ARG IMAG Photography

Light From the Dark

2012-01-20T17:10:00.000-08:00

I have been sitting on these images since my last trip to California during September of 2011. The creation and art of night imagery has a strong appeal to me. It's not just going out and shooting a photo like you would during the day. You actually have to use the "manual" mode and know what you are doing. Another factor in this style of art is the lack of post work done to them which allows them to provide a natural vignette and edgy feel to them. Not one of the below images has been touched with Aperture editing software or any other software, well minus the stamping of name and border. Other than that they are natural. -AG

Huntington Beach Pier, 50mm Nikkor lens, f/5, shutter 14.3s, ISO 100, manual focus

Lifeguard Tower Railing & Deck, 50mm Nikkor Lens, f/5, shutter 26.4s, ISO 100, manual focus

Lifeguard Tower, 50mm Nikkor Lens, f/5, shutter 20.6s, ISO 100, manual focus

A January Morning

2012-01-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

I do not do morning(s) very well. I enjoy staying in the bed when it's cold more than being out in it. However for a photo I'd get out of bed thus I went out and snapped these images this morning. The images are a progression of the sunrise. It does start with an image of the moon from the night before and ends with a shot of the moon this morning. Only adjustments to the images was a slight tweak of the white balance and a touch of contrast. (On a side note I am always grateful that I have my fingerless gloves that double over as mittens. It was cold out!) -AG

Beloved - Giles & Arie

2012-01-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

Giles & Arie are probably two of the most stellar people here in Saint George. I met them almost a year ago at a photography retreat in Zion National Park and very glad I did, such awesome souls. When meeting with them in hopes of shooting a Beloved session with them you could feel AND see the love they have for each other as they shared their journey to becoming a loving couple and family today. Giles made the comment that he was willing to try a Beloved Couple shoot but he wasn't sure how great he would do as he was not the best in front of a camera. I told him that wouldn't be a problem, in which Arie said, "no he really doesn't like being photographed" (I am paraphrasing). In the end when it comes to photographing muses gaining their trust and keeping it goes a long way as they become more comfortable and apt to show a part of themselves that they might not have if trust wasn't there.

Giles & Arie came nervous to have a Beloved shoot but left calm and cool. While working with them it was as if I was a fly on the tall grass of this great romance story I got to be a part of for just a short while. There is depth to the soul, we just need to sit back and watch for it instead of always rushing in this life. -AG

Between Civilization

2011-12-15T16:18:00.000-08:00

Earlier this fall my friends, and also the owners of K Hulett Photography, had a killer idea to create a place where local like minded creatives in the photography world here in Saint George, UT could gather and befriend and just make the world a better place. From that idea 'Southern Utah Photography Guild' was created. I still find it funny when I hear other photographer trash this idea, (that is a non photo post I will do next) but this little group is awesome.

Anyways we got together a couple weeks ago with some local muses and shot images of them. It wasn't for any other purpose other than having a grand old time, in the FREEZING WIND AND AIR. However I would like to point put that there are photographers and models who work in worse conditions so we can't really complain.

One of my creative inspirations is the Anthropology magazine, which yes is a clothes magazine for women but their images drive me wild from their photo shoots. I took that inspiration and created my own of it. Either way it was a great day and here are some of the spoils I desire to share. -AG

The above image was an inspired version of 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.' However just a bit more happy and not so dark. 'Girl Without the Dragon Tattoo.'

These cows were nearby stuck in a trailer and I only felt it was my responsibility to give them camera time. And besides this certain black cow kept trying to get in the picture no matter where I put the camera.

