Time Machine saves the bacon!

Since spring training is slated to start this weekend, I wanted to pay tribute. I had intended to highlight a couple Mariner games from the '09 season. But, as I was getting images ready I happened across a little "hiccup". Seems, in a house cleaning project, I had managed to delete several "good shots"--evidently I thought I had relocated the master images to my external hard drive when I had not (but I did manage to empty the trash). OOOPS! (you ever want to hear someone go on a little tirade???...that'll do it).

Luckily, the fine folks at Apple programed this little app called "Time Machine". (Little disclaimer: I did have the images backed up onto CD, but who REALLY wants to go through that stack/well-organized-folder-of-crap?). Needless to say, I entered the Time Machine. Transported myself back to August 2009. Shuffled through the finder, and (low-and-behold) found my missing images. BEAUTIFUL....and elegant. I have to hand it to those people at Apple.



So, the post that I had intended for today will chivalrously acquiesce to it's savior-for-another-day!

And for all you Sox fans...it was images from the Red Sox-Mariners series.

stay tuned.

Breaking the "Celebrity Cherry"...

Since "firsts" are always memorable events in a person's life, I decided to write about the cover-shoot I did with Kasey Keller. For those who do not know, Kasey Keller is a preeminent US soccer-goalie, and he has international "street cred". (There is no need for me to plagiarize Wikipedia, so I suggest you have a read-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasey_Keller --his accomplishment are impressive, to say the VERY least.)



Why do I slather on? Emphasis. The cover-shoot I did with Mr. Keller was my first cover for Sports Northwest Magazine. Additionally, Kasey Keller was my first famous portrait. Already an international star, Keller was making headlines with the expansion MLS Seattle Sounders FC because he was a local icon who had returned home. The Sounders experienced tremendous success in the inaugural season, and Keller was the Captain that provided the senior leadership.

At the time of the cover-shoot, the Seattle fans were in a Sounders frenzy, Keller was approaching an MLS record for shutout minutes, and it was only June. As such, the headline story for NWM was to be Keller's desire to occupy a spot in the "front office" (when he is done in goal)....and, with that, Kasey was interested in a shoot on the condition that he would wear a suit, and the shoot would take place at Sounders HQ. ...in Tod Leiweke's office (the CEO). The stage was set.

I was able to show up 1 hour prior to the shoot. The editor had been hesitant to petition for extra time, but I emphasized the need to have everything setup-- so that, upon arrival, Kasey would be plug-and-play. I was surprised that I had to be earnest about my request--the editor was very concerned and emphatic about how we would only get 20-30 mins for the shoot. To which I responded, "it can either be a 20-30 fiasco, or a 20-30 min success" ....I needed to set lights and If I was going to have to setup "in the moment"...someone was going to be pissed (2 someones, and I was the least important). Luckily, it was no problem for me to show up early.

For the cover shot, I wanted to portray Keller's field presence in the office--He's the field general, so I wanted to show that commanding presence in a suit.



I was thankful that the weather cooperated...and felt the clouds in the background gave the scene an ominous mood. What I really wanted, but did not get, was to have Kasey wearing his keeper-gloves (with his fists on the desk... I think the gloves would have made this shot).

Next, I needed to get a "feature shot" to accompany the story (inside). Initially, my thought was to get Keller sitting at the desk--more of a measured business tone. But, as we switched gears (and through the course of conversation, as I explained the intent), Keller said jokingly, "why don't you get a shot of me doing what Leiweke does?" .... After which, Keller grabs the phone, leans back in his chair...and just about throws his feet up on the desk as he pretends to talk about a pending T-time. (He and I had a collective laugh over those shots.)



Just to be safe, I had Kasey sit for the "canned" shot, as well...which I thought showed his softer side. (...turns out he is an exceptionally nice person.)



...and then, I said, "Thank you. I think that'll do" ....in under 10 min. Keller was somewhat surprised "Really?".

"Yep, that should do it." to which, Keller replied, "Efficient. I like it when people are prepared and ready to go."

