" of the company name into the image, but I obviously did, so I kept it.

Originally I had the three image thumbs down on the lower left of the green half, so I could write a little personal note to the receiver in the green, but I opted to have them larger (to show off the work) and in the middle. Putting a line in the middle of the right hand side means the address label and stamp go in the top, and I can write a little note on the bottom square just below the line and just above our company name.

The front of the card will be UV coated, which I'm particularly against, but in this case it makes the 16pt thick paper feel thicker. Which hopefully screams quality. The back will not be UV coated though, so we can write in a pen or felt tip for a more personal feel. We also opted for round corners and printing on a 6x6" square to really make them stand out. Apparently Art Buyers get a bazillion of these a day and about 99% of them go to the round file cabinet. Its a simple design, not to busy, and usually "simple" stands out. Lets hope they do in this case. This is the first in a series of 3 that will be formatted this way. I will post the rest as we make them.

I've Done Better.

2009-07-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

Photo a Day. -July 6 & 7

2009-07-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Ok ok... so it hasn't been quite "A Photo A Day". But hey I'm trying. Here's a couple from yesterday at the beach.. with my little man, Isaac. Monday and Tuesday I really just didn't have the hootspa to do anything. The Beach is at the end of the street and believe it or not we rarely take advantage of it. Seemed like the thing to do.

Photo a Day. -July 4 & 5

2009-07-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

Seriously I wasn't going to post on the 4th... too much work! Yesterday I forgot again but pretty much I was resting my brain... (much needed). On the 4th though I went on a hike with my lady, her friend and my dog, which to my despair I almost killed the poor thing. She has blisters on every paw and one of her pads, in the center, got a bit ripped off. She's limping around like an old lady. For a boxer/pit she sure is a big wimp. It was only 5.5 miles round trip for Christ sakes. So I thought I'd post 2 images from the hike to make up for my lack of photos on my Photo-a-day. We could call it 2 photos every 2 days...

The hike is pretty vigorous, definitely not for children or the weak at heart. It was a pretty daunting 98 degrees, up hill both ways as they say. You get down into this Canyon where during the spring there's an amazing 14 foot natural water slide into a beautiful swimming hole. This time of year though its all dried up and terrible arid. There were a few small pools where some snakes, a lonely turtle, and some polliwogs chill in the moss, but other than that its quite dry.

If you look over to the Far left, the tallest peak is "The General", and all the little ones across, are the soldiers. Or at least that's what I call it. Use your imagination.

This is an old iron gate about where you park and walk in.

Photo a Day. -July 3

2009-07-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

This is #3 on my photo-a-day month... I do have one for July 2, but it'll probably be a studio shot because I was pretty much there all day. Will post it later. This one however is a picture of singer/songwriter Anthony Miller or "AM" as he goes by. It was of course taken on the trusty iPhone. Karen and I saw him play last night with his band and I picked up a CD as well. He and his band were actually pretty great. I have to say though, that there is just something about music that I've been missing lately that just needs more. And by more I mean like to really let out what's pent up inside with your instrument... it seemed like just when they got rolling they finished. I've found that with several bands I listen to lately, they don't just let it ROCK out. I dunno.

Photo a Day. -July 1

2009-07-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd start a photo-a-day when I passed a worker in this field. Sometimes I get caught up in just shooting for money that I forget the real reason I shoot. Because I just love it. I love the sound of that shutter.

Interview with a Photographer.

2009-06-23T08:33:00.001-07:00

Hey! What's up, holy moly. I was interviewed recently by and Artist website called Jitzul.com. The girl that interviewed me was Alicia, she extremely well spoken and definitely asked all the right questions I thought. Actually I thought I talked a little too much but hey I'm a quarter Italian what can I say. Apparently she found us on photographers.com where for the most part we're always on the first page. Its a bit of a long interview about 30 minutes, so just work away and let it play in the background if your going to listen.

Yesterday I was chatting up my uncle, William F. Duffy. He's a world renowned sculptor in his class and he's carved everything from bronze, granite to white Italian marble. His works can be found literally from here to China. I've been to his studio in Baltimore, Maryland and he's just an incredible inspiration to me. I'm really stoked he called me yesterday to talk about art, politics and a possible new client for me largeart.com. They're located in LA and need their large statues archived so hopefully we'll be able to hook them up.

Also if you have the time have a look at this guy for Automotive Photography, yes his name is Michael Moore. Not the one you're thinking of though. We're photographing a sweet Volkswagon R32 this weekend, will post!

