andrewcalof photography

MUSIC WITH RANDY KAPLAN

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 05:42:00 +0000

We had a great time this morning watching our neighbor, singer, song writer, and poet, Randy Kaplan perform in front of a 100 strong crowd at McCabe's Guitar Shop on Pico. We missed a tune or so but caught the rest which included his new album title song Jam on Rye, Don't Fill Up on Chips, Crew Cut, No Nothing, I'm a Little Dinosaur, The Fire Engine, The Kid is All Id, Hockey Puck, Ode to a Shower Door, and, Grape Juice Hesitation Blues. I'm blanking on the tune about going to the super market, which I absolutely loved. Might have mentioned it above, just didn't know it. Much of Randy's music belends American Roots, Country Blues, and Comedic Storytelling. Kaplan speaks the truth as an artist! His speedy lyrics and sweet melodies keep you fully engaged and his little anecdotes between tunes can't help but make you laugh and smile. I don't write music reviews, but I do know that Randy is a true artist that connects on all levels as a singer song writer.

We loved being their to support our friend. My only regret was not taking more pictures from around the room, but I was so immersed in the music and experience. For all the parents out there, go buy his latest album, JAM ON RYE. Your kids, and you, will absolutely love it. And check out Randy on Sirius-XM Radio Kids Place Live.

PUREFIX CYCLES

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Mon, 26 May 2014 21:37:00 +0000

If you've been following me on Instagram you might have noticed a few postings of my #purefix bike and my rides around Los Angeles the past few weeks. It's been a liberating and freeing experience. Just me, the bike, and the road, a cool nights breeze upon my face, "clear eyes" and a "full heart."

So what happened and why the bike all of a sudden. I've been curious for quite some time about a fixed gear bike. Clean lines, light, simple, and it just looks friggin cool. For those that have been to my office, I have a collection of messenger bags, pretty much all #manhattanportage with the quick release and I recently bought The Empire backpack, which hauls my gear (work gear that is) back and forth from home to the office. I'm no bike messenger, but I've been transfixed by the culture. I grew up on Quicksilver, and though a cheese movie, I always thought it captured the bike messenger world in a way that felt real and grounded. I can't speak for Premium Rush because I haven't seen it...all in due time.

On the other hand, two words. Gino Bartali, maybe one of the greatest cyclists ever. He was Italian and the only rider ever to win the The Tour de France ten years apart - '38 and '48 - 24 and 34 years old respectively. That's unheard off. And remember, the event wasn't held between '39-'46 because of the war. Cycling on the world stage almost disappeared during those years. But what makes Bartali even more interesting and remarkable is that he helped save Jews during WWII who were being persecuted by the Nazis. He used his fame by carrying forged documents and photographs, working in conjunction with DELASEM, aiding Jews to escape, some of them to the Swiss Alps in 1943. Not only was he maybe the greatest rider of the modern era, but he used his bike for good. It was a beacon of hope in a time of dispare. It's inspiring in every way of the word.

I haven't cracked it yet. It's in the making, but I leave you with this...

Inside, the garage stands there like a statue, dark until the lift door rises up and street lights floods the concrete room. Light slowly inching back over The Echo, beautiful, clean, a vessel that will take me into the night. Black matte helmet lifted off the riser bars, snapping into place under my chin. Clear eyes. Heart full. Strapping one foot in. Readying for the push off, and now the other foot snug in the binding. And we are off, heart racing, the rush settling in...let's do some good tonight, shall we...

TOPPINGS FROZEN YOGURT

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 05:00:00 +0000

It was a great day. I spent some time at the Leica Los Angeles Flagship Store this afternoon, first time back since it's opening a few months ago. Demoed a few lenses. The gallery is showcasing Craig Semetko's work from his trip to India commissioned by Leica.

But the real highlight of the afternoon was taking my girls for frozen yogurt at Toppings on Robertson. Such a wonderful time and Glenda came too which made it all the more fun. We laughed and chatted. Estella spotted a puppy about half way thru and was smitten. She loved the fruit and Sylvie the Mango frozen yogurt.