The Cooke Duo 2011

2011-12-10T18:36:00.001-08:00

I first had a chance to work with Shauna and her daughter last fall. Shauna and her daughter made a big move to Salt Lake City earlier this year so I wasn't sure if I would be working with them again this fall. After several attempts to get me up there for a shoot with conflicting LA business trips foiling that plan, they made their way down here to Saint George to visit family and also have photo's taken. Shauna's daughter had no problem this time around getting into the picture mode, she was poised and ready for the camera. The two brought a sort of sophistication and class that you rarely see in today's world. (This was also the same day that Shauna's sister Sophia and her family had photo's taken, who also brought the same class and sophistication). -AG

I felt it was important to have a photo of Shauna and her "No Regrets" tattoo. A phrase that means so much in her daily life.

And a final image of the two cousins being kids. :)

A Palmer Clan

2011-12-04T11:43:00.001-08:00

Sophia Palmer is the sister to a friend and muse, Shauna Cooke. Such a beautiful, sweet family, with some great personality. Sophia is more than a great mom to these children as you could tell in their actions and the way she spoke of them. I was more than excited to shoot their family photos this year. -AG

During a Beloved

2011-11-16T15:41:00.001-08:00

Last week during a session with a muse I waited for him to reach the other end of the pond we were working with, that I might add, so graciously agreed to stand in as location. While I waited, I peeked through the fence I was using and witnessed this gleam of beauty. There is truly amazing around us all the time. Please help keep her clean and clutter free when you enjoy the great wilderness. -AG

Fred - A Solo Beloved

2011-09-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

I won't go into full detail on this post as I do not want to take away from the images themselves with separate info. However these images came only 4 days after I was challenged in 'Beloved' photography. I approached one of, what the school kids call, best friends, and asked if he would mind being part of my first Solo Beloved shoot. I'm very fortunate he said yes and that we had a perfect location in South Laguna, CA. Most importantly I am VERY fortunate that he trusted me to allow me a glimpse into who he is, soul open for me to capture. Thanks Fred, I owe you ;)

One more thing: I hate over posting on blogs with each shoot but I had a terrible time narrowing down the images that I felt spoke about the entire shoot. So here is a good chunk. -AG

A Return to Southern California - (Summer 2011)

2011-09-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

I made another trip to Huntington Beach, CA the week of July 4th. The original purpose was to obtain new clients and begin developing a place for my photography there, I had an end result of making a move to this lovely tourist town. However that changed and it turned into a much needed mind detox trip that I was unaware that I needed. I went and shot around the main tourist areas one afternoon and came back with these spoils. I don't like tooting my own horn but this year I have gone farther in discovering who I am as a photographer and what I want to convey on you future muses that are toying with the idea to hire me or not. This street walk has become one of my favorite ones to date all the way from shooting to post work. Anyways I figured I might as well share these images as this next week I leave for California again for another photography assignment/seminar in Beverly Hills involving the 'Beloved Collective' I've become a part of and will have more to post upon my return in two weeks. -AG

What's In Your Back Yard? - Twitter

2011-08-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

I will never ever get tired of Twitter. That wonderful tool has done wonders for my business. I have met and become friends with more photographers which has thus continued to inspire my creativity. Today I just randomly signed on to the Twitter when I noticed a tweet from a fellow friend and talented photographer @SierrazaPhotog. She posted a link to photo's of things found in her backyard. So I decided to do that very same thing. Just a quick impromptu shoot of things I normally don't shoot. Thanks again Sierra! -AG

(For more of Sierra Eberly's photography visit her site at: www.photosbysierra.com)

Ok the above picture is the front of the home but I wanted to invite you in first :)

And a final photo from the front... "thanks for visiting."

Brooke and Family

2011-08-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

Brooke is one fantastic single mom. This girl holds down a job, raises two girls and at the same time manages to attend school! She approached me about doing a family shoot before her oldest daughter moved with her father to a whole other state. Of course I did and had the best time with them. Super funny and full of life they are, heck I was able to even mix in 'Beloved' into a few shots which was perfect as that is the way I'm moving forward with shoots. -AG

The first 4 photo's are a set in which I asked Brooke to stand in the middle and then I asked each of her daughters to charge/jump after her. Creates such a playful and humorous interaction. (BELOVED)