The "Why" of Social Media. (Repost from LinkedIn)

2009-06-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome little blip about the reasons for Social Media in our generation. The gentleman who posted it to LinkedIn, Kyle Blades and his company Rebel, apparently do a ton of research in the evolution of what consumers want. I found it to be extremely upbeat and lifting.

The "why" of social media

For those of you that are sick of hearing me talk, here is what some other people have said about the power of social media:

Social media is not a fad. It is not going away. It is not just for teenagers. It is fundamentally re-engineering the way we communicate with consumers, with each other and the way we promote and sell our goods and services. If you are not making this a part of your business and marketing plan, know that your competitors are. The social media train is picking up steam. If you don’t get on board, you’ll be left at the station. (Chuck Schuele)

Social media is transforming marketing as we know it. Marketers should first of all listen or read what consumers are saying about their brand within these social networks before doing anything. They’re powerful communication tools and are becoming an essential part of successful marketing strategies. (Geri Weiland)

I use social media for networking and to reach additional groups of people that I may not otherwise have access to (those that are located in different states, etc). (Steffany Caputo)

I first got onto it out of necessity, as social media has become normal business practice. I’ve found that LinkedIn has allowed penetration into areas I would not have had otherwise. (Sue Rhodes)

If I don’t, I feel left out. (Scott S. Seroka)

I think it gives power to readers/audiences. They can come together and form communities either in support or against of anything. (Nitin Walia)

From a business, brand and internal alignment point of view, I/we use social media for relevance. Relevance for demonstrating truth behind a value proposition, relevance in demonstrating thought leadership, relevance in promoting/creating relationships and community interaction. (Lou Thurmon)

I have been using LinkedIn first and foremost to get connected and build a business network outside my physical area and secondly to use it to take the pulse of what is going on in with businesses–basically to see what the predominate thinking is on sales, marketing and the state of business these days. (Holly Rotman-Zaid)

Inbound marketing. From a business perspective, devoting a percentage of the marketing plan to allow for your audience to come to you, instead of you going to them. (Pete Iacovazzi)

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who put effort into describing why they choose social media.

-Kyle Blades

Agency Access.

2009-06-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

Last year, I used this company to get in on some higher end clientele. It worked to some extent, but my subscription ended in January or February. Those were tougher months for us here and when things started looking up I jumped on the bandwagon of Photoserve.com, Photographers.com, and spent some monies elsewhere. Yesterday I joined Altpick.com and also took the time to rejoin in the fun of being able to get ACCESS to all the big wigs up at Saatchi & Saatchi for example with the service of Agency Access. So basically you build lists based on what you want to shoot. If you want to shoot Automotive Editorials, they'll have a list of the editor's emails for every vehicle magazine know to man. You purchase a region area with individuals, ad agencies, magazines, manufacturers, that are looking for the services of a photographer or artist. You also purchase an amount of emails say like 12,000. Meaning if I send out an e-flier/email to 600 agencies I can send those out 24 times. They also have the printing of postcards and mailers and so forth as well. Now, when you get this list you MUST come up with something catchy to send in your email blasts for your embedded e-flier. The idea is, say I'm an Art Buyer for a large Ad Agency sifting through TONS of photographers from all over the country, never mind the world, and I'm getting emails from a hundred everyday. So the Photographer that is emailing me THROUGH Agency Access (along with a hundred others that day) has to have a catchy "ad" and subject line to get my attention or else you get the old delete button. Its quite insane actually. Here's my three that I'm starting out with and scheduling today for the next four weeks or so. I'm going to tell them what I want them to do. And that's to "Come Create With Us." Enjoy.

Karen.

2009-06-19T14:53:00.001-07:00

She's my Queen and I am her King. She totally rocks. Its great to be in love with your best friend as well.

A Tale of Two Photographers. (take two)

2009-06-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

Part of posting these chats is, that you think, "Oh man, what is this going to do for my career." And my thought on that is, it will do incredible things! C'mon, not everyone is perfect or writes perfectly, or THINKS of everything in great taste... However its FUNNY at the time. I mean seriously, do you think that Dane Cook (as an artist) thinks twice about the jargon he's running on stage? Of course he doesn't, the better he makes it the more YOU laugh and the more success he has in his career. I'm sure he's a funny guy outside of his stand-up and movies, but I'm sure he's not running around chasing girls with his willy and talking about masterbation either. When you have two good friends with great chemistry and the atmosphere is full of laughs, shouldn't you SHARE that with someone? Otherwise it ends up in email box somewhere in cyberland. I say screw that. I want to show you I'm REAL. I think you can see from my work, I take it seriously and where I wouldn't post this stuff to my website, I think the BLOG is the website 2.0. made to let you understand that we as people can maybe be artists in every sense of the word.

