Luis Tobon Photography

Vacation Photos: Alaska

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 01:18:00 +0000

I know it has taken me some time to get all the photos edited and uploaded. I hope you like the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Luis

Find the collection on Flickr HERE!

New Lens!

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 05:47:00 +0000

I can now say that I have another lens in my arsenal, and it will probably become my primary weapon. I was looking for something that would "fit" in between my 18-55 kit lens and 70-200mm L glass. I love both lenses but having to switch back and forth between them is a bit of a pain. I have 2 bodies, but the added weight makes a huge difference when traveling.

I can't take all of the credit for the research, as my wife was the one that first found the lens on a travel discussion board. She loves planning vacations and knows that I may need some new toys to go along with them. After researching the different options, I was set on the Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3.

The price was right, especially with the $150 rebate, and the range is fantastic. I ready many reviews online that helped me make my decision. There was a lot of positive feedback, but of course, not all was positive. The only real complaint that I found was possibly the sharpness when zoomed out to 270mm, but most large lenses seem to have that issue.

I know that my last post was about having less equipment, and technically I am buying more equipment, but this will actually help eliminate some equipment in the long run. I may not need to carry 2 separate lenses, and could possibly get away with just one.

I know I didn't get very technical about the specs on the lens, but they can be found here.

I just got picked this up yesterday and haven't really taken it out, but that will change soon. I will post photos on Flickr and possibly here.

Til next time!

Luis,

How Much Gear Do We Really Need?

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:06:00 +0000

I have recently been only taking my main camera body with the standard kit lens (18-55mm) when going out to shoot and I have been enjoying the process much more. I recently read a blog post by a photographer that is pairing down the gear he carries. I couldn't believe all the cameras, lenses and gadgets that he listed! Even when it was cut back to the "essentials" it was still massive.

I do a lot of traveling and carrying around a huge backpack is getting less appealing. I found that all I really need is a few cards and an extra battery. I was thinking about it recently and all the gadgets really just get in the way. These add-ons are not only pricey but I then gotta learn how to use it. I don't want to spend the time to learn to use something I may not even want to keep. Hell, I have never taken any formal photography classes. I am an artist and the only way I learn is to do it.

How was it done before all the news "necessary gadgets"?

I just think that all these things turn into distractions and keep me away from really enjoying shooting. I have found that this makes it feel more like a job and I don't ever want to get to that point.

Well, I hope this post makes sense. I guess my point here is that you don't always need the latest and greatest gear. By trying to keep up with it all can drive one insane and only slow us down.

Luis

Displaying My Photography at First Fridays!

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:46:00 +0000

I am ecstatic to say that I am showing my photography this Friday night in Bixby Knolls for "First Fridays" at the Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio! The event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. and will include free tarot readings, free chair massages and more. The studio has set up an "Event" on their Facebook page with more information about the event and their other free offerings here.

First Fridays also includes other artists and musicians in the business along Atlantic Ave. For more information and map about the event, stop by the official site here.

My photography will be up for display and purchase. I will be there with my lovely wife and trying some of the studio's organic teas. I hope you can join us!

Luis

Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio
3740 Atlantic Avenue, Studio #201
Long Beach, CA 90807

Facebook Event Page: First Fridays
First Fridays Official Page

News and Updates!

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 06:51:00 +0000

It feels like time is flying by and many different things are going on but we gotta start somewhere.

January was pretty dead as far as photography but I spent most of it taking care of seeds I started a few days after Christmas. I am still looking for an actual day job and my un-employment benefits ran out at the beginning of December. I know the economy is getting better but work is still scarce.

Now that the more depressing news has been given, it is all uphill from here. Our Valencia orange tree is putting out many many more oranges than two people can eat. I have sent out tweets to let people know about the free oranges but I have not really had any takers. We have given some to our parents and gave some out last night to a few artists/friends at the Art Walk.

