Steven Lynch Photography

365 Day 38 - Microcell

2011-02-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 38 - Microcell
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 38 - Microcell
February 8, 2011

I received a letter in the mail from AT&T today. We were chosen as one of the customers to receive a Free 3G Microcell. I was lucky enough to get one put on hold at our local AT&T Store and swung by their tonight and picked it up. AT&T has been doing this since last January for select customers to battle signal issues in the homes and I think alleviate some stress from their network from iPhones too. Basically it uses the Internet to connect to the network instead of a cell tower, but is a mini cell tower / radio on it's own. Think of it as a tiny cell phone tower in your house. I finally got it set up tonight and am using it. Tomorrow we will see how well it works for phone calls and test the range.

Taken with Canon 5d Mark2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch / 818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 37 - Waiting For The Gate

2011-02-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 37 - Waiting For The Gate
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 37 - Waiting For The Gate
February 7, 2011

It's funny how we create traditions and patterns in everything we do in life. I'll admit I don't take my daughter to school that often (Grandpa usually does it) but I decided to come along for today. I had developed a photo idea in my head which was more or less what I got out of todays image, but the idea was the same. Portraying the ritual of waiting for the gates to be open and the flood of class to rush in. The usual group of kids usually gathers outside before class starts and wait for the teachers to return from lunch.

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch / 818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 36 - Old School Excersize

2011-02-07T00:00:00.001-08:00

365 Day 36 - Old School Excersize
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 36 - Old School Excersize
February 6, 2011

There definitely is something peaceful and relaxing about doing some good old fashioned manual labor. I'm more of the techy computer nerd type myself, but when My dad and my daughter were mowing the lawn today it brought back some old memories of when I used to help him do it. To my credit I even picked up the weed eater and did a bit of edging around the grass. Today was also the Super Bowl. I didn't get to watch much of it, but I did see a bit.

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 35 - Jim's Silver Linings

2011-02-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 35 - Jim's Silver Linings
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 35 - Jim's Silver Linings
February 5, 2011

This is my neighbor Jim. He and his girlfriend came home today with an idea. They want to start melting silver down and creating molds, trinquets and other things with it. This was their first time and I documented it on Video for them. (It will be edited very soon) I don't suggest just anybody try this at home. Jim is an experienced welder / blow torch and used to work with these tools for a living. They had fun melting silver down, trying not to burn the garage down, and came out with the dream to have "Jim's Silver Linings"

Taken with Canon 5d Mark2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photograpy
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch / 818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 34 - Green Visitor

2011-02-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 34 - Green Visitor
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 34 - Green Visitor
February 4, 2011

What would my 365 Project be without at least a visit from the little green grasshoppers. Last year I believe I featured these guys 2 or 3 times out of the 60 odd something days I did. I could hear this guy in the bushes next to my house somewhere... they make this kind of crcikety sound that isn't a rythym like a crickets though. Finally I was able to spot him and snapped a shot. Besides that I didn't really do a whole lot today. I have been sick again (seems not as bad as before) but am taking it easy and resting a lot today.

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch / 818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 33 - UFO COFFEE!

2011-02-03T22:00:00.001-08:00

365 Day 33 - UFO COFFEE!
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 33 - UFO COFFEE!
February 3, 2011

This is actually a Starbucks in Burbank, but I've always found you can find some of the weirdest things by just looking up at your surroundings. The way the lights are arranged around this big circle thing just remind me of the underside of some UFO Saucer or something. Odd...

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch / 818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 32 - Long Long Stairway

2011-02-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 32 - Long Long Stairway
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 32 - Long Long Stairway
February 2, 2011

Today I shot an assignment at one of the local Middle Schools, John Muir. It was my first time ever stepping foot in this school... boy was I in for a surprise. I knew it was built on the hill and because of that had a multi leveled playground etc... but I did not realize that the entire school was slanted... lol. Let me explain. It is built on multiple levels with stairways that are like halways going through the buildings. Most of the buildings are 2 stories each. It's just very odd. To think of all the excersize one would get walking all over this school though. From the top of the school where I parked and checked in to the bottom where I shot my assignment in the gym (maybe it goes down more than that) I must have dropped at least 200 feet or more. Just interesting.

Taken with Canon 5d Mark2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch / 818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 31 - Robert Vincent

2011-02-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 31 - Robert Vincent
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 31 - Robert Vincent
February 1, 2011

I spent most of today hanging out with Rob. He is my colleage from www.BurbankNBeyond.com he hosts 90% of the videos we make there and is a really good multi talented creative type. If it's not acting or producing, it's running 3 other businesses or coming up with more ideas and helping to run a talent agency.

You should see me doing a lot more things with Rob in the future. We are currently working on a big project together.

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch / 818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 30 - Teachers Pet

2011-01-31T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 30 - Teachers Pet
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 30 - Teachers Pet
January 31, 2011

This is my daugher Madison with her head Pre-School Teacher Ms. Lieu (pronounced Ms. Lill ) Maddie and her Grandpa made this really cool book yesterday that is all about her school and what she does there. There is words and a lot of hand made pictures in it. I brought it in after class today for Madison to show to all of her teachers. It was a hit and they all liked it a lot. They are going to share the book with the whole class tomorrow. So there you go... that's my little Teachers Pet!

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch / 818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 29 - Suburbia

2011-01-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 29 - Suburbia
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 29 - Suburbia
January 30, 2011

This is Suburbia... Some call it their dream... some feel trapped by it. I'm not really sure what I feel, but it is my life (for now anyways)

Today was a relaxation day. Coming off of a week of being sick (after a 3 week span of off and on sick) I just needed to relax. I worked on the website for a bit and did a little shopping tonight. It also rained a little bit today as you can see from the photo. The photo was taken by a Canon 75-300mm lens I bought the other day to resale. Will be putting it up for sale in the next day or so.

Taken with Canon 5d Mark2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch / 818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 28 - New Reflections

2011-01-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 28 - New Reflections
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 28 - New Reflections
January 29, 2011

Here is my little girl Madison taking a moment to play with her hair and look at herself in her new dresser mirror. Today we were given a whole bedroom set of furniture by one of our neighbors down the street. There is a childs height 9 drawer dresser, a taller stack of drawers (as seen in the mirror) and a couple of bedside tables. We realized just how much clothes this kid has when we went to organize all of them into drawers... I think we'll have to get rid of some of them soon and make more room lol.

Maddie was very happy with all the new stuff and now has a mirror at her height where she can see herself (Bathroom one is too high, my dresser is too high, etc.)

Taken with Canon 5d Mark2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch / 818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 26 - The Claw!

2011-01-27T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 26 - The Claw!
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 26 - The Claw!
January 27, 2011

Did a lot of sleeping and relaxing today to try and fight off being sick. I am starting to feel better tonight, but last night was pretty bad with Flu like symptoms. (not a happy camper)

I took Madison out to dinner tonight to Denny's. They seem to always have a claw machine... which actually is a pretty crappy one and is rigged really weak. These are classic thought and how can you not help but give it a try. There is one restaurant in town that has a really nice machine that actually gives you toys.

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch / 818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 25 - 8:33PM

2011-01-26T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 25 - 8:33PM
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 25 - 8:33PM
January 26, 2011

It's 8:33pm... I'm just a passenger on a lonely ride. Confused, silent, turned upside and around. The lights they shine upon me, yet they don't know me. It's 8:33pm... I'm just a passenger on a lonely ride.

That is a little bit of my creative poetry writing for you all to enjoy today. I am sick still today (and tonight feel like the flu is coming on) and this was the only time I had left the house all day. My dad drove me and Madison to get some dinner (Maddie begged for Panda Express) I took my camera and knew I had to get a photo for today... so here you go.

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch / 818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 24 - The Sprawl

2011-01-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 24 - The Sprawl
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 24 - The Sprawl
January 25, 2011

"Sometimes I wonder if the World's so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl
Living in the sprawl
Dead shopping malls rise like mountains beyond mountains
And there's no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights"
-Arcade Fire

It's one of my favorite songs on the album "Suburbs" as myself living in the Suburbs my whole life somehow it just relates. This is the top of the Glendale Galleria where I ventured today. Unfortunately I had gotten sick again this week but needed to get to the Apple Store to have my phone checked out. Let's hope whatever whacky stuff they loaded to my phone makes it work or I'll have to go back and get it replaced. (Yes I do have an iPhone 4 that I got on Launch Day) This is right in the Golden Hour light which is one of my favorite times of the day (for photography) What's interesting is the way the sun just cuts off suddenly at a point between light and shadow. Look at the building on the right... see the difference? Very strange.

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Art Prints available on request
Steven J. Lynch  /  818-714-1158
Prints@PhotoLynch.com

365 Day 23 - Photoshoots & Dirty Things

2011-01-24T23:32:00.003-08:00

365 Day 23 - Photoshoots & Dirty Things
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 23 - Photoshoots & Dirty Things
January 24, 2011

I had a good day with a photoshoot planned with my good friend Sam Saletta. We got together and ended up walking the back alleys of downtown Burbank in search for interesting backdrops and good light. While shooting a grimy grungy scene behind a restaurant I noticed this little dirty green figuring ontop of a Gas Meter. Sam thought I should take some photos of it and use for my 365 today. So Sam this one is for you! (I think he didn't want me to use any photos of him haha)

I also went and got my truck washed earlier today before the shoot. It had been needing it for awhlie. Now it looks all pretty and clean and undirty.

Taken with Canon 5d Mark2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 23 - Photoshoots & Dirty Things

2011-01-24T23:32:00.001-08:00

365 Day 23 - Photoshoots & Dirty Things
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

365 Day 22 - One of Those Days

2011-01-23T23:30:00.001-08:00

365 Day 22 - One of Those Days
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 22 - One of Those Days
January 23, 2011

Today was just one of those days... this is how I felt.. angry, crap, mad, I woke up on the wrong side of the bed and haven't been right all day. It's at those moments when you feel like your just reaching up to grasp for reality. The shot was taken under the skies in Orange County where I spent most of the day.

On another note... I don't understand how people can call you their friends for so long and then one minute they are gone, not wanting anything to do with you without an rhyme or reason or explaination. If you saw my facebook today you would know the frustration, but it's annoying and frankly... It's Bullshit! Especially when you haven't done anything to deserve it. If people are wanting you to fuck off the least they could do is give you some reason and atleast tell you instead of playing childish games. To all of you who have been through similar, I give you my support.

Thanks for tolerating One of Those Days.

Taken with Canon 5d Mark2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 21 - Place Order Here

2011-01-22T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 21 - Place Order Here
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 21 - Place Order Here
January 22, 2011

This is Norm's. It is a small classic corner diner a couple blocks away from my house. I've only eaten here a few times, but the breakfast burritos are very good according to some of my friends. So today I walked down there and had a breakfast burrito with Eggs and Sausage. It was pretty good. I'm definitely going to go back there again.

Enjoy!

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 20 - Yellow Brick Road

2011-01-21T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 20 - Yellow Brick Road
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 20 - Yellow Brick Road
January 21, 2011

I didn't have much time to take personal photos today as I was pretty busy. I had to shoot a dance show, a basketball game, and take some bottles to the Recycle Center. I saw this while the sun was setting into the golden hour and thought it looked very interesting.

The song title and feeling I get from this photo isn't about the Wizard of Oz, it has to do with the Angus & Julia Stone song "Yellow Brick Road" You can read the lyrics here.

www.lyricsmania.com/yellow_brick_road_lyrics_angus_and_ju...

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 19 - Morning Sun

2011-01-20T23:46:00.001-08:00

365 Day 19 - Morning Sun
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 19 - Morning Sun
January 20, 2011

I pretty much stayed up all night working on some last minute work for a client so I was able to see the Sunrise this morning. Some of the most beautiful light is in the early morning when the sun is rising and in the afternoons when the sun is setting. There's a special quality about it in the way it enters the atmostphere. I thought this photo had this really neat old school vintage feel to it and liked the way the Sun made these rays of light with the 17-40L aperture.

Enjoy!

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 18 - Street Music

2011-01-19T20:43:00.001-08:00

365 Day 18 - Street Music
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 18 - Street Music
January 19, 2011

I heard... then saw this street musician playing in Burbank by the AMC Theaters this afternoon. I had just gotten out of a several hour long lunch meeting for one of my projects I am currently involved with, at Panera Bread. This guy wasn't half bad and I thought he deserved a photograph at the least. By the looks of all th cash in his guitar case he was doing alright. I'm actually really excited when I see stuff like this in Burbank because this town is not the most friendly towards street vendors, street performers, musicians etc. The downtown area by the AMC is really a nice place for this kind of stuff, but more than not you would see the city pushing them out. It reminds me a lot of the old Singing Cowboy who used to hang out in front of pavilions, orchard supply, and a few other locations. He was amazing and you would hear him swooning the second you stepped out of your car into the parking lot.

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 17 - LA-Z-Boy Couple

2011-01-18T22:59:00.001-08:00

365 Day 17 - LA-Z-Boy Couple
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 17 - LA-Z-Boy Couple
January 18, 2011

After going out and try one of Burger Kings new Stuffed Jalapeno and Cheddar hamburgers (they are ok... but not perfect) I had the idea to drive up into Griffith Park and visit the Forest Lawn Cemetary. On the road over to it past Travel Town I noticed these 2 chairs set up on the side of the road like this. The Sun was falling into the Golden Hour and the light looked beautiful across the valley. I made a U-Turn and took these from the window of my car on the side of the road. (there is a new law now in Los Angeles where you can't take photos from a moving vehicle... lol) I then drove up into the cemetary and made another beautiful photograph that will be in my Almost Made The Cut album on facebook.

