blog: brian faini | photography

moving

2011-12-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

Im moving on.
Tumblr has reached a stability that I find acceptable and will be moving future ramblings to the more streamlined platform.

-title unknown-

happening now

2011-07-11T22:57:00.000-07:00

So this is happening now. To see the fruits of the labor checkout the tumblr.

sigh, Cy.

2011-07-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

untitled, Cy Twombly

This week Cy Twombly passed. He was a great inspiration to my art and eventually to my photography. I know it might seem strange that someone who was known for such a raw and minimal approach to abstraction and mark-making might have an influence on one'e photography which can be highly technical and process oriented. But I assure it you it does.

After a few years studying art, and many years making it, I grew to have a greater appreciation for the lack of deliberation or contemplation in the creation of pieces. Pieces that ultimately became something to draw one in. To appreciate the subtlety of a moment in time. The energy of a line.

"Mr. Twombly’s scattered, skittering thatches of chalk lines seemed like extensions of his own nervous system. Accruing randomly, like isolated thoughts or asides, they refused to imply any grand scheme or overreaching rhythm, which contributed to their psychological intimacy." -Roberta Smith

So this week I raise a glass to you Cy.

smashbox

2011-06-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

Dad, 2010

Last night was the Smashbox Studios Assistant Show. One of my images showed with about 60 others at their Culver City location. There was wine, beer, food, music, and a photo booth. I found it only fitting to include an image of my Dad in something after having my mom in an online gallery for mother's day. Both images were made on Christmas morning 2010. It was the first x-mas snow for my hometown in something like 60 years. Hopefully this December one of my images will be hanging in Smashbox's annual FACE-OFF photo competition. Also I want to thank the friends who made it out for (cough) free drinks (cough) I mean support.

mom

2011-05-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

Mom, 2010

LENSCRATCH put together a gallery of moms for mother's day. I made sure to include mine.

disappear

2011-05-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

Out in limited release at film festivals this week is a documentary following Alec Soth on a project shooting those who choose to live on their own and escape the world.

I just gotta say those that choose to do so in the middle of the desert blow my mind and from those I've met are near insane.

Im mainly jealous that he is still shooting almost exclusively with 8x10 film.

man bags

2011-05-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

It might be known that Im a gear geek. Im always looking for the best gear for the job and attempting to be as minimal and multi-purpose with each bit as possible. But when it comes to camera bags this is quite difficult. I get laughed at when people see how many camera bags, backpacks, and shoulder bags I have. But, they all have a specific use. For backpacking recently to tote my Canon 5dmkii I've been going a very minimal route.

Inside my Moutainsmith Crosscountry II internal frame backpack I drop my 5dmkii body in a lens wrap and my 24-70mm f2.8 in the canon lens case that came with my 70-200mm f2.8 and Im on my way. This setup isn't ideal it is clunky and time consuming to whip out the camera. Lowepro just released what might be able to replace a few of my backs and seems great for day hiking or an overnight backpacking trip.

The PhotoSport AW series is styled like most daypacks/outdoor backpacks with hydration pocket but these pack a compartment for a body/lens. Now if I can just get Lowepro to send over the larger black model I should be good to go. This post wasn't sponsored by Lowepro or Canon (though either can sponsor me anytime they please). Im just a fan and enjoy the potential of these new bags.

tears

2011-05-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself in the valley this month or any shop along the blvd that shares the name of the magazine pick up a copy of the May/June edition of Ventura Blvd and check out the two stories I shot. One being the home and garden feature story about an Encino family's home and the other a home office makeover. I managed to squeeze both shoots into one day it was alot of stress but felt I was able to do the stories justice. This was the premiere issue of the magazine. Yes, it was a surprise to me that someone was starting a new magazine. Long live print! It is very gratifying to see your work in print especially 13 images in one issue. (too bad one wasn't the cover)
If you don't find yourself kicking around so-cal in the coming weeks you can also check out the full stories here and here

