The Actual Joey Himself

Southern California Autumn

2009-10-21T23:44:00.000-07:00

I was laying on the grass the other day, and this is what I saw.

Some of my favorites from Zion

2009-10-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

Irving Penn: Small Trades Exhibit

2009-10-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

I went to this exhibit a few weeks ago at the The Getty. Probably one of the largest photo exhibits I have ever been to. Portraits of working citizens from New York, London, and France.

Link to a video from NY Times.

Kohjiro Kinno

2009-10-02T00:08:00.000-07:00

Kojo came to my photo class to speak about his photo career. He is an assistant photographer to a staff photographer of Sport Illustrated, Robert Beck. These guys travel all over the world to shoot events, like the Beijing Olympics, and take portraits of athletes.

Kojo quotes:

His ultimate goal would be to put his work in a fine art galleries.

He wishes he traveled more before he started working full time.

He likes to shoot weddings. It is a change of pace and everyone is happy. And you actually can earn some money.

You just can't quit.

Never say no.

With working with so much equipment, simplifying photography on his personal projects is his inspiration.

The Adventurers of Zion

2009-10-01T00:23:00.000-07:00

Zion Preview

2009-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Anywhere I Lay My Head...

2009-09-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

I am going to Zion National Park this weekend. It is one of my favorite places in America. I recreated a slideshow from the photos I took last year.

School Kills Creativity

2009-09-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

I Don't Wanna Grow Up

2009-09-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

When we are all lost, what do we do? We all look at the night sky for answers.
-Tom Waits

When Im lyin in my bed at night
I dont wanna grow up
Nothin ever seems to turn out right
I dont wanna grow up
How do you move in a world of fog
Thats always changing things
Makes me wish that I could be a dog
When I see the price that you pay
I dont wanna grow up
I dont ever wanna be that way
I dont wanna grow up

Seems like folks turn into things
That theyd never want
The only thing to live for
Is today...
Im gonna put a hole in my tv set
I dont wanna grow up
Open up the medicine chest
And I dont wanna grow up
I dont wanna have to shout it out
I dont want my hair to fall out
I dont wanna be filled with doubt
I dont wanna be a good boy scout
I dont wanna have to learn to count
I dont wanna have the biggest amount
I dont wanna grow up

Well when I see my parents fight
I dont wanna grow up
They all go out and drinking all night
And I dont wanna grow up
Id rather stay here in my room
Nothin out there but sad and gloom
I dont wanna live in a big old tomb
On grand street

When I see the 5 oclock news
I dont wanna grow up
Comb their hair and shine their shoes
I dont wanna grow up
Stay around in my old hometown
I dont wanna put no money down
I dont wanna get me a big old loan
Work them fingers to the bone
I dont wanna float a broom
Fall in love and get married then boom
How the hell did I get here so soon
I dont wanna grow u

Smoke Signals

2009-09-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

Driving around north LA fires. Maybe some Indians got lost.

The beginning of editing Russia.

2009-09-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

I am ever so grateful for all of my friends in Russia that took me into their homes and hung out with me. I even met a curator who wanted to bring me back and host a gallery of my images.

Personal Work

2009-08-20T21:56:00.000-07:00

Always make time for personal work.
-Cliff Lester, Photographer & Teacher

Russia Photos before I leave.

2009-08-04T00:29:00.000-07:00

Michael Jr. And The Road Less Traveled

2009-08-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

Jerry Seinfeld once said the road less traveled, is less traveled for a reason. It takes a bold person to walk down the road less traveled.

Our Culture is Changing Before Our Eyes

2009-07-31T19:29:00.001-07:00

Our communication technology has been changing so fast everyday. We are used to a fast pace service through our various communication devices (internet, email, texting, twitter and facebook) to get answers back within several moments. And the efficiency of our communication is getting much more accurate. As if we need to rely and service and answers NOW! This fast pace communication has spoiled us.

Also, our culture is currently experiencing a deflating economy. Some people compare it to the 80s, some people compare it to the Great Depression of the 30s. Neither of these times had the incredibly fast communication technology we have today.
We were spoiled by the high rising economy. It was a time of feast, not it is a time of famine. Get used to it. Now prices are lower and people are staying home a lot more. In my opinion, this is the way it should be because this is how the rest of the world lives. Did we really believe ourselves when owning and pouring all of your money into other rental homes was really going to make you a lot of money? Our culture got ahead of itself, and now we are learning how to survive in a slower and more realistic time.

I went to Costco the other day, and I got annoyed by everyone there. Everyone was on their phones going down each aisle asking who ever they were talking to if they needed more stuff for dirt cheap. We lived in a time where we were used to buying what ever we want. Professional consumers, if you will call it.

It is different now, communication is faster than ever, and the economy is slower than ever. We have to learn to slow down, and it is ok to live a slower lifestyle. Hey, maybe you can call (or twitter) an old friend and hang out with some good old fashion regular coffee.

Rickey Henderson is Officially in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

2009-07-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

Rickey Henderson has been one of my favorite athletes. I really respect people put their hearts into their work and career, regardless of the money.

It is not about being the best, it is about doing your best. No one said hard work was easy, but if you work hard enough at what you love, you will truly be recognized for your efforts.

Orphans

2009-07-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

I am going back to the Motherland next week

Here is my first Russian slideshow on my blog. I don't really have any excuses, except I am lame.
I am going back to Russia for the third time. But this trip is kind of a real vacation. Meet some friends that I have made on the way.
Tea, chocolate, and trains.

Edit for TOM DAVIS and the support of positive influence of orphans in my life.
I am changing the title of the blog post to 'Orphans' to counter the web traffic searching for the horror movie, Orphans.

Warner Bros. new horror movie Orphan proclaims that it must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own. Let me tell you about how an orphan changed my life...
A life should not be thrown away to let a government raise it. A child should have every opportunity as any other kid to grow up in a loving home. I will not disappear like my father did to me.

Richard Avedon: Portraits of Power.

2009-07-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

I drove by the San Diego museums, and saw that there is a Richard Avedon exhibit at the San Diego Museum of Art.

Richard Avedon: Portraits of Power traces Avedon’s interest in and fascination with American politics through 200 portraits created from the 1950s until the photographer’s death in 2004. During his six-decade career, Richard Avedon was arguably the most important American fashion photographer and portraitist. This exhibition traces Avedon’s fascination with the forces behind American democracy. Together, these photographs represent both an historical group portrait. SDMA is hosting the only West Coast viewing of the exhibition, on view during a season of unprecedented political change and focus on those who lead us. Richard Avedon: Portraits of Power is organized by the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C

San Fran City Scapes

2009-07-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

There is spray paint graffiti everywhere.

4th of July

2009-07-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the neighborhood...on Independence Day...

Scared: A Novel on the Edge of The World

2009-07-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

Tom Davis is the CEO of Children's Hopechest, and he wrote a book called Scared, A Novel on the Edge of the World.

I got an email from Children's Hopechest, advertising a free PDF download of the book if I emailed three people. Since I went to Russia twice before with the aid of Hopechest to visit orphanages, I figured I would help Tom out.
After reading the first chapter, I was beyond impressed. This book is for everyone: photographers, world travelers, people who want to make a difference, and people who don't want to make a difference and stay in their comfortable lives.

