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It has been a while since I put in an update on some of the elevators we have visited over the last year.  From Las Vegas and Hover Dam to local grocery stores.  When ever we travel somewhere, Matthew needs to ride and video the elevators. As a family, (Matthew Adi and I), have gotten to the point where we all enjoy the little side trips. It’s interesting how autism can lead you down strange roads that can actually draw you closer together as a family. So even though these little ventures are not commercial projects, they are a big part of my life that I like to share.

The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas

Safeway, Mountain View

  Talking Stick Resort, Az.

Hover Dam

Shopping Mall, Chandler AZ.

Hoover Dam.

Talking Stocks Resort, AZ.

Shopping Mall, Phoenix AZ.

Here is a very large series of elevators from many of our adventures: ELEVATORS

http://old.melphoto.com/elevator-update/

The Silicon Valley Ad Club recent held the local ADDY Awards. This year I only made one submission, but was lucky enough to be honored with a Silver Award for the work done on the Riverbed Campaign.
Thanks R2i and Mike Connor for the fun project!

http://old.melphoto.com/addy-award-2017/

Nyuk, Nyuk, Nyuk

No that’s not Popeye. We were interjecting a little humor into some ads for technology firm, Riverbed. Most ads for technology companies read like a datasheet. Some detailed technobabble or sales propaganda. These ads, created by Art Director Mike Connor, were meant to stop the viewer while being a little more fun, and kind of realistic on how people feel when they make the switch to a working system.  It’s nice when the client can allow for some creative freedom on set. Better yet when it turns into a usable piece.

Jan Lenhardt always does a good job for real people make-up like we needed for this shoot.

Walking the models through what is coming up next is important. IMHO.  It’s too difficult to just throw them into the set without a little description of what we are looking for ahead of time. I like to walk them through the process. Especially when the look is outside their normal expressions. This model is more used to looking glamorous and pretty in front of the camera. But that’s not the look we were going for.  But she worked with us well and came off great in front of the lens.

You can see here this was not the usually glamorous portfolio piece she was probably hoping for.  Instead we really wanted the hyper detailed look. Which shows off the every freckle and pore, and just about ever thing else you typically try to hide.

This is one of those shots that is really meant to be view large to see the incredible detail in the face and shirt.  It makes a huge difference.

Ad agency people, Jenny Salcedo and Kristina Smith, most likely discussing the details of the shoot. Or a TV show from last night. It’s hard to tell with certainty.

Getting unique expressions out of a model can be a challenge. Models are not actors. And in this case, we were working with “Real People” talent. Building a rapport is always the key. Then it’s not a matter of asking a non-pro to give you the right expression, but rather getting into their personality to bring the expression out in a realistic fashion.  I think what I did here was ask him if he was interested in going on a date. Or something like that……

http://old.melphoto.com/riverbed-shoot/

Every year the APA in San Francisco, ( American Photographic Artists), hosts a very special event where 6 well respected judges select 100 images from the personal work of top Bay Area commercial photographers. Another 100 images are chosen to to be exhibited in an on-line gallery. Submission for the show can run as many as 1200 pieces.  To be in either of the final groups is quite an honor.  In years past I have always be lucky enough to be in the hung show.

This year I only submitted two images, but was still grateful to have one of them selected for the on-line gallery.

This B&W image is the one that made it into the final selection.  A web showcase does not really do it justice.  But if you would like to see a large version, just click on the image.

I was really surprised that this one did not make it, but I guess there were a lot of submissions of dancers this year.

If you would like to know more about the show, check out this link: http://sf.apanational.org/events/

Follow-up

Another photographer friend caught me in action viewing the show. Now have proof I really was there.

http://old.melphoto.com/apa-photo-show/

Having studios in both San Francisco and Silicon Valley, it’s pretty typical to work with new start-up companies of all types. It’s always exciting to be on the front lines in the creation of new companies and new products.  In many cases, the products have not been officially announced so they can not be shown or promoted on my own website.  But this little device from SolTrackr is not only innovative, it is already making some great moves in the marketplace.