Lucas - Eagle Scout

2011-07-27T14:00:00.001-07:00

At the young age of 14 my youngest brother is rocking it. Recently he achieved the high ranking of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America program. How could I not want to shoot his announcement photo and a photo session. He is such a awesome young man and I'm very proud to call him my brother. -AG

Lacey - Sculpture Gardens Nursery. Venice, CA

2011-07-10T17:39:00.001-07:00

While on holiday and deciding where to relocate my main hub for my business I wandered around Abbot Kinney Street in Venice, CA. I stumbled upon an alleyway that had a sign for a flower shop. Upon wondering down the alley I came upon this open area that housed this quant nursery right between 3 different restaurants.

After speaking to the lovely young lady working there she came out of the employee area and I couldn't help but be amazed at how well put together she was. Most of the time when you go to a outdoor nursery the people are wearing jeans, and flannel or some variant on that. Not her. I asked her name and asked if I could also photograph her for my blog. She was more than happy to allow me the chance, even striking a pose before I could get my iPhone 4 (I didn't pack my Nikon around that day) ready.

Once again thank you very much Lacey for allowing me to photograph your awesomeness and style. Thanks as well for showing us around Sculpture Gardens Nursery. I will most definitely be shopping there upon my return to that location :) -AG

Beloved Roll Out - Terrell Family (prt 2)

2011-06-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

I have hinted and spoken vaguely on the details behind this new 'Beloved' technique I have been studying and adapting since attending the Jesh de Rox class at WPPI 2011 in February. Many of you have even accused me of 'crying wolf' claiming that I was just full of hot air and honestly a fake. How wrong and hurtful that was. However I have grown a lot as a person this year as I have studied under Jesh de Rox and panel of other talented visionary photographers that those words do not sting or last long, this life is short and preserving relationships is a portion of the magic behind 'Beloved.'

I have now begun to offer 'Beloved' sessions. A 'Beloved' session is not a normal photo shoot by any means. 'Beloved' is about remembering why we love one another, forgiveness and life.

A few weeks ago while I worked with the Terrell family I integrated a few 'Beloved' invites into the session. There is something powerful when you invite muses into a sacred place where they can trust and open up to you in a way that normal photo sessions offer. These images are just the start of the new direction and angle I have moved to. I hope you enjoy them as I have never felt so fulfilled in this career as I have started to feel now. -AG

A Wind Story - Terrell Family (Part 1)

2011-06-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

You never know what the weather will do from day to day when you live in a desert. The night before this shoot the clouds rolled in like a mad mother. I woke the following morning to find the clouds had subsided back just enough to make me happy. But as you may suspect we got to shooting and the clouds and wind came on a rolling. I always get the shots needed so I thus will take this time to laugh at the weather. Enjoy. -AG

To create the above shot I told all the little siblings that when I said the "secret word" they were to squeeze their big sister.

Do They Tell A Story? AKA Beloved Teaser #2

2011-05-12T00:15:00.000-07:00

With all the studies and work I have been doing on preparing y'all for and launching 'Beloved' I have really looked into my work and asked the question: "Does that photo, or these photo's, tell a, and or have a story?"

I held this particular photo separate from the last post even though it was part of the Huntington group. Reason being simple:

Even on vacation I try and go for a run. While I was out on a run that was only supposed to be a 6 mile run, I got lost. While trying to find my footing in where I was, I stumbled upon 17th street. At this point in my personal life I was also lost and looking for my way around. I looked down the street and knew I had to come for a photo later. I may be lost but beauty and life will be there to remind me I am ok. Much more happened to inspire this shot that I will not publicly publish as they are personal emotions but with just that simple write up of how the location came to be shot I was able to invite you the viewer into a place you have never been and travel to a time with me.

My question to you and all is; "What do the photo's taken of you by other photographers or people say?"

Sometimes we are too wrapped up in what we have seen other photographers do for others in their images but the key words are, "others images." Each of you have a story of how you met, love, or even live. I want to help show case that for you and your posterity.