Yes, the blog has been a bit lonely lately. However, I've been a little busy with life and work. If you're really looking for meaningless nonsense check out the twitter feed and tumblr.

agrostology

2011-02-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

Recently things have been slow so I started tightening up the site a bit more and finally got an edit done on the new gallery "Agrostology". If you haven't been on the site in recently I encourage you to stay for a bit and look around there are some other new images here and there in the other galleries. So stop reading this, click the image above and share your comments here on the blog.

spirit

2011-01-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

Spirit, Pasadena, CA 2011

few more

2011-01-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

mom, 2010

dad, 2010

I dragged my parents out into the snow on x-mas morning. I just shot them being themselves. Was the first time in my lifetime that we had snow on x-mas that was more that a dusting that quickly disappeared.

the first

2011-01-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

The Biltmore House, 2010

Well it is now the 2nd but don't linger on the details. This year I urge you to keep checking in and see the new work as it comes in. I will be pushing myself to shoot as much as I can and get a new book together. Later this week my archive of negatives will be delivered and I will be scanning any lost gems that might be floating around in them. I took a peek through them before I boxed them up to send to the west coast and got some flashbacks of Penland School of Crafts and Kansas City.

Just before leaving NC I visited the Biltmore House. People taking photos intrigued me most as photography inside is prohibited. Their were some great moments to capture inside but didn't wanna get the boot.

lenscratch

2011-01-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

Untitled, Joshua Tree National Park, 2010

I submitted a photo to LENSCRATCH as the creator/editor Aline Smithson was requesting that photographers all over the world submit their favorite image that they created in 2010. The above image was my submission. I suggest you click through to see the many other great images that were submitted.

These are a few of my favs

Lisa Boughter, Untitled, from the series Periphery, Haverford, PA

Anne Berry, Nola (gorilla), Wuppertal, Germany

Eric William Carroll, Speed of Dark #148, Peterborough, NH

scanning

2010-12-12T18:41:00.000-08:00

Bakersville, NC 2006

Kansas City, MO 2007

The blog has been neglected to some degree in the past three months. This can majorly be attributed to the fact that I have been quite busy assisting/teching. I have had to postpone a camping trip three times. Im anxious to break-in some of my new backpacking gear and get some images to add to my portfolio with some of the trips I have planned but I can't pass up the opportunity to make money. So the trips must wait.
I recently aquired a film scanner and managed to pull out some old negs and get back to shooting/scanning film. It is good to be able to have a lab in the neighborhood that I can walk to and pull out out the Mamiya and run some film through it.
This year has been kind to me and I have been able to accomplish many of my goals. I fly back to the east coast soon with film in my pocket, hopefully good things will come of it.

tumblr

2010-12-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

I've had this going for about a month now. Just a pictorial diary of my day to day shenanigans.

random

2010-10-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

Wanna read some random nonsense?

finally

2010-10-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Well it took a lot of work and time for me as I have been super busy the past four months, with trips to Vegas, San Francisco, Sacramento, Ojai, San Diego, and a few other weird spots here in socal.

My new site is up and ready with some new work with even more to come! Check it out and share your thoughts here on the blog.

Thanks to Josh at Cargo Collective and Craig at WeAreGiants for the help.

- faini

slake LA

2010-08-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

Did a few shots for the website of the new quarterly magazine Slake. Pick-up issue 1 "Still Life" or subscribe today.

This summer, a fresh voice takes root in Los Angeles with the debut of Slake: Los Angeles. Slake, a new quarterly journal co-founded by former L.A. Weeklyeditors Laurie Ochoa and Joe Donnelly, is devoted to the endangered art of deeply reported narrative journalism and the kind of polished essay, memoir, fiction, poetry and portrait writing that is disappearing in a world of instant takes and unfiltered opinion. Slake marks a return to storytelling.

two years

2010-08-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

This day two years ago I walked away from a full-time staff photographer position at a daily newspaper and began heading west. Everything I owned fit in my car and for the most part still does. Last year was quite tough and things seem to be progressing each day. This year started off well and has gone quite smoothly. I have a few more goals I hope to attain by the end of this year and look forward to the potential that next year offers.

