Cl!ck

50 Greatest Cameras of All Time

2012-02-21T02:06:00.000-08:00

Photography Monthly posted this list of the "50 Greatest Cameras of All Time". Click on the link in red, check out the list, and let me know what you think. I know this is an impossible list but i do have to agree with some of the comments regarding the Canon 5D mkii. This camera was really a game changer and could be higher on the list rightly so. Another thing I noticed was, I failed to see the Nikon FA on this list at all. This was the first camera to introduce Matrix Metering. Surely since all cameras now have some sort of multi zone evaluative metering system there should be a nod to the old trusty Nikon FA. What do you think?

Oh, I love that the Brownie comes in at the number one position.

PimsleurApproach.com SCAM

2012-02-15T13:14:00.001-08:00

PimsleurApproach.com SCAM

We’ve all heard the expression read the fine print. What do you do when there isn’t anyprint to read?

The Pimsleur Approach is a scam! Do not get suckered by these scam artists!

I ordered a $9.95 CD online to learn basic Spanish. That is all I thought I wasordering because that is all that was advertised online. When I received my CD and reviewed myreceipt and the order details description states I ordered (1) Quick &Simple – Spanish – CDs Custom Packaging for $9.95. That is all my receipt states and that is all I agreed topurchase.

Upon checking my credit card statement, I found I wascharged the $9.95 as agreed and an additional $64. I called Pimsleur Approach to find out what was going on andcorrect the charges. Apparently Ifailed to find additional paperwork included in the packaging that states, “Youalso enrolled in my new Pimsleur Approach Rapid Fluency Program”. I NEVER agreed to enroll in ANY kind ofprogram. This program charges $64a month to your credit card for four months and apparently they send additionalCDs to go with your “program”. Itold the customer service representative that I did not sign up for any“program” and I would like a refund of the $64. It’s at that point she told me about the paperwork Imissed. She would not refund the$64 in charges. She would onlyremove me from the program and future billings.

I know it’s my fault for not going through all theadditional paperwork in the packaging. If there was any kind of agreement, you would think it would be statedon your receipt since that is the ONLY transaction I agreed to. So I post thisin fair warning to anyone reading this out there. The Pimsluer Approach is apparently an approach from behindso grab your ankles. Now where’sthat CD so I can write this in Spanish.

Unhappy Customer # 799031

Greg Garcia

Amy

2012-02-13T22:40:00.000-08:00

Amy shot with a Kiev 88 on test stock with natural light in her apartment.

My View

2012-02-02T04:44:00.001-08:00

Dallas

2012-01-26T03:02:00.000-08:00

These images are from the Maid Rite shoot that was posted earlier. The shot with the bubbles was shot a little later in the day and our daylight is just about gone. Dallas was just having some fun with the bubbles when I snapped this shot.

2012

2012-01-25T05:03:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012!

Some people say and think that everyone needs to touch the flame... or in other words, make the mistake in order to learn from it. In a lot of cases, that is true. In fact I've often made mistakes a few times just to make sure. Well, in 2012, my goal will be to learn from other's mistakes. There are plenty of resources out there on just about every subject you can imagine. Of course you can't read all of it, but I will make a good attempt to make very knowledgable mistakes this year.

This now brings me to lesson one. If you've read my blog previously, you'll know that I have addressed weight in the past... more specifically my weight and even more specifically my over abundance of it. What does this have to do with photography you ask? Mmmm, not much except that it does affect me and a number of my peers. Maybe by throwing this out there on the table, it will put a little accountability in my court. Whatever the reason, it's on my mind so it looks like I will express it here.

We all know the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. It this case, I will choose the way of the tortoise. Here's where my lesson learnt from others comes in... My brother, excited and gung ho about the New Year, decided he was going to get into better shape than he already is... He's in great shape! So with a new year and new resolutions with a fire to get started, he takes off running. Nothing against running... It's a great way to knock off calories and get in shape. In fact, many moons ago, I ran Cross Country in High School so I have many mile under my belt. The only thing is, we're not in high school anymore. Now in my brother's case, maybe this not the issue and maybe he was just the victim of circumstance. In my case, it is very much an issue because I weigh three times the amount I did in high school. So as my brother takes off trotting along with his new dog Sade, he finds himself closing in on a guy walking toward him talking on a cell phone. Edging to the side to make room to pass each other on the narrow sidewalk, my brothers foot caught a relief on the edge of the sidewalk and down he went. The guy on the phone didn't even offer to help. My brother found himself hobbling for help and eventually finding a samaritan to drive him home. He found himself in the E.R. that evening but thankfully without any broken bones. He's braced up pretty good and is now on crutches and missing work. Welcome 2012!

So what about this lesson? I will try to learn from his incident as I do not want to touch that flame. I will be the tortoise and take it slow and steady. I'm going to start by walking before I run. And if I find myself going head to head with someone on a cell phone, they better step aside. When this 300 lbs gets up to running speed, it won't be pretty, graceful or agile. I'm sure I won't be the only one hitting the dirt.