Here are a few that just light up the world.

MY INSTAGRAM DAY IN MANHATTAN

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 19:42:00 +0000

We had an amazing weekend in New York City, visiting Amanda's good friend Beth Miller who was getting married in Great Neck, Long Island. While everyone was preparing for the special evening, I ventured into the city, channeling the spirit of my nine year old self, with the goal of making it to the top of the Empire State Building by noon, hoping to either run into King Kong or better yet, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. See, the last time I was up there I was a young boy on a trip with my family over the summer between 2nd and 3rd grade. We stayed at my Aunt Judy's apartment in Chelsea. Saw practically everything you can see in a weeks time.

I was sad not to have Amanda by my side, but worse yet, my girls, to share in the fun of traveling 86 floors and then to the 102nd, like when I was younger, to see the world from a different perspective. All in good time, all in good time.

The journey was liberating, I felt like a true New Yorker venturing in on the LIRR to Penn Station, then on foot to 5th Avenue.

At the top nothing but clear skies for miles, beyond Liberty Island and the Brooklyn Bridge, deep into Jersey, and of course back up to Central Park and beyond Harlem. It puts a lot into perspective at the top. The world is a big place. We are but small pieces of the larger puzzle.

My day didn't stop there, I LOVE NYC shirts and replica ESB statues for the girls, and a photography book for me.

Afterward I ventured down 5th to Madison Squate Park, the Flat Iron Building, families playing and enjoying the 60s plus temperature. Everyone happy.

Eventually my day trip came to a close and I needed to get back to Great Neck. Amanda and I were mesmerized earlier as to the process of getting on a train at Penn Station, everyone waiting patiently, almost like the winning lottery numbers were to be announced at any moment, but in this case what track your train would depart from back to Long Island. We waited, waited a little more until the track number displayed on the board and dashed like children to track 16 for a ride home. I bet it never gets old!

Until the next time, #iheartnyc.

INSIDE SYLVIE RAIN

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 00:59:00 +0000

It was the birthday that never ended but what better way to send Sylvie Rain off into her fourth year than taking a look "inside" her special day that simply fills the heart. Hope you enjoy.

Inside Sylvie Rain - 4th Birthday from Andrew Calof on Vimeo.

OJAI VALLEY INN & SPA AND LAKE CASITAS

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 22:29:00 +0000

We started off the year with a spontaneous and quick trip to Ojai, CA - always a great getaway, far but not too far, close, but not too close from home. We crushed the outlets, swam, walked the amazing grounds, had some fun meals, arts and crafts, built some forts in the room, and went on a boating excursion at Lake Casitas. Was a wonderful trip. Hope to go back soon. Estella's first voyage to the inn.

YEAR IN PHOTOS 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 15:41:00 +0000

To be honest, I don't know where to begin. It's like "the world went and got itself in a big damn hurry." "If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." It's the truth. And when it comes down to it, it's all about the truth. Being truthful to ourselves, to one another, the ones we love, etc. Because that's all we have at the end of the day. For me, the truth is in these pictures.

So what to say. Hmmm. I learned something from a movie the other day. Would you believe that finally this year, my 35th year of life, I finally watched It's a Wonderful Life?!?!? And I work in the biz! Don't tell anybody. I've seen bits and pieces over the years, but never put the whole thing together until now. Yep, I'm the one. And truthfully, now I get it, some of the best filmmaking, quite practically ever. I now I know, but I had to watch it to finally see what all the fuss was about! Some of you probably hate it, or think it's overrated, but whatever. After watching, a lot of this past year crystalized for me. You see George Bailey was too blind to see that he was loved and appreciated. That there were good people just like him. And what he wanted most in life, more importantly, what truly mattered most, was right there in front of him all the time. He thought there was something more fulfilling out there, something he was quite possibly missing, something bigger. But at the end of the day, he came home, back to the here and now. I'm not saying I don't love what I have, in fact, I wouldn't trade my life for anything in the world. I love my wife, she is my soul mate and forever, I dream about her even when she's right there in front of me in the real, she makes me a better man, and she deserves everything, EV-REE-THING. For my girls, I cry just casting an eye upon them because I can't put into words how proud I feel, how amazing they are and will become as they grow up. Please don't ever grow up, please.