Thanks to everyone who has helped me out.

- faini

My last photo for the paper

A few shots from my trip west.

Out and about.

2010-07-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

New images coming for you soon. Get ready.
-faini
via BlackBerry

"one bum per customer"

2010-06-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Spent a lot of time downtown LA this week. Various bars, navigating around film crews, rooftop of a private social club, pondering how to break into and out of a locked parking garage, hypothetical situations. Had an interesting encounter with the gentleman above as he is pictured showing the world "peace and fuck you." I need to get downtown with camera in hand a bit more. The metro is also another resource I need to taken advantage of more.

quote

2010-05-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

"The global advertising business is showing signs of recovery after months of decline, WPP Plc (WPP.L), the world’s top ad firm by sales, said on Wednesday adding its own business saw worldwide growth in April."

- via A Photo Editor via Reuters

king eddy saloon

2010-05-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

A while back the guys at We Are Giants had me shoot portraits of the employees at King Eddy Saloon in downtown L.A. for the new web design.

Stop waiting and check it out!

moving forward

2010-04-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

Things have been well in 2010, things are moving forward and im getting a bit of work done. I have gotten some good exposure. Currently im working on a new project for an indie film. A few shots from the project have been added to the portfolio. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

new work

2010-04-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hop over to my portfolio for a few new rock climbing/bouldering images from a recent trip to Joshua Tree National Park.

page 38

2010-03-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Those in the Los Angeles area can pick up the April issue of Angeleno and turn to page 38 and see some of my work.

A shout out to Shane Martin for getting my foot in the door at the Angeleno. Hope to bring more to you soon.

page 16

2010-03-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Open the spring 2010 copy of Emerging Photographer magazine by PDN to page 16 to see me.

The story that the the image accompanies is teased as "How to be a great assistant." It should really be called "They don't teach you this in school."

The photo was taken in downtown LA outside of the location used as Paddy's Pub for the FX show It's Alsways Sunny Philadelphia for an Etnies Girl shoot by photographer Rennie Solis. Oddly enough It's Always Sunny was the first job I worked on after moving to LA. It was great to meet the cast of a show I love.

Check back soon for some rock climbing/bouldering shots from my recent trip to Joshua Tree

bill

2010-02-18T17:46:00.000-08:00

Manager of King Eddy Saloon, Downtown LA

A personal shot from my shoot earlier this week. I will be sharing the others soon. I photographed six employees of the bar for their website/branding that is in the works by We Are Giants. Some of the people have worked there for over 30 years and had some interesting stories to share from their years in skid row. It was a speakeasy in the 20's and opens everyday at 6am. The only place I know of in LA county to get a beer for under $2 and $4 mixed drinks everyday of the week.

one more time

2010-02-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

It is on it's way. I hope to see some of you again this summer as im applying to be a studio assistant for Kyle Bajakian again at Penland School of Crafts

Lets just hope all goes well.

Also, I am excited that I have a shoot coming up next week. So be sure to check back for the results.

quote

2010-01-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

"This is why it's so important to get it right when you can ... This is also why poor photography, published poorly is so damaging. People are only going to look so many times. Once their quota on the subject is filled, they’ll stop looking."

- via A Photo Editor, via Mostly True

light test

2010-01-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

Im on light-test.com again.

plotting

2010-01-13T20:50:00.000-08:00

The Pines

Class listings are up on their site and I am plotting my return. I missed out last summer, which kept me angry for awhile. I feel good about things this year. Looking forward to laying in the grass, eating well, staying up late discussing the finer things in life such as booze, printmaking techniques and food.

quote

2010-01-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

“You have to learn to embrace a life of uncertainty.”So I gotta breathe in. Stay the course. Surviving the photo industry is one part vision, one part business and all heart.