Create a story or have it created... -AG

PS: That run ended up being 9 miles instead of 6.

Huntington, Laguna, and Santa Monica - 3/11

2011-05-03T22:48:00.001-07:00

I know you are anticipating what in the heck all this 'Beloved' talk is I have been going on and teasing about but until I launch very VERY soon here is something to tide you over with. Look closely and you will more sneaks of 'Beloved' though here in this post.

I have some AMAZING friends to which I owe more than they know. They are always trying to feed my photography heart, I would like to first thank them for that :)

While I went down for a quick visit to their new residence of Huntington Beach, and maybe mine soon. I was able to see and shoot some wonderful images of beautiful people and things. Enjoy the beauty. -AG

Also if there are any images that you would like to purchase that option will be possible very shortly. Just inform me via email which one and I will send the correct link to order that image from. Please never steal from an artist, YOU ALWAYS get caught :)

Hold on Tight!

2011-04-27T13:51:00.001-07:00

It's about to get saucy! -AG

UNDERWRAPS

2011-03-12T15:48:00.001-08:00

IM STILL HERE!!!! However if you follow me on Facebook or Twitter you will know that already, if you don't follow me there shame on you and go do it now :)

Now if you do follow me you will know that I am changing the face of ARG IMAG Photography inside and out. I had many remarkable experiences while I attended WPPI this year and saw just where I wanted my business to go. With that the entire month of March is me restructuring. I just wanted you to know I am still in business and check back APRIL 1st for all the new details.

-AG

Spendlove - Love to Share

2011-02-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

For many of the clients in this session it was the second photo shoot of the day yet they were rock stars in terms of spunk. However in my early career as a photographer I have seen love but not like this family shared. No family is perfect, mine is a witness of that, but this family shared so much love the whole entire time and it didn't feel forced! Here's to the love from a family!!! -AG

Seriously this might be a front runner of personal favorite shot ever! These two kids were a hoot, but I don't think mom and dad appreciated them doing this :)

When working in the sun I have a trick to help with the squinting. I managed to snap step one. Even blind they love!

Malnar - Pieces of a Puzzle

2011-01-26T13:13:00.000-08:00

When you work with families you always work with multi personalities. However when you work with mixed families you work with even more personalities. I love seeing how all the people puzzle pieces fit and work out. And I say that this family of 18 mixed and different puzzle pieces work swell like. -AG

Witty - A Swenson Story

2011-01-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

Being a part time bartender I get the chance to meet some of the funniest people. The Swenson family are a hoot. Owners of the best dry humor and wit out there today. This shoot almost never happened. Rain, wind and complete cloud coverage seemed to be against us. However as I was taught from a photography mentor in the past. "Control the weather and it will turn out." Boy was he right. This session was seriously an hour between rain storms. I call it the day after Christmas miracle. -AG

I won't lie when I say the above photo couldn't have turned out better. With different lighting there is something to be said in a new twist on lighting. So photographers out there, never fear taking a lighting risk, develop your craft :-)

A Roller Disco

2011-01-16T14:37:00.001-08:00

Another perk of being a volunteer for the Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls is the chance to attend their roller disco events that the various nightclubs in Vegas host. December's was hosted by 'The Joint' inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. I never take my camera to these events as I go strictly to have fun. These shots came from the trusty camera cell phone. -AG

Instant is Back Ladies and Gents!!!

2011-01-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

I don't normally post non photo posts here but this is the news I HAVE to share with fellow togs and avid Polaroid lovers.

I'm not sure if you remember the big Polaroid announcement last year at CES 2010 down in Las vegas, NV.

If not here is a refresher:

Lady Gaga and Polaroid were to collaborate on a new line of instant cameras. A few years ago Polaroid shut it's doors on their instant camera line. Which was a sad and wretched announcement for me. I have to search and pillage the inerwebs to find film for my instant camera and it is very hard. Needless to say the rumor mill was that the new line was to be released in November 2010 ready for the 2010 Holiday rush. It was not.