I'm not going to do one of those recaps like I do each year and what I hope for the next. I just hope more of us will simply take a moment and really think about our lives - what we have, what we want, and appreciate the journey we are all on. We are only here for a second, truly. One day, one moment, it's over. Have fun, smile, make the best out of the moment, never stop dreaming, hug your kids, kiss your wife, find the good in people, have good values, instill them in your kids, help people, help as many as you can, gossip less, smile again, work hard, repeat, and don't fuck it up. Tomorrow may never come, and then what?

Again, what do I know, not a whole lot, but a thing or two about a thing or two, just take a second and think about it, appreciate it, smile, dream, live...

So here is the truth!

Estella Lake

Sylvie Rain

Amanda Dame

Sylvie Rain & Estella Lake, Estella Lake & Sylvie Rain

Family

Snap Shots

Friends

Me aka The Guy Who Clicks The Shutter And Makes Pictures

PALM SPRINGS

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 03:17:00 +0000

We had the great pleasure of spending this past Thanksgiving in Palm Springs with our close and dear friends The Rosenbergs. From The Living Desert Zoo, swimming with the Kassar and Rosenberg families, lunch at Manhattan Deli, to dinners at Las Cansuelas Nuevas and Matchbox, and taking the girls to see Frozen, we couldn't have asked for a more peaceful and happy time. Thank you again to Billy and Sheryl for inviting us to their Palm Springs Oasis. The bigger question, when can we go back?!?!?

Here are a few of my favorites from the holiday, everything shot on my M9 and converted to B/W in Lightroom.

PETER TURNLEY

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 17:40:00 +0000

This is incredibly inspired and peaceful piece about Peter Turnley and his new book. It caught my eye this morning on the Leica Blog. To portray the themes of life in a photograph, at least for me, feels like the ultimate goal as a photographer. Enjoy.

THE TREE OF LIFE

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 16:37:00 +0000

The miracle of life is something that cannot be described or explained, it needs to be experienced. What better way to experience that miracle than through the beauty and innocence of children. In this case, two young girls, both different yet curious in their own ways. One by action, the other by dreaming. Together though, their souls unite to form a bond that will forever be unbreakable as sisters.

I wanted to capture an impressionistic and visual story told through the eyes of my girls, Sylvie Rain and Estella Lake. The story and video will never be finished. I of course, want it to be perfect on all accounts, but it never will - life goes on, it evolves, changes, we learn, we grow, we love, we lose and of course, much much more that we'll never know. Here is an attempt at showing briefly just how amazing life can be. I encourage you to listen to it loud.

Sylvie & Estella - The Tree of Life from Andrew Calof on Vimeo.

SANTA MONICA BEACH OF YESTERYEAR

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 21:30:00 +0000

It was a special weekend with Rachael Labofsky Hoffman in town, one of Amanda's longest and dearest friends. In fact, Rachael has known Amanda and I longer than Amanda and I have known each other...if that makes sense! A trip to Santa Monica Beach was definitely on the list of things to do, and I wanted to capture something nostalgic so I shot the whole day in a yesteryear aesthetic to try and evoke a timeless feeling. Here it is, blow by blow, we were on the road by 1030am, straight shot to the beach where we confidently parked at the Annenberg Community Pool. Great spot right off the walkway, front row sweats of the Pacific. Sylvie built sand castles, while Amanda and Ral caught up on old times, Estella pretty much under the blanket. We picked up lunch at the cafe and had a nice picnic on the beach. We were spent by 230pm, dipped our toes in the water and headed to Montana Street for some shopping, followed by a mini tour of 20th Century Fox, Beverly Hills, and finally home.

