Where it all started

Pasadena -- About this time in 1984, I purchased my first SLR at Flags Camera in Pasadena, CA.

I had taken a new job as an editorial assistant and photographer for a magazine publisher. I learned my craft from some of the best motorsports photographers there is. I also learned to love art, expressed through film. But most of all, I learned to use the camera to reach and connect with others.

For more than ten years, the Nikon FE2 was my go-to workhorse. Film of choice:  Kodachrome 64 and Tri-X 400. Two rolls of color and ten of the black and white would last an entire day of shooting; 432 frames. The best part is that you never know if you got the money shot until you get it back from te lab a day or two later.

Shooting the Chevy SSR

Baldwin Park -- Back in 80s, I used to work as an editorial assistant for Hi-Torque Publications. Part of my job was to shoot motocross products and events, interview riders and write/shoot magazine articles on unique, Volkswagen. The magazine was called VW Action.

In 1984, I was fresh out of collage, and with a loan of $750, I purchased a Nikon FE2 and a lens. After reading through the entire user manual, I began cutting my teeth in the field. Fortunately, I had an office-full of world-class photographers to show me the ropes, as well as an unlimited supply of Kodak Kodachrome 64 and Tri-X 400 film to screw up on. Not all my shots were magazine-worthy--in fact, most were duds.

Eventually, I was able to wrap my mind around all the settings and what they did to make a good photo. I learned how to use light and when to "click" at the right time.

This last weekend, I had an opportunity to shoot a few images of a Chevy SSR. My client may be interested in selling his modern day hot rod, but moreover, simply wanted a few images of his customized ride.

Selfie

Pasadena -- One day my wife and I decided to do a photo shoot..., on ourselves. For a solid 30 minutes, we pulled out about every prop, gadget and outfit that we thought would make a good image. The photo may not be all that, but we had fun making it. If you look through all my photos on this blog, you will find a few shoots from our session.