Tom & Children's Hopechest are really great people. They give everything they got to make unfortunate kids smile and give them opportunities to have a better life, something we all take for granted. Buy or download this book. Believe me, I wouldn't tell you to read something that was a waste of time.

A rebel commander yelled something just outside the door.
Another shot, and the guard who had just spoken fell dead right on top of me. His blood flowed over my neck and right arm, staining my band of brothers ring crimson. The screaming intensified, people ran, yelled, and died.I scooted against the wall, huddled next to Mike as shots continued to shriek overhead. Plaster exploded and covered us. We tried to make ourselves invisible, curling into the fetal position, wrapping our arms over our heads. A bullet whined by my ear, missing by centimeters. I crawled facedown to the other side of the room, trying to get out of the line of fire.
Then a sudden, deafening silence.

Nobody moved for what seemed like hours. Fear paralyzed me, and the silence thickened, punctuated by an occasional moan or a sob. We waited and waited, wondering when it would be safe to stand, wondering if it would ever be safe.

Finally, I gazed out the window, my eyes searching for rebel soldiers in the yellow-orange gloom of smoke. No figures or
movement.
“I’m going out,” I whispered to Mike.
He didn’t respond
“Hey, listen. Let’s go, man.”
I elbowed him in the ribs.
“Mike!” I grabbed his jacket to turn him toward me. There was
a pinpoint crimson stain on the front of his light blue shirt. His eyes
stared through me.
I was frozen for a moment, not knowing what to do. Then I pulled my camera out of my bag. I picked up Mike’s gear and slung
it around my neck...

Scared - A Novel on the Edge of the World from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.

Once a celebrated and award-winning photojournalist, Stuart Daniels is reeling from debt, a broken marriage, and crippling depression. The source of Stuart’s grief is his most famous photo, a snapshot of brutality in the dangerous Congo. This haunting image indicts him as a passive witness to gross injustice.

Stuart is given one last chance to redeem his career: a make-or-break assignment covering the AIDS crisis in a small African country. It is here that Stuart meets Adanna, a young orphan fighting for her life in a community ravaged by tragedy and disease. Now what seemed like a chance encounter will forever change their lives.

About the Author
Tom Davis is the accomplished author of Red Letters and Fields of the Fatherless. He also serves as a trainer in leadership development. He holds a Business and Pastoral Ministry degree from Dallas Baptist University and a Master's Degree in Theology from The Criswell College. He is the president of Children's HopeChest, a Christian-based child advocacy organization helping orphans in Eastern Europe and Africa. Tom and his wife, Emily, have five children.

San Succulent

2009-06-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

Blue

2009-06-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

At Jason's house, I woke up with this guy on my chest everyday. His name is Blue, and likes to jump out of second story windows.

Blue had this rad skull collar.

San Francisco, Day 1

2009-06-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

Went to San Fran a few weeks ago. Finally got some time to edit some more images.

These images are details of Jason's house.

Michael Jackson Tribute Firework Show at Dodger Stadium 6/26/09

2009-06-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, my friend Scott had some extra tickets to the Dodger game, and he had never been to Dodger stadium before. (He lives DOWN THE STREET...) He wanted to take me because the Dodgers are my favorite team. I had never been to a Friday night game since they started having fireworks after the game. (I am more of a Monday through Thursday fan). I had no idea that they would play a tribute firework show for Michael Jackson. Usually, firework shows are played to classical music, but hearing Jackson songs to fireworks made it the most AWESOME firework show ever! And they let everyone on the field.

This video is the finale of the show. If you have a short attention span for youtube (like me), the last 30 seconds are EXPLOSIVE...

Only one way to satisfy a craving...

2009-06-24T22:03:00.001-07:00

I have been craving home made Mac n Cheese for a long time. It is a combo of my two favorite food items, noodles and cheese. But I have had really good Mac n Cheese from The South, so I can't just get it anywhere because it won't taste the same. (I won't even consider anything that comes in a box.) And The Pantry serves Mac n Cheese, too. I have been very tempted to try some for quite some time
Anyway, I got talking about Mac n Cheese yesterday, and the idea has been stuck in my head. Only one way to get it out of my head, is to get into MY BELLY!

Little butter, little flour, and some cheese.

Boil the noodles. Mix the cheese and noodles together and add an egg. Chinese people figured out the egg and noodle thing a long time ago. Long before Buddha.

Add more cheese, and bake for a few minutes so the cheese melts a little, but not too much.

WaLA. Paula Dean, eat your heart out.
P.S. This is probably the fastest post I have ever done from a great event. It made it to the top of my to do list for the night. I think I ate too much and I will probably call it an early night.

Tony Gemignani throws some pizza for his San Francisco fans..

2009-06-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

Tony Gemignani was at a street festival I went to in North Beach, San Francisco.He was performing his world class pizza throwing skills for the crowd. One of his restaurants is in Little Italy.

Tony's Pizza Napoletana
1570 Stockton St
San Francisco, CA 94133-3306
(415) 835-9888

Giving some shade.

How to make friends, not enemies.

2009-06-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

I have been listening to this audiobook by Dale Carnegie. I have learned a lot, and I already use some of these friendly gestures of advice in my own ways of handling people and seeing their point of view. If you have already read this book, it is a classic and never hurts to refresh some people skills.

Six Rules to make friends:

1. Be genuinely interested in what the other person is saying, just like how your dog is interested in you. Fake people stand out , and are no fun to talk to.

2. Smile. Changes the atmosphere in a room.

3. Use and remember the other person's name. Their name is the most important thing about who they are and separates them from everyone else.

4. Listen. It is about the other person's interest and stories, even if you do not get to say your part of the story.

5. Talk in terms of the other person's interests. Once you figure out what the OTHER person wants, you can work together to get what you want.

6. Do unto others as other do to you. Everyone wants to be appreciated. Scratch your back, you scratch mine.

Nixon Library

2009-06-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

I went to the President Nixon's Library a week ago. They acted like the Watergate scandal was someone else's fault, but Nixon resigned anyway. Make sense? I didn't think so

Baby Genius'

2009-06-07T01:21:00.000-07:00

Anthony and Dave, being genius'

East meets West

2009-06-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Do you have a lot of cousins? Maybe 2nd or 3rd cousins? Well, I have fifth cousins that are spread out across the country and they came out for a family vacation to San Clemente last week. We tried to rally the troops to hang out for coffee or something, but everyone was to busy. Strange, I thought people would want to see some cool family. Then we decided to have dinner at Portillos, and ironically a lot of people and their grandmothers showed up to hang out.

Toms Shoes is going to New Orleans

2009-05-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

Toms Shoes is going to New Orleans. I was thinking of buying another pair soon, but when I heard Toms was going to New Orleans this August, I decided to buy two pairs of shoes last week. My brother has been borrowing my old pairs so much, he decided to finally buy his own pair, too.

Below is the collection of household Toms.

A lot of people have these shoes.