The Artwalk was a good time and I was kind of missing it. We skipped the December one because of our trip to Walt Disney World and there is not one in January. There were many new artists at this event and it was great to see the new things that are going on out there.

Speaking of new things, I have been invited to participate in the "First Fridays" in Bixby Knolls for March. I am extremely excited to share my photography with new people and this is a wonderful opportunity to get my name out there. I will be at the Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio on 3740 Atlantic Avenue. It is at the south end of the event. The studio is on the second floor but there are stairs and an elevator to get to it.

There are only so many things that one can do to stay busy while being at home. I have picked up a new hobby and thoroughly enjoying it. I am fully immersed in gardening and loving it. It has grown on my so much that I created a specific blog for it. I share my gardening experiences, recipes and going green.

That is the major news for now and hope to update more often than I have been.

Luis

Helpful Links:

1. 2nd Saturday Artwalk in Downtown Long Beach

2. First Fridays in Bixby Knolls

3. Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio

4. My Gardening Blog: It All Started With Tomatoes

New Camera Bag! Lowepro SlingShot 302 AW

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 05:31:00 +0000

It was time for a new and bigger camera bag. The current one I was using had been around for a while and was not able to fit my toys. Although, the bag itself I see as a new toy.

The bag I was using was the LowePro SlingShot 200 AW and we both needed an upgrade. The main reason for the upgrade was that the zipper was coming apart. Both cameras with lenses were pressing outwards on the zipper and caused it to basically, come off.

I was not sure as to what specific bag I wanted, but I did know that I wanted a LowePro and a sling-type bag. After some online research I found the new version of my current bag but needed a bigger bag and the Slingshot 202AW would not cut it.

After reading reviews online, the Slingshot 302AW was ordered and I could not be happier. I had read that this is a BIG bag and it sure is. It feels like almost twice the size but does not weigh that much more. I was still putting in all the same equipment as in the other and the extra weight would not make too much of a difference.

There are so many upgrades on this new version and I cannot wait to get out to shoot. New tripod straps, new pockets, and upgraded straps are just the beginning. Of course, the pockets are bigger because it is a bigger bag but there are new pockets that fit more things.

I may update with a new post but I think this should be it.

Luis

Walt Disney World Photos!

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 09:37:00 +0000

Hello readers,

My wife and I were fortunate to make it to Disney World for about 10 days. Of course, my camera came along and captured many moments. I have the days separated out on Flickr and grouped together into a collection.

These were all taken with my new camera and I loved almost every shot. There was not much editing and most photos were untouched.

You can see them all HERE!

As always, I like to hear your thoughts, questions and comments in general. Do not let me down!

Luis

New Photos with New T2i!

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:17:00 +0000

Hello again,

I'm back this time with new photos from my new camera. I sent out a link not long ago with the first photos with the new camera but thought I should share them on here.

The first set is from Downtown Long Beach. Here

The second set is from Buenaventura Beach. Here

I have not had any of these printed but I cannot wait to see them. I will not make it to the December Artwalk and January does not have one. I will be going back in February and hope to have some of these ready for it.

This was a quick update and I will be updating more whenever they are ready.

Luis

New Camera!

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:43:00 +0000

When there are phones with the same amount of megapixels as my camera, it is time to upgrade. There had been talk of upgrading and when a promo for free tax, we could not pass it up. I love my Rebel XT but I will grow to love my new Rebel T2i just as much.

Going from 8MP to 18MP is a huge jump and the learning curve is not too bad. I know that the amount of MP should not be the only deciding factor for choosing a camera. There are so many new things about this camera that is simply exciting. Higher resolutions, HD video, higher capacity for ISO and more. I probably will not be shooting much video as we hope to have a separate camera for it but it is a nice feature.

Choosing a new camera is never an easy task but with a bit of research, it was not too painful. I love the Rebel series from Canon and decided to stick with it. The internet is amazing for any type of research and digital cameras are included. I looked at the cameras in the promotion for free tax and compared those but did not think I needed the most expensive.

