Rico Mandel

Motels

2013-08-05T13:09:00.001-07:00

I have always had a fascination with old Motels,

imagining families on vacation, cruising cross country down route 66, going out west, discovering their next adventure. Or the traveling salesman, going from one motel to the next to rest between each days appointments.

Old motels seem to be a dying breed. A part of our past, frozen in time; the perfect backdrop to countless stories. A location for murder, general debauchery, over zealous college kids, prostitutes, and the downtrodden. A safe or maybe not so safe haven on the road. But

most people just see them as a cheap place to park the family, get some rest, and maybe have a swim before moving on.

For me they conjure up so many different scenes, many involving smoking, alcohol, sex and drama. Cheap early morning breakfasts of bacon and eggs, white toast, and hot coffee served by Mabel with the beehive hairdo in her coral pink uniform. The lone traveller in his room, cigarette smoldering in the ashtray, a television picture interfered with static, booze bottles strewn across the table, the remnants of past days figuring out the next move. Clandestine meetings between lovers, the special knock at the door, a welcoming embrace, curtains drawn, dim lighting, the bottle of André sweating, just purchased from the liquor store down the street with 2 plastic cups by its side. Above the television, a lone crimson rose illuminated by a streak of sunlight peeking through the curtains, revealing the backdrop of velveteen damask patterned wallpaper in burnt umber.

This sets the stage for what attracts me to these places and what I love so much about them.

Gallery show April 26th

2013-04-22T14:53:00.004-07:00

Since the beginning of the year I have been honored to be a part of Verge Photographers. We are a group of 5 Los Angeles based photographers who are being sponsored by the Duncan Miller Gallery. The experience has been life changing for me. It has given me an outlet for my fine art Photography and to have my work in multiple group shows throughout the year.

This week we are having an event at the gallery in conjunction with MOPLA - (Month of Photography Los Angeles) The show features the work of Verge Photographers featuring Claire Mallett, Jamie Johnson, Liz Huston, Marjorie Salvaterra, and Myself.

If you haven't yet seen the exhibit then I would love to see you come on by. The work of all of us is truly wonderful. Here are some press articles from Examnier.com that may be of interest -

Photographers on the Verge Series by Stacy Scott on Examiner.com

Jamie Johnson

Rico Mandel

Liz Huston

Stay tuned for our upcoming new show opening on May 11, 2013

2013-03-12T23:26:00.002-07:00

LInda Vista Hospital

By Rico Mandel

58 pages, published 3/13/2013

A portfolio of the abandoned Linda Vista Hospital. The haunting images are a testament to a once vibrant hospital facility that was built to care for employees of the Santa Fe Railway.

My Girlfriend Calls Me "Prom King"

2012-07-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

I was having a discussion with a few friends about my photography and what I do. It seems that the one common thing aside from the high quality of my work is that, you guessed it, I'm a Prom King. Not in the literal sense of the word. My girlfriend coined that phrase a while ago when she noticed that I just seem to attract all sorts of people and am able to make them all feel at ease. I like to have a good time and love to see others enjoying themselves. I can throw together an event at the blink of an eye and everyone is eating great food, drinking good wine and just having a great time. I do have one secret, I am a trained chef so maybe that helps a bit.

Yes, Rico, that's all fine and good but this is a photography blog, how does your "prom kinging" relate to your photography? Well it's more of an attitude, a lifestyle that allows me to create photographs that bring out that certain "je ne sais quoi" of my subjects, my clients and the overall mood on the set. I mean when I'm working with other prom kings then the work is just easier, it flows, the creativity is sparked and everyone's having a great time.

The overall point is why make the work difficult and arduous when you can create great work and have a good time doing it. It's the reaction I get whether I'm shooting for Hilton or The Saddle Peak Lodge, this guy comes in, makes us feel good, gives us more than we expected and then has a great time eating and drinking with us afterward, what's not to like. So that's what it's like to work with a prom king which just makes it all feel good.

Photos top row - Saddle Peak Lodge from my series "Behind the Door - Chefs their Food and their Kitchens"

Photos second row - Hilton and Loews Hotels

www.ricomandel.com

Photography's impact on your business

2010-05-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

In today's marketplace we are innundated with so many offers and messages from similar businesses that it is imperative to figure out a way to set yourself and your business apart from the others in your field.

Be a trendsetter in your field.