- Photo Coleslaw
via A Photo Editor

lake effect

2010-01-10T22:04:00.001-08:00

Alissa in St. Joseph, MI

The temperature was around 14 degrees with winds gusting up to 30mph. Lake Michigan seemed rather angry as we trudged around in about two feet of snow that was still falling.

enjoy.

2010-01-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

in a world filled with snow, exploring an interior.

new

2010-01-03T07:13:00.000-08:00

Waking to a six degree morning isn't something i've experienced in about three years. Im in MI, for pleasure.

I flew over 12,000 miles in December. I got to do a fair amount of traveling in 2009. Many ups and downs. Looking forward to what this year will bring me. So, far im starting it off right: new shoes, socks and jeans! What more could one ask for?

In a few days I will return to LA, ready to do work. I will have a new site at some point this year and much more new work. I encourage you to check back and share your thoughts on what you see.

cheers

- faini

feature presentation

2009-12-20T22:28:00.000-08:00

So here it is... the project I shot in NC last week. Surprised that it has nothing to do with air travel due to my teaser?
I felt a need to document a portion of my family. There was slight trepidation to sit for me but, all in attendance did grant me the opportunity. Well, I hope you enjoy and share it with others. Please share your thoughts and opinions below.

stay tuned

2009-12-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

Off to the east coast to shoot a new project check back soon for the results.
-faini
via BlackBerry

vanity

2009-11-25T15:33:00.000-08:00

Time for some vanity. Just some random test photos from some of my clients.

^ Rennie Solis

^ Dave Hill

^ Larsen & Talbert

shut the door

2009-11-24T18:38:00.000-08:00

This week brings the almost dead stop of the industry until the new year. I can't say I enjoy this as I really love being on set.

Hiking has become more frequent to augment my inability to escape farther than orange county. December will bring a few trips to the east coast and hopes to start the new year off in MI. With 4th quarter numbers coming in as I return in mid Jan I hope that publishers, editors and various other clients realize they haven't had to sell the shirts off their backs and that they need new images for new campaigns, catalogs and so forth.

Finding solace in a landscape that is still alien has permeated my personal work. Still a human-less world with subtle nuances of an existence.

I steer away from the urban decay, as many peers seems to wrapped up in. I soon hope to find the interweaving of them in nature's ultimate victory.

You have to shut the door on certain things in your life, be it a relationship, place or person, to get somewhere that allows you to grow. Easier said than done.

Things I have learned. (edited version of Stefan Sagmeister's list with some of my own)

Helping other people helps me.
Having guts always works out for me.
Thinking life will be better in the future is stupid. I have to live now.
Everything I do always comes back to me.
Assuming is stifling.
Hindsight is 20/20.
Keeping a diary supports personal development.
Trying to look good limits life.
Material luxuries are best enjoyed in small doses.
Worrying solves nothing.
Complaining is silly, either act of forget.
Everybody thinks they are right.
Low expectations are a good strategy.
Everybody who is honest is interesting.
Learn from everyone.
Follow no one.
Watch for patterns.
Work like hell.

Each item on the list could be followed by a lengthy commentary which might happen bit by bit in the future.

For now, looking forward and working like hell while keeping in mind that everything I do comes back to me is what motivates me. We shall see what work comes of this.

unrelated

2009-11-15T19:26:00.000-08:00

Why does the world have a negative connotation with a camera? Why does everyone think the guy with the camera is up to no go? I always seem to get flicked off and yelled out when I hit the streets with a camera.

On an unrelated note, this is great.

Prix Pictet 2009

this needs a billboard campaign.