I've changed my friend's company and name to keep it real for him. Just know he's a badass, just published a book and works for a major journalism publication.

11:36 AM Bob: "energy flows where attention goes" thats why I jerk off

me: lolol

11:37 AM no video chat with you??

11:38 AM Bob: haha, no... we just moved to a new building (its so fuckin dope by the way, posh, very posh... Greenwhich Village area) but I am closer to my boss and co workers so I can't be bustin a vid chat! haha

11:39 AM me: Ahhh

They upgrade the building

but can't pay the Bob huh?

Vanity Fare! spits

pa tooey

Bob: ? I get paid?

me: I meant keeping you

lol

11:41 AM Bob: oh, well hopefully they will... my tombstone isn't engraved just yet there's still the fleeting chance. Plus, they set aside money for this building like 3 years ago but yeah WTF come on... hire a Bob today and you won't regret a single day... well unless you come drinkin with me!

11:42 AM me: right!

11:43 AM Just put 750 labels on postcards

eeeeee

Shoulda paid a monkey to do it

11:45 AM Bob: like Chabot? he climbs things and slings feces

me: I heard he got a tree in the tooth once

11:46 AM Picture this

You're over there at Vanity Fare editing away with headphones on, impervious to your boss standing behind you

Meanwhile we're having a video chat and a game of charades

11:47 AM Bob: holy shit... I just turned around to make sure

me: and I'm dancing around like a spider monkey

That would be right out of a comedy

Bob: and I am laughing and clapping

me: lolololol

Bob: hahaaa

clapping LOL!

me: Making seal noises

aru!

ARU!

AURU!

Clapping

clapping

11:48 AM The funny thing

is I'm laughing and clapping right now

from that

Shit.

Bob: hahaa

me: That's funny

Bob: right

me: ooooo

Bob: until it really happens

me: right again!

Bob: and I wouldn't put it past us

11:49 AM me: yeah me niether

"There was a time son,"

11:50 AM when you father worked for Vanity Fare in NYC

Bob: and he got fired

cuz ....

me: But your Uncle Peter Came on a video chat

Bob: hahahaa

me: "What's a video chat?"

It was before holograms son

Bob: hahaha!

me: "Oh"

11:51 AM Bob: hey, what did you type on Brando's facebook page

me: Why?

Was he pissed?

I wrote

Bob: no, he told me to check out his page.. but I couldn't right away and then when I got the chance nothin was there

11:52 AM me: That I was coming down to see him this Friday

or Saturday

and that he should just order the Coke

NOT the hookers

Because the recession was killing me

lololol

Bob: Peter.... hahahaa :(

are you still goin down

11:53 AM me: I think he's out

but I am as soon as he's back for sure

Bob: out where?

me: I wanna shoot his Audi

Bob: Catalina?

me: Oh who knows probable

They're D-Bags to him sometimes

11:54 AM We talked about it last time he was here

11:55 AM Bob: yeah, its hard when you have so many ideas and the big companies move like Gian Sloth's

11:56 AM me: Ok buddy

I'm going to shoot a new

Cadillac CTS up in Santa Barbara

Life's tough

lol

Bob: right

haha

me: I move like

a mongoose

No sloths here

Bob: or a bunny rabbit that just had an enima

but thats good

lol

11:57 AM me: Gonna have a sweet portfoloi peice

HEY!

Check this

Bob: hahaha

me: This guys is going to mentor me

Bob: God?

me: www.khulsey.com

He does illustrations

for all the big car cos

11:58 AM but he's going to show me how to get some great effects from my images in Photoshop

Bob: shweet

me: Oh he's nasty

Check him out

I have to pay him

Bob: yeah, that industry is so much photoshop reliant

these days

me: but he's the shiz

Bob: cool

maybe if you sleep with him he will show you a few more tricks or two. LOL

11:59 AM LOL!!!!

me: Like trick pony

Bob: just joshin yuh

yeah

sure

ok dude

been slackin at work to long now

gotta jetta 2. slow outta here

me: ok

bye

Bob: adios

A Tale of Two Photographers.