I do not want to spend tons of money on a new camera that may take way too long to figure out. The best equipment does not necessarily mean the best photos, but then again, "best" is always subjective. I have seen amazing photos that have been taken with "point and shoot" or even disposable cameras.

A new camera means learning or re-learning how to do some basic things. The manuals are very important and should be read but if you are like me, reading only goes so far. I am an artist at heart and must get out to practice. I will be heading out today for my first, of many, photo excursions.

Luis

A Dozen Local Artists IV

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:18:00 +0000

Hello again,

Here is another upcoming show for an artist friend in Long Beach. I will be at the reception and hope others can make it as well.

Luis

Alex Rios: Robots & Butterflies: Solo Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:43:00 +0000

My wife and I have been fortunate to meet many artists. We met Alex Rios at the 2nd Saturday Artwalk in Downtown Long Beach. He participates in different events throughout the city including First Fridays in Bixby Knolls. I had only seen his work on canvas but he has added more to his repertoire. He now constructs robots and they are amazing.

We will both be at the opening reception and hope that you can join us.

Luis

Alex Rios

Solo Exhibition

October 8 - October 31, 2010

Opening Reception:

Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 :: 6-10pm

DJ Cheebo :: Food & Beverages :: All Works for Sale

EXHIBIT [A]

A Vayden Roi Gallery

555 Pine Avenue

Long Beach, CA 90802

Regular Gallery Hours :: Fri & Sat 6-8pm :: Sun2-5pm

Funded by the Downtown Long Beach Associates

A series of sculptures and paintings examining the likeness between ourselves and the things we create, as well as your entanglement with a universal desire to change. Alex has over 20 years experience in painting and has studied under artists such as Jaqui Von Honts and Robert Sorrel, with representation in California, New Mexico and Texas.

Random Cell Phone Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 18:52:00 +0000

While searching for a picture on my cell phone, I realized that there are many in there that I have not shared or only shared via Twitpic and not everyone may have seen it. Then again, not everybody has Twitter.

I was going to just post them into the blog post directly but figured a Flickr Set would be easier and there is no "membership" needed to view them. I do not always share these because I usually have my actual camera with me but it should not matter what camera is used. A picture is a picture right?

There is no sort of "classification" for these photos and it is just a mixture of different things. I know it may be more towards plants/gardening/flowers but I tried to keep it varied.

I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoy taking them.

Here is the Flickr Set

Luis

p.s.: None of these photos have been edited in any sort of way.

Spider Pavillion at Natural History Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 01:56:00 +0000

I loved the Butterfly Pavillion at the Natural History Museum and had to make it to this one. There were still some butterflies but there were only a few and some were caught in the massive webs that are virtually everywhere. It is fairly easy to walk through the exhibit but one must be careful. All spiders have venom but none that are harmful to humans, at least that was what we were told.

The exhibit itself is only open to members for now but will be opening to the general public on September 26. There will also be night events where you can walk through the exhibit with flashlights. We were told it was something that should be done and done multiple times.

I do not know if we will be going back to it but we thoroughly enjoyed the exhibit and urge you to make it if possible.

Well, that's it for now. I will be adding the links for more info and the newly created Flickr set.

Luis

Spider Pavillion @ Natural History Museum

New Flickr Set Here.

Latino2 Conference this Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:46:00 +0000

This is a follow up post to the Latino2 campaign I mentioned here. There has been such a movement that it has blossomed into a massive tour and the first stop is this weekend at the LA Convention Center.

Here is a blurb from the Official Website:

Tour Stop #1: The L.A. Marketing Tribe.
On September 18, Latinos in Social Media (LatISM), kicks off 12-month, multi-city tour of the state of California with a kick-off and awards ceremony in LA.

We plan to take in as much of the state as possible, from the inner city of Los Angeles, to the corridors of power in Sacramento, to many of the places where Latinos are joining others to invent and reinvent the way we live, work and play.