2009-11-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

“It will be great advertising for your work,” they tell you, “and getting published by us will help you professionally.”

what the future holds

2009-10-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Thinking a lot on what is to come based on the industry as it is today. This weird little video expresses much of the potential clients that are seeking photographers.

ready

2009-10-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

I'm ready for new clients....
-faini
via BlackBerry

lagoon

2009-09-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

Spent Monday trudging around a marsh/lagoon in Encinitas, CA for an editorial shoot with a new client. I hope for repeat work with the photographer being that their portfolio includes similar work to what I want to be creating. The weather has finally cooled in LA overcast mornings are here. I miss a real fall. I am quite pleased with the image below.

photo assistant

2009-09-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I created a new page on my site for potential clients to view. I kept it short and to the point. Im there to make your job easier so you can concentrate on your images.

Getting clients to pay attention to you and give you a chance to see that you will work well together is quite difficult.

Posting fliers that camera shops and rental houses is hit/miss as well as online photo community social networking sites such as photocrew.com. (it is a great site) I feel as though sites like that are under utilized and people resort to craigslist.org. I have learned that any photo-related posting receives about 120 responses. So getting someone to actually read your response isn't easy.

I over head hair/make-up conversing on set a few weeks ago. They spoke of the lull in the photo industry. They said something I totally agreed with. A rough quote would be "Slow times like these really seem to weed out those who suck. And lets those who are passionate and serious prosper."

walk

2009-09-17T19:56:00.001-07:00

Clouds aren't something you come across often in LA. So, I look down. I haven't seen rain since March, in Nashville.

LA is a small place.

The industry seems better recently. Advertisers and publishers have realized the world has not come to an end. They have definitely slashed spending and are still trying to get something for nothing. I hope everyone keeps strong to their rates. LA sees a just in it population at this time of year. Everyone has taken their summer break after graduation and found themselves here attempting to make something of themselves. I think the number of people entering is equal to those who have left over the past year, unable to find enough work.

I have had scary moments.

I could still use more clients.

Getting someone to pay attention to you is quite a task. If you do get them to acknowledge your existence getting them to call you back for more work is the next step. I come across many who aren't cut out for assisting on photo shoots. It is sad that they steal a day's pay from someone much more capable of preforming the tasks.

Bullshitting is an art I never quite acquired and so many others have. It gets them gigs, but I doubt they are called back.

I was doing retouching in July for meager wages. It was the only work I could find at the time and I choose to stay alive rather than hold out for the proper retouching rate. I came into the project playing clean-up from a mess that three others had made with the images and archives. They had lied about their abilities and knowledge in order to get the job, something I never do. The work they had done was pathetic. I was able complete the job at much higher quality/standards in less time.

Fighting for work with people who lie and preform horribly is just one piece of the puzzle. The industry here in LA is really quite small. Only takes a year before you know most of the names and faces.

Coming into this city without any connections in the industry is very very difficult. I have made it over a year now and am still not comfortable in my situation. Performing the best I can is all I know to do. You can cold call all day everyday, which I did for months, but doing the job well and building relationships seems to be a much better way to keep your head above water.

lemonade

2009-09-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

Some are beginning to see the clouds parting on the creative industry's lull. I am one of those. Many people have used their downtime to work on various projects they wouldn't have been able to otherwise. There are a few films coming soon that deal with the advertising world. Art and Copy which I showed the trailer for recently and today I found this one

lemonade:

I think companies are starting to realize the world hasn't ended and they are coming out in the black each quarter.

I also found this Helveticons, which I love.

The sky

2009-09-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

There are mountains somewhere behind this smoke. Yesterday I got to experience snowing in LA. It was a brisk 96 on location in Sun Valley with flurries of ashe coming in from the north.
via - BlackBerry

heat

2009-08-29T22:49:00.000-07:00

Fire season is in full swing. 100+ degrees for four days now. Summer is taking it's last swing at LA. Back on the east coast we worried about hurricanes and tornadoes.
This is the closest fire to home thus far but we are still no in danger. However it did triple in size today.
These are views from my home.