We produced a variety of studio shots. This one shows off the small chip in the window…the brainchild of the device which senses the amount of UV light the wearer is being exposed to during the day.

Start-ups often have to pull in from whatever resources they can manage, to create the bold presence needed to compete. For example, this beautiful model was actually part of the marketing team for the company.  A nice manicure on the company dime, equally nice lighting, and we were go to go.

Like many new devices, this works directly with your smart phone.

It’s always wise to demo the product in use out in the field.

This is a perfect type of product shoot for me because it combines the need for great studio still shots (with the challenge of creative lighting techniques), and shooting outside with models in action.

Want to know more about SolTrackr:  https://soltrackr.com/

http://old.melphoto.com/the-soltrackr/

It’s kind of fun to show a little behind the scenes look of the location sets. There is a lot of effort put out, and sometimes it can get a little hectic. Which may run counter to a shoot where the final image reflects a peaceful, comfortable looking shot of a family relaxing in front of the TV.  It’s not always as glamorous as people think.  But when you are working with professionals, it is always worth the effort.

Perfect example of how UNglamorous a location set can be sometimes.  Make-up artist Jan Lenhardt wanted to set-up in the kitchen to be closer to the action and see the type of lighting we were using while she was applying make-up.

Isn’t this what your house looks like?  Large lighting panels set up in the room. Furniture spread out everywhere. Cords running across the floor. Extra teenager just laying on the couch doing nothing but reading her iphone. OK, maybe that last one.

FINAL PICKS

It looks totally nice and relaxed now.  Got to say, great models to work with.

Ah, the Jones’s.  The perfect, happy family at home watching TV.  Really, their last name is Jones.  Too bad we were missing the puppies in this shot, right Marshall?

More “on set” make-up from Jan.

Something about this little girls hair color that I really liked.

Laying down on the job.  In this career, it can work pretty well.

FINAL PICKS

http://old.melphoto.com/netflix-family-lifestyle/

In all the years I have been shooting as a professional commercial and advertising photographer, and all the photographs that have made the covers of editorial publications, it is still pretty cool to see a new image displayed in the airport magazine stands as I walk by.

Plus, this is the first time I have had an image on the cover of Popular Science, a publication that the nerd in me has always loved to read. So I have to admit I did enjoy seeing that particular display of magazines at the newsstand.

This is what the digital illustration created by Eric Heintz looks like without all of the text covering up the images.  Great job Eric.

The automotive design team is a based in Ca., I felt it was appropriate to create at least one shot with a California back roads feel.

Another mood came over me because this car is so futuristic, I thought a TRON feel was in order. I can certainly imagine this car zooming through the game. Just stay out of it’s way.

The classic, low angle shots always work well for sporty vehicles.

Another masterful enhancement by Eric Heintz.

We really got a lot of fantastic images from this one day shoot.

See the gallery here:  3D Car Gallery.

http://old.melphoto.com/popular-science-cover/

Finally I get to share some work where I had a great opportunity to give back to the educational community AND allowed me to create some great images for the portfolio. It’s always energizing to work with models and stylists for fashion pieces. And lifestyle work is enjoyable because it is LIFE, that is styled…

When an advertising agency associate, Tim Hendrick,  contacted me about shooting some lifestyle images for a new fashion company called Loyal Army, he had me intrigued. Especially as he stated that it was all part of an educational team project working with students at San Jose State.  This meant that there would be assistance from excited energetic minds.  Of course there is also a certain sense of reward when you feel like you are giving back to the younger creative community in some way.  In addition to the student involvement, the main contact at Loyal Army was someone I was familiar with and I knew of her great talent in working with people and starting new companies.

There was a little concern about turning over some of the key elements of production to the students, but that is exactly where their energy and excitement proved to be most valuable. They jumped in with both feet and accomplished all tasks like true pros.

First things first. Sort all the clothes.

“Oh gosh, did I forget the jackets?”

Make-up and primping.  Always a relaxing time for the models. Amazing how efficiently this young crew work with each other.

There were a couple of days of location scouting. I believe that great locations can tell stories on their own, so I requested that we find some really crazy spot to shoot. I think the scouts saw that sign and figured, “this must be the spot”. And it was, because we took several changes from this LOCO spot.