We filled the evening with dinner at Angelini Osteria, a silly tourist stop (trap) at Grauman's Chinese Theater, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was a jam packed day, full of smiles and laughs.

Sad to see you go Ral. Cannot thank you enough for making the trek west and spending time with us, it was a wonderful wonderful weekend. Until we see you again, may the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face.

LAKE SHRINE CALIFORNIA

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 06:41:00 +0000

Friends and fam have been asking recently why I haven't been posting photos on the blog. The honest truth is I haven't found the time to write. I keep up the photos through shutterfly regulalry for family and update tumblr here and there. Finding the time to write though is the toughest part. So here I lay, on a Saturday evening having just finished reading a treatment, now with some time, but an ear to the television as Amanda watches Real Housewives of New Jersey, as I get my thoughts in order.

It's been an amazing three months, Estella already wise beyond her years, possessing all the great qualities of her mom and big sister. Looks like she's going to have my eyes, so that's a good thing! Estella is an observer, like her daddy. She takes it all in, one day she's going to speak, say something amazing and thoughtful, blow us all out of the water. She and her sister will conquer the world. But until then, they are my babies.

We went to Lake Shrine today where the PCH and Sunset Blvd intersect. Beautiful spot. Majestic. Calm. Alarmingly Quiet. We walked around taking in the beauty. Sylvie told me later this evening as she was having her bedtime snack that her favorite part was feeding the turtles. We laughed at how much fun we had. I told myself to remember this moment, she was so honest and happy, it was her time to tell me what she loved about the day. We had brunch at Taste, just up the street from Lake Shrine, delicious. Tennis with Bobby in BH. Dinner w Lindsey, Brian, and the handsome Sawyer. Shows. Baths. Snacks. Stories.

So that's that. Tomorrow is another day. I'm sure we'll laugh, get frustrated and angry, but delighted when Estella stares deep into our souls and smiles, Sylvie cracks a joke, tells us she isn't hungry to then five minutes later throwing a tantrum fully knowing she's starving but not wanting to admit it. And we go around and around and around.

Here are a few from the day. Also, to get caught up on my other work please go to andrewcalof.tumblr.com

Until we talk again...

SESSION RAIN

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:13:00 +0000

She is one of a kind - life in motion. Articulate. Beautiful. Sweet. Collective. Smartest in the room. Can't get enough Rain, even when it pours...

VENICE CANALS - VENICE, CA

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Mon, 06 May 2013 04:23:00 +0000

Finally an outing after eleven days. I've wanted to visit the canals in Venice for a bunch of years, probably since we moved to California, but somehow we never made it, until now. Five deep in the car - Susu, Amanda, Sylvie, Estella and me. We ventured out to Venice, CA around 1045am this morning to get a jump on the day. It was incredibly peaceful, serene, with beautiful homes to catch your gaze. Afterward, we went to the The Nosh for lunch.

Check out our morning in Venice.

ESTELLA LAKE CALOF

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 05:47:00 +0000

At 721am, April 24th, we welcomed Ms. Estella Lake into the world. Not as crazy a story from three years ago, though still quite the experience. It was rather quick, Amanda having been to the big dance once before. As the middle of the night turned to morning, we had another beautiful daughter - already sweet, tempered, and calm. Amanda was a star, never wavering, always strong - I love her. It was yet another incredible day in this journey called life. Amanda and I are so extremely happy, Sylvie to call herself a big sister, and for everyone's kind wishes.

As for the name, it stems from one of our favorite stories, Great Expectations, the stunning and seductive Estella. We fell in love with it and the name stuck with us all these years, I'm sure she'll break a few hearts down the road.

I'll spare you the docudrama of the day, as my camera captured pretty much the entire milestone. Though I will leave with a few frames that I hope express my feelings of joy and excitement that will last a life time.

ROCK 'N ROLL TENNIS CAMP

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:45:00 +0000

The Bad Girl of Tennis!