You do your work differently than everyone else, you're not just like the other guy and you certainly have your unique way of doing things. It's time for you to take the bull by the horns and become a trendsetter. One thing that will put in front of the curve is to take the photography of yourself and your products a more seriously. The photograph is the first thing that most people see when they come to your site. In the the case of a product, it's what they are going to base their buying decision on, yet today so many entrepreneurs compromise on this very important part of their marketing. They justify it by telling themselves it's too expensive or they'll do it themselves or get a friend with a camera to do it.

Why compromise on such an important part of your business?

Photography is as an investment in your company. It is a reflection of how you view yourself and your business. We come from a place of service holding our customers in the highest regard giving them our best and part of our service to them is to hold ourselves in high esteem as well by honoring the image that we project in public. This includes our photographic image.

Take a look at your own marketing materials, your website, ezine etc...

What is it that sets you apart from the plethora of people in your same industry?

How will you draw attention to yourself and get your brand identified?

There are several components to this one is the graphic presentation, another is unique attention grabbing headlines but the one thing that will set you apart immediately and communicate your message quickly is a great photograph or series of photographs that captures who you are or captures your products in the most visually arresting way possible.

We've all seen the typical headshot that makes you look like a very respectable person, but what does that photograph say about you and who you are? In addition we've seen photographs of products or facilities that are plain, don't show much detail, aren't well lit or just plain don't bring out the true quality of the product that you are selling.

One suggestion I would have would be to invest in a series of photographic images that set you apart from the others in your field. If you're a life coach or professional think of all the things that you do the hats that you wear in your business. Your customers will have an opportunity to get to know you a bit better through your use of photography on your website. When choosing a photographer look for someone who you feel comfortable with. Who brings something different to the party and can create a unique set of images that you can use in your marketing.

A great example of this is the way one of my clients Dennis Chamberland used the photographs that I took of him to create a unique web presence and business cards showing a more authentic side of his personality. It has allowed his prospects to get to know him a bit better visually without the need to read everything on his website.

Once you have the series of images created then have fun with them. Some clients use the images for different marketing pieces to accentuate the meaning of the piece. If you are in a specific field then you may want images that are photographed using an environment that is similar to the industries that you serve. The important thing is don't let the images go stale. Keep them fresh just as you do your business and the programs, products or services that you offer.

Remember it's your image so have fun with it and keep it fresh and alive, just as you do your growing business.

5 A Day #8 - Italian Local Men

2010-01-26T23:20:00.000-08:00

One of the things I love about traveling are the local people. No matter where I am I love to sit and talk to the local people if possible or at least watch them. I know it seems voyeuristic but I like to see what they look like, how they interact, what they eat, if I understand the language, what they are saying. It's the locals that make the trip for me.

When I was in Tuscany for the first time, we arrived at the vineyard farmhouse where we were staying. They were having a party, celebrating their 20th year in business and Bastille day. Our hosts invited us to join the party. The people were so inviting and the conversations went well into the night covering many subjects from politics, to music, food and travel. It was a great experience. In Poland we went to a small village that was mentioned in a book that my wife was reading. We found some of the locals who showed us where the places mentioned in the book were. They found someone in the town who could speak english to translate what the grandmother and her friends were saying about the people who wrote the book along with those they wrote about. It was fascinating.

Men congregate in small groups. It begins at a young age. They get together to watch the women go by, talk about sports, politics have an afternoon drink or espresso and just take in the surroundings. It's a quiet time for them to unwind and contemplate life's questions. The images below just happen to be of local boys and men of all ages. They were taken in the area of Viterbo in Italy.

All images are for sale. They are printed to archival standards using 100% rag papers and archival pigment inks. Images are limited to editions of 25 for 13 x 19 and 15 for 17 x 22.

You can see more of my work on my website - www.ricomandel.com

Click Image to Enlarge

5 A Day #7 - Singular Images #1

2010-01-22T21:48:00.000-08:00

There are times where random photos some how work together. Today my intention was to do 5 single images. The images that I shoot as I see them. They don't particularly go with any one series that I may be working on but they are good images. Images that are worthy of being seen. Some may one day end up as part of a series others will forever maintain the title "Singular Image".