AIDS walk dodgeball tourney

2009-08-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

I've been playing and photographing dodgeball for about a year now. Met some great people doing it and have had a lot of fun.
The Eagle Rock Yacht Club held an AIDS Walk dodgeball tournament on the 23rd at Glassel Park rec center.
I brought along a camera.
These are the results.

give or take

2009-08-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

A slideshow of my life for the past 30 days (give or take)

Click HERE for full screen.

Also, check back soon.

Images from the Eagle Rock Yacht Club AIDS Walk Dodgeball Tournament

as of late

2009-08-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

Been busy assisting, and happy about it.

I can't wait to see these. I haven't been thrilled with too many documentaries in recent years because they are so bias or fear/hate mongering. Documentaries should just tell a story.

Art & Copy

The September Issue

fish heads

2009-08-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

Such an appetizing dish. The days have been filled with various things lately. Including:
dry lake bed
row boat
fish heads
champagne and shoe box of cash
olive oil
dodgeball
hating not having AC
day dreaming
helping people
being a tourist

I walked away form the newspaper as a staff photographer one year ago today. My income has taken a 50% cut since those days.
I have lived in LA longer than any other place in five years.
But, im looking up. The phone has rung more in the past two weeks than it has in two months. The industry is a strange beast that is definitely unforgiving. Just have to keep fighting.

interview : kenan institute for the arts

2009-07-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Last year I completed an interview for the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts. They gave me the ability to go to Penland School of Crafts by awarding me the William R Kenan Jr., Fellowship. Check it out.

this must be the place

2009-07-22T21:09:00.001-07:00

Need an escape.
I should be at Penland right now... still pissed about it.
For the first time in 4 years I wasn't able to do my bi-annual hike at Roan Mtn.

This is stuck in my head

"greta"

2009-07-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

outlook

2009-07-10T20:41:00.001-07:00

not much work for myself lately. getting warm in LA, making it hard to sleep.

mobile phone merit circle

2009-06-25T00:35:00.000-07:00

Since upgrading my mobile phone to the Blackberry Storm I have been using as my go to point-and-shoot camera... 3.2mp autofocus, 1x zoom, w/ built in flash, nothing special but fine for snapshots.
If you have walked with me in the past 7 months you have without a doubt waited on me to photograph something. Chase Jarvis recently decided to have contest and give away his iphone 3g after upgrading to the 3gs. I decided to enter on a whim, didn't really care for the prize... but why not get my name and image out there. Well, I submitted one image... many submitted as many as five or more and mine was selected as one of the top 100 out of over 3,500 entries. It can been seen in the gallery with some other great shots... all from mobile phones.

P.S. Thanks to Sarah D. and Coors Light, without them the photo wouldn't exist.

closing in

2009-06-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

Images from the past weeks taken during various wanderings.

tsm #2

2009-06-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

well, the next installment of the web series Thrift Store Model is out. It features me shooting and some images.

And the shots from the show.

If you missed the first installment, here it is.

And shots from the show.

may

2009-06-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks for riding out the bumps on my site. It has been undergoing daily, if not hourly face lifts for about a two weeks now. I think it is good to go for some time now. For a third month in a row site traffic has risen. Up 12.5% from last month. So keep sharing and I hope to have lots of new work for you soon. Keep coming back and remember you can always share your thoughts by commenting on the blog.

Some of my work from dodgeball has found it's way on the new website for an art director/designer friend. Chris's new site (iamanerd.net) can be viewed by clicking the image below.

Chris is also the founder of the Eagle Rock Yacht Club which brings dodgeball to northeast L.A. Check it out below.

polaroids

2009-05-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

lets see if i beat the blogging world to this. as of now i have.
There are some good things, and not so good things

NY Times call for readers polariods.

clean

2009-05-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

yep, it has been done again. i decided to clean up a bit more. share your thoughts, take a look around there are some new images as well.

untitled

2009-05-22T23:19:00.000-07:00

always amazes me.