I went camping a few weeks ago, and I was surprised on how comfortable these shoes were, even in the wild. I wore my Toms instead of my trusty boots the whole time.

The veteran Toms. Hundreds of miles on the bike paths.

In efforts of Toms going to help New Orleans, I will offer free one hour photo shoots for those that purchase new Toms from now until August.

"Anyone who has a small company, incorporate giving in what you do."

Patience & Un-Punctuality

2009-05-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

I took this shot in Downtown LA and I have been thinking of using it to blog about the "time challenged" people, like myself. I had this idea that punctual people should be more patient towards un-punctual people. After all, everything cool never starts on time. Movies, concerts, festivals, parties... And who reads analog clocks anymore?

I just got back from Sequoia National Park today. Let me tell you, I thought I was patient AND un-punctual. Nope. This concept I have been playing around with in my head, I had to apply to myself this past weekend. Patience towards the un-punctual. The whole time I was there, all I did was drive faster to see more stuff. Go go go... See more now now now... In Southern California, we live in a fast pace culture, and I try to slow it down as much as possible. But slowing down time gets hard (especially when texting is so fun and I need to be somewhere five minutes ago), and we all get sucked up into the vacuum of faster faster faster...
So when I was standing in line at the store to buy some ice, and the one person in front of me was taking FOREVER with the small amount of items, I had to remember that I was not in Southern California, and I was a visitor to the giant forest, just like everyone else.

Everything is slower and no one cares. Take a deep breath, and wait.

Alas, a new section to the blog... What I have learned...

Say it loud, I'm stubborn and proud.

2009-05-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been reading around that stubbornness is a negative trait.
I consider myself to be fairly stubborn. Around 75%. Let me tell you, being stubborn is the make up of who I am and how I operate. I do what I want, when I want, and there is nothing you can do to stop me.
Sound like a bad thing? Maybe, maybe not. Stubborness is not be confused with being selfish. I have always lent a helping hand out to those in need. (I drove to Santa Barbara once at 11PM to pick up a friend who crashed his motorcycle...)

Stubborness is part of my drive. I don't like people telling me what to do. This is part of preserving my individuality. You can't change me, or who I am.
If I want to go on a trip somewhere, I will go and I will not wait. Sometimes, I am like a roaming bull in the field.
Bottom line, I see this "weakness" as a strength.

Joey Rules in Theory

2009-05-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

I love rules that say don't follow the masses, and walking around the Disney Hall got me thinking. This giant metallic thing definitely stands out as a Los Angeles landmark and took Frank Gehry a lot of his own creativity to put together this timeless monument.

I made a list of my own rules of creative theory.
#1. Who cares what other people think. Don't compare yourself to others. Don't be nervous. Don't think. Just visualize and do. If the great minds of our time listened to what others thought, they would have not created their progressive work and not be respected for being great. You need to be your role model.

#2.Think with your mind, not with your medium. Painting, sculpting, photography, whatever. Mediums have creative limits, your mind does not.

#3. Exercise & go outside. When you feel good about yourself, you will perform better on every level. Exercise is a must for creative balance & progression.

#4. Be respectful to your subjects weather they are alive, dead, or inanimate. Just like when your mother used to tell you, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all..." It is easy to make your subject ugly and unattractive, but it takes skill and grace to make them look beautiful.

#5. Do. You can talk about "how to do" or get inspired, take classes or workshops, or research books for whatever creative avenue all day long, but practice makes perfect. All that talk about following your passions is interesting and "inspirational," but honestly, I prefer to practice. Do.

#6. The last rule is: There are no rules. Don't let anyone tell you to be like someone else or stop your creative groove.

With these theories in mind, I think The Disney Hall would look way cooler if it was purple.

LA Day part 1

2009-05-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

A day of Packed Adventure

2009-05-12T21:15:00.000-07:00

Big day today.
Joe Photo asked me to go shoot with the Day Tripping Club with the B School.
I went on a morning bike ride to get my creativity flowing for the photo day in downtown LA. After riding around, I got a flat 100 feet away from my house. Could be better, could be worse.
I thought about taking the train to Union Station, but by the time I got to the train station and waited for the train, I could already be at Union Station in my car. And I kind of wanted to go shoe shopping....

I get to Union Station, and my friend and long time classmate, Netanya, saw me from across the crowd. She said she noticed me by my "jovial walk." I have been hearing people tell me this for the past few days. Maybe it is because I don't think about being on time. I don't know, I guess I am a walk 'n stroller.

The group was pretty big. 16 people from all over Southern California tend to attract attention where ever they go. Kind of like the Spartans. If you stand up next to an orange wall with a green checkered hat and say "I am the greatest model you have ever seen," 16 people will take your picture all at once.
We walked from Union Station, to Olvera Street, to Little Tokyo, to the Disney Hall, to somewhere else, and ended up at Market Street and took the subway back to Union Station. Subway? Yes and who knew LA had one. Not me, so it was my first time.

At the end of the day, I was kind of tired, but not tired enough to go shoe shopping. I went to the fashion district. Walked in wanting a pair of shoes. Walked out with a pair of shoes, and three suits.

Joe Photo's portrait of me.

OC Greek Fest 2009

2009-04-29T23:34:00.000-07:00

I am adding a new category in my blog. Food for Thought. For all those amazing eats I run across.

I am also changing Photo Field Trip category to Photo Adventure. Field Trips sounds planned and a bit elementary, my dear readers. Elementary.
For those that don't know me, anything I plan, I don't do. And I end up doing things that I don't plan. Adventures cannot be planned, and keep you on your toes.
Anything can happen in an adventure.

Anyway, guess what is coming to town...
OC Greek Fest is coming back! May 15-17, 2009.
I went to the festival last year for the first time, and they had the best gyros and spanakopita I have ever had in my life. I have been spoiled by these Greeks, and I have had a hard time eating gyros anywhere else all year.

I also have not seen so many Greek people in one small place, except for Mad Greek Cafe in Baker, Ca.

More Nastase Wedding Images

2009-04-28T01:52:00.000-07:00

We found the @Kogibbq Truck!

2009-04-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

My friend Justin called me at 9:30 on Saturday night. "Drive to Buena Park, NOW! The Kogi BBQ truck is coming to Buena Park in 30 minutes. We are waiting for the location to post on Twitter !" I have heard and seen this Kogi BBQ Truck on the news, and it looked real tasty. In fact, Justin has always showed me awesome Korean restaurants since we were in Junior High School.

So by the time we figure out where the truck was going to be, the La Palma police department was already waiting. No, not for the food. Cops only eat doughnuts and bacon. They somehow figured out the Kogi truck was going to be in their hood (probably from twitter), and they made the crowd leave the industrial area. So the Kogi truck moved down the street into LA county, and about half of the people followed.

Let me tell you, top 5 tacos I have ever had. I can't really call it mexican food, because you can put anything in a tortilla (peanut butter). They gave everyone a limit of 3 tacos because of the long line. I had a short rib taco, spicy pork, and a tofu.
Turns out, they have a restaurant in Culver City called Alibi Room. Everyone kept saying finding the truck on twitter is part of the fun. I say this truck and the long line is a lot of effort for a partial menu that the restaurant has to offer.