However yesterday, almost a year after the first announcement Polaroid in their CES 2011 presentation they made the official press release known on the much anticipated Polaroid/Lady Gaga announcement.

For the article and description of the products please click:

Polaroid and Lady Gaga Announce Grey Label

Even though they are not all given release dates I would still love to receive them. Here are a few options:

1) Book photo sessions or wedding dates with me in mind to shoot them. I can then buy them on my own (this is my favorite option)

2) Birthday is in a month send a check or money order to me

3) You have a few months till Christmas so start a "Polaroid for Gawdun" fund.

and lastly

4) The "I don't need a reason to give Andrew a gift"

Just a few options :-)

But seriously this is the best news all day!!!

-AG

Bri - Not a Famine of Beauty

2011-01-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

Fashion legend Andre Leon Talley once stated to Vera Wang, "You know what? It's a famine of beauty! It's a famine of beauty! It's a famine of beauty honey! My eyes are starving for beauty!" I think Bri shows we have some beauty left in this country. Here's to plethora of beautiful shoots this 2011! -AG

Ranch Hands

2010-12-31T09:27:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how much I love this family! Maybe I am biased since they are family. Either way my Aunt Dawn and her crowd are my favorite! I've been privileged once again to work with them for their annual family portraits. If you were to look back at last years session you will notice the growth and changes a year can bring. Although we were missing one family member (mother of the little one we call Bean) it still turned out magnificent. Aunt Dawn I love you guys!! -AG

The above and final picture in this session is one of my favorite. Gum chewing grandchild and Aunt in the middle of the telling her to spit it out.

Tis The Season

2010-12-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

Translation to terminology used, just in case you get confused. -AG

Lesson Learned

2010-12-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

No photo's to this post but more of a lesson learned. A simple lesson learned at that. Not having internet access here at the home office makes working hard. Especially when you are trying to upstart and run a photography business. Everything is internet connected, but I'm back and have much to post.

Also there still a few more days to schedule family photo sessions if you live in the Vegas or St George area under the holiday portrait special. -AG

Lucas - School 2010

2010-12-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

I don't knock the institution of school photographers but I do find them to be rather impersonal. It always seemed like an assembly line of flashes and standard poses. The memory of a child from year to year should be their appearance and ALSO most importantly their personality. There is only so much personality in photo's done at schools, but this is just my thoughts. -AG

Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls

2010-11-23T19:20:00.000-08:00

By far one of my favorite assignments as a photographer has been working with the Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls! For the November 13th bout the Notorious VIP (home) tore it up against the Inland Empire Derby Divas (away), 185 - 95 was the final score. I love photographing all the stuff going on around the track as the ladies play, some of the baddest raddest fans to ever attend a sporting event come to derby. I highly recommend checking your local areas for information on local derby teams. But when and if you get to Vegas you need to plan that trip around a Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls game. You'll love it!!!!! -AG

I couldn't tell if he was mad that I took this photo or not. Not like I was trying to steal his talents.

The above photo has significant meaning to the Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls. Over the past year they have grown into 3 teams and moved locations into a larger venue at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. With that they needed to have their very own floor to play on, (ballroom dancing floors can only do so much.) After fundraising and such they purchased their very own floor. The ribbon cutting was a pivitol moment of the night and for this team. Ladies you are all coming far! Congrats!!!

These gals were awesome to sit behind. So entertaining and full of life.

I have never seen someone get so worked up about the National Anthem. I don't think it's ever given me chills, nope not once.