2009-06-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

I just thought that the chats that you get into while working sometimes are hilarious. This thought came to me last night and I copied and pasted to share in the funniestness. Maybe you'll find it funny, maybe you won't. I know we're having fun. He's currently an editor at a major publication on the moon.

10:34 AM Bob: you are somethin else Duffy

me: why?

10:35 AM Bob: hahaa, just jokin

me: oh

I was like

WHATDIDIDO?

Bob: hahaa, guilty kid

me: I nose

See the new port piece?

Bob: I sent you an email just about a minute

ago

10:36 AM me: #1 on the website

check it.

Bob: port piece? oh ok I am checkin it now

me: http://www.photonconcepts.com/index-slides.html?gallery=transport

10:37 AM Bob: yeah, very nice

me: mmmm

Bob: car looks clean

but I got an idea

me: Its brand new

uh?

idears?

Bob: that branch in the frame

me: go for it

yes?

10:38 AM Bob: it would be cool if branches were all around the car and it felt like you were catching a glimpse of rare unseen car like a forrest fairy... HAHAHAA!!! but seriously.,, hahaa you know what I am saying?

me: I do

10:39 AM Bob: like this majestic car/unicorn

me: but yeah no

Bob: hnhahaaa

me: lol

I wonder if this woman for the
3 day wedding event

has more money than brains

lol

Bob: but for real it could be kinda cool... "Introducing the new 4 wheel drive __ the only one like it in its class

10:40 AM yeah

me: Drivin by fairies

yes I get it

Talked to Brandon for awhile yesterday

Bob: hahahaa or San Franciscans or Cyboks... wait he has a bike... fairy

me: hahahahahahha

Bob: whats Brando up to

me: She could just hire a photobooth

10:41 AM or HIRE me to be there with a custom photobooth

Bob: yeah

right

I mean it sounds like there is some cash there

serious cash

me: Should I call her?

or email

10:42 AMBob: eh, think it through and then if you want to do it I would call

10:43 AM cuz when there's this much money there's usually bitches and fussy people so they may ask a lot of you but if the cash is right I would think about it. Maybe get a second shooter... a decent second shooter and both of you run the show

me: I can build a photobooth

no problem

small and nice

10:44 AM covered with whatever color

she has for the wedding

whatdya think

Bob: C stands or light stands w/ curtains pop a 50mm at 2.2 and you got a photobooth... oh straight on flash

me: right

Bob: right?

right

me: right

Bob: right

hahahaa

10:45 AM me: tight!

Bob: hahaaa

10:46 AM whats Brando up to?

me: redcheese.com

photobooth

10:48 AM Bob: word, where are they located

me: dunno

la maybe

Bob: col

cool

me: I love the word "dunno"

Bob: right

me: its funny and effective

Bob: I dig

hahaha

so whats brandon's deal dude

me: Like, "Duh... dunno"

Bob: hahahaa

10:49 AM me: He's good

Bob: lol

me: just working

Dylan: you goin down or he comin up..., lol

me: I was going to visit hime this weekend

Bob: wait

me: but he's Chief No-Cash

Got his car towed

$350

Bob: wha?

wow

me: Yeha

right

Shite'

6 minutes

10:55 AM me: NOT GOOD FOR BLOG10:56 AM http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/06/100-portraits-of-iconic-people-of-all-time/

10:59 AM Gonna buy a bike soon

Road bike

11:00 AM Bicycle if you will

28 minutes

11:28 AM me: Hey you there

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/bik/1213963542.html

what do you think of this?

Lunar Eclipse.

2009-06-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

This was a Lunar Eclipse on the day the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004. Kinda neat. It was right about the time I knew I wanted photography to be something great in my life.

Retouch, take two.

2009-06-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Since this photog kind of gave me a bit of constructive criticism, and I haven't in awhile, I felt the need for a new post. She's right though, Halos in HDR reek of bad HDR. In my defense on the final image, (its #3 at that link) it was cropped so that the trees were out, and the skyline, though minimal was cropped out of the final image as well. I really just put those up to show the difference in an image out-of-camera and one that had been really retouched. The fact is on large automotive photography shoots, there is almost always a professional retoucher there as soon as the image is taken on a tether from camera to computer. We are still in the minor leagues, however I feel like we're getting there. I actually enjoy massaging and kneading the image until the final result. I feel like it is as much of the final look of the image as the photography is. Here's another from yesterday to illustrate my point, it took most of the day to do and I'm really pleased with the results.

