Study in Light

See the Silhouettes

2011-06-09T23:37:00.000-07:00

This clip features a shadow dance that is fascinatingly beautiful. It becomes even more amazing when they raise the scrim and you see who performed this wonderful dance. I strongly suggest you watch it several times to really appreciate complexity of the performance. I'm totally blown away.

Fit2Print Fashion Show

2011-06-06T08:53:00.003-07:00

The Portland Art Institute held their annual student fashion show on Saturday, June 4th, 2011. The show was held at Pure Space in the Pearl District.

As always, the show, directed by Fashion Department head Sue Bonde, was full of color and creativity.

Please check out the runway gallery below as well as all backstage and pre-show fun!

http://tinyurl.com/3llardf

Memorial Day Cards 2011

2011-05-31T09:30:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day Cards 2011, a set on Flickr.

Memorial Day 2011, Portland, Oregon

2011-05-31T09:29:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day 2011, Portland, Oregon, a set on Flickr.

A MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE

2011-05-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

A MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE

FROM SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ERIC K. SHINSEKI

(May 30, 2011) Today, we pay homage to those who placed themselves on
the Altar of Freedom for love of country. Memorial Day is a time for
remembrance, reflection, and respect-for honoring the men and women who
gave their lives in service to the Nation.

On the last Monday of May each year, we observe moments of silence and
moments of tribute to acknowledge the sacrifices by these brave few for
principles greater than self. In answering their calls to duty-at
Tarawa and Normandy, Seoul and Chosin, the Ia Drang and Khe Sanh, and at
Baghdad and Mosul, the Shahe' Kot, Korengal, and Marja, or any of a host
of other crossroads of conflict-these American men and women stood their
ground, held back the dark forces of oppression and destruction, and
advanced our founding principles, ideals, beliefs, and values about the
right of self-determination. They cherished liberty and loved freedom
enough to lay down their lives to preserve our way of life.

Many lie in final rest in our national cemeteries. Whether at
Gettysburg, one of our country's first national cemeteries, or at
Washington Crossing, our most recent dedication, each VA national
cemetery is a sacred place of honor befitting the great deeds and
sacrifices of the Fallen.

More than 3.7 million Americans-Veterans of every war and conflict, from
our Revolution to the Global War on Terror-have been laid to rest in
these hallowed shrines. The quiet serenity, pristine nature, and strict
adherence to time-honored Service traditions make our cemeteries the
healing places where families and friends can remember and honor those
who gave, in President Lincoln's words, "the last full measure of
devotion."

This Memorial Day, a Nation at war prays for peace and the safe return
of our sons and daughters, even as it exacts justice from those who
trampled our most cherished principles. Now, as then, in addition to
our prayers for peace, we pray for the families of the Fallen. And we
pray for the Almighty's continued blessings on this great and wonderful
country of ours.

Battle At F-Stop Ridge

2011-05-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

Incite, May 19th, 2011

2011-05-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this Artist SHowcase I'm in next Thursday, May 19th. RAW:natural born artists puts on these multi-genre shows and they've asked me to showcase some of my work there this week. It would me a lot to me if you would come check it out. We're asking everyone to RSVP by Wednesday, so if your're able to make it just click Incite banner above and you can get your tickets via Paypal or credit card and we'll have your name at the door.

The showcase features a band, a short film, a fashion show, a hoop-dancer and gallery of work by 2 local artists (one of them being ME!). Tickets are ten dollars and the proceeds go toward heloping to promote local independedent artists (like me!). And of course.....there's a bar!

Thanks for your support and I hope to see you there on Thursday!!!!

Widmer Brothers Brewing Arts & Draughts 2011

2011-04-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

I was lucky to be invited by my room mate to the Widmer Brothers Brewing Arts & Draughts 2011. No need for me to explain what the event was about. Their poster below will tell you everything you need to know.

Ok, I lied. The poster doesn't give you the whole story. The beers were varied and wonderfule! From KGB Russian Stout to the Black IPA, many beers new and familiar available for quaffing. There was even a barley wine that hidden upstairs for only the adventurous to find.