Enjoy!

Taken with Canon 5d Mark2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 16 - Victoria Ladine

2011-01-17T22:58:00.000-08:00

365 Day 16 - Victoria Ladine
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 16 - Victoria Ladine
January 17, 2011

My Niece Victoria was born today to my Brother Joe and his wife Juliana. She was born at 11:49pm (just in time for todays 365) she was 6lbs 10oz and 19" long.

As some of you know I love to take photos of kids, so I'm excited to have a new addition to document her growth :)

Note: I did not take today's photo because I've been sick I did not go to the hospital.

Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Joe Ladine
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 15 - Very Little Day

2011-01-16T22:58:00.000-08:00

365 Day 15 - Very Little Day
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 15 - Very Little Day
January 16, 2011

We've been having some very beautiful Sunsets outside this past week with abnormally hot weather for January. I've even been wearing shorts for the past few days. Because I'm still sick, my dad is now getting sick, My daughter got sick tonight with a fever I am just not feeling up to doing much. I only really went outside for a little bit this evening at Sunset and saw this beautiful sky over the house.

Taken with 5d Mark2
Edited with Photoshop CS5

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 14 - What A Way To End The Day

2011-01-15T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 14 - What A Way To End The Day
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 14 - What A Way To End The Day
January 15, 2011

After completing a large multi person headshot session I did today, I saw this sky appear in front of my eyes this evening. I knew that I had to take a photo of it. Due to the rapidly disappearing Sunset I had to figure out something that would look good in the frame, so I pulled over at the Costco, parked, and framed this shot with the tree sillouhetted in the foreground. I think it's interesting with the cars in the parking lot too.

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 13 - Good Mistake

2011-01-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 13 - Good Mistake
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 13 - Good Mistake
January 14, 2011

I had the opportunity to photograph one of my friends Nicole today. She is very into dance and wanted some photos she could use for Headshots, a little bit of modely type for fun, and we also worked on some dancing photos (I will be showcasing some of them on my general blog soon)

When I saw this photo on the back of the camera... something about it really stood out to me. It's not perfect... actually it's got a ton of mistakes... Technicaly it's not that shapr, it's got a ton of negative space and cropping into her arm, but like the photographer Zack Arias has talked about on his blog www.ZackArias.com (He's a very good Music Editorial Photogapher that I respect greatly) it is ok to have mistakes or to even do them purposefully. Mistakes can make the photo.

Taken with Canon 5d Mark2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 12 - Creative Solution

2011-01-13T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 12 - Creative Solution
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 12 - Creative Solution
January 13, 2011

I've still been sick this week, but decided to go out to the local Panda Express for dinner. Don't go there a whole lot, but it appears they have remodeled our local one. I noticed these lanterns hanging from the ceiling as I was finding a table. Unfortunately there were people sitting right under them and I didn't want to feel intruding pulling a camera out trying to take photos of lanterns. From my vantage point looking out the windows I noticed they really showed up well in the windows reflection... so I dialed in the exposure for the lanterns and composed the shot. I like how the Neon next door adds to the photo.

Taken with Canon 5d Mark2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 11 - Bob's --- Boy, weird

2011-01-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 11 - Bob's --- Boy, weird
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 11 - Bob's --- Boy, weird
January 12, 2011

Today I was sick still, but Madison begged me to take her out to dinner. We haven't been out for awhile now so we went to one of our favorite local restaurants, Bob's Big Boy. This the most classic Bob's Big Boy and is officially a Historical Landmark (so shouldn't be going anywhere ever) Usually they are very good about their Neon Sign maintenance, but tonight half of the sign was screwed up... the Car Hop sign (seen in the background through the sign posts) was missing a lot of it's light and the lights around the edge of the roof were all off.

One of the neat things about Bob's is on Friday nights they close off the entire huge parking lot for a Classic Car Show. It's really neat, a great photo opportunity, and fun to see all the classics.

Taken with Canon 5d Mark2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 10 - A Lazy Tuesday

2011-01-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 10 - A Lazy Tuesday
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 10 - A Lazy Tuesday
January 11, 2011

Unfortunately as I was coming home to relax from shooting a show last night I was starting to feel the inevitable "COLD" coming on. So today I have been sick and miserable... Despite this I managed to make it out to the Apple Store and wait over an hour for the Genius Bar (who I then found out had called my name 7 minutes after I had arrived, but can't seem to call names loud enough) So over an hour after arriving I was finally seen and quickly taken care of. (they really need to update this system) So most of the day was just lounging around. I was worried I wouldn't have a good photo for today, but I happened to be sitting on the couch with my new T2i in hand and saw my daughter looking at me while laying on Grandpas chest while he slept. She looked like she was about to pass out so I grabbed my camera and shot a frame.

Taken with Canon T2i
Edited with Aperture 3

©2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 9 - A Camera & Jabberwocky

2011-01-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 9 - A Camera & Jabberwocky
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

January 10, 2011

Today was a very interesting day. I bought my first Canon "L" Lens today, the 17-40mm f4L to be precise. Then I took a trip to the Fry's in Woodland Hills (I was near there buying the camera and lens) which is decorated like Alice In Wonderland. When I saw Alice defeating the Jabberwocky I knew it would be a cool photo of me with the new camera (T2i) new lens, and bag I had just bought. The Jabberwocky is an exact replica of the illustration by John Tenniel in 1871 with it's vest and everything.

Taken with Canon 5d Mk2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 8 - Child's Play

2011-01-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 8 - Child's Fantasy
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 8 - Child's Play
January 9, 2011

Today's photo was inspired by visiting a place where I went as a child, a place where you can use your fantasy... This is Travel Town. It used to be much more of a place of all transportation (since the early 1950's when they had Japanese Zero aircraft, and other famous cars, aircraft and trains) Today it is much more just a train place, but it is very unique. Situated in Griffith Park (yes another day back in this place... it's very large and there are a lot of things to do in it) it is free to get in and explore. I was really thinking of some cool photos to take of this place... tracks and switches and trains, but when I saw my daughter running down the middle of the train track with her arms up in the air like she was dancing I knew this was the shot.

Taken with Canon 5d Mk2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 7 - On Top of LA

2011-01-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 7 - On Top of LA
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 7 - On Top of LA
January 8, 2011

This is the Griffith Observatory. It is a place I like to come to, but do not get the chance to come to that often. Ever since I was kid I have been into Astronomy and the bigger picture of this world and beyond. I actually just love to come here and climb to the top of the building (where the large telescopes are located) and look out at the view. There's just something satisfying about it... it's like you are on top of Los Angeles.

Enjoy

Taken with Canon 5d Mk2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 6 - Late Night Photography

2011-01-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 6 - Late Night Photography
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 6 - Late Night Photography
January 7, 2011

All day I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do for todays photo. I decided it would be nice to go out and take some photos down on the Blvd. Originally I had some ideas of in my dream etc. as I had just watched Inception tonight, but I decided to go with a photo of me out on the street.

On an extra note, the Dickie's Jacket that I am wearing in this I bought today for $11 at a store by my house. Nice deal I think.

Enjoy!

Taken with Canon 5d Mk2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 5 - Multi Talented Photographer

2011-01-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 5 - Multi Talented Photographer
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 5 - Multi Talented Photographer
Jan 6, 2011

It is true... I am a Multi Talented Photographer... lol Actually it's more of a joke because somebody told me this today. The photo is one I took on my iPhone 4 using the program "HDR Pro" (I highly recommend it... it was well worth the $1.99) I was skating through this parking lot and saw the pretty sunset.

Today, like yesterday, was a pretty busy day for me. I decided to go Inline Skating (I haven't been out for a week because I fell last Thursday and hurt myself pretty good) and it felt great. Usually when I go out skating I will take my Radio (for listening to Police & Fire) with me and I will take my T1i in a backpack with some shoes and my credentials. If anything happens and I'm close enough I have no problem skating to the location, switching into shoes and taking photos. I also had a music show to shoot tonight along with feeding the family.

I happened to stop and have lunch while I was out skating and while eating my food outside a lady in the Drive Through pulled up and asked me if I was really taking photoos (I had my T1i out) and skating at the same time. She then went on to tell me how much talent that must take. hehe... it makes me laugh how amazed people are some times.

Enjoy!

Taken with an iPhone 4
Edited and shot with HDR Pro App

©2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 4 - Music With Friends

2011-01-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 4 - Music With Friends
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 4 - Music With Friends
January 5, 2011

Tonight I was invited out to a music show by my friend and musician Blaise Smith. He was hosting a show in which about 6 different bands were playing until the early morning hours. I ran into my good friends Sam and Niki Saletta. I haven't seen them in awhile so I had a good time sitting and talking.

You may recognize Niki. She is an Actress and Recording Artist. She played Deena on the show 7th Heaven. Her brother Sam is also an Actor and Vocalist.

Taken with Canon 5d Mk2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 3 - Next Happiest Place On Earth

2011-01-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 3 - Next Happiest Place On Earth
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 3 - Next Happiest Place On Earth
January 4, 2011

I'm not really a huge McDonald's fan, although their McRib is alright when they have it, but there's always something special about visiting this particular McDonald's. It is right across the street from The Happiest Place On Earth a.k.a. Disneyland. I really enjoy stopping in the extra large location and seeing all the happy people who are just coming from the overly expensive food in the park to the relatively cheap food.

Notice the Mickey and Minnie baloons on the patio?

Taken with Canon 5d Mark2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

Day 2 - A Hand Strap

2011-01-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 2 - A Hand Strap
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 2 - A Hand Strap
January 3, 2011

Today I finally got the Caon Hand Strap for my 5d. It is Made In Japan out of real leather. Maybe a little bit pricey ($20-$25) but it definitely is nice to have the extra support. I haven't had a chance to film video with it yet, but I'm guessing it's going to be nice. I already feel a little extra stability when I'm taking photos.

Cheers!

Taken with Canon 5d Mk2
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

365 Day 1 - A Rainy Cold Steven

2011-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

365 Day 1 - A Rainy Cold Steven
Originally uploaded by Photo Lynch

Day 1 - A Rainy Cold Steven
Jan 2, 2011

Today is only the 2nd day of 2011. We were fortunate enough to get a nice clear sky and beautiful day yesterday for the 1st. There was no rain on the Rose Parade or the Rose Bowl game, but the showers started up this morning. This is not the best photo of me, but I like it. My daughter Madison took this while she was playing with my Canon T1i while we were at lunch. The focus may not be exact, and technically speaking it's not PERFECT, but it's darn good for a 5 year old. I guess I've taught her well.

This is my famous Orange sweatshirt and Green Vest I wear sometimes to keep warm when it's cold. The Orange sweatshirt comes in handy when I'm working since it's highly visible when I'm out on a scene or a dangerous road for a car accident. It also has inner pockets that hold my radios, flashlight, and gloves.

Happy New Year 2011!

Taken with Canon Rebel T1i
Edited with Aperture 3

© 2011 - Steven Lynch Photography
All Rights Reserved

My 365 "Photo A Day" Project for 2011!

2011-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

365 STATEMENT

Note: You can find this under the 365 Project Statement Page also

I have decided it’s time to finally start my next 365 project. Despite the fact that my last 365 stopped around Day 60 I actually don’t think of it as a failure as much as it was a success. For me, personal projects are an amazing experience. I have started to develop myself as more of a story telling documentary photographer in 2010 with becoming a full time Photo Journalist. 2010 Actually brought a lot of interesting changes for me. Creatively speaking, I finally got back into filming and editing for news gathering pieces, personal projects, some paid gigs, and I am currently working on a TV Show Series in Development. 2011 is going to be an amazing year! I’m not sure if I’ll ever do a 365 Project again after this one, but I don’t think I can meet death without saying I conquered documenting a year in my life with photographs, videos, audio pieces, or anything else I may create on a given day this coming year.

I have specifically planned out this 365 to end with day 365 on January 1, 2012. If I make it to there, then there will definitely be some Major Celebration in store. So wish me luck! Enjoy the adventure and buckle your seat belts this ride is about to begin!

The 365 wouldn’t be complete without some type of guidelines so here it goes.

- RULE: I will always try and post on each day with the occasional catch up days. (this is what actually made me quit the last one because I was too lenient on myself and gathered days and days of backlog to post up) I may write something for each day, but sometimes I may just post a self explanatory photo.

-CONTENT: I will be showing mostly photographs, but will occasionaly be showing Videos I shot, Edited, or Mixed Sound on for that given day. I am not going to limit myself to only shooting things specifically for the 365 for this one, but the days item has to be something memorable for that day. If I’m at a Huge Fire or Car Accident in town on that day then I might just use it for the project. Oh and I will also not only be taking the photos but may be the subject in the photos. My little budding photographer daughter likes to take photos of me sometimes which I will feature here. (only if I look “HANDSOM” enough!)

- EQUIPMENT I USE: I will be using any camera that takes a photo. In my current arsenal (which will most likely change as the year goes by) I have my trusty iPhone 4 with it’s 5MP AF non-zoom lens, Canon Powershot G11, Canon Rebel T1i, and my Canon 5d Mk2 workhorse. I also typically use the 5d2 for filming movies, use Premiere Pro for editing videos, and Adobe Soundbooth

See you all in 2012!