Before

After

The Retouch.

2009-05-27T09:59:00.001-07:00

I know when I first saw an image in a magazine of a car or product, I simple thought, "Oh, nice picture." I also know that when you make something LOOK easy, to a client they think the same. Until I REALLY understood what went into creating a masterpiece or a portfolio piece. It requires a sophisticated attention to detail, the eye of a hawk and the skills that (I know now) can only be acquired over time. When you see a guy like this or like this, you know it takes years and years of the acquisition of that knowledge. You have to know though, within a shadow of a doubt and believe that you too can acquire such knowledge over time. I was terribly frustrated with myself and skills 4 years ago, and now I still know that I know nothing. It is a growth like success, its a process of knowledge that can't be forced, just nurtured and massaged into place. You have to start somewhere and where you'll end up is completely up to you. It takes time. However as you see yourself grow and get better at your craft, there is NOTHING more gratifying. I'm going to check out a location in Santa Barbara to shoot a 2009 Toyota Landcruiser next week. I can't wait.

This is the image that my camera captured.

This is 3 hours of digital retouching and post-production.

Opinions.

2009-05-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you get caught up in your own image. Give us your opinion. Karen says no fog, I say yes to the fog. What do you say? I like the light shining through on the bottom, like maybe you just opened the doors and it kind of rolled in. Any comments are welcome. For a larger look at the photos give them a click.

Portraiture.

2009-05-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

For a while now, I obviously am, and want to be a product, food, more particularly, automotive photographer. However, every now and then I'm asked to do a portrait and usually its for a friend. So I can't necessarily turn it down, one for the friendship, two I'm NOT a superstar automotive photographer yet, or at least as far as I want to be, and three, anyone could use $400 in this seemingly slow economy. So the only right thing to do is the portrait. And sometimes, you get something that just completely surprises yourself as well as a happy client. More and more, I like doing portraits from time to time. I like the editing process after and what it takes to get one that really stands out from others that are out there. I used to wonder HOW these other photographers we obtaining that "look" from the pixels. I knew it wasn't just lighting, I KNEW it had to be digital technique as well... What I didn't know, is that eventually I would get it and really push my skills and knowledge of Photoshop as well as a few programs in my secret arsenal. Ok, they're not so secret, I've talked about them before, but it does take technique and time to work through an image. About an hour or so actually. In Ventura, California in May it is extremely overcast for a month or so. We call it "May Gray" and "June Gloom". You can either sink or swim in this kind of light. These are done with one soft box umbrella with a Canon 580ex flash. Reyna (the woman in the picture) is a repeat client. This is her second pregnancy and she wanted one with her family this time for the Baby Shower invitations. She thinks we nailed it right on the head. The quality of light of the Marine Layer coupled with the soft box is beautiful. Who thought I would ever like May Gray. :)

Outtakes!

To Design or NOT to Design.

2009-04-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

I think as a working photographer... especially in the digital realm, you NEED to be somewhat versatile in how you actually go about feeding your family. I mean, I work as a photographer. GREAT. Now sometimes I need to fill time with something that's making me a bit of dough. Something to maybe change it up a bit. So, sometimes I design. That's what I call my little company, Photon Concepts, Photography & Ad Design. Why? Well really I like putting words to my pictures. This was for a regular client of mine. They wanted to show the new manager on the right, teamed up with the owner on the left. Ron (right) had a family restaurant that closed down a year or so before the ad came out... Tom (left) loved eating there and owns Tomas Cafe. So he hired him. They needed a small town feel, so I gave it to them.

I did this for a little start up organization at the end of last year. Good stuff. They loved it. It also ran in the newspaper for 3 months. It was the obituary section, but who's counting??

Now granted, everything you see there as far as imagery goes it is simply stock photos. I didn't shoot them, I could have, but to keep costs low I have to sometimes do whats best for the customer. Also if I go too high and then some other Jamoke will just use stock and take my client. In some cases you just have to get yourself out of the way and take what you can get. Diapers cost money. So does raising the money to advertise yourself as a professional photographer in bigger and better industry standard avenues such as, agencyaccess.com, photographers.com, or even PDN's photoserve.com. I made $3500 from that silly little ad. That's alot of great advertising for my business. IT ALSO allows me the time to work on portfolio pieces to award myself bigger and better jobs. Like this.