I had to chase down this young lady above in order to get this picture. Thanks be to the beer stand cause there sure as heck was no way I was following her to the ladies room. (She was fabulous)

Cooke Family

2010-11-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

I love that no matter what a weather man tells you when it comes to shooting a clients photo's the weather always works for me. Case in point the perfect weather we worked with this day. During this shoot and several others I have also learned that children are little diva's and meva's at heart. Shauna's daughter totally understood the art of fierce posing, and diva-hood. Shauna and her daughter are amazing. -AG

Sneak Peek - Lucas School

2010-11-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

I have more than my fair share of projects to get posted right here but I'm only giving you a sneak peek of a school session I did earlier this fall. -AG

Ruben and Roxie, Maternity

2010-10-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

Besides my own mother, when I imagine rockin' awesome parents I think Ruben and Roxie will fit the image nicely. I've been friends with these guys since high school and was honored when asked to shoot this set for them. With their love of vintage, arts and differentness (just made that up) we had no problem coming up with something original. **Since shooting this session the two brought their first child, Luka, home. -AG

* Warning: You wont find no hands on the prego stomach in the shape of a heart up in here. So if that's what you want to see, you're out of luck. :-)

This above gem of a location is actually their apartment complex. Probably my favorite location during this whole shoot.

When you have no assistant on a shoot you might end up squatting and holding reflectors between your legs and by doing such your clients will laugh hysterically at you. Just a heads up.

It was nice that they trusted me to use full creativity, 2nd personal favorite of the session.

Model Sneak!

2010-10-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Just a quick sneak of the rest to follow. -AG

Newell - 1 Year Old

2010-10-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

When I first began photographing people I totally missed the part where you need to be in shape. No lie that first shoot of mine killed me the next day. Thanks be I learned my lesson or this session would have been bad news for sure, but it was well worth keeping up with Newell in the long run. -AG

Kooper Ramsay - Baby

2010-10-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how much I love working with the Ramsay family in so few words. They seriously are the best. Recently they welcomed a new addition to their home, Kooper. Such a sweet baby that I kid you not looks like a mini-me version of his older brother Karter, that may be a handful for the Ramsay parents. Enjoy. -AG

Fred - Business Shots

2010-09-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine recently had to update his LinkedIn profile in hopes to wow soon to be future employers with his marketing magic. It was the first time I did a business headshot session so I was more than open to shooting his when he asked if I would do such. Probably the fastest shoot I have ever done! -AG

Experimentation

2010-09-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

I'm always striving to find new ways to stand out with my clients and I think I found a new way. A few months ago I picked up a Lomography camera. (The Supersampler one.) I love shooting with film but don't have a personal favorite between film and digital, but when it comes to this camera, j'adore it! I have decided after much toil that this will travel with me on client shoots. Here is a sample of the appearance which were taken on a recent lake trip. -AG

Objects of Meaning

2010-09-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

As with the past post on the St. George LDS Temple, here are some more "non human" objects I was commissioned to do. This project was photo's of objects that mean a great deal to her that she is hanging on her wall in her new home. -AG

St. George Temple

2010-09-07T08:13:00.001-07:00

I was recently commissioned to photo some non human objects for a client recently. Here is a sampling. -AG

Abundis Sneak!

2010-09-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

I always feel that a good sneak is important to share. -AG

Family Portrait

2010-08-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

It's once again that time of the year to get your holiday greeting card family portraits done. -AG

The Great Schedule Maker!

2010-08-27T09:41:00.001-07:00

When running any kind of business from freelance to large corporation it's essential to have all your appointments in order and all organized. Such is the task I had been dealing with until the other night.

(While I am not posting any kind of visual candy for your eyes, it's always important to give back to the community of business. I hope this helps someone out there too.)

I run on Mac OS X(Snow Leopard to be exact) and then have an Android based phone. The two are entirely different entities when it comes to operating systems, especially when it comes to the highly important calendar. On the Mac you use iCal and the Android phone you use the Google Calendar, as it is a Google based phone. So there I would be updating all my appointments and schedule on one and forget the other but then when I would be away from one or the other I would not have all the dates and events I was to be at. This began to create a problem, I simply needed to fix. Upon searching the web I was guided to the Google help site that showed me exactly how to sync my iCal and Android based phone's calendar.