Justin's Blog, which I rightfully stole all of these images.

Lauren & Brian's Wedding

2009-04-20T02:02:00.000-07:00

Field Trip to the Annenberg Space for Photography

2009-04-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

I went to The Annenberg Space for Photography last friday in West Los Angeles. The exhibit was about Los Angeles native photographers that have worked in LA in the past 50 years or so.

Images as diverse as the city for which it is named.
L8S ANG3LES

It is easy for native Southern Californians to forget our massive diversity as a culture of our own. From the beach to Hollywood to Venice to the little ethnic towns on every corner to the freeways to the mountains. In between all of this, there are ten million people in Los Angeles counties.

The exhibit showed the change in our culture, and the effects our surroundings on our people.

My favorite part of the exhibit was the video. They interviewed all of the photographers, including 98 year old Julius Shulman. Sometimes I like to watch interviews of photographers and artists, sometimes. I like to hear their 1000 words on their own work. Julius talked about how photographers eye, soul, and feelings go into their own work to make it their own signature work.

Other quotes from the photographers:

Photography connects people from all over the world. People instantly connect with images.

Art can't be taught. One learns by doing.

Taxes are a sore subject.

2009-04-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

I shall never use profanity, except in discussing house rent and taxes.
-Mark Twain

Nastase Wedding Preview

2009-04-13T23:22:00.001-07:00

George Bernard Shaw

2009-04-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

My way of joking is to tell the truth. It is the funniest joke in the world.

Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.

Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.

Perhaps the greatest social service that can be rendered by anybody to the country and to mankind is to bring up a family.

The minority is sometimes right; the majority always wrong.

He who can, does. He who cannot, teaches.

-George Bernard Shaw, Nobel Prize winner in 1925.

Chinatown Textures

2009-04-05T23:00:00.001-07:00

Innovative Energy

2009-04-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

I was talking to a friend the other day, and he asked me about my travel plans for the summer. Long story short, I have a lot of plans, and a lot of camping trips. He noticed that most of my trips are mostly outside and involve motorcycles and tents, and asked why. It is just what I like to do. I enjoy the outdoors. Especially in the American Southwest.
I got thinking.
At first, I started traveling and camping because it was fun. Then I brought my camera to show people that there is a whole other world out there besides the beach. (Some of you might remember when I would send mass amounts of emails with images attached...)
I started researching and traveling to strange places for awesome landscape photography.

People tell me all the time that they are impressed by my traveled check list. So when I was hanging out with my friend, and he asked why I camp so much, I began to realize that for me, being outside and traveling anywhere is where I get my renewing innovative creative energy. I don't climb to the top of mountains for photography, I do it just because I feel like it. That is my attitude and spirit, to just go. My creative passion comes from the earth and everything on its giant playground because I find everything about the planet interesting, not for capturing images with my camera.

My curious, visual, nomadic self will travel to all of the corners of the earth.

Here are some images over the progression of my work "on the road."

Teamwork (In Respect to March Madness)

2009-03-25T23:06:00.000-07:00

In the heat of March Madness, there is an over abundance of analysis of who has enough talent and skills to win the tournament. The question we have to ask is not who will win, but which TEAM will win. The best players do not win championships, the best teams win championships. That is why in playoffs, underdog teams win because the team works together.
United we stand. Divided we fall.

Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.

To be successful you have to be selfish, or else you never achieve. And once you get to your highest level, then you have to be unselfish. Stay reachable. Stay in touch. Don't isolate.

-Michael Jordan

Time Saving Tips

2009-03-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

I have been listening this audiobook by Timothy Ferris. There are a lot of good time saving tips, work and not work related.

1. Don't read the newspaper and don't watch the news on TV. Same old junk stories, just a different day, all of the time.

2. Don't multi task. You think you are getting more done at once. But the truth is, you are only doing a lot at once and getting nothing accomplished.

3. Don't mirco manage. You will nickle and dime yourself for a nickle and a dime. Organization is necessary, but you could be more effective with your time than mirco managing.

4. Don't follow politics, but still vote. Let someone else you trust do the research.

5. Check email twice a day. 11:00AM & 4:00PM. If you constantly check your email, your clients will automatically think they can email you whenever and get a response immediately. Truth is, you will spend more time emailing back and forth than resolving any important issue over the phone.

6. Focus is key. Did you ever notice your best work has come from doing it at the last minute? That is because you are focused! Doesn't matter if your assignment was given to you two days ago or a month ago, you will be more focused at the last minute because the assignment is on your mind and you have to get it done now.

Nighthawks at the Diner.

2009-03-19T23:44:00.000-07:00

I love diners. They are my favorite kind of restaurant. You see all of the local flavor. When I go to a new city, the first restaurant I go eat at is a hole in the wall diner. Diners are one of the few places you can go by yourself, and not be alone. Tonight, I went to The Pantry, in downtown LA. That is my favorite restaurant in Southern California.

While I was there, I got thinking.

Diners are a staple to the American culture. I was looking around and watching everyone come into The Pantry after the Laker game, and I saw how diners define Americans.

My other thought was, if a restaurant is open 24 hours, you should visit that restaurant at all hours. How about french toast 3AM?

Maybe I was tired, but I couldn't think of anything to talk to the server about. Any rowdy crowds? Naw, lakers play across the street... Economy? Naw, too boring... Does he eat after work? He probably never gets off work...

So I just sat in peace and quiet and ate my toast, hashbrowns, eggs over easy, & pancakes.
Shouldn't have ordered the pancakes...

And I saw the Nighthawks painting in Chicago a few years ago at their awesome world class museum.

Joshua Tree

2009-03-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

My trusty boots. They have saved me more times than I can count.
On a vertical wall, by the way...

Joshua Tree is like visiting Mars.

Sunrise Safari World Adventure, in the middle of nowhere.

Brett is on his own safari.

Fear is an Emotion

2009-03-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

I went to Joshua Tree National Park over the weekend with my cousins and my brother to go camping. When we got there, the sign said campgrounds were full. I have seen signs like that before, and they have never stopped me. But for my cousins and brother, they have never slept on rocks on in the middle of nowhere before. I kept telling them to not worry about finding a "campsite" because we can camp anywhere. They were a bit worried about the fact that I was not worried, and didn't really care about finding a campsite. So I found a spot near a back country hiking trail to camp. It turned out better because we could be as loud as we wanted and we still made smores.

Sunday, we went bouldering. You can climb any of the rock formations you want. I have been to Joshua Tree so many times, I just find a big pile of rocks and climb as high as I can go. Sometimes you just gotta push yourself and either stretch your body or take a jump across the gap.

Looking back at this weekend, there were some scary times. For some reason, I was never afraid. Maybe I am used to being out in the wild. I remember some of the first times I camped the night out alone on a motorcycle trip, I was scared then. But I over came my fear. And climbing those boulders, there are some deep drops and the rocks get pretty high, but you just keep moving and don't think about 'what if you fall.' Fear is only an emotion, and it must be conquered.

Other photos on their way.