I was pleased after he said that....although, shortly after, I had a bit of a panic attack..."what if everything was out of focus, or if the editor doesn't like it...I should have changed things up a little more, not been tied by the vision I had...should have allowed things to flow a little more by using more time..." so on, and so forth.

But at the end of the day, the cover was shot, and the inside content as well...and, most importantly, the subject was very happy with the time that I used. I think he was glad that I ended the session as well...neither he nor the PR guy had to cut me off. The session ended on a positive note. ...my first famous subject had left pleased. I was left hoping that it was, indeed, successful.



Turned out, the Editor was very pleased, and very happy with the impression we left with the organization....I was a little disappointed that the designers and publisher took the mood out of the shot, and blanched the sky, but I think my first cover turned out well. (I will save the diatribe about the print-press coming out too red.)

stay tuned.

Yearning...for a treat.

Over the MLK holiday-weekend, I made a quick trip to Montana to do a little expedition/lifestyle photo excursion. I cajoled my friend (Vince) into a weekend of "hunting" and photography...the goal of which was to get duck and goose hunting photos, and to get his 3 yr. old son (Geordie) out....I wanted to incorporate the little-lad into some "fun" pictures.

On our last day, I decided it might be good fun to bring my dog (Jezebel), so that she could experience her first hunt. Vince's dog, Disco, if a phenomenal retriever--so, it seemed like a perfect way to get Jezebel "on the scent"...have the experienced dog teach the city-dog what life "on the farm" is like. (I'll spare you the diatribe about the endless folly of my misconception. ...good "retrieving dog" ≠ good "hunting retriever" )

So, that's the crew: Geordie (3yrs), Disco (black labrador, 5 yrs), Jezebel (chocolate labrador, 6yrs), Vince (hunter--he's got a gun, so I ain't sayin), and myself (photog; ha, sorry). We headed out for an afternoon hunt (shooting ends at sunset)...

Vince and Geordie set up some decoys...



Shortly thereafter, I set my gear spread and, and then I was charged with Geordie and the dogs (while the truck was "hid")....which was perfect: get the exposure and flash-power dialed in....get the dogs in various spots...get the "frame" I like...that way I am ready and the subjects don't have to wait on me. So, after the tasks were done, I decided to get a couple picts of Geordie-- by this day (I should tell you) G has had enough of me, my camera, and the shenanigans--he slips into his own little world..and as I'm watching, he starts giving me all these FANTASTIC candid posses.

...now, I did know what Geordie was doing (in this picture), but I had no idea about the rest of the frame...I knew the dogs were there, but I NO IDEA what was awaiting me when I chimp'ed the shot....



...I would love to know what my dog was thinking (at that moment)...

A. Hey, what the hell are you doin?
B. You're gunna share that, right?
C. mmm...Soooo tasty!

nonetheless... a great find.

Later, after the hunting commenced, my time was spent trying to get an image of Vince and Geordie "hunting"...
My favorite shot came toward the end of the evening--Vince called in a couple ducks, and said, "I'm going to take them"....he stood, took aim...and just before he shot, I took my shot (surprisingly, flashes do not scare ducks)...



What I like about this shot....The 2 ducks are in the scene, Vince is on the bird "up-top", and...Geordie is ON the duck at the lower left--he's got his toy side-by-side shotgun on that bird (what you can't hear is that he pulled the trigger). Needless to say, his dad was VERY proud!

...and, of course, the great hunter, himself.



A much needed little trip.

more to come.

The UW trio cover shoot

Loaded with background info and the expectations of the upcoming basketball season, I wanted to produce a cover that incorporated the psychology of the "game-personalities" and the attitude-- namely: 'The Pac-10 is OURS" (cover); and, "If you wanna challenge the axiom....we WILL bring it" (feature shot).

As you may have guessed, Venoy and Isaiah were definitely up to the task. The personalities they had displayed on the court are not contrived--put the ball in play, and the intensity might be amplified. (Isaiah was a natural in front of the camera...required little directions. Venoy was true to Venoy--intense.) I loved my role, which was to temper the enthusiasm--or to channel it, rather. But, I'd say the freshman may have felt overshadowed. To my recollection, Abdul did not smile one time while I was shoot them as a group. So, I improvised. I decided I'd shoot them each separately and then construct a composite--this would be for the inside copy.