That image took me 3 hours to finish. Had I not done some Design Work to make a bit of money I might have not been able to take the time to do that at 9 in the morning on a Wednesday. Its nice, refreshing, and I literally went on vacation the next day to Miami, (more on this later) knowing that I had another great photo in my bag of tricks.
So what am I trying to say here?? Love, love, love, what you do. However don't be so crazy to think you shouldn't dabble in a bit something that makes you a bit of money and time, from time to time... "I don't design... I'm a photographer." Oh well great buddy, cause you're broke. Use ALL your skills. Robert loves his business card. He had 1000 of them 2 months ago. He just ordered 1000 more and took Karen and I to dinner last night. These had round corners by the way.

Design a logo, and a business card for a friend. Are you telling me that you are too cool to design business card?? I designed these today, with they're existing logo and it prompted me to mention to the company, I'd do corporate portraits for the whole office for a lower cost. She's a pretty lady, but this portrait done by someone else is dated and won't match the other four people they ordered with me.

Getting to the top takes everything you got. Make it Happen. We're not there yet, but we will be soon.

"For what its worth, its never too late, to be whoever you want to be. Theres no time limit... start whenever you want... you can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things that you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life that youre proud of and if you find that youre not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again." - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The East Coast. It's Kinda Like A Vacation But Not Really.

2009-03-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

The reason for the title is that it is seemingly true everytime I come here. I never REALLY get to relax. Its a rat race of seeing relatives and friends all in a 8 day period. Karen and I hit 5 states. My professional photography career has grown to an actual career. Real clients, real second photographers, real deadlines, real photography. Sometimes "Blue-Collar Photography" sometimes real creative stuff... always good though and always for the betterment of business. I sometimes struggle on whether or not I should talk personally on this blog or should I keep it for photographers and the challenges of, or the creation of the craft. In this case, I'm going personal.
The reason for this is, that it is real, the story happened for a picture and I might have a bone to pick by the end of the post. No, I will, so keep reading.

The plane ride was great... met some interesting people and I'm traveling with Karen... its a first for us to be traveling together, so its real nice. My uncle Billy says if you can travel with a girl and not kill eachother... you probably have a good thing going. Karen's a peach.
I will cut to the chase... we rented a Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2009, brand new. When I mean new, I mean this SUV had just 4 miles on it. Yes, 4... 4-4-4-4. 4. New. I liked it alot. We picked it up in Connecticut at Dollar Rent-A-Car from an old aquaintence of mine, Ellen. She gave us a great deal, and when we got in the car, I thought, straight up, this was phatty boombalatti.
Wood grain interior, olive green in color and two tone dark grey and creme colored inside. Two toned seats, gated tip-tronic shifting, dual climate control (Karen loves this, she likes it hot, I like it cold), 4.7Litre V8 engine with plenty of power, All-Time 4WD with 4-low option if needed, Sirius Satellite Radio to keep you laughing, and a navigation screen with a camera when you throw it in reverse for vision. I mean really, really nice SUV. Must be running in the 35-42k range, just a guess. It also says "trail-rated" whatever the hell that means. I've rented these throughout the years for Phish concerts and various weekends out and this one just took the cake.
So we Jam up to see my brother Patrick in Bangor, ME... if you haven't been up here.. nice and not to be mean, just spare yourself. I love my brother but that place blows. I don't want to be a Negative Nelly but seriously, wow. We left for Portland further south of there as soon as we took my brother to a movie and dinner. It was real nice to see him. He's a bit mentally handicapped and lives in a group home up there with some really amazing people that take great care of him. I sigh relief but can't help feel a bit guilty living the life out in California. Back to the Jeep. We stay in a nice place in Portland, ME, The Regency Hotel in the Old Port section... beautiful place.

