We had some crazy weather here in LA for the last couple days. Rain deluges, thunder, floods, and even a tornado over Long Beach. I felt the need to document some of the stormy clouds over this part of town the other night at twilight.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Who do you shoot for?
Who is it that drives you to create your art?
I like to think that I drive myself to create. I like to say that I take photos that please me, and damn the world if anyone else likes them. But, am I fooling myself?
I also take criticism very hard. And, I see criticism everywhere. I see it in the lack of sales that my prints generate on deviantart. I see it in the lack of views I get when I post links to facebook. But, really, are those critiques?
The answer, of course, has to be "no", but it's a difficult thing to think about. It's easy to see someone failing to be enamored of your artistic endeavors as some sort of denial of their value.
So, the solution is to actually believe: in my talent; in my vision; in my technical skill; in myself.
I like to think that I drive myself to create. I like to say that I take photos that please me, and damn the world if anyone else likes them. But, am I fooling myself?
I also take criticism very hard. And, I see criticism everywhere. I see it in the lack of sales that my prints generate on deviantart. I see it in the lack of views I get when I post links to facebook. But, really, are those critiques?
The answer, of course, has to be "no", but it's a difficult thing to think about. It's easy to see someone failing to be enamored of your artistic endeavors as some sort of denial of their value.
So, the solution is to actually believe: in my talent; in my vision; in my technical skill; in myself.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Old for new...
I thought I'd start my 2010 posts with images I shot with my iPhone during 2009 around LA. So, without further comment, here goes:
Friday, November 6, 2009
Employment Dystopia
Well, I haven't been writing anything because I got a retail day job at a large local camera store.
I got hired by the head guy himself, Samy. I spent the last month working with them, learning their systems and inventory, etc.
Today, Donna was feeling really ill after her H1N1 shot. It made her feel dizzy, numb, tingly, and super tired. I went in to the manager's office about 2 hours before closing time on a VERY slow business day (sales people were standing around picking their fingernails) to see if I could go get her from work.
The manager looked at me and said "Well Brad, actually, I have to let you go. We didn't get what we needed out of you."
I said "What do you mean, you didn't get what you needed from me? What is it that I didn't do?"
He said "Well, we expected business to pick up a lot more than it has, so we are really just over-staffed now" and then he handed me my already-prepared final check. He said "You didn't do badly, so I'm just going to keep your name tag and time card here in my office. If things pick up, I will give you a call. I'll keep these here so you dont have to go through the rigamarole of getting them again."
I said "Well, that's why we have the 90-day probationary hiring period, huh?" shook his hand, and walked out of the office. I grabbed my few things from my personal drawer: spoon and fork, bottle of water, bottle of disinfectant gel, and headed home.
On the way home, I put the final check into my bank, and walked about 3 miles towards home. I usually take the bus, but was feeling the need to walk.
Now I'm wondering if this isnt exactly the kick in the pants that I needed. Talking a bunch of pros buying new gear, and seeing that I actually know more about a lot of gear than they do, yet they are still making great money, tells me that I haven't tapped all my potential yet. Time to get crackin!
I got hired by the head guy himself, Samy. I spent the last month working with them, learning their systems and inventory, etc.
Today, Donna was feeling really ill after her H1N1 shot. It made her feel dizzy, numb, tingly, and super tired. I went in to the manager's office about 2 hours before closing time on a VERY slow business day (sales people were standing around picking their fingernails) to see if I could go get her from work.
The manager looked at me and said "Well Brad, actually, I have to let you go. We didn't get what we needed out of you."
I said "What do you mean, you didn't get what you needed from me? What is it that I didn't do?"
He said "Well, we expected business to pick up a lot more than it has, so we are really just over-staffed now" and then he handed me my already-prepared final check. He said "You didn't do badly, so I'm just going to keep your name tag and time card here in my office. If things pick up, I will give you a call. I'll keep these here so you dont have to go through the rigamarole of getting them again."
I said "Well, that's why we have the 90-day probationary hiring period, huh?" shook his hand, and walked out of the office. I grabbed my few things from my personal drawer: spoon and fork, bottle of water, bottle of disinfectant gel, and headed home.
On the way home, I put the final check into my bank, and walked about 3 miles towards home. I usually take the bus, but was feeling the need to walk.
Now I'm wondering if this isnt exactly the kick in the pants that I needed. Talking a bunch of pros buying new gear, and seeing that I actually know more about a lot of gear than they do, yet they are still making great money, tells me that I haven't tapped all my potential yet. Time to get crackin!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
After Sunset at Sunset Beach
Today my wife and I decided to take a drive out to the coast and visit a beach we hadn't been to before. We chose Huntington Beach, south of Long Beach.
The drive down the 405 freeway was about like you would expect - traffic was moderate, with a few segments of fully stop-and-go action. We decided to get off the 405 and slip over to the PCH. We drove through Santa Monica, Manhattan, Redondo, and Long Beach, before we got to Huntington. Huntington beach had too much of a commercial, touristy vibe for us, so we backtracked a few miles to a smaller place called Sunset Beach, where we stopped for a nice seafood dinner.
Donna had some pasta with shrimp and artichokes, I had a herb crusted mahi-mahi steak with a baked potato. It was yummy. The restaurant had a weird kind of 60s sea-shanty decor that really tickled us, ropes and tackle hanging around, but at the same time it tried to be a bit upper-class. Our waitress was sweet, and we had a laugh about the music system not working properly and the gentleman behind us apparently called every person he knows who is also on a retirement trip in that area, loudly proclaiming that they should meet in the lobby in the morning.