One thing that I definitely learned from shooting for the Mag...you've got to visualize the text--and you MUST PLAN AHEAD for the gutter. It's not rocket science, but lack of foresight will cause an editor to pop a cork (really).

The final product and the final cover of Sports Northwest Magazine.

Stay tuned.

The Freshman: Abdul Gaddy

As is usually the case, the unknown impinges upon the "creative vision"...

Since I had been exposed to Venoy Overton and Isaiah Thomas, I had a distinct vision for the cover-shot I wanted to produce--I would be able to incorporate the "unknown 3rd" easily. Nonetheless, a hurdle remained: how to incorporate Abdul Gaddy into the "feature spread" ...with some character.

What I needed was information, so I had to do a little "google search" on this Gaddy fella. Turns out (surprise, surprise), Abdul Gaddy was quite the prep-sensation. According to "the establishment" and a Seattle times article, Gaddy was the top basketball recruit in the state (averaging > 25 ppg), and Abdul's commitment to UW was regarded as quite the coup. Yet, the best piece of information to come from my googlings....I had actually covered Gaddy when Bellarmine prep (Gaddy's alma mater) played Bellevue HS (in the Holiday Hoop Fest at UW).

It is amazing how the mind works...I only had to see the picts to remember the player...

Bellarmine Prep's No. 3.... a tall guard, able to draw the defense-- able to DISH the ball. Yet, (not so surprising) able to score when not covered. (...suppose one must be able to punish a team for lackadaisical defense to setup the pass. ...call me "Holmes")

Nonetheless, I had it...the final component to produce both the cover and double-spread for the feature pict!

2 follows 1, by sequence only (unless one counts in reverse)

What can be said about Isaiah? The more pertinent question might be; where to start? Probably the smile--if you study his smile...you can learn quite a bit about the man that hails from Tacoma, Washington. His smile is infectious smile. It's big smile. It's playful. It has attitude.

Even though, Isaiah started his freshman year with plenty of hyped-expectations, his body

language showed that his 5’8” frame was prepared for the challenge. Always a smile, always laughing, always having fun, but ALL business during a game….

…and a little ink (for spice).

Out of high school IT was billed as a scorer. Fast first-step, Strong to the hoop, ability to shoot, and tough were just some of the descriptions one would here around the press.

Did I mention the smile? Seems like most of the press talk centered around his basketball skills. But from a photographer’s perspective, Isaiah had personality that could play ball.

Sure, he had speed, toughness, and MAD ball-handling skills, but what he really had was the ability to have fun. Play hard and have fun— now that’s infectious.

That infectious smile played tough.

That smile made sure a big-man knew he’d been had.

That smile complimented the work-ethic established by John Brockman and helped to steer the Huskies to win their first Pac-10 title in several years.

Isaiah Thomas earned the moniker: Freshman Phenom.

We shall see if number 2 can bring a second title.

Will IT bring the same attitude, passion, and play? He has returned with a little more ink, a few extra pounds of muscles, and he has the same smile. (omens?).

(They just opened Pac-10 with a win over the Beavs...the first step.)

As a sophomore, Isaiah is definitely at the point...a position that he relishes.

1 personality is tough enough.... Guard Dawg cover part 2.

As promised, I will continue the previous post and highlight the cover shoot I did (for SNM) with Venoy Overton, Isaiah Thomas, and Abdul Gaddy. As foreshadowed by the image in the previous post, the challenge of the (pre)shoot was trying to conceive a means to direct 3 different personalities (2 of which are LARGE personalities) to produce an image that was/would be mutually rewarding. (In the end, I wanted them to be vested.) Regardless, the idea/objective of the shoot was to create an image that highlighted the attitude/success experienced by the Huskies (in 2008-09 season) and the expectation/hype of a forthcoming "final four squad" in 2009-10.

