Sweet Reunions

As it tends to, life has sped up so fast I can barely keep up. Changes at work, at home, all good, but very tiring. My artistic self has been cooped up, and I’m itching to get back out. I had a chance to play around with my photographer side a couple weeks ago for my dad’s 60th birthday. My step-mom organized a surprise party that brought my father’s siblings from all over Northern California. We haven’t all been together in years. The event brought together a couple siblings who had a falling out, and this special day was a way to move forward.

When I was young we were always with this side of the family. I have six cousins, not counting their spouses and children. With the whole group together, we take up a lot of space. The kids would play pool or computer games while the adults laughed for hours playing board games. I would cry every time we left my aunt’s house. We were always together. While I know a part of life is moving apart, I feel like we’re at the prime time to start coming back together. My cousin who I’m closest to in age is expecting his second child, a baby girl. I hope that someday my kids will play with his little ones just like we did. We always joke that my cousin’s little boy looks like my dad. I caught this adorable moment that really nudged at my “hey Michelle have some babies” nerve.

In the end the afternoon was full of smiles and love, and all a celebration for my dad. Creative juices are flowing once again. Funny how family can do that.

Check out the rest of the album here —>

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sfBIG Trailer

Last week I had the pleasure of watching my coworker and his band perform. Every year sfBIG has a battle of the bands. A large crowd of marketing folks looking for fun headed to the Great American Music Hall here in San Francisco. Last year my coworker’s band, Rainbow Brite and the Flaming Cobra Death Skulls, came in second. They were out for blood this year.

My first concert shoot, I came armed with my 60D and 5D. I worked a 50mm 1.8 on the 60D and a 28mm 2.8 on the 5D. I didn’t have a loupe for the 5D so focus was tough at times. I pushed myself front and center before each band, and tried to get back for wide shots as their sets progressed. I had a Zoom H1 in my audio bag at my hip, collecting sound for at least one song per set. Next time I’d love to be able to just drop a mic in front of a speaker so I can collect more. Between diving, bobbing, kneeling, and trying to get the shots, I was battling along with the bands. It was hard work, but well worth the payoff.

Watch the trailer above to see what went down. Stay tuned for a longer length video of all the bands, as well as a special showcase for the winners.

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A Day at the Races

I’ve always been a fan of horse racing. The “sport of kings” as they call it. Spending so much time with horses for most of my life, I have a huge respect for these equine athletes and their trainers. Every year I find myself excited that the Triple Crown is coming, kicked off by the famous Kentucky Derby.

We have a lot of great racing here in California, but most of it is down south. To be a part of the fun, we decided to take a trip across the Bay to Berkeley’s Golden Gate Fields. They have live racing Thursday through Sunday, and live simulcasting of special races. What a perfect chance to enjoy the sunshine, drink some mint juleps, and try my hand at sporthorse photography.

Using a borrowed Canon 70-300mm lens and my 5D, I was able to get some decent tight shots of the horses out on the field. Next time, I’ll bring my 60D to get right up in there.

As this was a party for the Derby, there were hats. Lots and lots of hats. Being able to sit in the stands and get some shots was pretty great.

At the end of the day our group gathered together for a fun shot of all of us.

I shot a lot of video as well, I’ve yet to work on it. I forgot my monopod at home and quickly realized this was a huge mistake. Trying to keep the image stable at 300mm was tough, even with the lens braced against the rail in front of me. I’ll take what I learned back to the track this weekend when we head back to watch the Preakness.

Take a look at my Derby Day set on Flickr for some more shots.

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FLAWLESS It Is

Check out this goosebump giving trailer from Pacific Pictures and then check out some REALLY cool behind the scenes pictures from the chase scene.

FLAWLESS is both a love AND action story, weaving the lives of two couples together in an interesting way. It was shot entirely on Canon 5DmkII cameras, using Canon L glass. Four days shooting on location in LA, they even had one of those amazing Porche Cayenne’s fitted with a Gemini crane.

Some more info from the team:

Amazingly realistic picture vehicles were provided by Picture Car Warehouse. Shooting a police chase on-location with world class stunt drivers under the supervision of stunt coordinator Gianni Biasetti was one of many highlights, as was staging a full-blown heist of the gorgeous Stuart Moore in Fashion Island.

I’m looking forward to the feature film as this looks simply amazing.

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The Eagle Has Landed

If I had a finished project for all the gear I’ve bought, I’d have a lot of stuff done. Instead I’ve been building a small army of photography and video gear. I love toys, and I love good deals even more. I absolutely couldn’t let the deal slip away on this refurb 5D Mark II. Before I hit the “purchase” button I made a promise to myself that I’d stop waiting, stop putting all my ideas off. It’s time to dust off everything and get to work.

One large step for my wallet, one giant leap towards my dreams.

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