Come join us on September 18, 2010, at the Los Angeles Convention Center where we kick off this twelve-month tour by congregating and honoring the leading thinkers and practitioners in marketing and communications. This first event features a keynote from famed social media guru Brian Solis, an-depth interview with one of the leading “cross-border” marketing agencies, an awards-ceremony, and a post-event networking mixer.

I have registered for this event. There are only a few days left to register and the best part of it all.. It is totally FREE!

Join us by registering HERE!

New Photos!

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 21:25:00 +0000

Well, as promised, here are my new photos. I usually send out tweets about every new Flickr set but figured it would help keep it less confusing. It keeps all the new sets organized a little easier and makes navigation much better.

Let's get started:

1. LA County Fair
These are photos that were taken at the fair itself but also include photos on the road to and from the fair.

2. Garden Photos
I have a separate blog for gardening here, but this is in the interest of photography. This set includes all current plants growing in the garden and in containers.

3. Long Beach, CA: Sept. 13, 2010
These is a new round of photos of Long Beach. I have a gallery dedicated on my main website for Long Beach here.

Well, that is it for now but more may be coming soon. I hope this is a little easier to follow rather than trying to make sense of multiple tweets coming through.

As always, I love to hear your comments.

Luis

Ready to go!

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:30:00 +0000

This post is to help get me out of a "rut" I seem to be in with my photography. I have not been as enthusiastic as I used to be and I want to change it. I used to take my camera everywhere and loved to edit photos for hours. It seems like I have moved on and into my gardening, which I still love and continue to do, but photography will always be my first love. My amazing wife has brought this up to me before but I think I just did not want to see it. In order to get out of this "rut", there are some things I must do.

As I'm sure you have read in my blog, tweets and facebook posts, I participate in the 2nd Saturday Artwalk every month and this month is no exception. New prints have been prepared, new business cards, new price sheet and inventory has been done! I am ready and thoroughly excited for Saturday! I don't know if anybody will be inspired to come down and see me or any of the other amazing artists but we will be there. Click here for more info.

While at the artwalk, I will be collecting more email addresses to grow my mailing list as I will be putting out my newsletter again. I only got 1 issue out but want to get back to it. This newsletter may include general photography news, possible specials, and anything that has to do with my photography. I will try to do it once a month or maybe more. I may add more later but will try to start off small.

Along with a newsletter, I will need to take more pictures. I will try and finally finish my Rubber Duck Collection! I will take my camera with my everywhere I possibly can, like I used to, and take as many shots as I can.

I know it may be too much to take on but I will work on it. It will not happen overnight but it will expand over time.

-Luis

Photography Update

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:40:00 +0000

Well,

I'm back with some photography updates. I know I have not been updating on this front in a while and you have gotten bored or not interested in gardening.

As you may know, I am at the artwalk in Long Beach every month but it is not enough to get my name out there. The sales there are not as much as I would like but I know that we are still in a major recession and I try to keep different price points to keep my client base larger. If I only offer higher priced items, somebody that wants something but cannot afford it, just will not buy it and I do not make any sort of sale.

I have a website and it gets some traffic but nothing major. I try to use facebook and twitter to promote myself and has gotten me great contacts, but not enough to make any sort of living or even extra money. I know it is hard to survive as an artist but it seems to be getting harder as the days go by.

I am not sure as where to go next. I have tried talking to some small shops to carry my greeting cards or prints but have not had any luck. I am not phased and will keep trying. I know everybody has to start somewhere and not all make it but I want to be that exception.

Well, this is for now and I will be back later.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

Luis

New Gardening Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:34:00 +0000

Hello out there!

I have sent out a tweet or two about my new gardening blog: It All Started With Tomatoes, but I wanted to make a formal announcement on this blog. I will be posting mainly about photography. I may still post here about life in general but will try to keep gardening out of here.

So add it to your bookmarks and I will try and keep you entertained/informed about it all!

Thanks..

-Luis

My $20 Raised Bed: 3'x3'x1'

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:19:00 +0000

Hello out there!

