The Future of Newspapers.

Every day there is something new. New technology can be a pain. My new cameras and computers are considered old school before I even get them out of their boxes. Then I have to figure out their latest twists. But when I do figure them out, I generally sit back and say “Oh yah that’s pretty cool.”

Today’s newspapers have also seen a lot of change in the last couple of years. They are learning to embrace new technologies and changing the way they meet our need for the news. How are the Lakers doing? Which presidential party will take us to ruin quicker? Or how many girlfriends a certain pro golfer has? 

Little Jimmy is not going to be riding his bike down the street much longer tossing newspapers into your flowerbed. It is all about the internet and having the news delivered on your home computer, laptop or Iphone. While this takes a little getting use to, looking closer will reveal some pretty nice surprises.

Dave Argent Decorates Houses with Holiday Lights

Although lately I have been doing more work in the corporate world, I still enjoy taking freelance assignments from The Orange County Register. They are doing a series on people who are dealing with being out of work or having to reinvent themselves due to the economics of the time. I’ve recently been assigned to a couple of these stories. The Register wires the subject for sound, interviews them, shoot video and still photos and marry it all together for a beautiful presentation that allows you to view the subject through the eyes of a professional and hear the subject’s story in their own words with their own voice. Check out the future of internet news and this interesting series of articles.

 Newspapers are not dead. They are just changing with the times. And, oh yah that’s pretty cool!  If you’re thinking of having Holiday Lights installed for you, check out OC Holiday Lighting, which is featured in the article.

Building A Digital Image Library

Times change. People change. Businesses change. Some thoughts on updating your image library to reflect those changes

Orange County, California manages over 40,000 acres of public parks ranging from beaches to wilderness to historical sites. Until recently the images they were using to represent these parks were 20 years old, outdated and badly exposed. Last year I was awarded the contract to create a new set of digital images for them that shows their parks usage, diversity and the updated facilities these sites offer.

Orange County Parks Photograph

The importance of visual imagery is unprecedented and continues to grow. Photography is everywhere. The first impression a person gets of you and your business is often from the pictures on your web site. Are they clear, up-to-date and technically excellent? Lighting style changes. Today they have more pop! Do your images represent you today?

Suggestions:

• Review current library. What photos do you like, what are obviously dated? Today’s digital images are easier to store, find, reference, retouch, and generally sharper.

• Consider updating your headshots on a regular basis. While it may be expected to use a 10-year old photo if you are posting it on a “lets get to know each other” web site, it is not appropriate to use such an old photo for business purposes. 

• Don’t mix old with new. If you have photos of the major players in your organization they should all have the same look.

Schedule a meeting with a photographer to discuss your current images and talk about today’s trends and your perceived needs. Your photographer will help you arrange a photo shoot so that it is efficient and makes the most of everyone’s time. I am always very happy to do this.

College Basketball – David 61, Goliath 62

 

Concordia vs. UCLA Basketball

You know the story, a mismatch between two warriors. Goliath is large and strong; David smaller and perceived as weaker. Would it be a story if David looses? Actually quite a good one.

 Concordia University is a relatively small, religion based school, with an enrollment of 2,400 in Irvine, California. Their Men’s Basketball team is ranked 8^th in the NAIA standings.  UCLA is, well, UCLA – NCAA Division 1 Basketball Champions. Think John Wooden.

 

One would think a basketball game between these two schools would be a mismatch. This is what I was thinking as I crawled my way up the 405 freeway to Westwood to photograph the exhibition game scheduled between the two schools. Coming home I felt very different.

Concordia Basketball

Even though UCLA gave a couple of their starters the night off to rest injuries, Concordia came to play.  The scoring was back and forth through much of the 1^st half. But with 2 minuets left in that half, Concordia took the lead and held on to it until with only 16 seconds left in the game UCLA hit a 3 pointer for the win.

 

The crowd of 6,346 mostly UCLA fans were at times silenced while the Concordia players could hardly contain themselves. In what was probably one of highest profile games of their college careers, David did not win but still gave Goliath a fight that both teams will long remember.