Did Anyone Miss Me? I Missed Me

2010-09-01T04:11:00.000-07:00

NOTE: This blog has been cross posted with my new Blogspot account. You can visit the blog there at www.PhotoLynch.com/blog

Hello there everybody! I am sorry for disappearing on you all. I've been going through some really serious life changing times in the past few months and am currently still going through them. There was a time when one of my friends... a good friend, I won't name any names, told me that I should not make my blog so personal. I took his advice.... but in doing that I found that I came up with far less things to discuss. In my keeping it short and simple... I kind of lost what I wanted this blog to be about. I don't really see it as an advertising piece, but as a chronicle of my life and struggles, discoveries, and beauties I found.

So I have decided.... I must come back to this blog and retake it as my own. In all honesty, I don't care if you don't read my posts, or if they are too long for you. This is my thing and I want to fill it with good, honest to god, content that is from my soul. In doing that, let me explain in a short not so descriptive version of what has been going on with my life.

Basically this entire Summer 2010 has been hell for me. I have been going through a ton of family troubles and am now going through the Divorce process. As you all know, I am a father to a beautiful little girl named Madison and now must take over as only single parent for awhile. Without going into details about my wife, it is her story to tell if she wishes, I can say she has been going through some very rough dark times in her life. I love her and wish her the best.

Unfortunately, with my stress levels on the ultra high, dealing with all these issues, and adjusting and coping with everything changing I have hardly had time to do much of anything. August has actually picked up a lot for me and I'm feeling a lot better for myself, but things have been changing. I have not had time for business of any kind. I did 1 photo session for a Maternity client all Summer. That was it. Because of the sensitive nature of Maternity Sessions, I will not be sharing the photographs with all of you at this time. Instead let me tell you some exciting news.

As I announced back around the end of May / June I was hired by www.BurbankNBeyond.com which is owned by the former Editor in Chief of The Burbank Times (local paper I used to work for). He asked me to come on board and do some Freelancing for local news stories. It was fun, but when the Schools all let out for Summer a lot of the events in Burbank just go dead. This happens every year unfortunately. Something about the relationship with the Schools and weather changes this town. This was ok, because that is when my own troubles started up. At the end of July though, that is when something interesting happened.

I was out one evening, actually visiting a friend at the hospital when a message went out. We get these text message / email alerts when a "Full Emergency Response" is issued in Burbank. In this case it was for a commercial fire up town. Normally 9/10 of these alerts end up being false alarms i.e. Food on the Stove, Over Heating Ballasts, Electric Shorts, etc. About 10 minutes later I get a call from the Editor. He tells me there is a huge commercial fire up-town and to respond to it if I can. He was stuck at another event and could not cover it. I didn't have time to run home and get my 5d Mark II, but I had my G11 on me and jumped in the car. I got up to this huge plume of smoke that was potentially toxic / hazmat. I Got up-wind from it and started shooting. Halfway through the fire, I decided... this would make a great little video. All I had was my 720p iPhone 4, my headset for it, and my G11 and an idea. Here is the video that re-opened quiet a few doors for me this past month.

Hope you enjoyed that little video, it was fun making it and impressed a lot of people that I was able to do that with the basically pocket sized tools. In the end, it's not the equipment you use... they are just tools, It's the story you tell that matters.

Because of that video, I was then asked by the Editor to become the Video Editor and do all the videos for the site. I have now gone back into editing and filming and I am building together my 5d Video Rig. It's really a cool thing... can get very expensive, but I'm enjoying it a lot. I am also picking up some Editing Freelance work on the side referred by Photography acquaintances that do not do Video. That brings me to where I am now... I'm not sure how much still photography I will keep doing as I move more into the video / mixed realm, but I do plan on sharing it all with you guys. I have also thought about starting a new blog / site all about video where I can showcase and talk about and review products, DIY gear, etc. Either way it looks like it will be fun... I'm also trying to plan some travel for this year so I can see some beautiful places, meet interesting people, and capture amazing photographs and videos.

Thank You everybody for reading. I'm leaving you with a few of the videos I have been editing. I even filmed on one of them (Be Bop In the Park) look for my name in the credits.

ENJOY!

Westcott Apollo 28" Softbox

2010-06-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I picked up a Westcott Apollo 28" Softbox. It's really a neat modifier. I'll be testing it out over the next few days and posting images as they come. Here is the first photo I did with it. (It seems I've been shooting right at dusk lately and getting these super dark images.

This photograph is of my father outside in front of my car. I was looking for somewhere interesting to test out the new softbox

Right now my lighting modifiers are a couple of 40" Umbrellas and a Photek Softlighter II 40". The Softlighter is a great tool, but it can be a pain to set up (have to get the cover's rings over each umbrella rib nub and take it halfway off each time you want to make a power adjustment. The Apollo is pretty easy in that regard with Velcro and fast zippers.

The Apollo also came with this metal stick / pole that has an umbrella shaft sized hole at the end. It turns out that it is a mounting unit to allow better movement of the box.

It also makes the flash point up with the controls sticking out of the bottom. I'm thinking of turning the flash so I can easily change power settings and point the flash head up into the box.

All in all, it's a pretty cool modifier and I'll be using it for awhile over the next few months to really get to know it. I may also pick up a 60" umbrella to replace one of my aging 40" ones.

"Project 365" Day 51 - Pig On The Fence

2010-05-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 51 - Pig On The Fence

Why is there a pig on the fence? I keep asking myself this question. Is it some secret message? Is it a joke? Was it some poor kids toy that got left outside… Something an animal dragged across to this yard? Quiet confusing if you ask me… the questions that can be asked about this.

I was on a walk earlier with my daughter when I came across this pig laying on a wooden fence next to the sidewalk. It was just laying there so naturally. Interestingly enough, we happened to be walking in the elusive “Golden Hour” and the light hitting this spot was amazing. It has such a great quality to it that it almost looks like it was lit artificially. I assure you it was not. This is all natural Sunlight. Yes the Sunlight can give you wonderful results, if you let it.

Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 50 - A Day In Paint

2010-05-10T21:00:00.001-07:00

Day 50 - A Day In Paint

I was not able to take a photo today…. I just didn’t see anything that interesting today, but I decided that I wasn’t going to let that ruin my 365. I actually hurt my shoulder yesterday. I think I tore my rotator cuff. The heavy camera bag isn’t helping anything, so that could be why I didn’t take a photo today . I did however do a lot of things that warranted this painting.
Unlike a photograph… a Painting is not limited by the physical, but by the imagination. I put many of the things that happened to me today… in the form of a composed photograph. I did spend a lot of the day resting on the couch. My shoulder did hurt (as pictured by the red X ). Madison and I watched the movie Up again today (it’s becoming a classic) and I watched a movie about guitars which featured Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White all getting together and talking. It was really cool and really made me think a lot about my musical side, my guitars that I don’t touch hardly ever, and what music means to this culture in general. It really opened my eyes more to the Art Form of the music… and not just the sound. That is what the flying guitar represents.
I received a call today from the camera store. My Manfrotto tripod that I had to have them send in to get fixed had arrived. Manfrotto did fix it under warranty (it had a broken latch part on the first open position) and the camera store only charged me about $20 for shipping fees. Can’t say it’s a bad deal! Now I’m thinking about selling my fluid video head and picking up an Induro 5 way pan & tilt head which just came out in the past month. They look really awesome and I’ve been looking for a good solid tripod set-up.
Enjoy the art!
-Steven

Copyright 2010
Steven Lynch Photography
All Right Reserved

"Project 365" Day 49 - Recycling The Rose

2010-05-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 49 - Recycling The Rose

Happy Mother’s Day!
Going to keep it short today. I just wanted to wish all of you mom’s out there a very happy Mother’s Day. Things were kept pretty eventful in the Lynch household. I made a great breakfast this morning for my wife and Maddie and I gave her our gifts. Tiffany really liked them. Her words were “I think today is the best Mother’s Day I’ve ever had!” We also went to Santa Ana to visit with the family this afternoon and had a great dinner.
Now for the “Bad News”, my shoulder starting aching today all of a sudden. Throughout the day it only got worse. While I was playing with my nephews I did something that caused a crack sound and sudden sharp, shooting pains in my shoulder. I think I may have messed up my rotator cuff or something. Off to the doctors tomorrow!
As for the Photo for today. This was one of the presents Tiffany got for her mother. It has some sentimental meaning…. The white rose came from a rose bush that was given to my wife for Mother’s Day by her mother and father last year. It finally started sprouting buds this spring. So in a way, it’s like Recycling Roses.
Enjoy!
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 48 - Painting The Pine Cones

2010-05-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 48 - Painting The Pine Cones

Have you ever painted a pine cone before? I haven’t, but my wife told me it was a good idea today. Her and Madison sat down to paint the pine cones (one of them was featured in Day 41) for Mother’s Day gifts. Interestingly enough, the pine cones actually paint up very nicely and makes for a super creative project.

The fun did not only stop at the pine cones though. Kid’s, being as they are, love to paint on everything. Maddie started working on a really cool project painting the water bottles (you can see it in the bottom of the photograph for today)

Well, Happy Mother’s Day to all of you expecting or already are Mom’s.

Enjoy!

Taken with 5d Mark 2
Edited with LR3 Beta 2

Copyright 2010
Steven Lynch Photography
www.PhotoLynch.com
All Rights Reserved

"Project 365" Day 47 - Interesting Accident

2010-05-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 47 - Interesting Accident

As I talked about in the last post, I have been working on perfecting my craft more and more by doing some interesting things. One of those is turning off the preview on the camera so the review time is set to 0 seconds. You need to press the review button specifically to see the photo. I thought this would be better than sticking tape over the LCD screen. The other is shooting in Manual Mode only and thinking the exposure out before I take the shot or look at the Meter display. These two combined, I think, is really helping me.

At last, the photo for today was a total accident. We spent the afternoon at Madison’s friend from school, Megan’s house. Her family are interesting folks. They had just bought and put up an above ground pool in their backyard and we took Maddie over to swim. I was carrying my wife’s purse over to her from the patio table when my camera shutter was getting hit and firing off a few shots. This is the last shot it took…. It’s very interesting how well it framed everything… and although it is exposed, it still has something eye catching about it.

Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 46 - Sleeping Beauty

2010-05-06T02:01:00.000-07:00

Day 46 - Sleeping Beauty
photolynch.com/365/?p=266

There’s always something precious when children fall asleep. And I don’t mean the fact that as parents we can now party and have fun while the kids sleep!!! I mean there is something beautiful about it. My daughter did a funny one today (not unlike her though) while looking for something on our living room floor under the couch. She just dozed off, right there on the floor. I didn’t really want to move her because she looked pretty comfortable and content, but I did grab my camera and already had a photo idea in my head. I just wanted to capture something that was right there in her face capturing the peaceful moment and position. It worked out great!

I definitely am noticing this happening more and more with me lately. I’m starting to develop a creative eye in my mind… I can visualize the photograph in my mind and am starting to create the vision through the lens. I’m also trying out something new this week that has been told to me several times already in podcasts and blogs. I figure if I hear something more than once and remember it that it must be really important. Recently I’ve heard this from Scott Bourn on Photofocus and from Zack Arias regarding his Photo 101 workshop class. They advise one of the best ways to develop your craft, your vision, and your ability to see it through is to cover up the LCD on your camera with tape and not use it at all during a shoot. I’m not going to take tape and do something radical, but I have gone into the menu settings and turned Preview off. So now I am un-interrupted between shots by the pesky LCD screen just begging to be chimped. We shall see how it goes, and see if it helps more than I think.

Enjoy!
-Steven

Taken with 5d Mark 2
Edited with LR3 Beta 2
Lighting: 430ex II bouncing into ceiling for a fill like.

Copyright 2010
Steven Lynch Photography
www.PhotoLynch.com
All Rights Reserved

"Project 365" Day 45 - Riding Away With Memories

2010-05-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sl_shutterbug/4586277478/" title="Day 45 - Riding Away With Memories by Photo Lynch, on Flickr">
Day 45 - Riding Away With Memories
photolynch.com/365/?p=263

Oh how it was to be a chid on a bike. So free and liberating. My daughter, Madison, finally got up on her new bicycle today and went for a ride. I’ve been trying to convince her to ride it since she received it from Santa. Once I taught her how to use the feet brakes that was it. She road around the block once with me walking and a second time with me on one of our scooters. (yes I like to ride the Scooters!)

It’s really a neat thing to capture a memory like this… I remember when I was first riding bicycles around. In fact, I remember the first time I ever road a bike without any training wheels. It was my brothers larger bike. I got up on a grassy heel with a tree root and climbed up on his seat. Then he helped me and I road off down the sidewalk into the breeze. Since then I’ve always had a thing down inside for bike riding. I just don’t do it as much as I should. Hopefully that will change though.

Enjoy
-Steven

Taken with 5d Mark 2
Edited with LR3 Beta 2

Copyright 2010
Steven Lynch Photography
www.PhotoLynch.com
All Rights Reserved

"Project 365" Day 44 - Teaching

2010-05-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 44 - Teaching

Teaching is always something I have enjoyed doing. When I was doing Music full time, I used to take on students (usually from Middle School age) and teach them how to play their respected instruments of choice. It was a lot of fun and rewarding. Now that I am doing photography, I enjoy teaching people how to understand and take photographs.