In the morning after walking around the shops, (not too many were open its kind of an off season) Karen and I headed West on the Route 25 towards New Hampshire, to the White Mountains I knew so well as a child. Lots of little towns along the way and trading posts and gas stations with local beef jerky and mud, sand, dirt and grime. Karen snoozed off and I passed a logging road going about 45 miles per hour... I had been thinking this Jeep's so nice I really wanted a sweet HDR shot for my portfolio... its new, we're going to some great country and I was sure to find a location. And Wawawoii here it was. As I pulled off the pavement and started through the ruts, the jeep bottomed out a bit and mind you it was raining so it was at least a foot and a half of mud and ruts... I kept thinking to myself, "nice mud and a detailed HDR shot... this is going to be sweet." Karen of course woke up in the ruckus and asked me sleepily what the hell I was doing... I didn't beat on the thing or push it hard.. I stepped on it a bit to get through... got up to the top of the hill were a couple of hardworking guys were standing there wondering who the moron was with the $40k SUV driving up their logging road. I got out in a button down with a sweater.. I must have looked real rugged and held up my big 1DS with a smile, "just wanted to take a picture," I muttered. I felt like a bonehead. Whatever I thought, "I'm a professional." I took my shots, kicked my feet off and got back in. Karen gave me a look and I turned the Jeep around and headed back out the way I came in. A little faster, as the spot I went through seemed a bit deeper and the ruts did too. It was, I bottomed out, but the Jeep kept on, and I got back out the main road... There was bit of grinding and rocks for a mile or so and other than some mud it seemed to be fine. Karen looks at me and says, "Honey I think you're really smart, but that was the dumbest thing I ever saw you do." I just laughed.

We stopped down the road with a few noises coming from the Jeep along the way. Getting out at a parking lot behind a closed pizza joint, we trekked over to a railroad bridge we saw and down the tracks.

It was cool little hike, there was still a bit of snow for the time of year but it was only 40 degrees. After getting back to the Jeep and starting it up, one of the digital readings for the tire pressure announces that it only had 22 lbs of pressure, whilst the rest of them has 36. Nice. I broke it. F-%$#@. Is what I was really thinking. The parts on this are going to be cheap. (insert sarcasm here). MMMMMMM. Karen was probably thinking the same.

We stop at a little spot called, Albany Service in Albany, New Hampshire. Little, little tiny place. A great garage though and the kid, Robert, took us right in. Apparently you could hear the air coming out of the right front tire. After a little swab of soap n water, nothing. After scrubbing the mud and dirt off the middle of the wheel, there was the leak. A nice gash in the aluminum rim from a rock. Trail-Rated. Yeah.

They welded the aluminum and fixed it up for $85. They get it all on and more rocks start grinding.

They dug quite a few out from each side after that from behind and in the calipers. Damn.

I'm sure a new rim woulda been a grip. mmmm $400 maybe? We'll keep this one a secret from Ellen from Dollar. We lucked out, its real nice, however I'm not sure I'd spend 40k on ripped aluminum.

One More For The Day.

2009-03-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

After looking through things and consulting with a good friend of mine I have to come the conclusion that although Bit Torrents are great and kinda free, however as a professional theyd really don't have a place in my world.

As a matter of fact, my girl's father gets pirated movies sometimes and I always give her a hard time, its hard to believe that, as a professional, I would even consider ripping off a program. Especially one that gives you so much.. A professional could make their money back very quickly I believe. You can download a free 30 day trial from their site, www.lucisart.com, however you'll only be able to open the plugin from a preview window. I mean every aspect of Lucisart (pronounced Loosis BTW) is completely marketable and gives you an amazing HDR effect out of an 8bit file that has to be under 20megs wtih the trial version You won't be able to actually apply the filter. Lucis Art Pro 6.0 is supposedly "a thousand times better".

I think where this is crazily practical is in the skin tones of people in your pictures. With a program such as Photomatix, which totally rocks for HDR, the best in my opinion, is tends to dirty skin tones and also again, try keeping a person still for 7 exposures. Seriously, its nearly impossible. So to get details the way you want Lucis is really pretty sweet. I've posted some screen shots to give a little demo. These are only by using one slider on the plugin and also I know they'll be small in the blog. I think the one you'll notice it most is in Isaac's face and clothing. You can REALLY enhance the detail, but then you get that "halo" look that every HDR photographer on crack has. You don't want this in my opinion. You still need to get a great exposure for LucisArt. (more on this later)

Lucis Art runs out of Groton, CT and when I say "they" its really one gal, she has programmers to build the software and investors for the company. However she's the only employee. People must be buying this stuff up quick. It would be difficult to compete with trying to get this "look" without it. There is pro version that is $595 and totally worth every penny. If you're in business, its a tax write-off so do it. Next month its all mine.

Ahhh. Bit Torrents.

2009-03-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hey its a fight you know. I want to buy, buy, buy and buy software to enhance imagery and so forth. Its the age old, "you have to spend money to make it." I guess. LucisArt Pro allows you to get a very similar "look" of HDRi from a single 8bit image... thus making your images, more desirable. PLUS! you can get better details out of people, because trying to make people stay still for 7 exposures is often not too possible.