 

 

Corporate Head Shots – My Process

I come to you

I come to you and set-up a portable studio at your office/home.  This makes it very convenient for busy professionals who can walk down the hall instead of driving across town for their portrait.  I do not need a large location, most of the time a conference room works nicely.

 

Executive Headshot

 I bring a portable studio

I have a variety of portable studio backgrounds to choose from and I always bring studio lights. If someone claims they can produce quality portraits without lights, they are a “person with a camera”, not a professional.  I don’t need much space since my lighting equipment is powerful but compact. Your location, plus my years of experience combine to produce a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

 

It doesn’t take long

I know the importance of time for the busy executive. I arrive at your office 45 minutes before the photos are scheduled to be taken, set-up my equipment and do a few test shots. After that, most portrait sessions last about 15 minutes per person. Sometimes the lights need to be changed to accommodate each individual, glasses, height, hair, etc. Most people have a smile they have been using for the better part of their adult lives and are happy with it.  When professional hair and/or make-up are required, I have a couple of stylists that I work with that are available at an additional cost.

 

I provide a quick turn-around

I work with new high-resolution digital equipment. This allows the photographs to be downloaded into a laptop and viewed directly after they are created so a pose can be agreed upon before I leave. I then go to my office and work at my computer where I am able to do post production on the images using the latest available software to enhance and finish each image. Delivery time can be arranged to your needs. I would like to have a day or two but can burn a CD on-site after the shoot if you need the photo immediately.

 

What I charge

I charge $150 for the first individual; additional subjects (at the same location/session) are $75.  This includes everything outlined above including the delivery of images. A fee will be added as agreed upon if excess travel is involved.

 

These are just some of the basics as every person’s photo shoot is unique. I am very happy to be flexible in arranging yours. Please call me to discuss your needs and give me the chance to answer any further questions you might have.

 

Professional Photography – The Art of Photographing the Arts

Carl St. Clair Conducts The Pacific Symphony

Orange County, California had for many years the reputation of being the lesser sibling to our larger neighbor to the north named Los Angeles; especially when it came to the arts and culture. That changed in 1986 when the 3,000-seat Orange County Performing Arts Center opened on what was a lima bean field just months before. The 500 seat Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall designed and built for the Pacific Symphony is the latest addition to the center.

 Photographing concerts there is often a treat but comes with unique responsibilities. Patrons of the arts privileged to enjoy the work of world-renowned musicians don’t appreciate the sound of a camera in a concert hall designed to resonate the softer sounds of a Stradivarius violin.

A plastic box lined with foam called a “blimp” is used in such situations. About half the size of a shoebox, it encapsulates the camera helping to muffle the cameras sound. One drawback of the blimp is that it does restrict access to the camera controls and this can be a bit unnerving when you don’t want to miss the shot.  While the blimp does a good job of muffling sound, I have learned to wait and only photograph when the full orchestra is in performance or I will draw disapproving glairs from disturbed patrons.  It is also important to minimize movement as movement on my part is not part of the program and an unwelcome distraction for patrons.

 I often feel very lucky when asked to photograph exclusive events such as performances by the Pacific Symphony and am happy to work in a professional manner so that I will be asked back for future events.

Event Photography – Sunday Supper at SOS

Once again it has been my pleasure to photograph an event for Share Our Selves in Costa Mesa. Founded in 1970 by a group of concerned individuals, SOS has grown to become an important non-profit, volunteer based organization serving the impoverished and working poor populations in Orange County.

Antipasto Strangolapreti

Also called the Sunday Supper Club, the 19^th annual Celebrity Chef Dinner Sunday night highlighted 12 outstanding local chefs committed to providing food for the poor in Orange County by cooking and serving a memorable meal to those attending. The 302 guests helped raise $230,000 to support the Orange Aid Project that collects retrievable food from restaurants, stores, bakeries and caterers to distribute to low-income residents.