When my friend Jackie came to me last week asking about photography, I couldn’t resist offering to help her out beyond the simple “What camera should I buy?” advice. She is one of those super creative people who has done vocal performance, cosmetology, painting, writing, drawing, and now is a Fashion Designer. She wants to take up photography so she can create her own vision with her designs. It’s just one of the many facets of Jackie. So I had her come over today and began teaching her photography from the beginning. It was a lot of fun and good for me having to describe how each thing works. You really realize how much you know or don’t know about something when you start teaching it. I also showed her my lighting kit and how to set everything up. She is hopefully going to be assisting me on upcoming shoots so she can learn as much as possible.

Interestingly enough, this photograph for today was when we were outside going over one of the lights and C-Stands. It wasn’t adding much to the exposure, but what I did learn is that she is very shy and doesn’t like being in front of cameras. In almost every frame I took, she would not look into the camera. It was as if the camera was going to steal part of her soul (haha). This is actually not the first time I have heard this from people who want to be photographers, or are already. Some people are just better behind the lens than in front.

Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 43 - An Apple A Day

2010-05-03T03:05:00.000-07:00

Day 43 - An Apple A Day

“An Apple A Day… ” well you know the rest. I really didn’t take many photographs today, so I decided to pull my iPhone out while I was strolling around the super market. The produce department always has some interest for me. There are so many patterns and colors… it’s pretty fun. If you have an iPhone, there is one program I highly recommend. It’s called “Tilt Shift Gen”. It costs about $1.99, but is well worth it if you love taking photos on the iPhone. You can create “Tilt Shift” type of images easily and effortlessly. It also makes the photos you take look a lot higher quality.

When your in the super market, look around and take some photos. You’ll be surprised what you end up with.

Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 42 - Capturing The Moment

2010-05-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 42 - Capturing The Moment

I can not express enough how important it is to learn your camera gear, know exactly what to set it to before you pull the trigger, and to have an eye for “The Moment” and great timing to boot. It’s something I’ve been developing better each time I use my cameras. This is especially important if you decide you want to shoot Children, which I do.

As a photographer, I have many interests in what I like to shoot. I have done Landscape (not my favorite), Sports (It’s fun sometimes, especially when you catch a really cool moment), Photo Journalism (I like Editorial Assignment pieces), Live Performance (I love doing Music because of the 1 chance crazy moments and challenge each show brings), but the thing I really like to shoot the most is Portraits with a Lifestyle / Editorial mix. I love capturing “The Moment”. I especially enjoy taking photographs of children. Maybe it’s because I am a father myself…. but there is just something special about it.

As I continue to expand my photography into the professional service for clients, I am starting to do more and more Children’s photography. So as I said starting this post off, “Know your stuff” because you may not get another chance to capture that moment.

Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 41 - Light Shape

2010-05-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 41 - Light Shape

Pine Cones really interest me. They always have. Coming in small, large, male, female, close together scales, or spread apart like this one, they are a unique horticultural process. What’s interesting about the pine cones, unlike many other species of trees and plants, the reproduction happens within the cones. there are male cones, containing pollen sacks, and female cones, containing the eggs to be fertilized. Their release of the fertilized seeds is very relevant to the moisture levels.

We have a pine tree in our front year that has been growing for many years. When I was a child it was about 1/2 – 2/3 smaller than it is now…. it’s pretty cool to think about something growing up as you do. So as I’m sure you can imagine, we have had a lot of pine cones in our yard over the years.

I’ve been eying a whole pile of Pine Cones that have been sitting on my porch for a couple of weeks now. I think my daughter and her grandfather picked them up. Experimenting with many different ways to take photographs of them, I decided on using some cool lighting techniques to show the “Sharp” edges of the cone. This is lit from behind with some very hard light. It’s very harsh shadows and contrast causes a very unique silhouette with just a hint of detail in the dark side of the cone.

Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 40 - Why So Sad?

2010-04-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 40 - Why So Sad?

Maybe it’s because that’s just the way I find them a lot, but why do dogs often look sad in photos? Actually a lot of animals do to me. Maybe it’s just me?

This is Dingo, my sister in-law’s dog. She is a good dog, although hyper and wild having fun at times. I think this is the first time I’ve actually seen her at their new house. They often leave her with my wife’s parents.

Anyways, I thought that this kind of brought out the sadness of the scene. The power of a photograph to tell the mood is an amazing tool.

Enjoy
-Steven

Taken with 5d Mark 2
Edited with LR3 Beta 2

"Project 365" Day 39 - These Walls We Built

2010-04-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 39 - These Walls We Built

“So will I break down the wall that you have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and you shall be consumed in the middle thereof: and you shall know that I am the LORD.” - Ezekiel 13:14

Although the quote fits somewhat, this is not what got me thinking about this photograph. I can’t say for certain that this was pre-visualized. It probably was, somewhere in the back of my brain. What got me thinking about this though was a sermon that the pastor, at the church I regularly attend, was giving last Sunday. He was talking about some of the differences in moving to California from the Mid-East. ”There are walls everywhere” was one of them. He spoke of the walls falling down in the Northridge Earthquake in the early 90’s, “All of the walls had tumbled in the earthquake, and for once we really got to know our neighbors.”

Maybe the quote is more fitting than I first thought, but it makes me really think about how we build walls (Physically and Emotionally) that hold us back. It’s important to remember… There is more on the other side. If you crack open your walls and slowly take them down, you will discover the beauty that lays beyond.

Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 38 - Tower of Power

2010-04-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 38 - Tower of Power

Like most towns, I’m sure, there are giant power lines that run through our city. They go from somewhere in the Valley following what is called “Whitnall Highway”. Originally this was supposed to be a highway 64 that would help traffic flow through Southern California. It was commissioned in the first half of the 19h century, but never was. As seen here “The Whitnall Freeway” the planned highway would have a 2.5 mile tunnel running from the Burbank side of the hollywood hills to Hollywood. It would have been the longest highway tunnel in California.
Nowadays there is no highway, freeway, tunnel or anything, but there is these Huge Powerlines…. By huge I mean, they are some of the largest of the largest. They cut across the Valley right over the hill into Hollywood. Unlike a car, they don’t need a tunnel and can easily climb over the mountain though. Visible from the air is what used to be… it’s impressive really to think about it. There are so many hidden treasures in Los Angeles which relate to the infrastructure of the first half of the century. In a way, they make Los Angeles fun to explore and discover.
I had to take a trip to the Magnolia Park Post Office today. It is a really cool, small neighborhood post office with kind staff and awesome service. Unfortunately, the Post Master General has been deciding to close it down for over a year. Somehow they are able to keep it open (most likely from the support and complaints of the citizens of Burbank). The post office is right next to the Whitnall Highway route. My Elementary School is right next to the Whitnall Highway route (Maybe that’s why I turned out so weird lol). NBC Studios & Johnny Carson Park is right on the Whitnall Highway route. Wow there’s a lot that is right on this route. It’s amazing to think about what it would have been if they had gone through with it.
Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 37 - Doing Business

2010-04-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 37 - Doing Business

It’s important to get your name out there. Whether it’s custom made business cards from a pro-printer, promotional flyers, or home made from your desktop printer cards. It’s a great thing to have. I made these guys at home using my inkjet printer. They aren’t fancy, but they have the necessary information on them and are “Something”.

This photo I took after speaking with one of my neighbors who I was helping out with his computer. He was asking me how the Photography was going? I told him all that was up and new with me. I’ve been asked a lot lately what it is I’m doing and if I’m getting busy. It can be a little nervous at this point, because everybody is starting to take note that I am a “Professional Photographer” and doing this as a full time career. They want to know exactly what I’m shooting etc. etc. It’s really good practice though! I am developing better speaking to people from each of these encounters and walk away feeling as though I accomplished something.
Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 36 - Social Media

2010-04-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 36 - Social Media

I really didn’t get a chance to take a 365 photo today. Instead I’m sharing this photo I took of the screen of my computer. Today was spent getting my Photography Facebook page updated and launched. I’ve been trying to consolidate my photos that are all over my computers in different Lightroom Galleries… etc
Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 35 - Small Town... Large City

2010-04-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 35 - Small Town... Large City

I live in Burbank, CA some of you may have heard of it. It’s the heart of Hollywood. We have more large studios and the 2nd largest Airport in the Los Angeles area. Walt Disney is here, Warner Brothers, ABC, Nickalodean, Cartoon Network, DIC (VR Troopers man), NBC, and more I can’t even think of right now! Lockheed who built many of the aircraft that helped us to win WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam was here for many many years. It’s a town full of history and admiration.

From what I just said, one would be believed that I live in a Large City. Yet I don’t. There’s something about Burbank, CA… Many people in Southern California call Burbank, weird and different. They don’t like it here because it’s way different than all the other towns across Southern California. Maybe it’s our rich history, but this town has the personality of a Small Town. From the local business owners who’s shops line our city streets. To the school district which is a far scale better than Los Angeles. Everybody is more friendly. It’s a special something. It’s Burbank….

Today I wanted to show you something I go to quiet often. It is the local Handy Market. A fine small, general grocery store located in the heart of this town (a.k.a. Magnolia Park) It is a unique place… Sure we have our Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions markets, but the Handy Market is the spot for Produce and Meat. They have the best prices on vegetables and fruits, and a full butcher with “Fresh” cut meats. It’s a totally different experience than your Super Market. Just today I went in to find something to do for dinner. I ended up buying 3 Artichokes for 99c each! I also got Hamburger meat for $1.29 LB. They sometimes have a special where you get 78% hamburger (yes it’s the fatty stuff) for 99c LB for 3LB max / min But tonight they had just ran out of the cheap stuff and they substituted the Ground Sirloin for the same $1.29 LB price…. You don’t get that kind of service at the Super Market. In total I ended up walking out of there spending around $6… usually it’s way less.

So if your ever in Burbank, stop by and visit the Handy Market. You may recognize is from many feature films where it has been used. The most recent one I can think of was “He’s Just Not That Into You”

Enjoy!
-Steven

Project 365 / Day 34 - Used Couple

2010-04-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 34 - Used Couple

This photo pretty much sums up my day… It’s a metaphor about how two things can get so burnt up and old of each other all they can do is turn away from one another and cause tension. Interesting? (no this is not about myself but an observation I made)
In other news (lol) Today was my sister in-law Leeann’s birthday party at the In-laws. I hope she didn’t have too terrible of a birthday, but all of our children (her and her husband have two boys) love to get together and play. So they had a ton of fun. I took a lot of photos on the G11 and am still experimenting with it more and more. To finish they day off, we like to drive over to Disneyland and park in the McDonnald’s parking lot and watch the Fireworks Show. It’s kind of a tradition for us that we haven’t done much this year.
Going to keep it short tonight.
Enjoy
-Steven

Project 365 / Photo-A-Day Day 33 - Play-Doh

2010-04-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 33 - Play-Doh

As you may have noticed, my daughter Madison is an inspiration and one of my most photographed subjects. What can I say…. Kid’s being kids = cute. Tiffany and her sat down today to make some Play-Doh creations. This was a really cool one my wife created, but I let Maddie hold it to photograph. We took the Stem off for the photo (it wouldn’t hold the weight of the flower up). It’s pretty neat and includes a little caterpillar / wormy with big buggy eyes crawling around. Very nice work hunny.

I took this photo with my new G11 and a 430ex II strobe super clamped to the side bouncing into the ceiling. Do to the Canon G series retaining Hot-Shoe flashes, I can rig my cybersync transmitter right to the top of the camera. This is one of the main reasons I chose the G11 and it works great!

Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 32 – MAIL

2010-04-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 32 - MAIL

It’s something that’s easily forgotten, yet we get it almost every day of the week. Maybe it’s that I’m a bit different in that I think about the complexities of things and the vast amount of people and operations it takes to make things work, but the Postal Service fascinates me. What’s amazing is that we can get a letter / package to the billions of people in the US every single day. It’s definitely something to think about.
Another important question to ask…. Why is it that all dogs hate Mail people? haha
Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 31 - Links That Bind

2010-04-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 31 - Links That Bind

I brought the new G11 out today when I went to pick up my daughter from her school. I’ve been eying this chain for the past week now for a photo. I’ve just not been close enough to it to take it’s photo yet. Somebody took what used to be a swing or something and hooked the two ends of the chain together. It’s kind of interesting and makes this cool little framing.
As I start to get to know the G11 better I’m able to do more with it, but I’m still on learning curve. It’s a bit disappointing in the essence of being used to 22 Megapixel images from a Full 35mm Framed Sensor haha, but it’s so small and fun to take photos with. I’m not complaining yet, but I’m still learning the shortcomings and the good stuff still. It will take a bit longer than one day.
Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 30 - Old Meets New

2010-04-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 30 - Old Meets New

The G2 said to the G11 “You may have two 1’s son, but I’ll always have a 2″
Today the Great Great Great Great Great Grandfather met it’s Grandson. I received my new Canon G11. I am officially retiring my G2, although It has not seen much use in the past 3 years. It’s been a great companion along the way. Being an Introduction in Advanced and Creative Photography for me as a High School Senior heading out into the world. I took that camera with me all over. It has seen the Antrim Coast of Ireland, the Streets of Dublin, the many 4th of July’s, and the birth of my daughter Madison.
Ever since I received the G2 as a graduation gift from my Father, I’ve had a somewhat love affair with the G Series. I didn’t understand the tool back then as well as I do now though and that lead me to wanting more… Back in 2007 I purchased the Canon S3 IS with it’s Super Zoom. I didn’t realize Sensor sizes at the time or quality of cameras though and I was a bit disappointed as time went by with it. Yes I could take great up-close shots of animals at the zoo, but they were fuzzy and not the SLR that I was looking for. That’s when I purchased my 40D which was an excellent camera… Well as most of you know I finally went out and purchased a 5d Mark2 this year which is my beautiful workhorse with it’s Full 35mm size sensor.
So that brings me to now. Though the G11 will not be replacing my 5d by all means. It is another photographic tool for me. I will be able to take it to places I wouldn’t really feel the need to bring my 5d. For example the Park (sometimes) out to dinner, a coffee shop with the wife, or running to the store. Don’t worry though my big camera is never far behind. Also as my daughter get more into Photography (I hope she does) I would like to be able to let her use the G11 while I use my 5d etc. Either way though time will tell how valuable this will be to me.
Now for a plug for Canon. I’ve been shooting Canon for years now, I probably will always shoot Canon. They’ve been a great company to me with great products usually. Here’s another secret about Canon though. The G11 is a $499 camera. I only paid $249. How is this so? The catch is, Canon respects Loyalty. If you own a Canon camera that is out of warranty and broken to some degree you can ask about the Loyalty Trade In Program. Depending on what you have they will offer you an upgrade to one of the latest models for a significant discount. The catch is you have to mail back in your damaged camera. For me the options were the SX10is for $199, G11 for $249, or Rebel XS with 18-55mm Lens for $359 (a great deal, but I was looking for the small size of the G11). So the G2 is leaving me for good, but it will never be forgotten.
Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 29 - Little Flame Big Light

2010-04-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 29 - Little Flame Big Light

Today was another one of those “I almost forgot to take a photo today” days. Well I didn’t forget in the end, but ran outside right as the sun was falling. My wife and daughter were already sitting outside along with a horde of Misquitos biting as the light went away. I was practicing taking some photos of the girls in the yard using my 50 1.8. Tiffany lit up her cigarette right as I was taking this one. I think it’s pretty cool because it shows just how bright 1 Flame can get. It’s raised the exposure by a certain amount and really made her face stand out. Pretty cool if you ask me.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s 365 as it should be pretty cool.
Enjoy
-Steven

"Project 365" Day 28 - Flying Lady

2010-04-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 28 - Flying Lady

The one and only Goddess of the Air, as introduced by Puck the half man half goat. Today we took a trip out to the Renaissance Fair. It was not my first time going, but was my first time going as an adult. I had visited it before when I was in Middle School for the “Education” version, where you still get big chested hanging out ladies teaching you how they made pottery and butter and weird stuff like that instead of trying to get you to do some “Naughty” things. I went to take photos of the fair. I figured there would be a lot of things to see. All in all it was alright, but definitely if I go back again I will be take photos a little differently. I wasn’t the most pleased with my results, although they may grow on me as I post them up and stuff. This photo is one of the ones I really liked. It was a terrible condition to shoot in. 4pm Sun directly behind subject looking up into the sky. Her face is in dark shadow and the sky is blaring bright. I had to find a good mix and do some magic in post. She made this great smile right at me when I took this too
Enjoy

-Steven

Project 365 / Photo-A-Day 30 Day Re-Cap

2010-04-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

I was going to write up a separate thing for the last 30 days for each post of my Project 365, or do a weekly re-cap, but I've decided to show you each picture with a link.

I am also posting everything on Flickr along with my Project 365 page.

Project 365 / Photo-A-Day

2010-04-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody. After some lecturing by a good friend who I will not name names! ;-) you know who you are.

I have decided to start double / triple posting my Project 365 on my blog.

I'm going to give you a few of the past few days here today, but if you'd like to see them all starting from Day 1 you can go here.

www.PhotoLynch.com/365

Thanks everyone for the support!

-Steven

Photo Projects = Better Photography?

2010-04-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

As you all know from my previous blog post. I have undertaken a "Photo A Day" / 365 Project which I am about 21 days into now. It's been a pretty cool experience. So far I haven't had too much trouble keeping up with the daily photos. Actually I have always found something to shoot and put up. I've only had issues getting delayed posting the photos the same day, but that was mostly do to being sick for a few days.

I'm sure we've all heard the analogy "Practice Makes Perfect!" isn't that what one of these 365 Projects is? I tend to believe it. I'm starting to notice it since I've been taking photos every day. I'm starting to really really like my 5d... much more than before. Before I would look at the photos and think some were super good, but a lot weren't. Nowadays it's been a lot of good ones. I'm also getting a lot better at self editing and can usually pick the keepers and delete the creepers right away. Not only that though, probably the most significant thing I've noticed about my photography is I'm starting to develop a certain style, a certain eye for my way of taking photos. It's pretty cool and really amazing when you can start feeling the changes happening.

So if any of you are thinking about starting a Photo-A-Day / 365 project or something similar... go for it! Just don't over complicate it with crazy rules or guidelines you are going to have a lot of trouble following. I'm happy I made mine very loose ended, it's made me more creative and I'll push myself for more unique photos every day. Unfortunately it seems a lot of my photography friends have given me similar responses to my starting a 365. They have all said something along the lines of "That takes a lot of discipline", "You won't make it", "You'll have trouble past day's 60-70" So I understand if your afraid to start a project like this. It can be very intimidating. If you decide to start one though, let me know on here. I'll support you, I'll give you advice and most of all I'll enjoy watching your photos while you grow as a photographer.

Vote for me to attend Escalate Live 2010!

2010-04-08T03:33:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody I've been nominated and made it into the top 5 Finalists for the Scholarship program for the Escalate Live 2010 Photography Conference in Newport Beach, CA.

They have 2 tickets available under the scholarship for the 2 most voted people out of the 5 based on user participation with voting. So I'm asking all of you for help in Sending me to Escalate Live 2010 by going to the website and voting for me "Steven Lynch" to go to Escalate Live!

www.EscalateLive.com/votenow

Pass the word on to your friends, your families, your work mates, anybody you can. The more the better!

Thank You
-Steven

p.s. I've been out with the strep throat for the past 4 days, so it's been pretty hard for me to get out there and publicize. I appreciate any of the support any of you give. :)

Project 365!

2010-03-28T02:31:00.001-07:00

Hey there everybody! I wanted to let you all know that I started a 365 Project this past week and would love for you all to check it out! I hope that by forcing myself to stay to the restrictions I have set up, it will improve my creativity and keep me shooting no matter what's going on in that day.

The 365 is very influenced by Photographer Zack Arias and his 365.

Thanks!

-Steven

Congratulations to the wife!

2010-03-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody this is going to be a really quick one. I've been up since 4am this morning running around at no-stop. Today was my wife, Tiffany's State Board Licensing cosmetology test. I'm happy to report that she passed with flying colors and is now a Licensed Cosmetologist. This means we now have an official Stylist working with Steven Lynch Photography!

Hopefully she'll give me a discounted rate from now on ;-)

Well the day has been long, but it's not over yet. Now it's time to party! Back to work tomorrow and for the rest of the month, expect a lot from me! Oh and I'm also starting to do the Twitter thing a lot now. Follow me if you'd like! (link is posted on side of the blog as well as http://twitter.com/PhotoLynch )

Talk to you all soon.

P.S. Yes that is a walking Cast on her foot. About 5 weeks ago my wife fell and sprained her ankle extremely bad. She was in a splinted half cast for 2 weeks, a real cast for another 2 weeks, and in this walking cast for the next 4 weeks. I'm very proud of her for toughing it out though and not letting anything get in her way!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Madison's little hand holding a pretty big clover.

Hey there everybody I wanted to wish you all a Happy St. Patrick's Day.

(as a special treat this whole blog post will be written in Green text)

I wanted to share with you a few photos I took today with my little girl Madison. The weather has been great in Southern California this week (in the low 80's and t-shirt weather at night) we went outside today in our front yard, which happens to be covered with a lot of clovers. I'm not really sure what it is about our house, but since I was a child, this place has always had a lot of these clovers growing in the shady areas. It's pretty neat!

Madison posing for one of the portraits (definitely didn't come out the way I wanted :) )

I guess you could say I am re-living a little bit of my childhood, because I remember going out there when I was around her age and picking through the clovers looking for that magical "Four Leaf Clover" which I never found. It did keep me plenty occupied though.

I took out the lighting gear and did a special photo (or two... three...) for St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy!

This is a little more of what I had in mind. Gotta love children's expressions.

Cool up close shot I did of the clover. I have a knack for doing textured lighting like this.

Cool up close shot I did of the clover. I have a knack for doing textured lighting like this.

As a side note, I used Aperture 3 to edit these. After upgrading my system to 64-bit and the new update to Aperture 3.0.1 it seems to be performing a lot better with most edits being almost instantaneous with 22MP raw files. Pretty impressive I think. I'm starting to enjoy using it more and more, I'll probably end up purchasing the upgrade version after my trial is up. (Yes I do own Aperture 2, although I use Lightroom 2 for everything)

More on this next time possibly and 1080p 24p video recording with 5d Mark 2 2.0.3 firmware.

Re-Learning to Edit

2010-02-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't shared much of my work lately with the blog here, but wanted to assure everybody I am busy working on photo projects. I'm mainly working on building my portfolio right now so I can move on to that next level and define myself as a photographer. So a lot of what I'm doing hasn't been fully edited yet. I will however share a headshot I did of my friend Sam Saletta.

What I wanted to talk about today is editing though. When I first learned how to use Photoshop, yes I took classes when I was in High School, I was taught on Photoshop 7. (On another note I actually took that class several times because I loved working in it so much. I still have a certificate from that program actually.) I was more of the type of person that learns something as an exact science of doing it. So for me playing with numbers, sliders etc. had to be more of an exact method. I generally would repeat the same edits to every photo I put through the thing. This pattern, much like my editing, continued through the years, using the same editing techniques for every photo. I even developed my own method of repeating slider positions in Lightroom on each photo. This changed last year when I was working along another photographer and he encouraged... even dared me to branch out and do some creative editing. So finally in this past year I've been getting more accustomed to doing what I see vs. playing with numbers. I think editing using your brain, eyes, and emotions is a good way to edit. Sure you do not want to clip your histogram or smudge everything up, but being able to let go a little bit and experiment I've found really lets the creativity flow.

My very good friend and fellow photographer Mike "Kangster" Kang actually opened my eyes a little bit a couple of weeks ago when I was working on a Fine Art photo (The Photo I shared in the last blog). I found out that I didn't understand the adjustment tools and their capabilities in Lightroom. I figured Exposure and Brightness were the same exact thing... except they control the image in totally different ways. That actually goes back to my original teachings in Photoshop 7, when I was advised not to play with the Brightness / Contrast tool because it was not as accurate and more destructive than using Levels and Curves. I figured Lightroom's Brightness was the same way. Little did I know. So now I have far more control over my photos than I previously had, and guess what? The results are showing.

On another note. This past week Apple released it's new version of it's photo management program Aperture 3 I have actually downloaded the Trial of it and it's pretty cool. They have done a great job with this one adding some really cool features. I am actually really enjoying this feature called Places where you can put all your photos on a map and be able to organize by location. The next travel photo trip I take I'm definitely going to use it. What's really cool about it though is I can take a photo with my iPhone (which integrates the GPS Location into the photo) at wherever I'm shooting. I can then use the location data from that photo for a series of photos from that same location. For example when I shoot at Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea. I know I took a few of my portfolio shots on that beach on a trip last year. It definitely has some great potential.

View Larger Map

It does make me excited though to see what Adobe will introduce in the new Lightroom 3 expected to be out within a few months. We shall wait and see.

Plugging A Fellow!

For the latest edition of my new series "Plug A Fellow" where I introduce you all to a fellow artist, I wanted to introduce you all to Mike "Kangster" Kang (I know, I talked about him above)

Mike is a very down to earth guy and cool artist. Some of you may know him from the local Los Angeles Flickr and Los Angeles Strobist groups. From taking daily photos on his iPhone to Concerts and Portraits, Mike is somebody to look out for.

A photo of yours truly at Bombay Beach @ The Salton Sea, taken by Mike, with our friend Kim St. Dennis

Photography is?

2010-02-06T18:13:00.000-08:00

This is a photo I took last week of one of my best friends Sarah. I think it applies very well to this blog in how I answer my own question.

In my last blog I had said I would be talking about headshots next. I Lied! Actually I've decided to save that blog for another time.

I wanted to ask everybody a question. “What is photography to you? What does it do for you? Why do you do it?

Feel free to include what your level of photography is. Are you a hobbyist? Is photography your career? Are you aspiring to become a pro?

Photography is to me?
Photography is to me a pure emotional response. It is an art and a journey. I am a very internal person, each time I put together a photo shoot it's a journey for me. My emotions go from point A to point B; with a very curvy road may I add. It's exciting when I see the Final result. I see this interesting image appear in my eye. I see this beautiful image appear on the back of my camera. I see this amazing image resolve on my computer screen. I see this spectacular piece of art emerge from my computer and printer. It's very exciting to see that process. I feel like a little kid in a candy store. Photography for me is an adventure. Anything can be combined into it, travel, spending time with good company, getting to know a relative better, love, life, and loss. The expressionism and the ability to make a statement without muttering a word are the things that photography is to me.

Now it's your turn. Answer this question, let me know.
Send me an email or post a comment right here on the blog!
Steven@photolynch.com

Plugging a fellow!