Well, I am back with a crash-course on building a cheap raised bed. It is not huge but not tiny either and it is a good starting point for those beginners, like me. I have been wanting to get some raised beds built or bough but the prices are just a bit much. I wanted to see how cheap I could build one but using recommended materials.

I got the idea to build it with cedar picket fence boards. After some research on-line, I found that many people have done this and it seemed fairly simple. The planks are thinner but with some support they should be fine. I ended up finding much shorter boards that were just over 3 feet at .97 cents each. I bought 12 and went over to get a long post for about $6.

Materials:

12 - 1 in. x 4 in. x 42 in. CEDAR GOTHIC PICKET

1 - Post: 1 7/16" x 1 7/16" x 8' (Have this cut down to 12 inch pieces)

48 - 2' inch wood screws. (I already had these and did not factor into price.)

Tools:

Saw - Manual or electrick
Drill
1/8 drill bit (to pre-drill screw holes)

1. Start but sawing off the ends of "pickets" for all 12 boards. Any standard circular saw or manual should be fine.

2. Pre-drilling holes into boards and posts is a must. This helps prevent wood from splitting. Using screws, attach the boards, 3 high to each post.

3. Build two sides and then the best part begins. These two sides will be facing each other and the other two sides will be attached to the post pieces already attached to those first sides.

4. Once all sides are screwed in, you are done. At least for now. Next task is to fill it in with soil, compost and seedlings/plants.

Well, lets hope we have kept all of our fingers and no injuries have occurred. I should add a disclaimer on this.

**We will NOT be held responsible for any lost, any bodily harm, injury or anything negative that comes from doing this project.**

We have gotten to the end of this post but will continue this series when I"m able to do it. For now, I have moved the new bed into the garden area and put in some pots into it. This serves 2 purposes for me; 1: It helps plan out how I will be placing plants if I want to transplant them in and 2: It helps the garden look a little more organized and clean.

The only issue I have found with this project, is to find a use for the "pickets" that were cut off the boards. They look like small fish. The suggestion box is up and ready for ideas as to what to do with these.

As always, I'm here for any questions/comments/constructive criticism.

-Luis

Photography or Graphic Design?

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:43:00 +0000

Hello there,

There are many images out there that are considered photography, but I just do not see it. These photographs are so digitally altered that the essence of the image is lost. Photos are made to look like paintings, HD whatever, and anything else people can think of. I am the first to admit that yes, I edit my photos using Photoshop, but I try and keep editing to a minimum. Do not get me wrong, I am not saying that being creative is a bad thing, but do not call it "Photography". I only speak for myself here but I consider all this heavy editing as "graphic design". I realize that innovation is something that cannot be stopped, but it is insane as to what is being called "Photography". What is wrong with just calling it art?

Call me what you want, but one of the reasons that I fell in love with photography is because I love capturing moments. These moments can be pretty much anything and are not limited in any way. These moments may include nature (in all of its forms), weddings, special events, or life as true as can be. There is a reason that moment was captured, and simply to edit the heck out of it was not the primary reason, at least not for me. I took that shot because something about it caught my eye. There was something there that was interesting to me and I want to share it with the world. If the shot does not stop me in my tracks before editing, what makes me think it will do it for anybody else?

I know that there are those that will say that, since it originally was a photograph, regardless of what it turns out to look like, it should still be called photography. My response to that is that if we really wanted to keep true to photography, then we would all still be shooting with film. There are many photographers that are still shooting film that look down on digital and may never change their views. I realize that I may not be any better, but I always keep an open mind.

I would love to hear your comments / opinions on the matter.

-Luis

New Entry for Rubber Duck Series

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:36:00 +0000

Greetings readers,

I have finally gotten back to do shooting for my "rubber duck series" and plan on finishing it. I mentioned this series in previous blog posts and created a gallery on my website here for it. This series has been popular and I have requests to keep adding to it. I tried to put them in order in the gallery but it may not be correct.