Years back there was an Ad that Nike shot called "Andre Agassi Rock 'N Roll Tennis Camp" that was a big hit when Agassi came on the tour, was gaining momentum in the rankings, that capitalized on his bad boy persona. I remember being jealous of all the other junior players who were buying this gear. So when Sylvie picked out her outfit to wear to her first lesson, I couldn't help but feel inspired by those images from the commercial that stuck in my head over the past 20 years. Though the lesson lasted all of 15 minutes, we had a great time. Her range of emotion exhibits the so many different personalities that she posses. Love this kid. I hope we get to go play again soon. And check out the Nike Ad below!

Nike Ad "Andre Agassi Rock 'N Roll Tennis Camp"

YEAR IN PHOTOS 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:54:00 +0000

As all things do, we begin over black. Slowly, a dash of light cuts across screen. We are unsure if we saw it, but our mind tells us otherwise. Now coming into focus, an iris, beautiful, a color we perhaps don't know, the mind playing tricks on us, but again, sharper, clearer, luminous...now a blink, practically translucent, eye lash over eye lash. We wait a beat, ponder this shape of beauty for an extra moment and just as we began, we then rocket forward into black. And when we come to once more, we are floating in an amazing blue sky, white clouds, the world all around us...the beauty of a smiling young girl, Sylvie, the world seen from her eye.

I cannot remember a year where so much happened. Amanda, Sylvie and I are a family of movement. Every second of every minute of every hour of every day of every year is accounted for. That's 60 seconds a minute, 3600 seconds an hour, 86400 seconds a day, 31536000 seconds a year...we never stop, we can't, we consume, we get out there, we live, and we go. Why would we do anything else? "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." I wouldn't have it any other way.

We laughed, we cried, we smiled, we argued, we agreed to disagree, we sacrificed, we loved, we hugged, we cheered, we kissed, we traveled, we won, we lost, we said "okay," and much much more.

My Amanda is my everything. She's the glue, my own personal angel, and confidant. I look at her and still can't believe she's my wife...she laughs when I say that, but hey, I'm a romantic...I mean it though. Sylvie, well, I can't even characterize her...she's brilliant, amazing, if you ask me I'll say she's been touched by the hand of god like Dylan, Picasso, Einstein, Mozart, Shakespeare - she has the gift. Think I'll give her a camera this coming year, a tennis racket, a guitar, and a calligraphy set...will be interesting to see what she chooses. I hope all of it.

So I leave with some moments, the click of the shutter, capturing time anywhere from 30 seconds to 1/4000th of a second. There is no way these frames can sum up a whole year, but they try and bring some meaning to this game we call life. Look close, you can even see the "in-betweens" where the real good stuff happens.

RUNNER RUNNER

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 06:08:00 +0000

Work hard. Play hard. This past weekend I was in Princeton, New Jersey and New York City doing some work on our film Runner Runner. Long days but we shot some amazing scenes. We started in Princeton on Friday. When the kids found out who was in town, the word spread quickly. Saturday we shot inside this beautiful building overlooking the river and Sunday was spent outside on Park Avenue, Grand Central in the background...was pretty cool. We wrapped on our final day so had some time to explore the city before heading back later that evening. Grand Central Station, Barney's NYC, Bergdorf Goodman, Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Plaza. Pretty good for four hours.

Year in Photos coming soon!

HAPPY HANUKKAH 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:45:00 +0000

Here's a little video I cut together from our first night of Hanukkah of Sylvie lighting the menorah and opening her first present.

Hanukkah 2012-Vimeo Upload 720p from Andrew Calof on Vimeo.

SELF PORTRAITS

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 04:39:00 +0000

Being a photographer, rarely do I show up in any of the photographs I take. So figured it was time to say hello. Did a little shopping this past weekend, had the M9 with me so snapped a few frames in the J. CREW dressing room. Have to say, the haircut is pretty darn good and the clothes look nice too. Until we meet again.