Reading

2009-03-03T23:08:00.000-08:00

"Reading deverts the mind too much of creative persuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls in lazy habits of thinking."

Albert Einstein, Visionary.

Limitations

2009-03-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

"The only limitations on life are the ones you put on yourself."
Dexter, the one armed kick boxer

Want to be Italian?

2009-02-24T23:21:00.000-08:00

I think the critics are Lost.

2009-02-23T22:58:00.000-08:00

I think it is strange that all I hear is negative feedback from this song. That is what artists do, what THEY want. You don't get to the top by listening to everyone else's opinions.

OC Job talk

2009-02-22T22:04:00.000-08:00

Check out
OC Job Talk. The new kind of REAL networking.

Interview with The Flashbulb Group

2009-02-17T22:51:00.000-08:00

I was Interviewed by The Flashbulb Group, and I was impressed with Justin Moore-Brown's smooth talking writing.
Thanks a lot.

His work ranges from landscape, portrait, and most notably, weddings. We were impressed by his natural ability to photograph some of the most standard images and turn them into visual adventures. His portraits, even when shot for fun, are masterfully composed and his wedding photos tell fantastic stories...

- Describe your style or approach to your work.
Rambo. I use my camera like machine gun. I shoot 3x more than anyone
else I know. I don’t care. I WANT the shot. I have been averaging 1000
shots per photo session, and 4000 per wedding...

And I meant to say I shoot Nikon. oops..THERE WAS SO MUCH PRESSURE!

Gokurosama

2009-02-12T06:59:00.000-08:00

Check out the Gokurosama Exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum in downtown LA.
And then go eat Shabu Shabu House Restaurant in Little Tokyo.

And the Ants shall conquer the Elephants

2009-02-08T22:47:00.000-08:00

I was talking to a friend the other day about tough times, and he said, "and the ants shall conquer the elephants..."
When the big picture or goal gets us down, remember that it takes all the little challenges to work together to tackle that huge problem. Don't let the "elephant" stop you. If you use your talents to help someone out, your skills and efforts help in a way that might be hard for someone else. Usually, your efforts get rewarded.
Lend a hand to your fellow ants, and conquer that elephant.

My New Desktop

2009-02-06T20:02:00.001-08:00

Los Angeles Landscapes

2009-02-04T07:11:00.000-08:00

Nick Colombo Charity Event Bowl-A-Thon

2009-02-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

Saturday, March 21, 2009

1 PM - 4 PM

Concourse Entertainment Center

3364 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806-2814

(91 Fwy, go North on Kraemer, East on La Palma)

Entrance Fee: $15 + $25 in Donations

Includes 3 Games of Bowling, Shoes and Prizes!!

Deadline for bowler registration: March 11, 2009

Send registration fees (payable to Delta Iota) to:
Nikki Hall
209 Orchid Drive, Placentia, CA 92870
(714)357-8851
e-mail: nikki@lodesescrow.com

Deadline for pledges to be collected: March 28, 2009

Entrance fee: $15.00, includes 3 games of bowling, shoes and prizes

A minimum of $25 in pledges per bowler are required.

If you are participating for another chapter of Phi Beta Psi, you will be responsible for your own bowlers pledges. Please have sponsors make checks payable to your chapter.

If you need community service hours, please bring your completed community service form when checking in and it will be signed and given back to you when you leave.

Prizes will be awarded at the end of the bowl-a-thon based on your pledge totals.

Phi Beta Psi Sorority is a National Non-Academic, Charitable, Benevolent and Civic Organization with approximately 1800 members in 100 chapters throughout the United States.

CANCER RESEARCH is Phi Beta Psi’s National Project. Each year the combined chapters contribute thousands of dollars in grants to doctors working in fields of Cancer Research, hoping to find a cure for the dreaded disease. During our last four conventions, 24 grants were awarded to doctors in a combined total amount of over a MILLION dollars in research grants.

To find out more visit HYPERLINK http://www.phibetapsi.org

Phi Beta Psi Sorority, Delta Iota Chapter Presents:

The Nick Colombo Memorial
Bowl-A-Thon

An adventure to The Pantry in the heart of downtown LA.

2009-02-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

My friend Eric wanted to go on a photo field trip to downtown Los Angeles. I said I would only go if we went to THE PANTRY, my favorite diner. So we went and I got the buscuits and gravy. I never had them before, and you have NOT LIVED until you have them.

So here are the portraits of the field trip.

Take a break.

2009-01-27T07:11:00.000-08:00

Stop what you are doing. (Except reading my blog)
Stand up, look up, lift your hands up, stretch, take a deep breath, and smile.
Try to think of a bad thought. You can't. In fact, you will feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Have a good day.
Remember to break often.

Big Rave Dave

2009-01-26T07:11:00.000-08:00

My cousin Big Rave Dave has been making some cool mixx tracks. He made the second one for Nick, called Swimming in Heaven

Dave's Mix

Swimming In Heaven

You can download these songs into your iTunes. They are about 70 minutes.
I have been listening to them constantly.

Sunday. Exercise. Smile

2009-01-25T15:31:00.000-08:00

First, I am not against exercising. I know I tell people I am lazy and don't really move. But the truth is I used to be quiet in shape because I would play baseball a few days a week. I got out of the routine about a year ago, and lately I feel sluggish. A few weeks ago, Erica has been making me go to the gym with her. It is very awkward for me to be inside a gym, and working out on an ergonomic machine.
I have been down for a while, and I feel weird and overburdened with grief symptoms. So with the gym and using my brother's "new" vintage road bike, my spirits have been lifted and I feel better. It seems that everywhere I look and hear, the subject of exercise has been popping up. So exercise also helps with putting my body's chemical balances back into place and helps with creativity. So far, it's working for me!

So it is a nice sunday. Exercise & Smile.

The Actual Museum update

2009-01-22T07:44:00.000-08:00

I believe photos should be printed and walls should be decorated. My wall is definitely excessive, crammed, and full of colors from around the world. Well, mostly Russia. I had 50 prints from my last photo class, and I finally found some time to fill some frames with my photos. Well...I ran out of frames, and I saw a lot of space in the big frames to squeeze more photos in.

It's my wall, with my photos, and I can do whatever I want!

I am playing Bruce Lee nun-chucks with my duster towel. WOAAA!!!

The girl in the large B&W print was my favorite portrait from the Russian Orphanages. She was not at the orphanage the second time I went, but she still showed up to hang out with us. The color print next to her was the after picture. Yea...red hair!

I bought this "Rappin' Rodney" record for $5. The pictures of Rodney are priceless. And to think he started his comedy career in his 40's. And the Frank Zappa beer that says "kill ugly radio" is classic.

Inauguration Day

2009-01-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

Boston Article
Obama calls for unity.
Divided we fall.
United we stand.