I'm thinking of starting a new thing on some of my blogs called "Plug A Fellow" where I introduce all of you to a fellow artist.

To start it off I wanted to share this with everybody. One of my favorite quotes lately comes from my friend and fellow photographer Hector “BigBoyDrums” Cruz who is doing some amazing work down in Orange County. He put it best "My failure to take photos like my heroes, allows me to take photos like I do.” I think that is an extremely important statement for everybody to keep in mind while trying to imitate others.

Here's a photo of one of Hector's latest.

Enjoy!

iPhone, A Photographers friend?

2010-01-28T01:44:00.000-08:00

Today has been a good day. I had a shoot and it’s the first time in months I've really felt like I was prepared for this. As I mentioned in my previous post, I am scheduling many shoots for the next couple of months. What I wanted to talk about though is not how to take a photo, light a model, or mentally prepare yourself. What I want to talk about is how a well designed device can help you to be more productive and better organized.

A couple of weeks ago I finally went out and bought myself an iPhone 3G. Basically in the words of my friend Kim St. Dennis (who owns a Droid which is also a great device) "These things are mini computers." It’s true though. After getting my phone I've probably cut the time I spend on a computer, if I'm not editing or designing something, by over half.

What I've found though is that as I start scheduling photo shoots and coming up with more creative ideas, I am turning to my iPhone to keep things organized. I use the calendars, which are all synced up between my wife and I and our Google Calendars, to schedule all of these shoots and not have conflicts. I'm using the Notes for taking down anything from creative ideas to shot and equipment preparation check lists.

I've been using Apple products for years. I'll admit that they have never been perfectly perfect, but as a company in the electronics business they are great. They do what you want them to do... usually when you want them to do it. This thought has been carried over to the iPhone as well.

I've had many different phones throughout the years. I even did some mobile phone video game testing for Electronic Arts a few years ago. I think it's Safe to say I've had my fair share of mobile phone experience. I've always looked for a device that will fit my needs and have always been left searching. Windows does have some interesting choices with their operating system, but much like their computers, they have numerous system crashes, functionality issues and general horrible QA Testing. It shows. Apple has done an excellent job with the iPhone. The only issues I've come across are when running 3rd Party Apps I get from the App Store. I've only experienced that a very few times.
It also works great as a phone. As far as calls go I'm pretty impressed. It is a much more enjoyable experience than my previous phones and I actually like talking to people.

Anyways to keep things short and to the point, the iPhone is a great tool to have if you want to be productive. Google has excellent web integrated apps (my favorite is the Google Reader where I can catch all of my favorite blogs) they even have a well put together web app for Google Voice that will work great with the iPhone. This is great if like me you have a Google Voice number as your busines\s phone.

Last but not least. As a follower of "The Strobist" David Hobby, I have installed this cool app called "Strobox" which allows me to create lighting diagrams right on my phone and share them. It's really a neat app if you love to dissect lighting.

Thanks for reading

P.S. I even wrote this blog on my iPhone.

NEXT BLOG: Not letting Headshots Blow Your Head

Welcome Back Steven

2010-01-23T04:37:00.000-08:00

Hello there everybody. I hope none of you have forgotten about me just yet or deleted me off of your Blog Readers and such. I apologize for my absence the past few months.

To be quiet honest I've been in a real slump since November. I pretty much shut down, photography wise, as the holidays rolled in. I haven't done any work at all. Most of my photo time has been done with small personal self-finding projects and a few family events. What can I say? In the past few months I've had a glimpse of what my photo life will be like if I don't take the next few key months seriously.

Right now I'm trying to schedule a bunch of things lined up for the month of February. So look forward to seeing a lot of new things coming out of Photolynch.com and this blog! I do have a favor to ask of all of you though, if you know anybody that would like photos done, I'm looking to accomplish a bunch of things in February and March. I will be doing a lot of Portfolio building shots, so as long as their ideas will work for my portfolio I'm all up for getting things moving.

You can reach me at
SJLPhotography@gmail.com
818-714-1158 (My new Business Line although I can still be reached on my old number 818-714-0395)
or if you have another contact method go ahead and give me a shout.

Here's a little update of what's planed for the next month
My loving wife Tiffany is a couple of weeks away from Graduating from Beauty School. As she prepares to take her State Board licensing test she will be joining me as a hair stylist and possible make-up artist for future shoots. With her expertise it will be a great asset to have working alongside me.

First on the agenda is a shoot Monday with my good friend Sam Saletta. (You may remember him from my previous work with the band "Jubala" as well as his past acting career.)

Again, Thank You everybody for your support and I look forward to seeing you all soon!

-Steven

Keeping Busy - Update

2009-10-15T02:00:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a couple of weeks since I last wrote something. I apologize. I've been keeping busy with photography and have just not had the time. So nobody worry that I have been slacking off. (Laughing to myself here)

Let's see where to begin. I'm actually going to keep this one short and just give you the basics and a photo from the event. As you can see above I shot my friends band "The Spring Leaves" last week. It was a lot of fun and I got a few different shots that work really well. You can visit the band at

www.Myspace.com/springleavesplanet they are actually from Spain (where they have a full band) and are on a small west coast tour that started in Utah up to Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and back to Utah. They had a small layover for a few days in Los Angeles so I took the opportunity to shoot them and give them their first promo shots.

The Spring Leaves's new Promotional Shot

This past Friday there was a big show here in Burbank featuring bands I have worked with (Jubala, Back Pocket Memory) along with a few other comical music acts. I covered that for The Burbank Times which I work freelance for every once in awhile. Photos and a blog should be coming sometime in the next week.

On Sunday I went Scouting to Mt. Baldy, CA with my friends and fellow photographers Kim St. Dennis and Gerald Gonzales and model / friend Stephanie Summers. It was pretty fun and I got a few good shots that I will be able to use.

Stephanie posing for a portrait in Mt. Baldy, CA

At the end of the Day she was getting pretty cold and tired

Just today I got an assignment for www.TheBurbankTimes.com to shoot the weekly wood carving class that meets at the Stough Park Nature Center in Burbank, CA each Wednesday from 1pm - 3pm. I also took a couple of Environmental Portrait shots of "Mr. Nature Center" Mike. He is a really nice guy and participates in all of the activities they throw. You can also find him leading the weekly hikes that take people all around the Verdugo Mountains above Burbank.

Mike and Eddie working on a carving of a Road Runner

Mr. Nature Center Mike standing on the bridge to the Stough Park Nature Center

So there is a little update for all of you on what I have been up to keeping myself busy. As my schedule starts getting tighter and I find myself shooting more I am definitely seeing where my photography is improving. That makes me feel great!

Thanks for reading

-Steven

Tamron = New Competition

2009-09-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

My Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. It's my workhorse lens

I just noticed the other day that Tamron has come out with a couple of exciting and more competing lenses to Canon and Nikon. First of all they have a new version of their 17-50mm f2.8 lens featuring Image Stabilization. Although the 17-50mm is for APS-C (canon), DX (nikon) cropped sensor cameras, that lens has been a workhorse for 3rd Party lenses have wonderful optical quality rivaling the Canon 17-55 2.8 IS which happens to retail for about $600 more than the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 without VC (Image Stabilization). This is very exciting to see for a 3rd Party lens, especially with the cropped sensor Canon 7D just around the corner. When shooting Video with a DSLR having Image Stabilization (VC= Vibration Control) is essential for getting a cleaner and not so jumpy shot.

The new SP AF17-50 F/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) will be available in Nikon Mount early October. Canon mount will follow. Initial pricing is set for $729 for both.

Pre-Order yours today at Canoga Camera

Click here to see all of Tamron's fast zoom lenses including the 28-75 f2.8 that is my workhorse.

As some of you know already, and some are about to find out, I am a big supporter of using 3rd Party Lenses to get the job done. There are a few advantages to 3rd party, and a few disadvantages. For one, 3rd Party is typically a considerable amount of money cheaper for comparable glass. Unfortunately, they tend to have quality control issues greater than Canon or Nikon, though this seems to be getting better in recent times. I personally shoot with a Tamron 28-75 f2.8, Sigma 70-200 f2.8, and Tokina 12-24 f4. All of those lenses have a constant aperture (I don't think I could go back to a variable aperture, it can be very annoying) and 2 of my lenses are F2.8 which is generally the fastest available light zoom lenses you can pick up.

Price wise if I were to pick up comparable lenses from Canon I would be looking at the Canon 24-70 f/2.8L $1300, Canon 70-200 f/2.8L (non-IS) $1200, Canon 17-40 f/4L $750 totaling $3250. That is a lot of money considering when I bought my Tamron and Sigma lenses used from reputable sellers and got the Tokina from Adorama all for a little more than $1000.

I've actually tested these lenses against the Canon equivalence. The Tamron is slightly sharper than the Canon, but low light focusing is much better on the 24-70. Build Quality on the Canon glass will always be much much higher as they are weather sealed professional lenses. Color / Contrast appears to be slightly better on the Canon. For the Sigma 70-200 it is pretty much on par with the Canon 70-200 in build quality (non-weather sealing) and image quality. (I have literally dropped this lens by falling out of my several times with no issues. It's built like a tank. The Tokina is about the same as the Canon 17-40, but the Canon has better color and similar Image Quality.

So when you are on a tight budget and can't afford the best, get what you can afford and learn your craft better. Remember that what matters in taking the photos is between your ears and eyes. Camera's and lenses are just better tools, but do not have to stand in your way of taking beautiful photographs.

Just my 2-Cents

Thanks
-Steven

My daughter Madison. Taken with Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 it has a pretty nice close up distance

The Leap to Full Frame!

2009-09-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

"Old School" The Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic

This past week I made a decision. For the past month I have been trying to figure out what my next Camera was going to be. I had already decided to upgrade into something better than my Current Canon 40D that would last me a long time. I was originally going to go with the Canon 5D mk2 with it's Video Capabilities and replace my Canon XL1s video camera that I've been using since 2003. (Unfortunately it is only Standard Definition in an HD world. I also just don't use it very often as I have to pull it out of a big case and set it all up) The idea of having an HD Video Camera built into my Still camera fascinated me. As long as it would allow me to do similar stuff and more than my current set-up I would be happy.

Canon through a curve ball to me on September 1st when they announced the Canon 7D, a cropped 1.6x sensor with HD Video Capabilities that were superior to the 5D's. This began my thinking about the need I had, and what would be fulfill it.

As a Photographer, the Full Frame 35mm Sensor is superior to the cropped 1.6x FOV Sensors that are popular on the consumer / prosumer lines of Canon and Nikon cameras. I already owned a cropped sensor with my Canon 40D. So I was well aware of the limitations it had. The 7D is a beautiful camera with some great Pro-Like features. My final decision maker was that the Canon 7D was a beautiful camera, but it was not yet available with uncertainty of when it would actually be available. It is also an unproven system that may potentially have some bugs in the first few months. Heck you might not even be able to pick the camera up for a few months without Pre-Ordering. Even now the 5Dmk2 is a hard camera to find in stock anywhere.

My beautiful wife Tiffany

Thoughts on the 5Dmk2
What can I say. It's a beautiful piece of equipment.

Coming from a 40D which is now being used as my Backup camera while I decide if I'm going to sell it or not, here are my quick comparisons.

-The Build Quality - It really does feel different, you can tell they have put a lot more into manufacturing this camera than the 40D. The battery door has a metal hinge and release mechanism Vs. the 40d's plastic and pulling until it pops off. The buttons on the 5d are just mushy enough to not accidentally hit them, but feel great under the finger tips. The buttons on the 40D are just there and easy to press. The shutter button feels great under the finger as well with a nice soft springy action vs. the 40d's click, click feeling. The DOF preview button is another big change. On the 40D it is just a button like any other button, it can be easily confused with the pop-up flash button. The 5D has a nice soft springy button that sticks out further and you definitely know when you have found it. I find myself using it all the time now.

Rum & Coke (My Favorite)

-Auto Focus System- This is something that has gotten a lot of criticism from professional reviewers and the photography community. The 5Dmk2 has the same exact focusing system found in the original 5D. It is now over 3 year old Technology. The 5D's have 9 focus points that can handle lenses up to f5.6 (light levels) the center focusing point is a Cross Type sensor that is even more precise with lenses faster than f2.8. It also has 6 invisible (you can not select them or see them on the focusing screen) AF assist sensors that when turned on will help track movement and more accurately achieve focus around the center point. In Comparison the 40D, 50D have Cross Point sensors at all focusing points for lenses that are 5.6 or faster. The center point is Cross Point and more precise with lenses of f2.8 and faster. This may seem like a big deal on paper, but in my real world usage I haven't found too much difference. The Digic 4 Processor of the 5dmk2 helps to achieve focus very fast and accurately. I do find in lower lights that the 40D may be just slightly faster, but it's not that noticeable really. The tracking of the 5D2 seems much better than the 40D if that is your concern.

Our friend Stephanie the Bartender

-Image Quality - Both the 40D and 5Dmk2 are beautiful cameras. They both take a photograph and represent it very well. Don't let anybody convince you that a camera will make you better, because it's a Lie. It's your brain, ideas, and imagination to create that are what can create the most stunning and beautiful photographs. With that aside, the cameras are not equal. The 5D is a more expensive, and better tool. It can do the job easier and better than the 40D. The images coming right out of the 5D are amazing. They look excellent for the most part and I find I do not have to edit them nearly as much as my 40D. High ISO shooting for example on the 40D I am limited by ISO1600 to be even close to usable. On the 5d2 I can shoot up to ISO6400 and still use it for smaller prints. Everybody is talking about Depth of Field. Yes the DOF is shallower and much better on the 5D. It has to do with the distance you shoot from. With the 5D you must get in closer to get the same crop, thus creating a shallower depth of field. I am amazed by the quality of the images coming from the 5D.