I've been working on a tutorial for the green Camry below... but its taken awhile because I never really thought about how much knowledge I've gained over the years in Photoshop. You just do it, over and over until you have major breakthroughs. Mostly I didn't know what I was doing until I did it. I may not be a Photoshop Genius, but its becoming apparent that I AM a whiz. I've never been a whiz. I've taken one...

The weekend has been pretty good... spent a ton of money (defeating the recession) clothes, food... and some other things I can't disclose yet but I shall....

Just got off the phone with a great friend of mine Lisa Seaman www.storylensinc.com she's great and does awesome vacation photography in Colorado and all over the world really. Also check out this site www.thewindypixel.com these guys just rock in Chicago... and one more for the road... my dear, dear friends, Joseph and Kristi Romain at www.kristilloyd.com who are killing the wedding photography industry.

Here's a little eye candy from me of Karen's little man just sleeping away.... love this little guy... when he's snoozing of course!

Marketing Monday.

2009-03-16T13:06:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhhhhh! We've got blogs connected to tweets and tweets connected to iPhones and iPhones connected to your knee-bones! Holy Guacamole. Just got of the phone with a great friend of mine leaving for NYC and taking a paid internship at Newsweek. Its right up his alley cause he's a visual journalist with a fine art addiction and a major in video editing and production. dylanisbellmedia.blogspot.com When things were slow at the end of last year we'd just call and talk to each other with coffee, underwear, and craigslist.

I'm co-hosting a Mixer for the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce with Tomas Cafe and CIMA Associates, Inc., on Thursday, April 16th at Tomas Cafe in downtown Oxnard, California. The flyer had to be done on the fly and into the printer by 1pm so I did this in about an hour and a half today. Came out cool though.

Get on Board.

2009-03-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

It has occurred to me that in the last few weeks of shooting for DCH Auto Group, that I will be needing to hire some individuals (photographers) to work with me. This client, while extremely lucrative, has taken up quite a bit of time. NOT that that is terrible at all, however I do need time to tend to other clients as well. What the plan is, is to leverage my time to come out to shooting maybe one day a week and have one or two other hired photographers on my staff to shoot the other two or three days. There is another DCH dealership, Audi, (very excited) and looks like Photon Concepts will handling that account as well. So really what we have is full blown double time job come the summertime. Its another breaking point for us and again we're incredibly excited. I can't wait to get a sweet RS4 or an R8 up there on the turntable.

Meanwhile we joined Photoserve.com a little while back, which is a collection of "The World's Best Photographers" according to them... and after looking at some of the talent, apparently we are! Check it out if you get a chance, and also look for my name, Peter Duffy under Automotive, Food, or Advertising photographers.

This is the guy we have out eye on to help handle the DCH account www.driftingperspective.com he doesn't have much, if at all any automotive work, but some pretty great imagery nonetheless. I'm excited about teaching a new person the techniques and works that I know so far about automotive photography. He's a great friend of Tom Kranzle, who owns Venturevisuals.com.

I haven't had anything too new in the past few weeks, so I'm hoping to pimp out some old work to keep my blog here visually entertaining as well. Here's one from a food shoot for Tomas Cafe in downtown Oxnard, California. Seriously one of the best lunches in Ventura County. The huge portions leave you full enough to skip dinner and want to take an afternoon nap.

Making it Happen.

2009-03-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

Allright... so I'm a bit beat.. My girl's little boy had a ridiculous fever last night. He was hallucinating.... yes, "scary monkeys" apparently. My call time for the Automotive Studio at DCH Auto Group was pushed back yet again because of the gears on the turntable, but it looks like I'm gonna be back on track here in a couple of hours. Meanwhile I've been syncing blogs, websites and twitter feeds to all work together. I've also put the final touches on an image and uploaded it to all for everyone to enjoy. I really like this new client, the possibilities while somewhat limited are almost endless if that makes any sense. Anyhow time to rock and roll and get some real work done.

The New Deal.

2009-03-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

So it has come to my attention that I have been slacking on something for some time. Its difficult to manage time with so many things going on. I have made the move toward MySpace (a long time ago), graduated to Facebook, and now off we go on Twitter and a blog. Here on blogspot. It should be a good ride.
I've been pressing for more exposure as well for a while now and I'm glad I have great friends to push me and to be pushed. Creative friends, ones that would really like to see you succeed. Real friends, great ones. Welcome to the wonderful world of Peter Duffy and what has come to be Photon Concepts.