Upon checking in, I was given an etched Spiegelau crystal beer glass to use for the evening.

There were little tasty bits scattered around the room. Fingerling potatoes stuff with mushrooms and cheese, little pork tacos and flat bread pizza were among the offerings. There were deviled eggs for the brave as well.

There was some great artwork scattered around the room. Photography and woodcut shadow boxes dominated one wall. In another corner was the work of a pair of glass blowers who's name I am remiss to have available. (I gotta start getting more info at these things!). One of the glass sculptures was a 2 foot diameter glass ball filed with water and sealed. It was sitting on its own pedestal. I swear it was just begging for some beer intoxicated person not watching where they are going to bump into it and have it shatter on the floor in front of 300 onlookers. So before such an anti-climatic event could happen, I did whatever any sane photographer would do: I took pictures through the glass globe. Here is the first one I took of my friend's beer glass:

One really cool thing that they had was a giant mural on butcher paper. On the mural was stenciled all kinds of Widmer Brothers related things.

On a table adjacent to the mural was a supply of paints and brushes and guests were encouraged to add color to the stenciled mural as they liked.

People seemed to enjoy adding their own touch to the mural.

This is a shot of the upstairs area where the barley wine could be found:

And last, but not least, my buddy Christian as shot through the water filled glass globe:

The Northwest Foodservice Show 2011

2011-04-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

I made a visit to the Northwest Foodservice Show this past Monday. The show was held at the Oregon Convention Center and there were aisles upon aisles of restaurant related stuff to see, taste and touch.

There were all sorts of food to check out. I got to taste lots of samples as I strolled up and down the aisles.

There was everything from fresh fruits and peppers......

.....to fresh seafood (check out this sucker!)

There were plenty of desserts.....

and fresh brewed coffee to go with those delectable sweets.....

I have to admire the effort to drip coffee by hand when the Coffee Death Star was sitting on the table right next to this smiling and patient barista....

And if you were lucky, this smiling pastry chef would dip a pretzel in melted chocolate for you!

There was an abundance of pasta....

and lots of delicious Mediterranean delights like these brined olives....

There was pretty much anything you could think of related to the foodservice industry at this show. From packaged foods and tableware to shirts to a rainbow of kitchen clogs!

The most ingenious device I saw at the show was a fryer basket that opens at the bottom. We've been frying foods in deep fryers for as long as we've had ways to heat the oil and its taken all that time for someone to figure out that a basket that opened at the bottome would be easier to use and result in less waste and fewer hot oil injuries. If this company sells only to McDonalds they will have to produce enough baskets for over 17,000 stores in the U.S. alone. Worldwide is a whole other story. Then add in all the other fast food joints and you have a quick and smart way to retirement at your custom designed mansion on the coast of France. Check this thing out!

There were also many breweries, wineries and distilleries offering samples of their products. Most had a simple booth with a table showing off bottles of their product. But Ye Ol Grog Distillery set up a relatively elaborate themed booth which easily caught the attention of passersby....

And I would have been remiss to not say hello.....or rather...Arrrgggghhhh....to show attendee Bob on my way out the door!

Exploded Burger

2011-03-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Why hide whats inside!

MIKE Benefit Fashion Show!

2011-03-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Check out all the photos from the MIKE Benefit Fashion Show on March 12th, 2011. Photos courtesy of OSI!!

Even the Duck?

2011-03-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

So I decided to do some natural light shots of WTD just for kicks.

I think I still prefer the beautiful models for my natural light series but every now and again I get the urge to do something different.

Five Spice Seafood & Wine Bar

2011-03-03T00:20:00.000-08:00

New menu items at Five Spice Seafood & Wine Bar in Lake Oswego.

Gettin' hungry yet?

Food, Glorious Food!

2011-03-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

Gettin' hungry yet?