My friend Christine Hernandez performing with the Cover Band "Ride"

A Video Digital SLR?

One of the main reasons I was looking to buy a new Camera was for the new Video modes that camera companies are incorporating into dSLR's. It was really exciting to hear that the Canon 5D Mark II could shoot 1080P HD video and be able to get the dramatic depth of field and image quality that rivaled such advanced cameras as "Red". There is an entire website community dedicated to shooting Cinematic Video with the 5D. It is a great camera for doing video, but it has its limitations and I wouldn't suggest this for everybody. The main disadvantage is it is not as Intuitive to use as a dedicated video system. You can buy add on such as the Redrock Micro system which has Accurate Focus pulling systems, shoulder mounts, framing boxes etc. But they can run pretty expensive and you will easily pay more than you bought the camera for. I also would never suggest the 5D, 7D, Nikon D90, or any of the other popular Digital Video SLR's on the market if you are doing Event Videography primarily. You just don't have the same exact control that you do with a dedicated system. Fortunately for me, I do not shoot events anymore and am wanting to make more artistic shorts and photo/video documentaries which these cameras are excellent for.

Because I can not explain the quality of the video as well as you can see it, here is a downsized HD (720P) sample video I shot of my daughter and our neighbor Lilly playing with some Play-Doh.

Conclusion
I may be a well experienced photographer, but there is a "Learning Curve". Coming from the 10 Mega Pixel cropped sensor to the 21.9 Megapixel Full Frame is a big difference. The lenses all look different now. What I was once able to use the Tamron 28-75 for half body to tight headshots, I can now do Full Body to tight* headshots (* though having to stand much closer to my subject) My Tokina 12-24mm F4 lens which is designed for Cropped Sensor cameras has not become obsolete, just a little less useful. I am now limited to the ranges of about 17mm to 24mm anything wider than that creates severe vignetting which is unusable. My 50mm 1.8 is now a real 50mm normal field of view lens instead of an 80mm "Normal" portrait lens. I also anticipate I will be using my Sigma 70-200 2.8 Lens much more.

With that said, I am overjoyed I finally moved into a Full 35mm Frame Sensor camera. With the greater build quality, my better understanding of caring for a DSLR, and the image results of this camera, I will definitely be loving and using this camera for a long time.

Please enjoy the Sample shots all over this post. If you click on the photo it will take you to my flickr page where you can read the elaborate descriptions. For the most part almost all of these are taken straight out of the camera with using Lightroom 2.5 to process the raw file.

My Wife Tiffany modeling for me

Fluffentstein the Cat

Starry Night Sky

Club Soda & Lemon

A blog from a friend and fellow strobist

2009-09-22T10:00:00.001-07:00

There I am standing behind our beautiful model Stephanie! © 2009 - Kim St. Dennis

I wanted to share with you all today this blog that my friend, fellow photographer, and Strobist user, Kim St. Dennis has written. This past Sunday, Kim, Myself, and our friend Gerald Gonzales shot in Downtown Los Angeles in the Wherehouse and Artist's districts of town. We came face to face with some drug dealers toting bicycles, and speed demonds trying to run us over in the road, but we survived to tell the tale! Read all about it in Kim's Blog!

Sorry for the slow blogs this past week. I've been pretty busy with editing and keeping things going. I will have something up very soon!

Thank you everyone!
-Steven

R.I.P. Patrick Swayze

2009-09-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

Wanted to throw in a quick blog here. It was just announced about 30 mins ago that Patrick Swayze (Dirty Dancing, Ghost) has passed away today at the age of 57 after a long battle with cancer.

I personally was not a huge fan, and only saw part of Dirty Dancing once. Ghost was pretty good along with some of his other films, but it does affect me every time somebody passes away. I find it interested how we react so sadly to Celebrities passing away, yet there are so many people who die every single day. Old age, Cancer, Murder, Car Accident. I suppose that it's the way we are brought into the daily lives of celebrities, whether it is in a positive or negative way i.e the long famous and infamous life of Michael Jackson.

As a photographer who has worked for a newspaper before, I have come close to some celebrities. Ieven shot an event with Eva Longoria Parker last year which was really fun and a learning experience. I don't think I could ever take on a Paparazzi Job though. I'm not one to invade the privacy or chase a celebrity down 3 blocks of a Hollywood street and in their car window. It's not really my thing.

R.I.P. Patrick Swayze. Many have loved you. You will always be dirty dancing in our hearts.

Good Customer Service, Bad Customer Service?

2009-09-13T18:31:00.001-07:00

A Self Portrait I made at a Strobist meet I hosted in March

Hey there everyone. I wanted to get an update out here on the Blog. I've been saying a lot on Facebook that I'll be writing a blog about this or that soon... so I guess I should probably start keeping with those promises. haha

So let me tell you how I picked up a new Canon 430ex II today for $75

Canon 430ex II flash for $75 (Taken with 340ex II on camera)

It all started last night when I got a call from my buddy Gerald Gonzales telling me that the Best Buy store in Burbank had a Canon 430ex II for sale in the case with the "Opened box items, Returned can't be sold as new, etc." He was told that the only thing wrong was it did not include the Cold Shoe Plastic stand with tripod mount. (very cheap item to replace)

So the $299 flash was now $149.

Bad Customer Service
The catch was (this is the problem Gerald had) they have had a theft problem in these cases at our local best buy lately so they have replaced the locks. Now only the Photo Department Manager has the one and only key to this lock. Saturday night he had gone home early with the keys and turned out would not be in today until 1pm.

When I arrived at the store around 11:45am I went to check out the flash and it was still there and I let the employee's, a couple of college looking guys, know that I was interested in getting it. The one employee, I'm going to call him "Rude Employee #1" told me that the manager who had the key had gone out to lunch and would be back in about 15-30 minutes. I let them know I'd be back.

15-30 Mins later: I come back in the store and still no Manager. I decide to browse around the camera department and check out another case of camera gear. "Rude Employee #1" comes up to me and tells me very bluntly. "Please don't buy that flash" after my questioning him on this I find out he is planning to buy it himself later that day. I speak to him about pre-ordering the new Canon 7D camera and he's less than helpful in that regard. He then announced that with his tech discount he would get $400 off the 7D. (From past dealings with friends who work for best buy, they receive merchandise at store cost. So that gives you an idea of what the mark-up on a SLR is these days)

A very polite and helpful female employee "Helpful Girl" comes up after coming back from her lunch breaks (I think she was an assistant manager of photo department) she finds out what it is we are interested in. She again explains the issue with the key but does assure me that the manager should be coming in around 1pm. She also tells me "We're very sorry for the trouble. We'll try and make it up to you. Maybe we can take like $50 off the price here."

At this point I'm irritated about the key issue, but I'm willing to let it go if they will reduce the price. Then comes the worst part. "Rude Employee #1" says to me as I am leaving "I am going to buy that flash before you come back. It won't be here."

My wife and I decided to take off and come back at 1pm, but as I was getting in my car it dawned on me that I should talk to a store manager. So I called up the Store Manager, a very young and friendly guy named John, and spoke with him. Upon telling him everything that went down he was in dis-belief that one of his employee's would say something like this. He took down my name and number and was going to go take care of "Rude Employee #1" and speak with the photo manager as soon as he got in and would give me a call when I could come in.

Good Customer Service
To speed the story up, after a couple of hours, a phone call and coming back into the store greeting the Store Manager in person I was directed back to the photo department where I met with the Photo Manager, a middle aged suit wearing gentlemen named "David" who was very polite. He apologized for all of the trouble and told the employee checking me out to take 50% off.

In Conclusion
So although it was a big hassle, I did feel great about getting a $299 flash for $75.

I can tell you that I have gotten some moderately bad customer service at Best Buy before, but I've never had an experience like this. It really put a Sour Taste in my mouth regarding the employee's of Best Buy Burbank, with the exception of having to deal personally with Upper Management. I have a Best Buy credit card and routinely use it for good 0% Interest offers, so I may just drive the extra 10 miles to the Glendale / Las Feliz store from now on.

How is the Flash?
That flash is great. It is my first official E-TTL (Evaluative Through The Lens) flash. I have been using a Canon 540ez (A-TTL: Advanced Through The Lens, pre-digital days) Flash since the beginning of 2009. I'm really enjoying the more natural white balance that that 340ex II gives with it's built in sensor. It is very small and light. I was looking for a good small unit to pack in my already overfilled bag for shooting concerts. I will occasionally strap a speedlite on with a Manfrotto Super Clamp while I'm shooting shows to get a nice balanced or artistic off camera lighting. My 540ez is a great flash, but it's very large and takes up a lot of space.

I'm also enjoying that the 340ex II can be controlled directly from the menu system of my camera. It makes life a lot easier than using the silly Custom Fn settings that you need the manual open to decode the settings.

I actually prefer to use Nikon Strobes for doing off-camera lighting, but the ability to us TTL and control the speedlite off camera with TTL using remote mode (New Feature added with the Canon 7d that I'm about to Pre-Order) it makes Canon's line of flashes much more usable and a better investment. Hey for $75 I couldn't go wrong.

Question for everybody
It would be great if any of you have a similar story about bad customer service that turned out well, or great deals you got on camera gear etc. I would love to hear all about it. Let us know!

The Knitting Factory (the end of an Era) & Justin Riner's Birthday Show

2009-09-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

Justin Riner on Accoustic

I thought that I would start posting some of the photos from this Weekends show and tell you all about it. The show was for my friend Justin Riner's Birthday party. Every year for the past 8 years he has taken over The Knitting Factory for his Birthday Party show. Unfortunately this will be the last year as we've found out The Knitting Factory will be officially closing their doors in the next couple of months. It is sad and unfortunate that such Hollywood Landmark will be gone...

It's hard to imagine a Hollywood that doesn't have "The Key Club", "The Whiskey A Go Go", "The Roxy", and "The Knitting Factory" among many of the other venues.

A Quote from Justin regarding The Knitting Factory
" I said to the club manager, "I'm sure going to miss this place. Awesome venue, great staff, good pay.. and you let me take over your stage and fill it with whomever I want, I mean, who am I?" The club manager shrugs, smiles, and says, ..."you're Justin Riner." Thanks to everyone who played, came, and had a great time. It was an awesome birthday and end to an era of my life."

It was a great night that started off with performances by Jon Caliguri, Sofa City Sweetheart, and Spectre Township. Sarah Ault then took the stage for her soulful beautiful melodic set. Justin Riner and Rob Gallagher (of Back Pocket Memory) who was also celebrating his Birthday that night did a small interlude of accoustic songs before Back Pocket Memory energized the show for an amazing performance so full of energy the roof completely blew off The Knitting Factory (J/K).
Justin's own band Jane Error did a really cool set to keep the crowed going into the late night (I never thought I'd hear a New Kids on the Block Cover that I would actually like)
To end the show with a bang Stolen From The Radio a really awesome cover band played until the doors closed.

To sum up the show and wrap up this blog. The show was definitely worth it and if you get a chance to see any of these bands live I'll suggest you take that opportunity. I'm not really sure what Justin is going to do next year for his Birthday. I hope that another venue will be as nice and pleasant to let him take over it for the night... Only time will tell

-Steven

Here are some of my favorite photos from the night.

Rob Gallagher (of BPM) and Justin Riner playing their birthday interlude

The Lovely Sarah Ault

Spectre Township (one of Justin Riner's 3 bands)

Lauren B and Justin Riner of Spectre Township

Back Pocket Memory with Justin Riner (Tamborine) and Sean Diamond of Sky Diamond City

Justin Riner's other band Jane Error performing

Guitarist of Jane Error

Guitarist of Stolen From The Radio (This guy really played it up for the camera)

Guitarist of Stolen From The Radio (This guy really played it up for the camera)

Motivation - My friend and Enemy

2009-09-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

Father's Love

After getting a really sweet comment from my friend Karen today on the blog here I've decided "You know what it is time that I take action" so in that regards I've decided I'm going to turn this blog into a more personal take on my life, troubles, ambitions, let downs, and a much more personal account of my photography that I've previously wanted to do here.

I suppose I should give you all a little bit more information of who I am. As some of you may already know I am a father and a husband to a beautiful little girl (she's 3) and my wife Tiffany. Growing up I was always aspiring to be a musician. I got my first Electric guitar at the age of 12 and learned so many... nothings. I was never really the best or had the Motivation to really learn how to play. Don't get me wrong I could play a little here or there and would learn things, but I hardly practiced and never remembered what I had learned come a couple weeks down the road.

My beautiful girl Maddie and my wife Tiffany

Before going into High School I wanted to take up Music, and my dad got me a recently graduated Band Student (from my future HS) to teach me how to play "The Baritone" which I actually did very well in it. I was never the best horn player, but I chose variety over specializing in that regards as I took up Trombone (much more fun than Baritone), Trumpet, Tuba, Souzaphone (marching Tuba), Bassoon at one point, did play guitar finally in one of the Jazz Combo bands, always wanted to take up percussion, but all the drummers I didn't get along with that well with the exception of my friend Jason Montgomery (Back Pocket Memory). What can I say, it was pretty exciting being a "Band Nerd"!