It's interesting that this particular set of images was taken in two of my favorite cities, Krakow and San Francisco. These are examples of seeing the texture and patterns in things. The barber chair struck me as part of a bygone era of the mens barber shop. Simple, a gathering place which somehow seemed out of place amongst the high rises of downtown San Francisco. The other four images are all examples of the study of patterns and texture. I love repeating patterns that lead you into or out of an image. Images when presented to the viewer, allow them to manifest their own story and stimulate their imaginations as to where the image is taking them. The Manhole Cover is the perfect example of that. When I see that image it could be representing any era, it lets the imagination wander back in time. It was taken in Krakow in the Jewish quarter and I can't help but think how many thousands of jews walked these streets, the carriages and horses that went before. The colored patina of a metal door built between the great wars as part of a lookout post now stands in all its colorful glory that nature bestowed upon it over the years. Then there are the repeating lines against the marble stair landing, which almost seem to transport people around the corner to the next set of stairs. These are some of the things that I sometimes think of sub-consciously while I am looking around to find an image or as I am creating a particular image.

It's interesting that all the color shots were taken in San Francisco and the Black & whites were taken in Krakow. Two vibrant cities where the old is part of the new and there is a rich history to both.

All images are for sale. They are printed to archival standards using 100% rag papers and archival pigment inks. Images are limited to editions of 25 for 13 x 19 and 15 for 17 x 22.

You can see more of my work on my website - www.ricomandel.com

Click Image to Enlarge

5 A Day #6 - The Windows of Auschwitz

2010-01-20T09:05:00.000-08:00

My first trip to Auschwitz was in 1977. I was 16. I had been ingrained with stories of the holocaust since both my brother and I were fascinated and slightly frightened by the subject. I looked at books and saw films about it. Much of my family was exterminated during the war. My mother got out with her parents, from Vienna Austria, with one of last exit visas, on one of the last boats, in February 1940. And in 1977 on a trip to Poland to see where my grandmother came from my parents took myself, my brother and sister to Auschwitz. At that time I was fascinated. I finally got to see the most infamous of the concentration camps. I didn't know that there were 2 camps one a converted army training camp, Auschwitz I" was the original and the other "Auschwitz II - Birkenau" was built about 3 km down the road by the Nazi's as a manufacturing facility for the final solution. It's raw material was people and it's final product incineration. It was built as an efficient killing machine with volume throughput capacities of over 20,000 bodies per day. It was efficient. There were plans drawn up, architectural models built and the final solution was constructed. From the main guard tower, in Birkenau, as far as the eye can see to the left and the right were barracks that housed the prisoners.

On my first visit I took photos of everything I could. There was also an anger that welled up inside of me against the atrocities and Nazis. In 1999 I went back and it was a more somber experience. I could hardly take a photo. On my last trip in 2008 I went with my family and my parents to show my children the camp. This time as I went around in the barracks I noticed the windows looking out onto a scene juxtaposed by electrified fences, barbed wire and beyond trees, blue skies and freedom. I put myself in the tattered shoes of the prisoners. How it must have felt to see this sight. What it was like to know that just a few short feet away was freedom, yet the obstacles to overcome were enormous and compounded by a weakened body. What was it like to look out and see this scene? I can only imagine and that will never even begin to live up to the reality.

One image is through the peep hole of a solitary confinement cell with a small window looking out and a toilet in the corner. Who knows how many people were packed into it at one time. The last image is the only one from Auschwitz II Birkenau, it's from the guards perspective, the view from the main tower which each train passed under. I imagine the guards peering out, overseeing the trains as they brought in the days cargo for slaughter.

The perspective changes each time I go. We'll see what comes up for me on the next trip.

All images are for sale. They are printed to archival standards using 100% rag papers and archival pigment inks. Images are limited to editions of 25 for 13 x 19 and 15 for 17 x 22.

You can see more of my work on my website - www.ricomandel.com

	Freedom is Just Over the Fence
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	The Obstacle Course
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	Looking Up From Solitary
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	Obstacle Course II
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	Tracks of Death
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5 A Day #5 - Arizona Desert

2010-01-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

In 2004 I got my first digital SLR camera a Nikon D70. I was amazed at the quality of the images that it produced. Up till then I had been shooting film, having it scanned, then processing the images on the computer. The direct to digital was such a time saver and offered a freedom that I previously didn't have with film. The ability to change ISO as well as not worry about film and processing costs.