Anyways, here is the next in the series.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback on this one and the series in general.

Well, this is a short post but just wanted to share with everyone what I have been doing. I was thinking about putting a calendar together or selling small or large prints of the entire series as a package but I have to finish it first.

See you next post!

-Luis

What's Next?

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:07:00 +0000

Like many Americans, I am out of work and unemployment benefits have run out. The job search is still going but does not look good. This is where my creativity comes in by looking for viable source of income.

I know I have said before that I would never do events like wedding or quinceaneras but times are tough. I am searching for local wedding photographers to not only get my feet wet but also to hopefully have some income from it. The search continues.

I have mentioned my participation in the 2nd Saturday Artwalk before and will continue to do it. This event not only is a great way to sell prints but also great for networking. Luckily, I have had new and some returning clients. I do appreciate their support in my journey.

My other idea for income is to use my newly found love for gardening. There are some things brewing in my mind but not sure when or if they will be realized. I may be posting about these later but some details need to be figured out and whether or not they can be done.

I have finished my AA degree and waiting for the fall to continue onto Cal State Dominguez Hills. It has only been about a month since graduation but I am ready to put it to work. There are job out there that will only let you apply if you have a degree and others that do not consider you if you do. It can be a double edged sword. Some companies say that the degree is not good enough and more schooling or work experience. Other companies say that having any sort of degree automatically over-qualifies you. I am now at the latter part but will hopefully see some sort of change.

Thank you for stopping by,

Luis

Cooking Spaghetti Squash

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:31:00 +0000

Well,

As I said via Twitter yesterday, I am posting about cooking my first spaghetti squash. This will not be the last one I cook either because I have another 2 in the garden that are close to picking.

I looked up the simplest way to cook spaghetti squash and found many answers. There are recipes to boil it, bake it, mix it in with pasta sauce among many others. I feel like Bubba Gump when he is talking about all the different ways shrimp can be cooked but I digress. Of course, I chose the easiest way and here are my results.

Items you will need:

1. Spaghetti Squash
2. Microwave
3. Big Kitchen Knife (just be careful)
4. 1 microwave safe dish
5. Plastic wrap
6. Vegetable cleaning brush
7. Spoon
8. Fork

Directions:
1. Rinse of Squash under the sink using vegetable brush. Nothing special, just make sure it is clean.

2. Using that big kitchen knife, while being very careful, cut the squash lengthwise.

3. Using the spoon, scoop out all the seeds.

4. Place squash down on the microwave safe plate and put a tiny bit of water under it.

5. Pull the plastic wrap over the top of the plate covering it all and tuck it under the plate.

6. Pop into microwave for about 10 minutes on high. If you have a larger squash, it may need more time.

7. Carefully remove plastic wrap. It will be hot and may need additional time to cool off a bit.

8. While still warm but not cold, use the fork and scrape out the spaghetti like strands.

9. Scrape out al the flesh and there should just be the outer shell left over.

I never thought I would post "recipes" in my blog but here we are. Maybe something like this will bring in more readers or solicit some comments. I am here for questions and inquiries that you may have. Do not be afraid. I tried to describe as best I could but I know my writing is not perfect.

I will now step off my "soap box" and may be back soon.

-Luis

Art in Long Beach is as Easy as 1, 2, 3

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:12:00 +0000

There are those out there that say that art is dying, but in Long Beach, it is the complete opposite. Many events across the city are popping up every day and monthly events keep it alive. All events are there to help artists share their work with the world, myself included.

I have compiled a list of three recurring events in Long Beach that help strive to keep art alive. I have included links and direct quotes from the event's websites.

Here we go:

1. First Fridays
The month starts off with a bang at First Fridays in Bixby Knolls. The event is overseen and promoted by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association. It has been bringing in the crowds.

Artists of different mediums have their work displayed inside one of the many business that line Atlantic Ave between San Antonio and Bixby Road. A double-decker bus transports visitors up and down the street.