2011-02-08T22:17:00.001-08:00

Untitled by sleeper692 featuring chain necklaces

Rebecca Taylor Feather-embellished silk dress
$650 - net-a-porter.com
Rebecca taylor dresses »

Charlotte Ronson Gretchen Velvet Booties
$133 - shopbop.com
Lace up ankle booties »

Handbags | Rebecca Minkoff Online Store
$495 - rebeccaminkoff.com
Rebecca minkoff handbags »

Marni Rope and chain necklace
$590 - net-a-porter.com
Chain necklaces »

Nicole Miller Women's Tres Chic Oversized Sunglasses
$120 - endless.com
Oversized sunglasses »

Love
frappuccino.com

Frappuccino Bottled Coffee Drinks from Starbucks Coffee Company
frappuccino.com

Heavenly
frappuccino.com

Fabulous-2
frappuccino.com

Wicked
frappuccino.com

PDXFS will be no more.

2011-02-03T10:42:00.000-08:00

It is an unfortunate day for the Portland fashion industry. I just received this email from Portland Fashion Synergy announcing their early demise. For those of you who are not familiar with PDXFS, they were the first organized, community spirited organization to wrap their minds and heart around all levels of Portland fashion. Their fashion show, Fuse, that was presented at the Portland Art Museum last year was the most exciting, best produced show Portland has ever seen (and likely to ever see again and, yes, that includes our friends at Portland Fashion Week!). Their Flurry pop-up store showcases local designers, giving a local outlet for them to present their wares directly to the public.

Thank you PDXFS for your efforts. Speaking for my partner at Onscreen Imaging, thank you for your efforts to promote the Portland's fashion industry locally and abroad. You will be missed.

(You can see photos from all the events surrounding FUSE, including the fashion show itself, by following this link: PDFXS FUSE.
==================================================================================

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Extraordinary Efforts of Non-Profit Portland Fashion Synergy Come to an End
February 3 , 2011 / Portland, Oregon — Portland Fashion Synergy (PDXFS), a non-profit founded in August 2008 to promote the growth of a thriving independent fashion industry in Portland, announced today that the organization is being dissolved. "Our volunteer board members and advisors managed and produced all of our programs and events — a huge commitment considering everyone works full-time already. Unfortunately, this approach was not sustainable," said PDXFS founder/president and designer, May Tee.

Over the past two and a half years PDXFS has been an active initiator, presenter and participant in creating growth opportunities for current and next generation local designers. PDXFS awarded over $5000 in competitive scholarships to eight Art Institute of Portland (AIP) Fashion Design students. The organization coordinated the original Flurry Pop-Up Shop for the 2009 holiday season, featuring 15 local designers. PDXFS has also taken significant steps to open the door to China for Portland-based designers: presenting Portland designers at China Fashion Weeks in Spring 2009 and 2010; hosting a delegation of Chinese designers, educators and manufacturers to establish mutually beneficial partnerships, including a student exchange program between AIP and the Apparel Design Program at the University in Zhengzhou in Henan Province; presenting FUSE: A Black Tie Fashion Show Fundraiser, held at the Portland Art Museum, featuring designers from China and Portland. In addition, PDXFS also facilitated a Chinese fashion installation for the Portland Art Museum's China Design Now Exhibition opening gala.

"We sincerely appreciate the generous support of all of our members, sponsors and partners over the past two years," says May Tee, "with
special thanks to Portland Mayor Office, Portland Development Commission, Portland Business Alliance, Portland Art Museum and the Art Institute of Portland."

The volunteer board members of Portland Fashion Synergy look forward to contributing to the Portland fashion community through other avenues and organizations. Portland Fashion Synergy website, www.pdxfashionsynergy.com, will go down on February 28, 2011. For more information email info@pdxfashionsynergy.com.

A Christmas Message

2010-12-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Message

From Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki

WASHINGTON (Dec. 22, 2010)-- The second year of our declared
independence found General George Washington's Continental Army encamped
at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. In the week before Christmas of 1777,
more than 12,000 poorly-clothed, hungry and near-frozen American
soldiers were huddled against a brutal winter, enduring the numbing cold
as disease ravaged their ranks. As many as 2,000 of them did not
survive Valley Forge.

