Times Square
Manhattan
Platon
Maybe you don’t recognize Platon’s name, but it’d be hard to miss his photographs, as they have appeared in Time, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, Esquire, Premiere, Wired and others.
I’ve recently posted some details about my time in New York, but the most fabulous part of my whole week in New York was getting to hear Platon speak about his work and life. (Read what PDN had to say about it).
Platon showed his work and talked about what it took to make the pictures of Larry King, David Beckham, Heath Ledger, Martin Scorsese, Rupert Murdoch, Christopher Walken, Sheryl Crow, Benicio Del Toro, Pam Anderson, Neil Young, Donald Trump, Jake Gyllenhaal, Dr. Dre, Jim Lehrer, Willie Nelson, Jude Law, Elliot Spitzer, Michael Moore, Blondie, Kirk Douglas, James Carville, Spike Lee, Bono, Yoko Ono, Al Gore, Susan Sarandon, Matt Damon, Sylvester Stalone, Mos Def, Edward Norton, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and many, many more.
He said he always asks the subject, “What’s your mantra?” It was great to hear him talk about the wisdom these people left with him after he took their picture. In the end, Platon said his mantra is, “Always master the art of living, and then you’ll be free.”
Also, “I’m a believer that everything takes ten years longer than you think it will. Be relentless. There isn’t a secret to success. You have to have talent, but you have to also be relentless. Agression won’t get it. But how much you love it does”.
Pictured above – Samples of Platon’s work.
Pictured below – Platon at PhotoPlus Expo
A Photo Editor – Rob Haggart
One of the great industry blogs for professional photographers (mostly magazine, editorial and advertising) is Rob Haggart’s blog. I’ve been reading it for about a year now and love how much information and honesty that he disseminates. If you care about what’s going on in the industry, I suggest you make it a regular stop, too.
It was the last day, last hour of the PhotoPlus Expo when I ran into him. In addition to photography, we talked about other things, like Jackson Hole. He lived there for a while some years back and I once worked the front desk of a hotel there as well as the Cadillac Grill. But mostly we talked about photography.
PhotoPlus Expo is awesome. So is Rob Haggart.
Central Park
Long Island
We rode the train to Long Island. Had dinner with Kristi and her neighbor Lou. Jordan and Janna were there too.
I don’t know how this happened but we slept until 11am so by the time we got up, Jordan and Janna had to head back to Virginia. See you brother. We’re going to the beach.
We took some pictures as the sun went down. It was chilly, but mostly you didn’t notice because it felt like paradise being with family and friends.
Mirah
I was hoping to hear more music while I was in New York, but as it turns out, the only act we saw was Mirah. Mellow and lovely.
Famous photographers
Pop quiz, hot-shot. Who are these famous photographers seen last week at the PDN PhotoPlus Expo?
A
B
C
D
Answers:
A – Joel Meyerowitz
B – Greg Gorman
C – Jay Maisel
D - Jim Marshall
Hats
Gheen and I arrived in New York last Wednesday with plenty of time to walk around and see if there was anyone selling hats in that town.
I like the big fuzzy one.
Elliott Erwitt and Alec Soth at PhotoPlus
I’m home now, but all last week I was in New York for the PhotoPlus Expo. It’s a trade show and a series of lectures and discussion groups for professional photographers. On Thursday, I got to hear one of the world’s all-time great photographers: Elliott Erwitt. He was funny and inspiring. He was joined on stage with Alec Soth. If you care to read a detailed account of the evening, it’s posted here on PDN’s site.
This was so exciting for me. I’ve admired this guy for years. Truly, he is one of my idols and being able to hear him speak about a creative life was such a thrill.
See you in a week
I’ll be out of town for a week and won’t have my computer with me. But I’ll have my phone and will check my messages in the evening if you would still like to get a hold of me.
xoxoxo
Engagement pictures in Provo – Lisa and Greg
They met like this: Her dad started a motorcycle shop. He hired some guy to run the place. I think that guy knew Greg. Then Lisa was at the shop or something. There was also something about kissing. Listen, the story was complicated. What it comes down to, really, is that in February, Lisa and Greg are to be wed.