2009-05-21T12:35:00.001-07:00

Shorpy does it again.

Well, after attempts to html thumbnails with direct links failed (on shorpy's end) here are text links.

Measuements 1937

Crackerbox 1940

En Route 1936

Playtime 1936

"1000 miles is long drive inside a car"

2009-05-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

I recently drove up the west coast with a friend while camping along the way. Skipping from the 101 to the 1 until we hit the Marin Headlands then traveled east. Learned a bit about CA. They charge for entry into all state parks, mostly on the honor system that comes with a $64 fine for failing to do so. Also, CA has towns/cities that are just as scary socially/economically as that of the southeastern US.(i.e. Kelseyville Im sure there was an abundant supply of meth if I was looking for such) Napa valley isn't anything special. Well, unless you have money to stock up on some reserve bottles from the various vineyards or do a booze cruise of sorts. Drove through a town with a population of 60, I think that is a new low for me.
My 70-200 f/2.8 took a beating after coming out of the case as I bombed a mountain with posted 11% grades and entering turns at 40-50mph. I thought the sound coming from the rear of my car was that of my Nalgene bottle. Good thing that lens is built like a tank.
I can't say what a joy it is have 120volt inverter built into your vehicle.
My image-making is changing as I come to accept the surrounding landscape. I have been fortunate to escape LA county many times recently and explore. Im wanting to shoot more and more all the time but without being have to generate a final product other than web-imagery it just isn't as fulfilling as being able to gaze at a print. Having clients again would be wonderful.

tilt shift

2009-05-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

more images from my bay-area trip

i never knew

2009-04-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

I never knew such a thing existed. Apparently a golden retriever gets your through photo school? That is along with a tray full of color prints of Barbie and camera with two lenses. Also, using the camera to scratch your head must be a new lesson.
This nonsense is followed by a few snapshots. I might start a series of such.

"if you want to be a photographer"

2009-04-28T01:19:00.000-07:00

“If you’re going to take a picture, really try to make it the best picture you’ve ever taken, every time. Always strive for the best you can do.” This level of professionalism requires that you live, breathe and eat photography, and that every step along the way is executed with great attention to—what else—the details. “If you want to be a photographer,” he advises, “Be a photographer ten hours a day instead of spending five hours retouching some half-ass picture you don’t like in the first place.” - Martin Schoeller
via: aphotoeditor

exploring

2009-04-28T00:32:00.000-07:00

I worked in the bay area last week and explored a bit afterward. I was able to make some images that I have been looking forward to for a long time. I also got to shoot film. When I can get it processed I will be sure to share the results. At least one of them will be going in my portfolio. I will have a few more coming soon, so check back.

a few

2009-04-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

a few from the phone

tsm

2009-04-15T10:30:00.001-07:00

Foureyed Robot has released a new video today. It includes me working and the product of the work.

seeing again

2009-04-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

Tom @ Timescapes.org Has put together some footage from the Canon 5D MkII. I have been to many of the places in the video and it is like seeing it for the first time again in a totally new way. This partially due to the incredible abilities of the camera and of course Tom's vision. He even allows you to download the full 1080p version.
Enjoy.

stephen shore

2009-04-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

up & down

2009-04-06T14:38:00.002-07:00

A days worth of escalators.

thanks

2009-04-01T13:49:00.002-07:00

I wanna thank everyone who keeps coming back to the blog and is interested in my work. Readership of the blog and visits to my site hit a record high for the month of March. Feel free to share my work with others. I hope to have more eye candy for you soon.

Also, as a reminder all the images located in my "personal works" albums on my site (like the one above) are available in print.

Use the contact form on the site to place an order. Include print size desired, quantity, and image number/gallery in which it is located.