Speaking of Dreams

2009-01-19T07:11:00.000-08:00

The way I see it, there are two kinds of Americas. Political & Social. Now that I think about it, this goes for pretty much any country.
When I was in Russia, a lot of people I spoke to had no interest to visit America because they disagreed with our political system.
But there is so much more to countries than their political system. U2 spent a year in America to record their Joshua Tree album because of American influences such as Bob Dylan and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Bono said he "...had to 'deal with' the United States and the way it was affecting me, because the United States' having such an effect on the world at the moment. On this record I had to deal with it on a political level for the first time, if in a subtle way." Since Bono was trying to portray the both "mythic idea of America" and the "reality of America" on the album, the working title of the album was "The Two Americas".

Joshua Tree Wikipedia link.

Yes, voting is an important tool to change. But I strongly believe what James Brown said, "Power to the people! HEH!" The underbelly of America has always been it's strength to change for the people, by the people. Through my travels of the majority of America in the last few years, I have experienced and heard so many great stories that keep me 'truckin' to new places to see different faces of America. Our social movements have always been an American backbone to our social idealism. In the 60's, our own African American citizens were not getting the attention and change they deserved, political or socially. In August 1963, MLK rallied the troops and marched to Washington D.C. to tell the world about his dream. 46 years later from King's march and speach, we are going to inaugurate our first Black President.

Power to the People.

Disney. It all came from an idea... of a mouse.

2009-01-17T07:11:00.000-08:00

"I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse.

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.

If you can dream it, you can do it.

All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.

Crowded classrooms and half-day sessions are a tragic waste of our greatest national resource - the minds of our children.

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

Disneyland is a work of love. We didn't go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money.

Laughter is America's most important export.

Of all of our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak the most universally understood language."

-Walt Disney

I was at downtown Disney at ESPN Zone, eating a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and playing some basketball, and I saw another quote from Walt Disney.
"Inspire. Imagine. Dream."

Then I got thinking...
I see it the other way.
Dream. Innovate. Inspire.

Dream of the mouse. Innovate or create the mouse. Inspire others of the mouse.

Disney words applied to my work:
Dream of the photos. Innovate the photos in my own way. Inspire others of the photos.

I never really thought about dreaming, innovating, and inspiring before. I just wake up everyday and do my thing. Just be Joey.

Then I got thinking...
As simple as Disney's idea's were, they are an excellent foundation for any business and branding. It is the simple ideas & practices used for the foundation of companies that lead to greatness. Details are always being fine tuning, but company mission statements are important to relay to clients & associates. Mission statments also reflect in your personality. I would imagine Disney was Disney, all of the time.
Disney never considered himself a genius, but his idea's and philosophies are on the same level as Einstein. (No Joke. Except Disney's ideas never destroyed cities.)

Disney, Einstein, and myself are dyslexic. And I see similar patters that break molds that information and ideas dyslexic's bring to the table.

Dream. Innovate. Inspire.
I am definately in dream mode. I think about pictures and photos ALL of the time. Not just mine, but every image I see. I dream about my passion, photography. I am in reconstruction mode for building my wedding business. I constantly innovate new ways to refine my work, and quite honestly, I have a lot of fresh creative edge and ideas to offer to my clients. I don't know how or who I inspire, but as of now, I would hope to inspire people to get out of their element and travel (cities, restaurants, museums, parks, scenery & greenery) go places, and see things you would not see in your everyday life.

I joined Twitter

2009-01-14T07:11:00.000-08:00

I joined twitter. I dont know why. I dont get it. But here it goes.

Twitter.com

@theactualjoey

Edit for update:
NY Time Article on Twitter

An excuse to order a lot at Claim Jumper

2009-01-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

Cure Search has teamed up with good ole Claim Jumper Restaurants. If you eat at any Claim Jumper on January 20, 2009, (Inaguration Day) they will donate 10% of the bill to Cure Search.
Bring:
THIS FLYER

Through public education, advocacy and fundraising, CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation supports the life-saving work of the Children's Oncology Group (COG), the world's premiere pediatric cancer research collaborative that treats more than 90% of all children with cancer, at more than 200 hospitals in the US.

Lauren Wack & Brian Nastase Engagement Photos

2009-01-07T07:11:00.000-08:00

I had the great pleasure to shoot my friend Lauren & Brian's engagement photos at Shoreline Village in Long Beach last week.

"I wanna be a pirate."

"Hmmm...I have an idea..."

Man Vs. Food

2009-01-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

You may not know, but I don't really watch TV. (Generally, too many chanels with nothing on)
You may know, I like to eat.
Mix the two together, and I am hooked on shows like Man Vs. Food.
I saw the Chicago episode, and my mouth was watering.
Al's Beef, Lucky's Sandwich Shop , and the great Gino's East.

All I know is, I can't wait to go back to Chicago this summer.
Warning: Health conscious consumers, don't even bother. Sorry, this post wasted your time. (Well, not sorry at all)

Wikipedia Link

Other Death Valley Photos

2009-01-04T06:17:00.000-08:00

Some more images of Death Valley & Scotty's Castle.

I don't know this guy, but he was sure happy to be on top of the dunes. And he was blocking "walking on the dunes, solo" shot of Ricky.

I got sand dunes in my pants.

2009-01-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

My favorite photos from our trip to Death Valley.

Persepolis

2009-01-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

I watched this animated movie the other night,
Persepolis. It was a real cool movie, and one of the themes in the movie (that I saw), was 'choice.' I really connected with this movie and one of the ideas of this theme. The movie is about the struggles of a young Iranian woman who moved to France to escape the oppressions of being a woman in Iran. As we grow up and make our own choices, we realize that we are directly affected by all of our choices, even if we choose to deny, or hide from our past and our heritage. The main character in the movie, Marjane, ran away from her country to escape her oppression, but she could not escape her culture.

The movie made a huge impact in several countries that have harsh controls and oppression on their people, such as Iran & Lebanon.

Ain't Got No Time For A Resolution

2009-01-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
I had an interesting year. Lots of happy times, but a lot sad times, too. I lost one of my best friends from cancer, and I am still having a hard time with the loss, which is expected.

Despite the loss, I had a lot of good things that happened. I have learned a lot about life and even more, about myself. I am really spreading my wings and trying very hard to focus on my talented photography skills. Chicks dig dudes with mad skills. Speaking of chicks, I have been with Erica for a first and complete year. Just from that alone, I have learned more about myself and see a lot of need for improvement. And I also figured out that I am somewhat dyslexic, and from that, I have been able to excell in my photography in an exponential degree. It is my passion, and I am moving and growing full force.

So with the idea of moving forward, I want to make this year a strong year for ACTION & GOALS! I don't have time for traditional resolutions to problems that will end up broken by February.

This year, my 2009 New Year Action is CHOICE! At first it sounds weird, and I had a hard time to explain choice to Erica as a new idea for action. Lately, it seems that I have not been able to do what to do with my time, and that something else pops up in my schedule that I have to do. I feel that I spread myself out too thin and that burns me out, which is unfortunate because I miss out on seeing a lot of people.
In 2009, I am CHOSING to do what is best for ME. We all need to put our needs first for ourselves. There is too many times we put the needs of others before our own. I just can't do that anymore... Sounds selfish? Not really. If everyone would focus on themself and become independent on what they choose their needs and growth to be, you wouldn't have to give your time and effort to help someone out.
This is a complicated issue, and in no way I am saying don't help anyone out anymore. I am talking about choice, and making my choices to improve myself with my actions because I normally make too many plans and choices, and I can't get to them all.