General Washington wrote that, "unless some great and capital change
suddenly takes place. . . this Army must inevitably. . . starve,
dissolve, or disperse, in order to obtain subsistence in the best manner
they can."

Despite these bleak conditions, the fighting men of the Continental Army
lifted their own spirits, located much needed supplies and took to
training with determined vigor. They honed their basic fighting skills,
learned new tactics, preserved their dwindling strength and disciplined
themselves for the difficult campaign that would follow. It was an act
of sublime courage and determination. Six months later, the Continental
Army marched out of Valley Forge fit and ready, stronger and more
cohesive as a fighting force, and went on to seize American
independence.

Since that winter, American patriots in an unbroken line have found
themselves on duty during the holiday season each year. Our freedom and
security as a nation has required it. So as Americans and their
families gather to celebrate these holidays, let us remember the men and
women, who sacrifice so much for our privileges, comforts and
well-being. They are away from their own families, standing watch for
us on freedom's distant frontiers. We salute their valor, past and
present, and we pray for them and our Veterans, who have so selflessly
given us the gifts we enjoy this holiday season, as we have every season
since 1775.

I offer my warmest best wishes for a blessed and joyous holiday to all
our serving military, our Veterans, all of their families, the survivors
of the fallen, and the members of our Veterans Affairs family, who are
privileged to serve them. May God bless each and every one of you, and
may God continue to bless this wonderful country of ours. Merry
Christmas.

Image by Study in Light via Flickr

The War on Cameras - Reason Magazine

2010-12-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

This is a well written, well researched article that is a must read for anyone concerned about the erosion of our First Amendment rights:

The War on Cameras - Reason Magazine

Sahara Smith Live @ The Bing Lounge

2010-11-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

Speeding in Oregon

2010-10-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

SPEEDING IN OREGON

GOOD: A Bend, Oregon policeman had a perfect spot to watch for speeders, but wasn't getting many. Then he discovered the problem--a 12-year-old boy was standing up the road with a hand painted sign, which read 'RADAR TRAP AHEAD.' The officer also found the boy had an accomplice who was down the road with a sign reading 'TIPS' and a bucket full of money. (And we used to just sell lemonade!)

BETTER: A motorist was mailed a picture of his car speeding through an automated radar post in Pendleton, Oregon. A $40 speeding ticket was included. Being cute, he sent the police department a picture of $40. The police responded with another mailed photo of handcuffs.

BEST: A young woman was pulled over for speeding. An Oregon State Trooper walked to her car window, flipping open his ticket book. She said, "I bet you are going to sell me a ticket to the State Trooper's Ball." He replied, " Oregon State Troopers don't have balls." There was a moment of silence. He then closed his book, tipped his hat, got back in his patrol car and left.

My Photography Ego

2010-10-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

I don't remember who said it but being an artist means being slightly unhappy all the time. For me, that not only means with my own work but with others as well.

No matter where you are in your own personal development as a photographer, or in any other art form, there will always be others that you and others perceive to be doing better or lesser work. Generally, our own perception of where we fit into the grand scheme is higher than where we really are. This is a valuable self-preservation act that keeps most of us from being totally discouraged and chucking our equipment into the river.

On any given day, or from moment to moment for that matter, my feelings about my own work can range from "I'm the greatest" to "I can't believe I even published that crap. I totally suck." I always feel I can do better and I am genuinely surprised and pleased when a photo comes out nicely. Every photo is either worse or better than I intended. Rarely to I get what I aimed for. Just as often as not, a photo I think is awesome others find to be boring or bland. On the other hand I sometimes get wonderful positive reactions to a photo that I don't think deserves the accolades and sometimes don't even really like that much. The best is when a photo that I think is good also garners accolades from others. Its the quinella of happiness for an artist.