 Upon entering diners were transported back in time. SOS Food Pantry volunteer, Lou D’Ambrosio, crooned songs by Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett as guests mingled during the reception and silent auction.  Silent Auction highlights included a Chihuahua puppy that was rescued from the Riverside Shelter, a bright yellow surfboard donated by a local board shaper, and a week stay at a home on Orcas Island off the coast of Washington.

Plating for 300+ Diners

Behind the scene, watching the renowned chefs and their assistant’s take over the donated kitchen of the Costa Mesa Hilton was impressive. Creating, plating and serving a gourmet meal to over 300 at the same time was quite a ballet.

 

Serving Sushi at Sunday Supper Club

 Those attending were treated to hors d’oeuvres of sushi, macaroni and cheese pasta with crushed truffles, and fresh fruit. Dinner included antipasto, clams casino, roasted quail, and roasted beef. Dessert was a memorable Sicilian cannoli with balsamic caramel.

Times are tough for everyone these days. But if you are reading this you are at sitting at a computer with a roof over your head with food in the pantry. SOS serves those who don’t have the basics for survival in this very prosperous area. Please visit the SOS web site and see just how far a little bit of generosity can go.

“Live simply so others may simply live.”

Editorial Photography – 15th Annual Peak 2 Peak

The cooler air and lengthening shadows mean fall is here, which of course has me thinking about trips north to the ski resort Mammoth Mountain. Driving there takes about 6 hours. Getting there by bicycle takes 5 days.  It’s worth every exhausting minute.

USARC Riders for Annual Peak to Peak

 This week, as they have for the past fourteen Octobers a group of bicycle riders will make the 335 mile ride between Mammoth Mountain and Big Bear in the San Bernardino Mountains to support The United States Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC). Two years ago when I was much younger and stronger I rode along with them. This time I will leave the bike at home and take my cameras to produce snapshots for their reunion party in March.

Peak 2 Peak On A Hand Crank Bike

Since 1983 USARC has provided adults and children with cognitive or physical disabilities the chance to participate in outdoor activities such as snow skiing in the winter and water sports in the summer.

 USARC is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers and donations to operate. Peak 2 Peak is one of the fundraisers they hold throughout the year to meet expenses. Riders pay $1500.00 to participate. There is a large group of volunteers that go along to fix meals, drive support vehicles, change flat tires, and make things as comfortable as can be for the riders that brave the heat of the desert, the cold of the mountains, never ending hills while competing for road space with 18 wheelers zooming past only a couple of feet away. Night time accommodations are generally a nylon tent.

Celebrating In Mammoth After 350 Miles Bike Ride

 It is a challenge physically, mentally, and financially. But when you see the smile on a persons face after they leave their wheelchair behind and go snow skiing or wakeboarding you understand.  As a volunteer ski instructor with USARC for the past dozen winters or so I have seen a lot of smiles but the biggest is always the one I see on my face in my cars rear view mirror as I drive home.

Sports Photography – Angels Cinch Division

It’s October which means two things. My Mother-in-Law’s birthday is coming up and the baseball team I follow, The Angels, are heading into the playoffs.

 Last Monday the Angels had the chance to lock up their post season bid by winning the game against the Texas Rangers in Anaheim. So the Register sent me to get shots of fans and the chance for post game celebration. They also sent a staff photographer to shoot game action and hopefully jubilation.

 

Angel fans celebrate during game

People I meet say it must be great to be allowed that type of access to a major league baseball game. It is when things are going right and you’re getting the shots that tell the story of the game.

Monday things were not so good. Just prior to the game I was introduced to some new technology that was guaranteed to make it easier for me to transmit images from the laptop that sits directly behind me in the photographers’ area on the field. There is always a learning curve using new technology and I should have known it was a bad idea using it for the first time on deadline.

After fumbling around for awhile, I thought I had a lock on it. So I started shooting the game that was already a blowout for the home team. Oh well, I had sent the fan photos asked for and I knew I would get some celebration pictures. 