Example: Lately, I feel that almost all of my choices I make, someone gets their feelings hurt because my choices and promises end up affecting other people, and I sometimes flake out on the important people in my life. And when I can't keep my promises, everybody loses, including me. I am still learning on how to use my choices to benefit me, and not other people.

As expressed in a blog post about a week ago, everyone was so busy running around for the holidays. So my brother & cousins went on a little camping trip to get away. We planned about a month in advance to ditch town, and go camping. It was everyones choice to go, and we all relaxed and benefited from the trip.

Me and Ricky's Russian poses in our Russian hats.

Joe's Camp Shack, Vol. 2. For the Colder Nights

2008-12-29T22:51:00.000-08:00

After camping in Death Valley with my cousins and brother, I got a few more outdoor camping tips, especially in colder weather at night. We set up camp at night, and it went pretty smooth. Death Valley is probably one of the warmest places to visit in California, right now. If you are looking to go on an outdoor trip, it is a pretty cool place without snow near the mountains.

Tips:
1. Long matches are more reliable than those $5 grill lighters.
2. I like propane lanterns now. The propane is cheaper than batteries for battery lanters, and much brighter. Use the flashlights in the tent.
3. Bring a metal pitcher to heat up water for tea or coffee. It will make your night and morning better to have warm liquid in your system.
4. Wool everything. Wool is so awesome, I am surprised people use cotton. Wool keeps you toasty.
5. Plastic bags. Sometimes sleeping bags just don't keep you warm in the middle of the night. Use trash bags for insulation.
6. Bring something to sleep on. The ground gets cold and there are always rocks.
7. Try to go to the bathroom before you go to bed. The last thing you want to do in the middle of the cold night is to get out of your sleeping bag. We had a story that will not be blogged. Ask my brother...
8. Don't listen to Anthony because he was born yesterday. He was thinking about fasting during this trip. Sometimes, I think he was born on mars.

Choices Poem

2008-12-28T07:11:00.000-08:00

Beauty is everywhere
For the eyes that can see it.

Love is ever present
for the heart that can give it.

Joy is everlasting
for the soul that can share it.

Peace is each moment
for those that accept it.

Choice is the difference
and only you can make it.

-Sheila Dennemo
May 25, 1993

I found this poem on a separate piece of paper in a used Ansel Adams book. I thought it was so cool, I bought the book.

Side note: is it "an used" or "a used" ? An used sounds funny inglish.

On my way back to Death Valley

2008-12-27T06:33:00.000-08:00

Ricky, Brett, Anthony, and the actual myself are going back to Death Valley National Park
today. I edited some images from the last time I went a few years ago. We wanted to end the year with a cool trip, in honor or Nicholas.
Surprisingly, Death Valley is one of the warmest places in California right now.

Portraits of AJ

2008-12-26T01:56:00.000-08:00

AJ needed some headshots for his Acting and Theater Portfolio. We shot in downtown Pomona, and cool place for artists.

Christmas, it's a CROCK!

2008-12-24T01:38:00.000-08:00

I guess Christmas Eve is probably a little too late to get all "ba'humbug" on my readers, but after trying to do my part with stimulating the economy and buying a bunch of stuff (more this year than normal), I am a bit grossed out with holiday consumerism right now. A few things got me thinking, like Bill Murray's moment of clarity at the end of the movie, Scrooged (my favorite Christmas movie that I watch every year.)

I have noticed that since before Thanksgiving, no one has time to see each other because they are "out doing stuff for the holidays..." I just got an email from my Aunt Patti saying she missed me because she hasn't seen me in a while. Everyone always says they want to hang out, but when I call to see them, they are busy shopping. I mean everyone.

I have been thinking how much time we spend getting ready for the holidays, and I believe it is an unjustfied amount. Stupid holidays got everyone running around for an entire month. Whoever is in charge of the holidays is laughing until they wet their pants. Sitting in traffic, standing in lines, spending more than we earn, buy buy buy, go go go, do do do...what about ho ho ho?

Isn't Christmas about friends and family? Isn't that why we send out Christmas cards and holiday cards? I met up with my old friend from high school last weekend, Justin Bullock, and I had the best time hanging out AND not thinking about Christmas because I WAS doing the Christmas thing.

Christmas Eve and Day are here, and what are we doing? Rushing to the next house, seeing the next set of family, barely have time for friends (and avoiding the ones we didn't buy any gifts for), rush rush rush, go go go, ho ho ho?
NO NO NO.

These are the end of the holidays, make time to sit down a little longer, make some coffee, make an effort to hang out with your friends and family for a few hours in the next few days.

Textures in the city of Pomona

2008-12-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

I think Pomona is cool. It used to be a small farm town about 150 years ago. Now it is a small artist colony, similar to Santa Ana. I was scoping the downtown area out for cool backgrounds for some portraits that I did on Sunday. I'll post the portraits soon.

I could not resist...Welcome to advanced [f]art class...

Spongebob Moses

Fa La La La LAAAAA!

2008-12-17T06:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays and stuff. Enjoy your next two weeks with your family and "friends" that you bought gifts for, and hope you will receive one in return.

Before & After

2008-12-12T17:47:00.001-08:00

Before

After

I think silhouettes can be powerful and striking images. My goal when I compose and edit an image is to make it interesting enough to look at for more than two seconds.

For those that know Zion, this is Angels Landing, one of tallest peaks to hike in the park.
Look at the pictures on the link, and then look at mine. what is more interesting?

How you get the black silhouettes is adjusting the levels of the image. In this case, removing the information from the dark part of the image, turning it black. And adjusting the saturation in the sky, to taste.

I was watching some intense hikers climb to the top, and thought a silhouetted shot would be cool.

Final touches to Zion.

2008-12-11T07:15:00.000-08:00

I needed a few more images for my final project slideshow of Zion. I found some more of my favorites that I didn't edit yet. I separated the images into themes: Zion (landscapes), Yellow, Water, Trails, Wildlife, and Night scapes. These images are mostly from the Trails and Water catagories, which I really didn't get around to posting.
So I think this concludes my work from Zion. Yea that sounds weird, I actually finished something. I printed about 35 images, and made a DVD slideshow. Feels good. I should do this more often.

Death defying trails on the cliffs.

Another Whiteless Christmas

2008-12-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

I did a photo shoot for my Russian traveler friend, Wendy with her FOUR KIDS and new doggy, Chablis. This was Wendy's choice for their 2008 Christmas card.

Passages exhibit at the Bowers Museum

2008-12-08T07:07:00.000-08:00

I went to the Bowers Museum yesterday with Erica. She kept saying all week that she wanted to go to see an exhibit at the Bowers, and she usually doesn't ask to see any specific exhibit at a specific museum. The first sunday is free, and it doesn't take much twisting of my arm to see any museum for free, so we went. Turns out there was this awesome cultural photography exhibit of African ceremony and rituals by two National Geographic photographers.