While it is important to me as an artist to first please my own sensibilities, in the end it is others reactions to my work that determine my worth. Artistically, praise is quite satisfying and allows my ego to live on for another day. Commercially, when I get that check in my hand I am pretty happy. Even more importantly, the phone call for another job from the same person or company which will result in yet another check in my hand makes me ecstatic. That means that on whatever level of expectations that person has I am meeting or exceeding them. I am well past being excited about my work being published in print or in someones web pages. Not that I take it for granted, I don't. Now its just part of the job but it still makes me happy. The stacks of printed tear sheets and the galleries on my web site are proof of that.

How does that fit in with my perception of other photographers around me? I know there are others who have more experience, different or better equipment, bigger personal budgets and greater opportunities than I do. Does that make me envious? Of course it does. But it also gives me something to aspire to. In the end though, I just keep doing what I do and try to improve with everything I learn as I go along.

So what about those I think are doing work that is a "joke?" Sometimes its just entertaining to watch them as they go along. At the same time it is quite humbling because I know that I was once where they are. Simultaneously, there are others doing bigger and better work than I am looking at me in the same light. So it makes me realize I am caught in the middle of this pervasive ego battle that no one except those at the very top, such as Patrick DeMarchelier can ever win (http://www.demarchelier.net/home.html).

As artists we should all be helping each other. Particularly those that we feel aren't as far along as we are. Screw the competition aspect. Competition makes us all better and gives us something to strive for. I'd rather have an ally than an enemy because I pushed the other guy down while he was just trying to keep his head above water. I know that if I had to rest on my laurels and not keep pushing myself then that guy that is up and coming is going to step on my head on his way up the ladder. When I hear of another photographer who shot this or went there or got paid for that I no longer feel envious. I say good for them! I also know that I'm doing what I'm cut out for and getting my own share of the pie. If I worry about what everyone else is doing then I'm not paying attention to my own house. Sure, being aware of whats going on around me in the industry is important but giving myself an ulcer worrying about who is doing and saying what, particularly when it has no direct impact on my own work, is a waste of my time.

Believe me, there are enough spiteful bastards out there that will talk crap about you because they are jealous, ignorant or otherwise feel inferior or threatened for whatever reason. Don't throw your hat in that ring. Its best to keep your mouth shut and your eyes open and not let anyone get to you. What I found out is that, ironically, the people who wasted their breath to bad mouth me actually drove a great deal of business to me. Their ranting actually made people look at my work and then they formed their own judgement. I've always insisted that anyone can say anything they want about me, just keep saying my name.

If other guys are beating their chests, let them. If you think their work is a joke, thats okay too. Look at what they do that you think is inferior and learn from it. Otherwise, that joke is going to pass you up in the end. Most importantly, keep your negative, unsolicited opinions private or they will come back to bite you in the ass. Concentrate on being a mentor or, at the very least, a quiet professional. It will come to serve you well in the long run. And if you're not careful, maybe you'll learn something or be inspired by something those lesser photographers do!

Using Images - What you need to know

2010-10-07T12:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a great information resource about copyrights and photo usage by Getty Images:

Using Images - What you need to know

Christian Kane - "The House Rules"

2010-10-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Christian Kane - "The House Rules": "The House Rules"

To Photoshop or Not to Photoshop, That is the Question....

2010-09-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

I recently participated in a discussion on a web site for professionals. The subject of the discussion was the use of photoshop versus good photo technique. There were many purists that derided the use of photoshop declaring that they could "get it right on the set." Well, to those misinformed "professionals" I entered the following rebuttal:

Frankly, in a forum called "Photography Professionals" I am surprised that this is even a question. As a professional in our current digital age, the use of Photoshop is not only necessary, its expected.

As a professional, I can't tell you how many times art directors at marketing agencies and such have asked me to make significant changes to a photo in post processing to meet their needs. Proper lighting and set styling up front is a given, but things can't always be perfect no matter how great the effort.

Clients don't have to ask me to get rid of a stray hair that fell on the subjects face or take off the inadvertent logo on something in the background. Those things are a given. They do ask me to do other things that would otherwise be impossible without Photoshop. Recently I did a shot of a group of chefs that was outdoors at a farm. We hoped we would have a sunny day with nice blue skies. Alas, living in Oregon, it was not to be. The client asked me to insert a blue sky. Try doing that without Photoshop.