Prices:

8x10 (and smaller) $75
11x14 $100
16x20 $150

Prints can be matted, mounted and framed for an additional charge.
Payment can be made via Paypal which accepts all major credit cards.
Shipping via USPS Priority Mail or UPS.

foureyed robot

2009-04-01T13:37:00.003-07:00

I have been taking some stills, designing and helping with production for an up and coming production company. Check out our work. It will be updated frequently so subscribe and keep checking back.

polo

2009-03-30T19:23:00.003-07:00

I wouldn't mind this being an assignment. Auto-polo!

via Shorpy

update

2009-03-27T18:03:00.002-07:00

New images, navigation and some basic design changes. Share your thoughts.

editing

2009-03-25T19:24:00.002-07:00

This is all I have looked at all week. My eyes have given out on me twice this week. Time to step away from the computer.

"this is tecktonik"

2009-03-25T19:03:00.002-07:00

Finally. Back in LA, editing these and other images. Hopefully I will be able to share some other new projects soon. The video that these images pair with will be finished soon. Keep checking back.

teaser

2009-03-12T07:09:00.002-07:00

I will be flying around the country for the next five days. Yes, working!
I am still processing images from a small shoot recently, here is the teaser. The rest when I return.

assistant party

2009-03-05T10:52:00.001-08:00

Anyone wanna accompany me to this event?

Profoto sponsored shoot/party to show off the new Pro8 Air at Smashbox Studios in West Hollywood.

walk

2009-03-04T14:58:00.003-08:00

A few images and when I find hosting for my QTVR pano I will share it as well.

work for me

2009-02-27T19:08:00.004-08:00

I worked today, though for many in Denver it was there last day...
The Rocky Mtn News has always put out great images and multimedia, it is sad to see it go. I left the PJ world in hopes of greener pastures... As for now I am still trudging through the desert looking for that oasis. The Rocky was what a paper should look like and produced a great product. Cities are downgrading to one paper every year. I think the Rocky was superior to the Post but we know who won.

Final Edition from Matthew Roberts on Vimeo.

yay!

2009-02-26T10:11:00.002-08:00

First something that I have a strong connection to at the moment.

Young photographers just don't have a chance right now.

And a video of Todd Hido's process.

this is my resume

2009-02-18T10:33:00.003-08:00

Some day, someone might read it and feel I'm worthy of being compensated for services.

more dodgeball

2009-02-18T10:06:00.002-08:00

once again

2009-02-05T10:52:00.001-08:00

To those of you whose eyes come across this page.
I urge you to use the option of commenting on what you see/read. I would like to hear thoughts and opinions on the content.
So, please post your likes and dislikes and please share this site with friends and family.
I want to interact with those visiting the site.

-faini

view

2009-02-04T17:28:00.003-08:00

Who knew there was a non-disgusting view of LA.

The Daily Breeze closed it's doors.

dodgeball

2009-02-02T12:05:00.005-08:00

Eagle Rock Yacht Club presents Dodgeball

penland

2009-01-31T13:58:00.001-08:00

All done, ready to ship out.

10fps?

2009-01-30T18:59:00.003-08:00

Who needs 10 frames per second when you have a 4x5. This image is hands down better than 95% of images being made at sporting events today. (make sure you view full size) via Shorpy

just a few years away

2009-01-29T19:46:00.002-08:00

Im still glad I got out when I did.

la art show

2009-01-26T12:04:00.003-08:00

attended la art show. it was a bit overwhelming

objectified

2009-01-26T11:54:00.002-08:00

from the makers of
helvetica

when can i start?

2009-01-22T11:40:00.003-08:00

In the event you were searching for a gift for me... of course it would be a gift for no particular reason being that the holiday season is over and my birthday is many months away. But, I have found the perfect solution. Thanks to the people at blackbirdtees.com.

getting around

2009-01-18T02:03:00.010-08:00

>just a few snaps from the phone from my journeys over the past three weeks. I have begun my application for Penland, hopefully I can make it four years in a row. Things have gotten scary.

a new year

2009-01-04T10:00:00.001-08:00