 

Angels Celebrate Cinching American League Title

The game ended at about 9:40 pm and the party started. My deadline for sending photos was 10 o’clock. No problem. It takes me only a couple of minuets to move a photo. The fans were going wild and of course so were the players. I worked it for a few good photos and went back to my laptop. Nothing! The thing was a paperweight. The only way it would send images is if I tossed it Frisbee style across the field, which I almost did.

 

Erick Aybar Hoses Down The Fans!

So much for a fun time at the ball park.  The celebration photos the next morning were from the staff photographer and AP.  My fan photos from earlier in the game made the website.  It was a frustrating evening.

 Sometimes you’re the bat. Sometimes you’re the ball.  I definitely felt I was the ball, getting smacked hard last Monday. I guess we can all expect a bad day once and a while. I know there are a lot of people going through worst things in their life. At least I got some beer sprayed on me. Now that I’ve been through the new technology school of hard knocks, hopefully I’ll get the chance to use it when we BEAT BOSTON!

Editorial Photography – Peace, Love, Surf.

I have lived in Southern California most of my life. I live near the beach. I have blond hair. I have never surfed. Never even tried. Maybe it was that movie about the shark that hit the screens when I was in my teens.  Maybe it is because the thought of me balancing on a surfboard brings to mind a chicken egg balancing on a three legged table in an earthquake. Surfing is not for me.

 The other day I photographed a man who is all about surfing. Chris Hawk was being inducted into the Surfers Hall of Fame. A Huntington Beach legend since the ‘70s, Hawk’s induction ceremony was held early because of his continuing fight with throat cancer.

 

Chris Hawk, Surfing Hall of Fame Induction

Hawk is known not only as an awesome surfer and surfboard shaper but as a mentor and a friend to those just getting started in the sport. Many of his friends attended the ceremony including local surfing greats, Huntington Beach business owners, the Mayor. Stories were shared of Surf City back in the day. Anybody remember the Golden Bear?

 The Surfers Hall of Fame ceremony is much like one done at the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater. The inductee places his hand and foot prints in wet cement along with their autograph and a few words to be immortalized forever. Hawk kneeled in front of fresh cement at the corner PCH and Main with his former wife and 11 year-old son at his side. He did the famous pose showing everyone his cement covered hands and then finished his autograph and added the words Peace, Love, Surf.

 It was a pleasure to see a man honored by so many in the surfing community for being not only successful at his craft but for being generous and helpful to others along the way.

Editorial Photography – From The Ashes

I had the chance to meet a very nice couple the other day on less than nice circumstances.  Jeff and Karla Rindskopf are one of over a hundred Orange County families that lost their home in a devastating wildfire last November. They are now rebuilding on the same property. The property with the view they fell in love with years ago.

 

Small Momento Survives Wild Fire

I was given the assignment to photograph them at the site of their former home.  As I drove up to their property I was a bit surprised to see Karla brushing down the swimming pool. Swimming pools don’t burn and thankfully some of their palm trees also survived. The property had been cleared to the concrete slab that was their living room along with some brick decorations that framed their front door.

 

 A lot of time people that suffer great loss understandably don’t want to be bothered by the press, but the Rindskopf’s had a story to tell about their experience with their insurance company so here they were.   Dealing with loss is never easy, but did you know you have to prove to your insurance company that you’re entitled to the money?  It’s not an easy process and you need to stick to your guns, according to Jeff he “believes the process is designed to make you give up”. 

Rebuilding After The Wild Fire

There really was not much there so I choose to photograph just that. It was about a half an hour before sunset and there was nice golden light draping the hills and trees. I asked Jeff and Karla to stand in what was once their front door. I had them face away from the sun so they would not squint and be relaxed. I placed a light off to the right of the camera and exposed them while underexposing the background, making the couple stand out in the picture. I am happy with the photo, it shows a couple ready to rebuild and move on from a situation that most of us fortunately will never have to experience.