We took a family vacation to Arizona in 2004 to visit Sedona and the Grand Canyon. During this trip I noticed something magical about the desert, it's personality changes completely in the early evening. There is this light that happens just after sunset till it becomes night that offers a wonderful opportunity to capture images with a subtlety and hue not available at any other time except at dawn. The landscape takes on many wonderful hues. The light becomes soft and blankets everything around it with a cool even luminessence.

The desert becomes silent with the exception of the occasional Coyotes were howling in the distance. It gave me an opportunity to think and contemplate life as I photographed my surroundings. After dark the sky became speckled with stars, more than one could keep track of. As I think back on this time it was a wonderful experience which opened my eyes to that other magic light and the flexibility of the digital age.

All these images with the exception of the last were taken in Sedona Arizona at dusk or later. The last was taken at the Grand Canyon in the late afternoon.

Click Image to Enlarge

5 A Day - Shadows Tate Modern

2010-01-17T08:34:00.000-08:00

I couple of years ago I found myself at the Tate Modern in London. It was my first visit and I was there with my family. The museum is a wonderful space. We were on our way out, but first the bathroom break as well as a stint in the gift shop kept everyone occupied. I was left alone in this grand lobby. I sat and watched the people entering and exiting from the building as I waited. It was hypnotizing. I began to notice the shadows they cast and what they were doing. Then it struck me to start shooting. I had to capture some of these images. I was more interested in the shapes rather than the actual people. In doing so I was able to let my imagination run wild as I made up stories for some while I was shooting. like playing with shadow puppets. Some people looked as if they were caught in a tractor beam, while others looked as if they were in a walking race. The shadows they cast added to the fantasy changing the shapes of their bodies or bringing me back to the story of Peter Pan. I'm not one to shoot many silhouettes, but in this case I couldn't help myself. It was one of those instances that was calling to me, it made perfect sense as I could not see it any other way.

All images are for sale. They are printed to archival standards using 100% rag papers and archival pigment inks. Images are limited to editions of 25 for 13 x 19 and 15 for 17 x 22.

You can see more of my work on my website - www.ricomandel.com
Click on images to enlarge.

5 A Day #4 - The Hollyhock House

2010-01-15T23:20:00.000-08:00

When I was a child my mother used to take me to Barnsdall Park on Saturday Mornings for a film making class for kids. I looked forward to it every Saturday. I let my imagination run wild as I made a new movie each weekend. Also at Barnsdall Park is the Hollyhock House, built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1921 for Aline Barnsdall. I remember climbing on the concrete walls and using it as a backdrop for some of my movies.

A couple of years ago I was in Hollywood with my Daughter Gabrielle and thought it would be cool to show her where her father took classes when he was a kid. She and I walked around and I showed her my old stomping grounds along with the Hollyhock House.

The Hollyhock House was an icon of my childhood. I love the angularity of the home that combines the rough-hewn texture of concrete with some arts and crafts style details mixed in. After 30 years I saw it from a brand new perspective. I was intrigued by the shapes of the house, geometric details and aztec like influences of the house. This group of images is a study of some of the interesting details from the back of the house.

All images are for sale. They are printed to archival standards using 100% rag papers and archival pigment inks. Images are limited to editions of 25 for 13 x 19 and 15 for 17 x 22.

You can see more of my work on my website - www.ricomandel.com
Click on images to enlarge.

5 A Day #3 - Doors

2010-01-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

There is something about a door that evokes a curiosity in me. The natural inclination is the curiosity of what is behind it. The temptation to open it as if you will be transported into another world. On the other hand it also gives me a sense of history as to who has come before me. What has this door seen over the years? Who has passed through it? What did it look like new? On the other hand it can be a symbol of being shut out, that of protection from hordes in the street and so on...

I have been photographing doors and parts of doors for years. This selection is European. They were photographed in Italy and Austria. I get captivated by the textures and colors, the way the light crosses them and the mystique that surrounds them.

What are some of your impressions of doors... I'd love to know.

All images are for sale. They are printed to archival standards using 100% rag papers and archival pigment inks. Images are limited to editions of 25 for 13 x 19 and 15 for 17 x 22.