The first link shows you the step to syncing your calendars.

Sync Your calendars...

This second link is a trouble shoot that I ran into. The problem I had was figuring out why I couldn't add info to my iCal and it wouldn't sync to Google calendar. Well it doesn't work that way, you have to do all first in the Google calendar, but here is the link to that....

How to Update the calendars....

I hope this helps anyone out there who has been trying to do this same thing. I sure know I have been living more harmoniously since doing this simple feat :-)

-AG

Abundis Sneak!

2010-08-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

Last week while I was in Reno I worked for the Abundis family on their maternity photo session. It was my first time working in Reno, so I was pleased when Roxanne and Ruben told me they had some cool locations already chosen. Here's a sneak of such locations taken with the good ol'cell phone. Which brings one thought to the table. When photographers travel to a location they have never shot before and don't have weeks or days to seek out locations it is always helpful to have some ideas in mind to share with your photographer. -AG

Tahoe Sun

2010-08-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

I have come to realize that no matter what I do, spotting sublime photo ops come ALL the time. I can't even walk down the street without seeing one. I then begin to formulate what client or a person I can drag down there and shoot in that spot. My mind never stops. Case in point my annual summer trip to Lake Tahoe, Ca/NV. I am glad I brought the camera along or I would be kicking myself. Thanks again Katie for being such a great model! -AG

Walk in the Town

2010-07-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure about lumping all these street shots into one post but after thinking it over they are all related in some sort of fashion. However street photography is always an adventure. Being able to freeze the human emotion as it happens couldn't be more of blast than already is. This kind of photography is also a great way to develop your own personal style in color, style, etc. Enjoy these images that were shot around the minimal "down town" are that St. George, UT has to offer. -AG

To acquire these two "sign/blue" shots above, I had to literally stand in the middle of the street at the entrance and exit of a round a bout. I know not very safe but it was for the shot.

Clark County Fair

2010-07-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

Back in April I headed on down to the Clark County Fair held in Logandale/Overton, Nevada. I only recommend attending the fair with the right group of people. Doing such creates stories and above all hysteria! I used this time to experiment with the lighting and try my first funnel cake. -AG

More Fabulous Ladies On 8 Wheels

2010-06-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

This past month I was once again fortunate to render services to The Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls for their final game of the season. (New season starts September 2010.) You never know what adventures you will see during a game, maybe a few black eyes and chicken suits if your lucky! -AG

For more information of the Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls.

Death of a Great Image

2010-06-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

Very rarely will I post none photo job info... However I feel that we need to pay respect to a great photo. Edith Shain, best known for being the nurse in the Life magazine of the V-J Day in Times Square, photographer by Alfred Eisenstaedt, passed away at the age of 91.

*For a full report head over to the New York Times article.... HERE. -AG

Preview

2010-06-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

Last October I headed to L.A. for the Dia de los Meurtos (Day of the Dead) at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. These photo's have been sitting here on my Mac for almost a year now and I figured it was time to share, but of course this is just a sneak attack look. MORE to come. -AG

So It Starts

2010-06-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

Summer is here! I love it and dig it. Living in more heated dry climates means more frequent trips to lakes and oceans. Heck it's supposed to already be in the low 100's this weekend and then a potential of hitting 110 by mid week here in my area of the desert. With heat I recommend lots of juicy lemons and travels to Lake Tahoe, NV/CA (I know I'll be there this summer.) With that if you're looking for a photo's to be done up at Tahoe let me know and we'll work it out. -AG

SIn City Roller Girls

2010-05-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

Living so close to Vegas offers the city in the me a great deal of opportunities. I have this friend who works with the Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls. Yeah that's right, you read correctly, roller girls. While Nicole is not fully on the team yet (you have to try out just like any sport as this is a REAL sport) she does have new girl duties to help with the score keeping and an assortment of other jobs each game requires. A few weeks prior to their May 22nd game I was approached by a member of the team who said their normal photographer would be gone from the game and they were having sub photographers. There were two of us there and I covered all the backstage (arena) events offering the team a more close up appearance to the bout (game). If you want some pure fun and awesomeness I highly recommend attending a bout (game). -AG

For more information on the Vegas teams head on over to the Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls website.