Here’s a one minute slideshow with a few more of their engagement pictures.
Gooooo Buffaloes!
Family Pictures – The Valentine Family
“Put your head between your legs.” Those were the first words spoken between Marilyn and Chris. He came to work in the lab were she was in charge. Their task was to dissect rats. That, on its own, wasn’t so tricky, except Chris had rats for pets when he was a kid. Luckily, Marilyn was there to offer not only good advice, but also comfort when Chris started to feel a little faint. A real love story.
Here’s a one minute slideshow of more Valentine family pictures.
Family pictures – The Roach Family
It won’t be long before these guys are moving to Germany. So they came to town to say goodbye to family and friends. While they were in Provo, I think they did something very smart. They made an appointment to get family pictures taken. (I love smart people). Claire found me on Stephanie’s blog. (I love Stephanie’s blog).
Here’s a slideshow of more of their family pictures. (I love taking family pictures).
We only have ten available portrait sessions left for the month of November. Interested in getting something for Christmas? Time is running out. Call me.
Family pictures – Shep and Tracy
Working as a photographer herself, Tracy had come to this place in Provo before to take pictures. She loved the colors. She shot film, then had it cross processed.
So when it came time for family pictures, she remembered this place.
I followed her and Shep over. I wasn’t sure where we were going, but when I saw that building, I thought, well if that’s not where we’re going, we should certainly stop anyway. Turns out, that’s what Tracy had in mind. I love it when we’re on the same page.
And now, here’s their one minute slideshow:
Family Portraits – The Rencher Family
Jaryl is buying some of my photographs that he’s seen over the years and I went to Salt Lake to show a couple different print sizes. We want to make sure we get this just right. While I was there, I was able to make some portraits of their family–something for their Christmas cards this year. A few of my favorites are included below, and there’s also a one-minute slideshow showing more of their family portraits.
P.S. – Thanks for the Pirate’s Booty.
Engagement pictures – Paige and Mark
I think it’s a good sign when an engaged couple can’t stop smiling when they look at each other. From time to time I’d say, “Ok, now don’t smile for a second” and for Paige and Mark, that was impossible. They’d giggle and try not to smile, but in the end, they’re just so happy to be getting married. Now that’s sweet. See more of their engagement pictures in this one minute slideshow.
Location: Provo
Mood: Giddy bliss
Percentage of time smiling: 99.9%
Her coat: Freak’n awesome
Portrait of a social media and blogging expert
Janet writes on internet marketing, affiliate marketing, business blogging, and social media. She came to my studio because she’s updating her blog and wanted a new portrait to go with it. Two things about Janet really impressed me. One – she knows so much about the convoluted world of SEO and business blogging. A true expert. At one point I found myself thinking it felt like I was at a seminar. She is so smart. The second thing that impressed me was how generous she was in answering all my questions. All 5,000 of them. She even gave me a tutorial on how to use Twitter. (I still don’t get it. Come back, Janet).
By the way, this isn’t my first time making pictures of her. I photographed her earlier this year when she got married.
Portraits – Stephanie
Provo Canyon, just above Sundance
Provo Canyon
Provo Canyon
Remember Stephaine from the 30 Strangers Project? These portraits were taken at my studio in downtown Provo, and Provo Canyon, just above Sundance.
See a thirty-second slideshow here.
Family Portraits – The Allen Family
Check out their one minute slideshow here.
Provo Engagement Portraits – Lisa + Ryan
Lisa and Ryan came for engagement pictures. We walked around Provo a little bit, not too far from my office. Then we drove to Provo Canyon. It’s that time of year, so yes, I’ve been there a lot lately. I consider myself lucky. Do yourself a favor, and drive up there this week. Here’s a one minute slideshow from these engagement portraits.
Interested in getting something like this for yourself or someone you love? Give me a call.