5 A Day #2 - Store Windows

2010-01-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we discover unknown themes in our work. This was pointed out to me in a class by Fine Art Photographer and friend Aline Smithson. A student, Cindy Schafer realized that she had many images of clothes lines from around the world. It was just something that she was drawn to. The way the clothes hung on the line, the colors and patterns as the sun warmed the material while the wind caressed each item gently evaporating its moisture. She created a wonderful body of work with that series. She came to me in a dream last night and we visited a bit before I was awakened. It was nice to see her again, to see her smile and hear her enthusiasm, if just for a few moments. I am dedicating this series to her memory.

As Cindy found clothes lines I seem to be interested in old store windows. There is something about looking into an old store window to see what is on display. Some of them closed some still open. The ones that interest me are those that remind me of a museum display. Items that look like they are from another era, have a unique juxtaposition or are just very random to make one wonder what was behind it. These are a few of the images that I have collected. They were photographed in Philadelphia, Cracow Poland, San Francisco and Vienna Austria. I have more to find in my archives and more to photograph in the future.

All images are for sale. They are printed to archival standards using 100% rag papers and archival pigment inks. Images are limited to editions of 25 for 13 x 19 and 15 for 17 x 22.

5 A Day

2010-01-12T11:07:00.000-08:00

I was having a discussion with a friend of mine who gave me the suggestion that I put 5 images up on facebook each day to raise awareness about my photography. I thought that was a great idea as well as a challenge for me to put up 5 different images every day. It's not that I am afraid of running out of images which would probably never happen but it's also the discipline of taking on a project of this magnitude and making it happen each and every day. So for now I commit to making it happen for a minimum of 6 months with an option to renew for another six months.

This first series of images was created using a technique called painting with light. I was given an assignment to photograph still lifes for a fine art class I was in at the time. I was looking around for a subject and since I am intimately involved with the food business in a variety of ways I decided to find some unique vegetables and then play around with them. I chose to revive an old technique I used to use back in the late 80's and early 90's called light painting. I used a flashlight in this case as a light source. I placed the camera on bulb and started to paint in the scene of each to highlight certain areas and create the desired lighting effect. Once the images were captured I went into my digital darkroom to make the images come to life as I had envisioned them. Below are 5 of the images from that series.

All images are for sale. They are printed to archival standards using 100% rag papers and archival pigment inks. All images are limited editions of 25 for 13 x 19 and 15 for 17 x 22.

Headshots are not just for actors

2010-01-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

Today more and more people are using the internet as their primary place of business and social interaction. So now more than ever a headshot or photo of you is the first impression someone gets to put the words, concept, business with a face. So it's great to have a photo or series of photos of you that reflect who you are.

Recently hired to do a shoot for an associate who wanted to create a series of photographs of himself that would reflect a more accurate image of his personality. He didn’t want, as my mother used to say “instant respectability portraits”. He was looking for something with a more relaxed photojournalistic feel. In addition he had a vision for his website of some photographs of him against a white background that could be placed anywhere.

We decided to do the shoot both outdoors and do some shots indoors against a white background.

Since we were in Laguna I decided that a trip into town would provide many options for locations to shoot. When I shoot people I like to get a feeling for them and to form a connection between the two of us and the locations we are shooting in. I like to use the setting and natural lighting to inspire each shot.

So we wandered around Laguna looking at the light and settings to have a fun time shooting. We came across this wall in a parking lot and I loved the way the light was hitting it. I knew that we would get some great shadows as well. So that was our first stop. Dennis looked at me a bit like a crazy person but he was a good sport and went with the flow. Next we walked down the main street in Laguna and came across a British telephone booth. I was thinking about what it would be like to be in the booth staring out at everyone and being insulated from the passers by. I got Dennis to let go a bit and have some fun with the photos pressing his face up against the glass to get a different perspective. After that the sky was the limit.

He found this doorway to a dry cleaner and we worked with that then a church with these wonderful arches and strong shadows casting across them. A few more shots and Dennis was hungry and it was time to eat dinner. Did I mention that his girlfriend Shirley was with us. She thought I was a bit crazed but enjoyed watching me put Dennis through his paces and having a good time. She was also a good assistant holding the reflector at times when I needed it.

Ok so dinner is over and it's time to get back to the house to do the indoor shoot. Shooting Dennis indoors had a given set of circumstances, we were going to drop out the background so he was against white. I ended up using 5 lights to create the lighting for the shot. That was fairly straight forward. We did a series of shots both full length, medium and close up. I even got a shot of he and Shirley at the end of the shoot. We had a great time.