After dinner, we walked the 100 yards or so to the ocean, and while Donna watched, I took some long-exposure shots of the rough waves and post-sunset skies.
The drive down the 405 freeway was about like you would expect - traffic was moderate, with a few segments of fully stop-and-go action. We decided to get off the 405 and slip over to the PCH. We drove through Santa Monica, Manhattan, Redondo, and Long Beach, before we got to Huntington. Huntington beach had too much of a commercial, touristy vibe for us, so we backtracked a few miles to a smaller place called Sunset Beach, where we stopped for a nice seafood dinner.
Donna had some pasta with shrimp and artichokes, I had a herb crusted mahi-mahi steak with a baked potato. It was yummy. The restaurant had a weird kind of 60s sea-shanty decor that really tickled us, ropes and tackle hanging around, but at the same time it tried to be a bit upper-class. Our waitress was sweet, and we had a laugh about the music system not working properly and the gentleman behind us apparently called every person he knows who is also on a retirement trip in that area, loudly proclaiming that they should meet in the lobby in the morning.
After dinner, we walked the 100 yards or so to the ocean, and while Donna watched, I took some long-exposure shots of the rough waves and post-sunset skies.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Hot Days Hot Tempers
Today on our way to the Farmers' Market in Hollywood, we ran across this fist fight happening in the convenience store parking lot. At first I thought they were just play-fighting or something, but it quickly became evident that they were serious. So, instead of showing the other shots I did today, I thought I'd show this series that tells a story. At the end of the story, after we walked away, the Police arrived in 3 cars and a helicopter, and the last I heard at least one of the fighters was taken away in cuffs.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Pros and Cons of Studio Photography
The reasons are myriad, and complex, but I'll try to break it down into a simple list of pros and cons. Remember, this list is from my specific viewpoint, and may not be valid from the viewpoint of you and your business. As always, a current and accurate Cost of Doing Business analysis will help you figure out your own pros and cons.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Another great blog by Leslie Burns-Dell'Acqua
Today Leslie posted a blog about something she called CRAP, relating to how artists try to downplay the title of "artist" and say things like "I'm just a photographer". Here are her tips in an excerpt from the post:
It ties into something I was talking about to my wife. I was explaining to her some things about becoming a successful artistic photographer, as I understood it. One of the things I told her was: You should take pictures for yourself first. It doesnt matter if not one single person other than yourself enjoys a shot, as long as you enjoyed shooting it and seeing it later. An artist should please themselves first.
She looked askance at me and I said "What?"
She replied "I hope you're listening to yourself right now."
Because, you see, I haven't been listening to my own advice (as usual). I have been trying to tailor my vision to meet what others think will sell, or looks good, etc. The last person I'm shooting for these days is myself.
I really should heed my own advice more often.
- Call yourself an artist and what you make art. Do it out loud, every single day.
- Remind yourself that if an ad costs $300K just for its space (placement), the art for that ad is worth a hell of a lot more than $2K.
- Most people will not like your art, after all, most people like Wal*Mart and lawn ornaments; but the ones that will like it are the only ones that count and they’re the ones to market to.
- You have every right to get paid and paid well for your abilities, just like a doctor or a plumber or any other pro; your skills are just as rare and valuable.
- And, most importantly, you deserve to be happy–you are doing what you love, what you should be doing in this life–don’t crap on it.
It ties into something I was talking about to my wife. I was explaining to her some things about becoming a successful artistic photographer, as I understood it. One of the things I told her was: You should take pictures for yourself first. It doesnt matter if not one single person other than yourself enjoys a shot, as long as you enjoyed shooting it and seeing it later. An artist should please themselves first.
She looked askance at me and I said "What?"
She replied "I hope you're listening to yourself right now."
Because, you see, I haven't been listening to my own advice (as usual). I have been trying to tailor my vision to meet what others think will sell, or looks good, etc. The last person I'm shooting for these days is myself.
I really should heed my own advice more often.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Incredible Youtube Mix-master
Well, everyone has been passing this link around lately: http://www.thru-you.com. Today I finally went and visited the link, and proceeded to have my mind blown.
This guy has gone through a ton of youtube videos, snipped them all up, and re-spliced them together as unique and funky songs. I dont know how much he had to snip and create, musically, and how much he just worked with what was there, but the final product he has come up with is just amazing to me.
I think what he's done falls under "fair use", since he doesn't seem to be seeking any monetary gain from the project, and he gives full credit to everyone he borrowed the performances of. He put a disclaimer on the site stating that he'll remove someone who takes issue with it, too.
Besides the sheer scope of the project, I think the music he created is awesome as well. My favorite track is 07, and my 2nd favorite is 03. Have a listen and see what you think.
This guy has gone through a ton of youtube videos, snipped them all up, and re-spliced them together as unique and funky songs. I dont know how much he had to snip and create, musically, and how much he just worked with what was there, but the final product he has come up with is just amazing to me.
I think what he's done falls under "fair use", since he doesn't seem to be seeking any monetary gain from the project, and he gives full credit to everyone he borrowed the performances of. He put a disclaimer on the site stating that he'll remove someone who takes issue with it, too.
Besides the sheer scope of the project, I think the music he created is awesome as well. My favorite track is 07, and my 2nd favorite is 03. Have a listen and see what you think.
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