So how does this relate to photography? Well when I was a little kid I used to love holding my fathers old Pentax Spotmatic SLRs and playing with how things looked in the lenses and how changing the lenses made things look. I was on a Bokeh high I suppose as I used to keep the lenses fully open and focus on things. haha

So around that same time I was taking up Guitar, learning Baritone, and getting ready to make my grand leap into High School my dad hands me the old Spotmatics and some film and says he's going to try and teach me. So we go up to Big Bear, CA and learn composition and things like that. I really did not know technical exposures (news days Dad always told me F11 @ 1/500th, Tri-X) The photos I took were alright, but really they were probably crap as I just sucked at it. So when I finally hit my Junior year of High School I signed up with the photography program as an elective with Mr. Tim Brehm, who has been teaching an excellent award winning and recognized program nation wide (John Burroughs High School). I enjoyed the program very much, but lacked the motivation to really learn everything. Working in Dark Rooms was fun, developing prints, The smell of Developer and Fixer, the pure yellow color cast of Sodium Vapor dark room lights. Wow the memories!

Through out my late High School years and into college I developed an interest in Videography and majored in Television production and engineering in College. I then met my wife and we had a child on the way and ended up deciding the best thing for me was to go out and work because we were flat broke. Well I'm still broke, but I believe all that Lack of Motivation has finally caught up with me and now I'm Motivated!

I lost my job with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment back in March of 2008 and then the Economy started crapping out. I couldn't find any work. I was reading an article on Luminious Landscapes about becoming a professional art photographer and it motivated me to take the hobby into that next level and purchase that DSLR I had been putting off since the Canon 10D was released. I financed my Canon 40D (still paying it off ) and started learning as much as I could. Again the photos were crap, but at least I had Auto Mode to get me by. I remember telling my wife, or as she puts it she remembers me telling her "This will be great honey, I'm going to get this camera and I'll be using it to make a lot of money. I'll have it paid off and everything." Well come a year and a half later and I've only actually made about $26 in purely photography services. This brings me back to the main subject of Motivation. I was so full of Motivation at that point in my life I was running with ambition but lacked a solid plan to get from Point A to Point B.

So Motivation can be your friend and your enemy. In the since it can give you that push to do and follow the things you really want to accomplish, but it can lead you down paths you may not actually be prepared for. I'm finally coming to the point where I feel I'm prepared to take the steps to get to that next level and become a professional.

What exactly is a professional though? Well in the words of David Hobby a pro is anybody who makes 51% of their income from Photography. So I'm definitely not at that point yet, but as my funds keep dwindling to nothing pretty soon Photography may be my only income source and maybe I'll hit that Pro Status (according to Mr. Hobby ;) )

I've been reading a lot more lately and one of my favorite photographers and blogs is Zack Arias (his Blog can be found here) he is a down to earth, normal guy who just happens to love and make his income from the same things as I. He did a great, depressing, but inspiration video for Scott Kelby's Photoshop Insider blog last year titled "Transform" which really got me thinking about the self doubt we all go through as Photographers. It almost as if there's a unity there in the photography community where we all go through something similar.

This last couple of weeks I've been very unmotivated to do photography as I've been trying to deal with the other callamitys of life and money troubles. At several points in the past couple of weeks I've come to the point where I've seriously considered giving it all up. Go back to that 9-5 office job. Work in a little cubicle hoping to at least get a small window to see the world flash by. Watch the Sun's light change the shadows, shapes, and colors. Somehow I don't think I could ever be the same again.... not after this.

So the question is how do you find the Motivation to keep going, but to not get over ambitious and rush yourself into things you are not ready for. I'd love to hear some opinions on this so I'd like everybody to leave some comments on here and share your own personal stories, and ideas on my thoughts.

Thank you for reading
-Steven

A self portrait drawing of me and my camera

I need to write more often - An Update!

2009-09-06T02:34:00.000-07:00

Jubala - At War (Promotional Shot)

Hey everybody. So I've come to the conclusion that I really need to write more on this blog, I just hope that people are actually reading it. It's been a good 2 - 3 weeks now since my last post. Let's see a lot has happened since then.

I did shoot Jubala and the photos look great. It's definitely been a booster for my confidence, but at the same time a little uneasy as I'm now not sure what the next step should be. I guess It's time to go find some more band work. So if your reading this and you need Promo shots, Album Covers, or anything like that for a limited time while I'm building up enough material to make a full put together website for my new company www.BrokenStringStudios.com I will be charging a super good rate that is a great deal and way affordable for groups.

That brings me to another big update, I finally came out with Broken String Studios in the past 3 weeks. So I'm getting the social networking set up for all of that. www.Myspace.com/BrokenStringStudios and have been doing a lot of networking.

If you want to contact me you can do that by e-mailing me BrokenStringStudios@gmail.com
or calling 818-714-0395.

I also just got back from an awesome show @ The Knitting Factory. It was for a buddy's Birthday Party bash that he puts on there every year, unfortunately it appears the Knitting Factory is closing it's doors permanently in October / November so there will be no more :(

It's pretty sad to see a landmark like that disappear from the Hollywood List.

More Pictures and updates to come.

Have a good one
-Steven

Photoshoot with Jubala

2009-08-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

I'm doing a Photoshoot with Jubala today at my Alumni's Auditorium (John Burroughs High School) in Burbank.

Shots and new post to come!

-Steven

Favorite photos from the Battle of the Bands show!

2009-08-08T01:55:00.000-07:00

As promised in my last post I am here to show you some of my favorite shots of the night from Back Pocket Memory and a few other bands as well. All in all it was a great night and I did get a lot of cool shots and had a fun time and good experience working with the more professional lighting of "The Key Club".

Enjoy

-Steven

Back Pocket Memory
Always will recommend you check out Back Pocket Memory. They are genuine friends of mine in real life and I grew up with them. I wish them the best of success in their ventures and adventures.

Back Pocket Memory performing

Ian Felchlin and Eddie Rosales on Guitars

Jason Montgomery on drums and Chris Pennington singing to the audience

BPM celebrating their victory

Jet Stream (2nd Place Finalist)
These guys are an awesome band. They are made up of just kids ranging from 13 to 17 years old. They are gaining popularity all over Southern California and have a great ROCK solid sound. Watch out for these guys in a town near you soon.

Garrett Zeille (guitar/Vox) and Kevin Seven (Bass / Vox)

Jet Stream rocking out at the Key Club

The West
They are funky. They are interesting. They don't have a bassist but make it sound like they do! At first I was not sure what to think of The West, but as I listened to them at and after the show (via Myspace Music) I started to enjoy them more and more. They have a funky mix and a fun attitude to this whole music life. Definitely check them out if you have a moment and give them a chance to grow on you.

The West playing to the audience

Wes and Dave performing and Wes fixing his guitar on stage

The Luke Andrews Accident (Alternate Site)
I really enjoyed listening to Luke Andrews sing his bluesy upbeat jazzy tunes at the show. His band definitely has an interesting sound with some very catchy songs. One of my favorites is "One of Those Days" which has a great line in it about Windows XP! Always fun to throw in a little computer lingo in your music. Check them out and follow them.

The Luke Andrews Accident playing The Key Club

Luke Andrews on Accoustic and Mike Rizzuto on Guitar

Back Pocket Memory has won the Emergenza Battle of the Bands Finals!

2009-07-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everybody know that Back Pocket Memory, the band I shoot a lot (they are all good friends of mine off the stage) have won the Emergenza Battle of the Bands contest at The Key Club last night.

The Grand Prize is a trip to Germany to play music and eat Bratwurst or something excitingly cool like that. They will be taking off in 1 week!

So I just wanted to Congratulate my friends on this Glorious Amazing Accomplishment.

Look out for a blog in the next couple of days with photos from the event!

-Steven

Some Exciting News!

2009-07-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

I have some cool new exciting news. The band I previously shot Jubala and I are working on doing some new photos!

This is very exciting for me and I'll keep you all posted when I know more!

As a side note. Thank You everybody who follows my blog. It is an honor that you all care enough to check it out and keep up with my wacky world.

Thank You
-Steven

Jubala, Back Pocket Memory, Hollywood Way! Howl at the Moon #2

2009-07-16T22:48:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody I wanted to share this with you. I did another concert at the great venue Howl At The Moon at the Universal City Walk in Universal City, CA on June 29.

This was my first time shooting with my new Ultra Wide-Angle lens (Tokina 12-24mm f4) It is a beautiful lens, and I was able to get some interesting shots. I also used 1 strobe for this set.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Enjoy!

Also as a reminder, if you did not realize it before, if you click on the photos on the blog here they will take you to my flickr page where you can check out much, much more of my photography.

Here is a link to all of my concert and performance photographs

Jubala

Jubala performing @ Howl at the Moon

Trevor on Keys with Chris on Guitar

Zack on Bass and Sam w/ guest singer sister Niki Saletta

Back Pocket Memory

Back Pocket Memory performing @ Howl At The Moon

Eddie and Ian on Guitars

Rob on Bass with Eddie. Chris singing (Ian in background)

Hollywood Way

Hollywood Way @ Howl At The Moon

Zach on Bass and Andre on Guitar

Spencer on Drums and Tom with Vocals.

Tom singing on the audience floor

Can't let the sickness get ya down!

2009-07-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody. So it's been a few weeks since my last post.
Just wanted to let everybody know I'm still alive and kicking, I was just taking a small break to deal with personal life issues and what not.

This past week My wife Tiffany has been sick and our daughter picked up the summer bug a few days ago and keeps spiking fevers. She's going off to the doctors tomorrow. I caught some part of the bug, but only have a soar throat and a little congestion. Besides that I'm good to go and not letting it get me down.

So when I last wrote I was about to do a big shoot. Unfortunately the model for the shoot canceled at 2am the night before a 10am Call time. This left me and my fellow photographer and friend Kim St. Dennis scrambling to find somebody to come into the studio we had booked to shoot. He arranged for an actress named Laura who was looking to get some headshots. So unfortunately I did not get the cool shots I was hoping to get, but I did come out of it with a couple of additions to my portfolio and some more good experience. Most of all it was fun working in the studio with the big Norman Pack System heads, although I'd prefer the Mono-Lights any day over them as the versatility is just superb.

Here are the shots I was able to get from the shoot with Laura.

My buddy Kim St. Dennis posing for the camera!

Update: Birthday, Shoots, Future

2009-06-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody I know it's been a week or two since my last Blog. I wanted to update everybody on what has been going on with me and share some of the stuff from my latest shoots.

The Exciting News!
Ok... Well this is probably not that exciting, and as friends of mine will probably tell you I'm not really one who gets overly enthused about my upcoming Birthday. The thing for me is once you hit 21 it starts feeling like your just getting older now... where is the excitement? I actually have looked forward to my 25th Birthday, so I'll have to wait another year for that. Finally then I will be able to rent motorized vehicles without the premiums and junk. EXCITING!

So come this Wednesday I will be turning a grand wopping total of 24 Years Old. I'm not sure what I will be doing that day as the band "4th and Dock" who I really enjoy shooting and listening to is playing that night. I do seem to have a lot of friends that really want to do something this year, so hopefully I'll throw something together and you won't find me sulking under a rock! :-D

Photoshoots Galore!
So ever since the Salton Sea expedition I've become pretty good friends with our two models Ioana and Mindy. Naturally, I've been working with them to develop new headshots and looks for their books. They've gone from not having any photos to having some amazing stuff in the past 2 weeks. It's been a very fun and cool experience and they are really cool people to have around. The benefits for me is I can practice my lighting comfortably without the nervousness of a new model to work with each time. I am really improving with poseing and directing, and I'm getting a few good shots for my own portfolio.

Here is Mindy dressed up in one of my leather jackets and posing in my home studio. This is one of my favorites of all the shoots I've done with them. There is a certain quality to it, a great emotional expression that really comes through.

When Mindy (Previous photo) came over to do get some shots for her headshots last week Ioana came along as well. I ended up grabbing some shots of her before I tore down the equipment. I really liked this one and she looks amazing.

This is one of the headshots I took of Ioana on location in Hollywood this past Friday. We did a gorilla style shoot on the streets among bums, cats, and crazy Hollywood people.

Again here is Ioana posing in Hollywood last Friday. This was actually on the Balcony of her and Mindy's apartment. They have an interesting little area with big fluffy pillows and bamboo walls. It was a cozy little spot.

Looking to the future!
One of the most important things I've come to stand by in life is to always look forward to the future, so that is what I am doing. I'm trying to schedule and prepare as many shoots as I can to gain the experience and hopefully eventually move into the professional career that I want to. I was thinking about this the other day and if one does not even bother to try and reach for their goals they have already failed. So for the summer here I will be pretty busy with photoshoots galore. Hopefully I will have some beautiful things to show while developing my own style and come out into Fall with a new perspective, ambition, and goals with my Photo Career.

As a matter of fact I have a pretty big shoot planned for tomorrow which I'm sure I will be blogging about soon. It will be very exciting. My photographer buddy Kim St. Dennis and I are doing a Fashion / Beauty / Environmental Portraiture style shoot tomorrow with a beautiful model named Sara A.K.A. Radio Queen (Model Mayhem # 153756)

We will be shooting in a Studio on the West Side area of Los Angeles, then doing an on location beach / boardwalk shoot later in the evening.

Have a Happy Summer Solstice everybody and enjoy the beginnings of your summer.