Passages: Photographs of Africa by Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher
November 15, 2008 – August 16, 2009

Presented in large format color photographs, photographers Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher’s images of African ritual practices are vivid, rich, intimate and intense. This dynamic exhibition of images from around the African continent is divided into six themes: Coming of Age, Courtship and Marriage, Beliefs and Worship, Masks and Masquerades, Royalty and Power, and Spirits and Ancestors. Six videos bring to life the song, dance and movement of related ceremonies and, objects of personal adornment similar to those as in the photographs will be included. Three-dimensional objects from the Bowers Museum’s permanent collection of African objects will also be on display. Beckwith and Fisher have traveled and lived within Africa together and independently over the last thirty years prolifically documenting tradition and ceremony.

National Geographic Interview

Looking back on all these images, I can really relate to these photographer's work when I was in Russia, documenting the lives of Russian orphans. I was there for a total of a few weeks, they were there for over twenty years!
Hmm...maybe I can get my book published...

Zion Wild Life

2008-12-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

Finishing up some of the last images for my Zion project.

Bambi

Heckle & Jeckle (From the Mighty Mouse cartoon)

Woody Wood Pecker.

Joe Photo visited Cypress College to speak to the Career Photography Class

2008-12-04T00:41:00.000-08:00

Joe Photo was asked to speak at Cypress College's Photo Career class. Joe knows I am one of those life long students that can never seem to graduate college, and he called me up to let me know he was giving a presentation at my school.

Joe unveiled a new logo, too.

This guy is one awesome photo veteran that has a lot of solid gold nuggets of information in the wedding photography business.
Joe's book reccomendation for the class:E-Myth Mastery
He also likes monopoly, but good luck beating him.

"Every wedding is always different. People, places, plans & details, weather, preferences... My photography is blending traditional & different styles, with weddings, fashion, landscape, architecture, fine art, & journalism.

Blessed are the flexible.

Sometimes you never know who is watching. Always look nice. Appearance is key.

Success in your business is from doing all the small things, daily. If you let the small things go, you will lose sight of the big things.

Does time drag on while you work?
Follow your passion. Do what you love. Time will fly by and you will have fun working.

Confidence, especially in your fee.

Listen to what the clients have to say."

So much for snowy Christmas cards...

2008-12-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

Family portrait shoot with my friends, the Kiesselbachs.

They were picking on Alex and pushing her off the tracks.

All this talk of food, and I am hungry for something different

2008-12-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

Alton Brown's Red Beans and Rice.

I saw Alton make this the other night on T.V. and well, time to bust out those old southern poor food recipes!

Stand by your work

2008-11-28T01:29:00.000-08:00

I submitted this image as a printed 13x19 print for my digital photo class. The assignment was for stitching images together and make them look like one. But as usual, printed images from the school turn out way different from abused printers. So my final project does not really look like this.
Color is all relative, right?

When you have a photo critique, especially with a printed image as a final product, you must stand by your work. In the critique, I heard a lot of other students say "I wasn't sure about this...It didn't work the way I wanted...I could have composed the image better..."
No No No! It must be perfect AND you must like it. Taste is a variation, and you should at least like your work.

One critique against my image was the signs ruined the landscape. The teacher look over and said, "No way, that's what the image is about." This would be a real boring picture without the signs.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

The observance of Thanksgiving Day--as a function--has become general of late years. The Thankfulness is not so general. This is natural. Two-thirds of the nation have always had hard luck and a hard time during the year, and this has a calming effect upon their enthusiasm.

-Mark Twain

The thought of Thanksgiving has got me down this year. When I read this quote by Mark Twain, it cheered me up a bit. It has been a tough year, and I just want to eat and skip the thankful part.
And I am serious about eating pie first.

Nick's Last 6 months Slideshow

The Road Less Traveled with Michael Jr.

2008-11-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

Michael Jr. lends a hand to homeless people on the streets...er...unpaved roads...

After checking out his website, it is pretty cool to see my work on his home page.

Mind Over Matter

2008-11-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

I went camping with Erica this last weekend at Angeles National Forest. We hiked up to the top of one of the mountains, but I was too lazy to bring my camera. So I have no proof. Oh well. So much for a photo blog...

We met this guy at a campsite next to us, and he was wearing shorts, a sleaveless T-shirt, and sandals. I kept asking if he was cold, and he would say, "Mind over matter." Your mind is a powerful tool, and it can change how your body reacts to everything that is relative, such as the cold.

He also had an empty bottle of wine in his hand that he kept offering me, and I would tell him I didn't want his empty wine bottle.

Mind over matter.

And in regards to my Camp Shack tips, I forgot my pillow (again), and Erica refused to eat cliff bars and bananas. So I was responsible to make sure we had music, and a comfortable tent/sleeping arrangements, and she was on food duty. I set up in the dark and accidentally put the tent on a small slope. Turns out sleeping on a hill means she gets squished.

Eat at Joe's Camp Shack

2008-11-19T22:21:00.000-08:00

This is a post about my camping tips. I have learned a lot by being on the road, and I am still learning. Travel efficiency is one of my top goals with dealing with my wanderlust. One of my pet peeves is over packing (and my other is finger prints). I might go camping and hiking this weekend, so I have been thinking about camping and travel efficiency.

FOOD TIPS:
1. Think like a vegetarian/vegan. Stay away from meats and dairy because of lack of proper storing and refridgeration. Also, cooking meats and dairies is really different than how you would normally cook them. Stock up on fruit & vegetables, Cliff Bars, canned beans and soups. Basically, if it can survive out of a cooler. I like beans and soup because you can heat it over the fire and have a warm meal for $3. If you are spending over $12 per day, you are either eating too much, or living large.

2. Fire. No,
Fire logs. More efficient than regular fire wood in the cost department, enviroment department, and time department. Three firelogs piled on each other can get you one big fire for a garunteed three hours. And you don't have to keep adding wood to the fire to keep it going.

3. Bring a pillow. I always forget.

4. Tenting. Always put the rain cover on. Lately, I haven't put it on, and I got a surprise rain shower at 2AM. Weather can change it's mind whenever it wants, weather you like it or not.

Afterhours in Zion

2008-11-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

I had some night time to kill because the sun went down around 6:30ish, so after I would eat at Joe's Camp Shack, I would drive around in Zion...at night. I don't know about you, but when I am stuck in the wilderness for a couple of nights all by myself, my mind starts to spook itself out. At first, I thought it was cool that the park was completely empty (except for the old VW bus in the back of the park, which I thought was odd and out of place, especially when they started to stare at me). Then I would drive around some more, looking for some cool nightscapes. When you are standing around in the still dark setting up the equipment and exposures for a few minutes, you start to notice all of the noises, your mind and imagination start to work against you. After while, I realized that the rustling in the bushes was not a giant animal stalking me. I got a little brave and I would purposely place myself in awkward terrains for the dark night time to see how far my imagination would go.

In conclusion to the nightscapes, I saw thousands of photographers during the day, but I was the only one at night. I have crossed a few fine lines of insanity, dumb, irresponsibility, and more awesome than the rest of the photographers.

"Yea, kids are afraid of the dark..

You are afraid of the dark too, Marv!"

-Home Alone