I spent some time going through the shots back in my digital darkroom. First making cuts and then doing some global adjustments to them and finally creating a web-proof portfolio for Dennis to look at and choose which images he wanted me to finalize for him. I sent him the link and awaited his reply -

"OMG! I can't lose.... those all look fantastic! Wow... I like almost every shot within each wardrobe/site segment... hard to choose just a couple. You are my hero!"

Dennis Chamberland - Chamberland Consulting

I think that says it all.

If you are interested in having a photographic session with me feel free to email or call me to discuss how I can best be of service to you.

A Study on the Beach

2009-11-20T01:12:00.000-08:00

It was a nice sunny day when I dropped off my wife Karen in San Luis Obispo at her jewelry making class. So I decided to drive up the coast a bit to visit Cambria. It was a glorious day. Clear sky's, Moro Rock protruded brightly up from the sea and the pacific was a deep blue color and the hills opposite were brown with hints of fall color. Then as I came down into Cambria the fog was there waiting for me as if to say, you like winter conditions well here is something for you. I decided to drive to Moonstone beach and take a walk with my camera to see what was out there. The fog was heavy and the sand coarse. It was a peaceful morning, the sand flattened by the currents and few people. I noticed the preponderance of seaweed. But in this case it was not the quantity that intrigued me it was the shapes and sizes. The patterns that they made either in a jumble or as a single piece glistening against the coarse sand.

For this the light was perfect. The fog acted like a large soft box with the mist keeping the sand nice and moist perfect for photography.

As I was processing the images I noticed that some worked better in color while most worked better in black & white.

I am adding these images to the series that began several years ago whilst walking along the beach in Pacific Grove. I became fascinated with the natural shapes and simplicity of the way the tides create beautiful collages on sand and rock from what is washes ashore. The use of natural elements placed in seemingly deliberate ways is there for all to behold. It is my interpretation of the oceans beauty that I bring to you.

For the images in this post I am going to make this series of images available in several sizes as part of a new facet to my photography. I'm calling it 200 at 25.

All the prints are created using archival pigment inks on 100% cotton rag paper with a smooth semi gloss finish.

The print dimensions are for the size of paper containing the images, not the printed image itself. All prints have a minimum 1" border around each to allow for framing. Each print comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Prints larger than 8.5 x 11 in smaller editions are signed by the artist.

8.5"x11"
Edition of 200 each $25.00

13"x19"
Edition of 25 each $200.00

17 x 22
Edition of 15 each $400.00

Photo Sale

2009-10-20T21:49:00.001-07:00

For a limited time - Oct 20 thru Oct 24

I need to make some room. I have a selection of prints all are matted, signed, printed archivally limited to an edition of 25. Some are framed in black wood frames.

http://bit.ly/1MfET6I have posted the images that are available.

Pricing - There is only one of each available at the sale price of $200. Prints normally sell for $300 to $400 each.

Follow the link - http://bit.ly/1MfET6 - select the image that you'd like and send me an email.

Shipping - Images may be picked up at no additional cost. Applicable shipping fees will be added to image price.

Payments - Paypal.

Thank you,
Rico Mandel

Different Perspectives

2009-06-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

When I go shooting it is not unusual for me to pick a subject and begin to work it. What I mean by that is to find different perspectives of the same subject working my way around seeing the subject in a variety of angles or perhaps lighting conditions, the details etc... I'm cruising down the highway or a back road and come accross something that catches my eye. Of course if I did this all the time the I'd never get anywhere let alone back to my computer to process the images etc... so there are occasions where I stop to smell the roses, or in this case pastures, and take some photographs.It was a rainy day in northern California and I was on my way to do some photography in the town of Occidental when I came across this building. What caught my eye were the subtle colors, geometry and stillness of the scene. It looked like an old service station or automotive garage. My first instinct was to photograph the over all building, keeping the lines straight as possible, not to distort the geometry of the scene. I am always thinking back in time when I come across a subject like this to both the day it was built and the uses it had during its heyday. My next observation after completing the first image was the garage door, clock and light. I noticed the textures, cracks peeling paint and weathering of the building. I wanted to get in closer to show more detail. The next image was a geometric detail shot of the face of the building. I composed the image keeping my favorite elements in the shot.
Next I walked up to the building for closer observation and was attracted to the cracked peeling paint and particularly the clock, stopped in time, with it's rusty perimeter, spider webs and a multi colored patina that has taken years to come to perfection. From one angle I wanted to capture the clock and the shape of the light. From another I was attracted to the extreme weathering around the clock and decided to capture that as well.
This is what I call working your subject. It's a matter of looking at your subject from different perspectives and angles examining the details, textures light colors and shapes. Thinking to yourself, how does the light fall when I'm up close or behind? How does the scene change when I view it from above or below, near of far?

