Ballet and tap tap tap

Scenes from Karolina's dance studio.

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Utter randomness

A post completely for my own edification.  Have a great week!

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Scenes from Levi's Photo Workshop

After my first full day at PDN's Photoplus Expo (which I wrote about here)
I visited the newly-opened community photo and studio workshop by Levi's.  Specifics on the workshop is here.
Nobody else described it better than Mr. OneLight himself  when he visited.  

"That place is photo sex" - Zack Arias' tweet on Oct 24th.  

Yes, ZA, the experience was orgasmic.

So what about this experience?  The most awesomest thing about the workshop is

that the use of almost the entire facility is for free.  That's right, F-R-E-E!  From vintage camera

rental to the use of a professional-grade studio station (a 7ft Profoto Octabank - whaaat?!?!), 

several iMac workstations, and large printing facility (you can print as big as a 40x60 poster 

according to one staff member), the use of it all is open to the photography public for free. 
How cool is that?

As for me, I geeked out that evening with a medium format Hasselblad 553 camera (I'll blog those

images when I process the film).  Others that evening made use of the studio station since 

Mark Wallace was on hand to give a lecture and provide help.  To make use of the studio at other

times, you have to reserve two hour time slots in advance.  For others that evening, it was just a night

of chilling out and hanging with other photographers of like minds.  I highly recommend any

photographer to visit and make use of Levi's Photo Workshop as it will only be open until
December 18th.   Kudos to Levi's and the amazing staff!

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PDN's Photoplus Expo

This year marks the 2nd consecutive year I've attended PPE at the NYC Jacob Javits Center.

During this time every year, New York becomes photographers' Mecca as it plays host 

to one of the industry's largest conventions (the largest in NY as far as I know).

Last year, I attended some seminars hosted by master educators like Joe Buissink 

and Doug Gordon.  This year, I attended seminars by Scott Bourne and Elizabeth Messina, the author

of Kiss the Groom blog.  To say that Elizabeth's work is inspiring really is an understatement.  

On the show floor you could find many big names in the industry (ie Joe McNally and David Hobby)

and plenty of other speakers to learn technique and gear information.  Man it was exhausting.

The highlight of the Expo, for me, was Chase Jarvis' keynote address that included 

an unbelievable panel of his CreativeLive educators.  His keynote was a live broadcast 

over the internet, much like CreativeLive education is.  He discussed the unconventional 

method of gaining success in the current socially-driven photography industry which he 

referred to as 'social art'.  Be CREATIVE and SHARE with not just the audience 

in front of you, but with the world.  That was his challenge to all of us.

Afterwards, I was able to catch a couple of the CreativeLive speakers as they spoke to some

fanboys and fangirls (ahem myself included ahem).  Best of all, here I am rubbing shoulders 

with my heroes (sniff sniff), Zack Arias and Jasmine Star. 

 

I was very tempted to tug at the 'sagely' beard, but I think he would block 

my friendship from facebook like... forever.

 

Everybody needs a JD (J*'s hubby)!

 

Hanging out after the keynote was the founder of the [B] School, Becker himself.

If you are a photographer wanting to network with other wedding photographers 

and need assistance with business, etc. the [B] School is the place to go.  

I am a proud member (and so is J*).

 Next year, I think I might just take the week off during PDN to try to crash

all the photo mixers and parties I wasn't invited to this year.  Looking forward to PPE 2011!

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From one father to another

After my recent visit to the Philippines and passing of my grandfather, Lolo Pards, 

(you can read about him here), I have had a greater appreciation for the relationships 

within my family.  More so, I was very happy to have preserved some memories of 

my trip in the form of a photograph.  Today is my dad's birthday, so lucky for him, 

I had my softbox to make a quick portrait on his special day.  Here's to preserving 

memories of Mr. Mercado.  Happy Birthday Daddy-O!

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Bug bites and butterflies

Often times, I think about what photography in general has meant to me.  I have to admit that ever since I bought my first SLR for myself on my first Father's Day (yeah that's how I roll), I have been bitten by the photography bug.  It not only has allowed me to gain a creative outlet, but also a chance to truly examine the person within.  Who am I and what is my vision?  But what I am most truly thankful for that photography has given me is a new pair of eyes (and lenses and then some).  It has taught me to view the world as curious child.  It has taught me not just to stop and smell the flowers, but also to see the butterflies that flutter around them. 

If you're about to hurl from the mushiness, go right ahead :).  Happy Friday!

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Teann and Dave - Tea Ceremony

Scenes from Teann and Dave's Tea Ceremonies.

It was a great honor to document this family event for Teann and Dave.

One thing that I appreciated/experienced is the sign of respect that this tradition held

for its elder family members.  Way cool!

 

 

 

Thanks Teann and Dave for allowing me to be a small part of your big day!

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Teann and Dave - Married

Some of my favorites from Teann and Dave's beautiful wedding ceremony at Cat Rock Osborne Castle.

 

Click here to view a sneak peak of Todd Laffler's amazing photography.

Congrats to my dear friends, Teann and Dave!  Stay tuned for Tea Ceremony pics.

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