Another time, I shot an older lady for testimonial ad. The photos looked great but the client asked me to make her "40 pounds lighter and 10 years younger." Photoshop to the rescue!

I have another client that sells nothing but small products. For their web site, they want photos of each product cutout and set on a plain, white background. Again, can't do it without Photoshop.

Ever shoot fashion on location in a public place? Invariably something or someone will be in the background that needs to be extracted. Photoshop does the trick.

It is simply a versatile tool that, in the hands of a competent photographer or graphic artist, helps produce professional photos. Period.

Working for Free

2010-09-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

It is absolutely ridiculous at how many people undervalue a professional photographer's service. They have no idea what goes into producing their photos, how much it costs me in time and equipment and discount my years of experience. What they see is me lifting a camera to my eye and pushing a button. Sometimes they see lights flashing and an assistant running around but they don't see that as much effort. Then somewhere along the line their "amazing" finished photo shows up.

I've had my photos stolen and used on commercial websites without permission AFTER the store owner has refused to hire me for a shoot. I've had models try to sell my images without permission. My photos have turned up on posters without a license. When I've contacted these people, they are aghast that I demand payment and thought I would be happy with "the exposure."

Look on Craigslist and you'll see photographers giving away all their images on a disc to anyone who will pay them a pittance. So now clients expect me to put all my images on a disc for them, completely circumventing print sales and licensing fees, and even demand "full copyrights." I tell them that privilege will cost them several thousands of dollars and they look at me like *I'm* the idiot.

Where does it stop?

Back in the day, when cameras were film based, a professional photographer had to know how to work in the darkroom or, at the very least, how to work closely with a pro lab. Wedding albums were put together by hand with hand-cropped prints. I couldn't afford to shoot a thousand shots and hope a few turn out. I had to shoot cautiously, with intent and expertise.

Now a few minutes of uploading and some online design and they are done. Hell, they can be mailed right to the bride and groom and I don't even have to leave the house. Any bozo with Picasa can edit a photo while smoking a doobie in his bedroom.

So suddenly, with digital, anyone thinks they can be a photographer. I see "professionals" all the time with crappy photos, no sense of lighting, no imagination and little editing skills beyond punching the contrast and saturation until "it looks cool."

These same "professionals" spend more time giving away or epically underpricing their work that they not only make it hard for themselves, but they make it hard for the entire industry. The only education the mainstream public is getting is that they can find a photographer to work on the cheap, if not free, and they can save their money to buy a new iphone and take their own pictures in the future. In the end, the people truly making the money are the camera manufacturers who wisely keep pumping out "improved" models on a regular basis to help separate the amateurs from their money.

The only saving grace is that commercial agencies still recognize quality and experience and still pay accordingly. The wannabe's will have to spend years accumulating the expertise to break into that field (even though they think they are ready as soon as they figure out how to use their camera in something other than program mode).

I'm to the point that I won't cross the street for free. Mom wants pictures? Fork over the check, Ma, I have to eat and pay rent too!

Study in Light

See the Silhouettes

Fit2Print Fashion Show

Memorial Day Cards 2011

Memorial Day 2011, Portland, Oregon

A MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE

Related articles

Battle At F-Stop Ridge

Incite, May 19th, 2011

Widmer Brothers Brewing Arts & Draughts 2011

The Northwest Foodservice Show 2011

Exploded Burger

MIKE Benefit Fashion Show!

Even the Duck?

Five Spice Seafood & Wine Bar

Food, Glorious Food!

PDXFS will be no more.

A Christmas Message

The War on Cameras - Reason Magazine

Sahara Smith Live @ The Bing Lounge

Speeding in Oregon

Related articles

My Photography Ego

Using Images - What you need to know

Christian Kane - "The House Rules"

To Photoshop or Not to Photoshop, That is the Question....

Working for Free

Related articles