It's about playing to see what happens and what the subject reveals to you. Sometimes you get multiple images from the same subject and other times you don't even get one but if you don't play then you'll never get any.

New Website Now Up

2009-04-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well I finally did it, my website is complete for now. I will be adding and updating it on a regular basis as I create new images and work on new assignments.

You can view it at - http://www.ricomandel.com

I would be great to hear any feedback about the site so I can improve it.

I look forward to your feedback.

Review LA

2009-01-07T07:56:00.001-08:00

It's a big week for me, I am participating in Review LA. It is part of Photo LA and takes place at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Santa Monica. I will be presenting part of my series Behind the Door, Chef's, their food, and their kitchens. It is a personal project that I started about 9 months ago that takes the viewer on an intimate look at the culture of fine dining kitchens. For me it is the heart of any restaurant. I will be seeing 6 reviewers that include gallery owners, book publishers, magazine editors and photo marketing consultants. This will be my first time showing the series let alone getting feedback from the public about it. On Saturday evening from 6-9pm all portfolios that participated in the review will be open for viewing by the general public. It is a good opportunity to see some great work up close and speak with the photographers as well. I have included the information for both events below along with a sampling of the portfolio that I will be showing. You can also view the entire series to-date on my website www.ricomandel.com

Photo LA - Photo LA website
Barker Hangar - 3021 Airport Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405

PUBLIC FAIR HOURS
Friday, January 9th, 12pm - 8pm - Saturday, January 10th, 12pm - 8pm
Sunday, January 11th, 12pm - 6pm

TICKETS
$20 1-day pass (includes catalog)
$30 3-day pass (includes catalog)

REVIEW LA PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Hosted by Center, Saturday, January 10th, 6 - 9 pm ONLY
The Doubletree Guest Suites, 1707 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405. For additional information, call 505.984.8353 or www.visitcenter.org

The show continues

2009-01-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy month with the show, the holidays etc... My exhibit at Pomp Salon is still up through at least the end of January and probably into February. It has been very well received so far. I have included a few images for you to check out. You can also see the entire series on the fine art side of my website www.ricomandel.com

Show Off: The JDPW Annual Alumni Exhibit

2008-12-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Next Saturday, December 13th, 4-7pm marks the 2nd annual student Show Off: The JDPW Annual Alumni Exhibit. The opening reception will feature the work of 36 past and current Julia Dean students.

The exhibit will be a dual gallery show and held in conjunction with our annual Holiday Party. Bring your family and friends and enjoy some holiday cheer!

When: Saturday, December 13th, 4-7pm

Where: The Julia Dean Gallery
801 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

Parking: At the end of Rose Ave.

San Fran Street Shoot

2008-12-04T07:47:00.001-08:00

So I found myself in San Franscisco over the Thanksgiving Holiday.
I love San Franscisco, in fact the entire bay area, it's so filled with life, great food, interesting people...

the closest thing I have found to a European city on the west coast. I have always been fascinated by crowds of people, where they are going what they are thinking.

The interactions on the streets etc... So I decided to see what I could do to capture some of that feeling in a still camera. Most of the images were created without looking through the camera "shot from the hip" which allows for a very interesting perspective and usually completely natural interaction.

Reminder of Upcoming Events

2008-12-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

I will be showing work at the following locations & times:

Holiday Sale
Located at: 6337 Geyser Ave. Tarzana, CA 91355
When: December 6th & 7th from 11:00-4:00pm

Pomp Salon
Located at: 1431 Ocean Ave. Suite B Santa Monica, CA 90401
When: December 7th from 4:00-7:00pm

Hope to see you there!

"Poland, Past & Present"

2008-11-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

Please join me at the Pomp salon in Santa Monica, on December 7, 2008 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

I will be showing the latest series Poland, Past & Present

"In the new series, Poland, Past & Present, Rico
Mandel captures the attention and detail of his
subjects, while also placing you in an imaginative
adventure of travel through Eastern Europe."

Hope to see you there!