Kamee the Bride in the Middle of Nowhere

2010-05-16T22:14:00.000-07:00

After several issues with the main location we re-grouped and began shooting at another location. With props, bride, and AMAZING weather on hand we got to work. Most importantly the revelation of physical AND inner beauty by far is the best. And let us not forget... Who brings along a PINK .22? -AG

When this Lady Bug landed on the dress I was informed that it is supposed to signify good luck to the bride if this was to happen.

Ironman St. George, UT 2010

2010-05-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

On May 1st, 2010 I was fortunate enough to be a volunteer at the 2010 Ironman St. George, UT. This triathlon includes a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run. I'll tell you what it was such a blast, and another reason to bring the camera. As you will see I was stationed in one of the bike areas. I can't wait to volunteer again next year. If nothing else I was inspired enough that in two years I plan on doing the 2012 St. George Ironman. -AG

This was the leader car. He drove ahead of the leader a few yards with the length of time it has been since the actual race started...

...and this is the leader. From what I was told he stayed in lead the whole entire event being the first to cross the finish line at 8 hours and some minutes I don't remember.

Holly and the Kids

2010-05-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Awhile ago I had a simple shoot with one of my mothers friends who is the proud owner of two rabbits. For a while there she was afraid one of them was soon to pass, so I offered to take a few photos of her with them. -AG

Photography Workshop

2010-05-05T22:59:00.001-07:00

I'm a firm believer that to be 'great' and not just 'good' at something (especially photography) you always have to be on the learning side of things. With that said...

Over the past weekend I participated in a workshop/class hosted by friend and local destination wedding photographer Kevin Hulett of K Hulett Photography. Besides open forum discussion we were able to take part in a live model shoot. I can't tell you how much fun it was, and also informative. I recommend taking a True Emotion Photography class next time Kevin and Katie hold one. -AG

I figured I would dabble with texture layers and put one on the above photo. I'm not sure how much I like them. Although it does add flavor flav.

Riddle The Photo Man

2010-04-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

What does a pink .22 rifle, dock, and being in the middle of nowhere have in common? Check back in a few for the eye food answers. -AG

Gull Family

2010-04-21T15:59:00.001-07:00

With their brightly themed clothes, the Gull family brought fun and excitement to their family shoot. What more could you ask for when the weather is spectacular and the family is pumped up for pictures? Possibly a new car but seriously who really wants the car payments? Enjoy the Gulls! -AG

Declining Industry

2010-04-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

Something that I have been dealing with is being undercut by local photographers on jobs. In fact this year alone I have lost out on 3 jobs due to price. I have been told a few times that the ares you never want to skimp out on in the wedding is photographers and location. (I may be wrong on the location part but I do know you don't skimp around with the photographer.)

So today I was relived and not surprised by an article the New York Times posted in regards to this current trend. Just follow the link below.

New York Times..

I understand we ARE in a recession and money is tight but man I know I'll get my big break I just wish I could now. Thanks be to Kevin & Katie Hulett for allowing me to work with them in their photography business (they are destination wedding photographers). I have been learning so much on what makes a photo biz successful, and I know that one day I'm gonna break out in a large way. Until then I will pound this concrete jungle for jobs.

Happy Mondays and Happy Reading!

-Andrew Gawdun

Light The Darkness

2010-04-04T12:35:00.001-07:00

-Andrew Gawdun

Cemetery by Snow Light

2010-03-18T00:13:00.001-07:00

What better time to take photo's in a cemetery than when it snows and rains.

Locations: Photo 1-5 Cemetery in Provo, Utah

Photo 6-10 Salt Lake City Cemetery; Salt Lake City, Utah

Until next time...

-Andrew Gawdun