The mission of First Fridays is to promote and support local artists and musicians by providing them with an outlet to showcase their work. Every first Friday night of the month, participating Bixby Knolls businesses will unite to promote local artists and musicians through extended operating hours. In doing so we hope to encourage a dialogue between businesses, artists and the community.

We want people to walk, talk, look, discover and experience the Knolls.
First Fridays is what you bring to it. First Fridays is what you take from it.
Help transform Atlantic Avenue into Art-lantic Avenue.

When:
First Friday of every month.
Price:
FREE!
Location:
Bixby Knolls on Atlantic Ave between San Antonio and Bixby Road.

Facebook Page

Twitter

2. 2nd Saturday Artwalk
We continue with an event that takes place in the the beauty that is Downtown Long Beach. This event is a little different in that artists and vendors set-up actual booths right on Linden Ave, between 1st St and Broadway Blvd. Most artists and vendors return every month but there are usually new artists every month.

The greatest attraction of this event is it's unique items and works of art in combination with paintings, sculpture, photography, crafts and hands-on workshops mixed with theatre and dance. The 2nd Saturday Art Walk offers kids, as well as adults, entertainment and an opportunity to create their own master-pieces. Gives a chance to be a critic as well as an artist. 2nd Saturday Art Walk is all yours to

Find Your Art!

Come and stroll through the East Village galleries. Watch the art performances. Have a dinner with friends or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in outdoor setting.

When:
Every 2nd Saturday of the month.
Price:
FREE!
Location:
Linden Ave between 1st St and Broadway.

3. En La Noche at MOLAA

Head over to the Museum of Latin American Art for what is always a great night. Each event may include special menus, tours, and live music.

When:
Every 3rd Thursday of every month
Price:
Museum Members: FREE!
Non-Members: $10
Location:
628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone 562.437.1689

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There should be no excuse to let art be a thing of the past. There are many more events that are going on all the time, but if I wrote about them all, then this post would never end! A quick web search will reveal more sites out there that can fill the rest in for you.

I will start you off:

Limelight LB

What you do with this information is up to you. Do not let life pass you by.

Luis

Finally, a Photography Post

noreply@blogger.com (Luis Tobon) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:12:00 +0000

My last blogs have been about my gardening but do not think that my photography has been replaced. If anything, gardening has kept my creative juices flowing.

Gardening is a slow process that takes time and can be frustrating at times. By taking pictures; I not only keep track of it but also helps me share my experiences with all of you! These photos are a new category in my massive collection.

If you have been following my blog, you know that I do set up a booth at the Long Beach Artwalk every second Saturday. I have met many people there that have not only admired my work but also purchased a print or two. I not only participate in this event to sell my work, but also an amazing way to network. The new way of doing business must have networking included because it is a must in order to stay in business.

I am always looking for ways to expand my product offering. I started with simple matted and framed prints but I needed something more. In order to expand my client base, I need to have options at different price points. I then added greeting cards to the product offering and it has worked well for me. Greeting cards not only give another price point but they make it much easier to share my photography.

THere is a mom that has come back multiple times to purchase the next card in my "rubber duck" series. She started with the main one and mailed it to her daughter that is away at college. Her daughter loved it and now waits every month for the new card. The series consists of 3 mini rubber ducks that I was given by my mother in law. I have taken photos of them for different holidays. Some of these are: Valentine's, Halloween, Easter among a few others. I have a good start but still need to finish it out and possibly get a calendar printed.

My next product offering will be canvas prints. I am in the process of searching for a company that does good work but does not cost an arm and a leg. I know that most people would say that I will get what I pay for, but I can dream can I not? If anybody has any suggestions, please let me know.

I initially started this blog to share information about my photography but it bounces around with different topics. Like I have said before, life happens all the time and I cannot ignore it. I believe that sharing more facets of my life, helps my readers see me in different lights. I am not saying that every last detail needs to be shared but major events are "fair game", at least for me.

-Luis Tobon