HALLOWEEN 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 19:56:00 +0000

Last year Beverlywood, this year Hancock Park with Alexa, Sylvie B, and Gemma. In a way, it felt like it was 1982 and we were transported back in time to the movie E.T., all the little people running around the neighborhood, trick or treating, disguised as princesses, pumpkins, ghouls, marvel characters, and much more. It's like we were secretly invited into the Lollipop Kids gang, assigned to protect Munchkin Land from the Wicked Witch of the West.

So much excitement in the air as we set upon our journey, house to house, to collect candy and trinkets. Eyes wide, smiles ear to ear, full hearts, and a little terror from time to time...it's all part of growing up I guess. The kids could have gone all night long, it was wonderful to share the experience.

Sylvie Rain

Sheryl Rosenberg & Amanda

Probably my favorite - "mischief of one kind"

A conversation we'll never know...

Alexa Rosenberg

Sylvie B & Noel Bright

Flynn Rider leading the way - another favorite

The Two Sylvies

Gemma Stodel, Alexa Rosenberg, Sylvie Bright, and Sylvie Calof

Noel & Courtney Bright

Gemma & Alexa

Girls on a journey

UNDERWOOD FARMS PUMPKIN PATCH

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 04:34:00 +0000

We told Sylvie that to get to Underwood Farms in Moorpark, CA, that she'd have to take a rocket ship to get there! What a place - literally a small state fair with so much to do. Check out our Sunday outing.

WOLF/SPECKTOR WEDDING

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 01:54:00 +0000

One of those weddings you talk about for a long time. Ned Specktor, one of my oldest and dearest friends got married to Megan Wolf last weekend in Bloomfield Hills, MI. It was an incredible incredible wedding and weekend, filled with festivities, seeing old friends, making new ones, celebrating with the bride and groom and their respective families.

Ned and I became friends over the summer in 1996, a silly little watch I used to wear to our tennis group is what started the conversation. From following him to the gas station after practice one morning because Ned was nervous he might run out of gas, we instantly became friends. We remained friends through college and both made a pact that we'd move to Hollywood after we graduated. That was 16 years ago and when Ned introduced Amanda, Sylvie, and I to Megan, we were instantly smitten - she's a classy girl, smart and kind, well mannered and full of life just like Ned.

I can't help but bring my camera wherever I go - now I'm the guy with Leica M9 slung over my shoulder. People ask me if I'm a photographer, I tell them I just take pictures. So to be in a foreign place with camera in hand, I was stoked to shoot as many frames as possible. From the rehearsal, to the grooms dinner at The Community House, wandering around quaint downtown Birmingham, getting ready the afternoon of the big day, the wedding at Temple Beth El, and finally shooting the party at Tam O'Shanter Country Club, there were a lot of opportunities to capture something interesting. I hope I accomplished that in the photos you see below.

It was a perfect weekend on all fronts - first class to say the least. Love to the Wolf and Specktor families. So much more to say but not enough time. Ned and Megan, we love you very much, can't wait to see you both when you return home. Mazel Tov.

SYLVIE'S FIRST DAY OF PRE-SCHOOL

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 05:59:00 +0000

We couldn't sleep, Amanda and I were the ones with anxiety. Would she get up on time, be ready, would she cry, would she even want to go - the questions we asked ourselves the night before Sylvie's first day of pre-school.

This kid, I'm telling you, can do anything, and she's only two years seven months old. She carries herself with grace and confidence. You can see it in her eyes. The way she talks. The words she uses. The expression on her face.

Before we knew it she let go of our hands, ran into the class room to greet her teachers, meet new friends, and venture into the next chapter of her little yet big big life. We are so proud.

A few from Sylvie's first day of pre-school. From my friends Led Zeppelin..."Ramble on" Sylvie!

ZADE IN LOS ANGELES

noreply@blogger.com (Calof) — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 04:36:00 +0000

Zade came to town last week and we had the best time - a long overdue trip. Sylvie is still asking whether or not Zade is coming over today or if Zade will buy her more toys. We miss you Zade!