I wanted to draw from the perception (of each player) that was rooted in their

2008-09 season (call it the "leg-work"). Since, I had been able to shoot court-side, for the 08/09 season, I had substantiated some distinct opinions about Venoy and Isaiah.

First up: The Senior, Venoy Overton.

Lessons/descriptors from 2008-2009:

Grit:

Venoy Overton came into the 08-09 season fulling a new role...and I would say he came into the season ready to prove he WOULD fill a vital roll on the team.

He came into the game, and he played hard.

His defensive vigor became the hallmark of his junior season.

He was voracious!

(which did get him into early foul trouble in the NCAA tournament, when faced with non-conference officiating)

He hustled in transition to get down-court and block shots.

And his efforts usually provided the emotional

spark needed to motivate his team at critical moments to transition game-momentum.

Stealing the ball...and taking it full-tilt to the bucket.

And, more than once, I watched Overton take a hard screen

--each time he seemed content to take it and DEAL it, as if to say, "Alright. You want some of this? Take it. ...and how did you like it? Bring it."

No. 1 brought it.

Up next: Isaiah Thomas....

College Basketball Season--editorial coverage

Since the University of Washington Huskies played the Georgetown Hoyas today, I thought I would begin a series that features a shoot fro October that features three Husky guards: Venoy Overton (Senior), Isaiah Thomas (freshman-phenom-turned-Sophomore), and Abdul Gaddy (true Freshman). The editorial piece (written by Todd Dybas, now of the SeattlePI.com) and cover adorned the November issue (College Basketball Special) of Sports Northwest Magazine.

Back in June, I started to shoot editorial coverage, portraits, and story pieces for Sports Northwest Magazine--a local sports rag. Unfortunately, SNM has stopped providing coverage...and with it, the Seattle metro area lost another media outlet.

(Ironically enough, the editorial outlets with access to the local events seem content to use the "Googles and Amazon.coms" of the world--press-wire, the associated press, and Getty-- for images. It is an interesting lesson in economics with the "fallen" using the very tools that were their destruction, yet still touting the necessity to support LOCAL outlets.)

But, I digress.

Since a select few images get published, despite the tremendous amount of effort that goes into editorial sports coverage, I want to run a series of entries and present images I enjoyed. In particular, I will try to share the "idea" behind the image and the art--since most editorial outlets do not like to publish images that attempt to step outside traditional editorial coverage (a trend that I hope changes RAPIDLY...Sport Illustrated and ESPN The Mag are leading the charge).

to be continued...

Photographer's dog

I am always a bit dismayed when I try to acquire images of my dog. She always feigns a look of pain. Really. (have look) One would think she was being beaten.

Most animals (in captivity) will just stare right back at the camera as if to ask, "what has gotten into that one.....and whoa, what's with that sudden burst of light? Dude, quit buggin' me."

Not my dog....this beautiful beast makes you work for every picture. (Makes one want to throw the camera away...but the bain of the retriever---she'd bring it right back, big panting-smile and all.

And then there are dogs like Dozer--a big oaf (in the form of a great pyrenees). He could careless about that camera....so long as a treat is short coming. He's got great character, endearing oddities, and he'll let you shoot until your trigger finger aches.

...not so different from people.

The initial foray

I have heard it said, "...there comes a time when you have to put yourself out there...", and so I embark. While blogging seems the equivalent to testing the water with the tip-toes, the creatures that lurk below are still frightful.

While going through the process of designing and producing a webpage, I thought I would utilize blog posts as a narrative to share my process (if only for myself). Ideas evolve as I get them out of my head and allow myself to view them as an abject reviewer--and more so when others comment and collaborate.

As a neophyte photographer, publishing a webpage is an intimidating task. Which images? How to organize them? What to show? What not to show? How much? How, what, and why? (!) And then you go and look at established photogs' webpages...(ostrich impersonation, anyone?)....the *joy* of personal growth.

As I collaborate with my friend, Jason Astorquia, to produce my website...which has turned out to be a process that has caused him to rethink his site (www.storksplace.com)...I will share the process.

Much like the hunter and his dog....contemplation precedes the hunt.