Train stations always make for great backgrounds. I usually try to break out the long lens, just to impress the clients. I am actually shooting the real  shot from a GoPro hidden in the lens shade. The truth is, I love this lens for this type of work. It puts the background totally out of focus, leaving a sense of location, while allowing the viewer to focus in on the model and products

Quick move to the city streets.

This is where I do my best to convince people that a professional model can change clothes in the bustling city streets.

No problem.   Then I pray that nothing bad happens.

Not sure if I was trying to show the model my dance moves, or what?

So ladies, what did you think of your first fashion shoot? All in all we had a great time shooting over a couple days. The images have made a needed addition to my portfolio, and I wish Loyal Army the best of luck on this new branding.

http://old.melphoto.com/loyal-army-fashion-shoot/

There are exciting times in my career when I am given the incredible opportunity shoot exceptionally cool things. Like the first 3D printed car, the Blade.
Zero to 60 in 2.5 seconds. That’s what they tell me. Sadly, they didn’t let me drive it. But I did get to shoot some amazing photo’s of it.
Only 1400 pounds. Crazy light. Crazy fast. Crazy cool.
It’s already been shown all over the world. But before they toured it to the awed spectators, they needed some phenomenal shots.  So thanks to Donna Michaels at Neon Scoop, I was given this very envious project.

If you want to read more about the car, check out this TIME magazine article: http://time.com/3939488/3d-printed-supercar-blade-divergent-san-francisco/

Sleek and beautiful.  Called the BLADE.

Angle from the rear.  Got it’s own special storage garage.

This was shot looking through the window of the playroom next door to the garage.  Nice mural on the wall. And that IS a streak of sunlight coming through a window and across the playroom wall. Nice luck on that one.

Look how nice the car stands out on the lawn.  Wouldn’t mind this thing in my own yard.  Of course, I wouldn’t mind it if this WAS my yard.  And my garage. And my car.

This is Kevin Czinger.  CEO and co-founder of Coda Automotive.  Proudly sitting in his latest venture.

The other guys at Divergent Microfactories.

Some guys have all the fun. Here is Kevin with his wife, showing off his super strength.

Kevin, explaining other details to our young model.

Seriously, I want this to be my car.

http://old.melphoto.com/3d-printed-car/

Working with kids is always fun and exciting. It requires that I put myself in a much different place than when working with adult models or shooting portraits of CEO’s.  I need to get in touch with the child in myself. That’s ok with me. It helps me to feel alive and young again. Certainly, having an autistic son has given me insight into how differently each child’s mind works. So getting an instant read on the personality of each child I am shooting and than catering to that unique personality, requires an energy shift.

Sometimes, when no one is looking, I walk out of the room and make certain movements with my body to spike the intensity in my own perceptiveness. Most of the time it works.  When it doesn’t, I try to find another way, until I finally reach that level where I can communicate with the kids and pull out of them what we are looking for for the shot.

At the end of the day, I need a drink, or go for a workout, or take a nap. Or all of the above.  But it certainly does make for a fun day.

We got countless great shots form this shoot.  This was a good one for the website.

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There is no such thing as a successful shoot without a great crew. Jan Lehnhardt is a wonderful Make-Up artist. We have been working together for years. She has a way of working with make-up and hair that makes it look natural, which was perfect for this shoot.

Other important assistance was at work in the kitchen, making certain we had quality food for the shots. As well as for the models and crew to eat.

Another great image for the website and internet marketing

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Getting back to my Still Life roots.
Instead of strobes, (which I might normally use for still shoots), I worked with Flolight LED and Fluorescent lighting.  I wanted everything to look as natural as possible. When working with flash, especially with daylight coming in through large windows, you can capture a double image, or a ghost blur.  But when working with a continuous light source, you won’t get the problem. The lighting will look more natural. Even for still life shots. I am lucky to have a great working relationship with the manufacture of these lights.

Just a couple of the final Still Life shots for Netflix.

http://old.melphoto.com/netflix-behind-the-scenes/