Garage 79

2012-01-23T20:02:00.000-08:00

Garage 79 on route 79 near Palomar Road

Harlis Sweetwater Project

2012-01-13T05:10:00.001-08:00

Spending a day at Sound Asylum with Harlis, Chris and Jimmy as they lay basic tracks for an upcoming Harlis Sweetwater Project record.

Story Time

2011-12-27T18:46:00.001-08:00

2011-12-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

For peace and comfort, follow your heart back home. May your christmas be filled with more love than you imagined

- Madina Elliott

Drive By Shooting Eve Eve

2011-12-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

Drive By Shooting by Orange County Photographer Greg Garcia

Drive by shooting taken with the Canon G9. Program mode. 400ASA.

For clarification, this had nothing to do with a drive by shooting. It’s kind of a joke I have with fellow photographers about taking pictures from your car while driving. I know, it’s probably not wise but it’s not illegal... yet!

So what the hell is going on? What makes people completely nuts around the holidays? Today on the 55 freeway, I’m cruising along at your normal 65-70mph clip, when I see traffic beginning to slow ahead of me. I look into my rear view mirror and I see a little silver rice rocket of a car barreling down fast behind me. He had to be going 90-100 mph. He swerved at the last moment into the Car Pool lane and missed me by what seemed to be a few feet. The next thing I see to my left, is two B&W squad cars in fast pursuit. At this point the traffic is really starting to bog down and I hear a police radio... “move aside”. Again to my left, in the car pool lane, a black suburban police unit with it’s lights on. Moments after that, another squad car and then some crazy, black, Rhino coated exterior, fully armored, assault type modified van or suburban with it’s lights on. - that silver rocket is in trouble... I wonder if he got away? Doubtful. I’ll have to check the news tonight.

So, the above photo was taken in Irvine at the Jamboree on ramp about an hour after the above story. It would have been brilliant if it was my lil’ silver rocket but instead, from what I could tell by the man in shorts being given a sobriety test, a cocktailer spreading his Christmas cheer all around and off the on ramp. I wish I could’ve gotten the shot of him next to his overturned car touching his nose but being that I was driving and trying to take these shots, I didn’t want to end up upside down next to his car, touching my nose. Talk about monkey see monkey do... you get the picture.

Seaman Christmas Open House

2011-12-20T11:11:00.000-08:00

This is a spanish Colonial Revival built in 1927 located in the Banning Wrigley Historical District. This was shot with the Canon 5D. Other images from this event were shot with the Canon 5d and the Canon Speedlite 580EX.

Lucky for me, the photographer for this event had to cancel out at the last minute. This was the Seaman’s 25th Annual Christmas Party and Open House. There was plenty of great food and good cheer. The Seaman’s and every one of their guests were welcoming, friendly and amazing people. Their home was another character unto it’s own. The Seaman’s home is a Spanish Colonial Revival built in 1927 and is absolutely gorgeous. They’ve also completely furnished and decorated in this same period. They are located in the Banning Wrigley Historical District in Wilmington. I suggest to anyone even remotely interested in Historical Architecture or Old California to do yourself a favor and visit this neighborhood and museum.

Group tours of the interior of the private homes in this neighborhood can be arranged through Simie Seaman.

310-835-8177.

Sydney

2011-12-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Sydney shot with a strobe behind a 6X6 foot scrim against a white wall.

Naughty or Nice

2011-12-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

This is Kymree and Lyndsey. I will probably post a few from this shoot. We had a great time shooting this and it cracks me up every time I look at these shots. These girls really worked it for these shots and managed to have a good time even though we were in less than desirable conditions. But then again, what kind of shoot would it be otherwise? This was shot in a warehouse in Long Beach shortly before Christmas. Of course it was freezing and the last thing you would want to do is run around in your underwear but here they are... What started out as a Christmas pin-up shoot evolved into a number of scenerios as we found various props in this warehouse, collaborated on ideas and thought of ways to keep the girls warm...

Canon 5D, Strobe and Halogen Lights for warmth... literally!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just gotta have fun! My brother and my nieces keep that spirit alive in this impromptu ”sync” of “Santa Clause is Coming to Town”. I actually had nothing to do in the making of this but I loved it so much, I wanted to share it, and they let me. Simply, they set their camera on the counter, hit “record”, and let whatever happened, happen. Press “play” on the CD player, and have a good time was all this took. May be because this is family, I loved it. Hopefully, it will spread a little Christmas cheer, warm your heart, and bring a smile to your face as it did mine. I hope you enjoy “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” by the Garcia’s.

Biggest Dangers in Photography

2011-11-29T11:20:00.000-08:00

So today the word came down... I've been spinning and puking for a couple of days now. At one point my vision closed in and I thought I was going to pass out. At this, it was time to see the doc.

So it turns out I wasn't dying... yet. Close, but no cigar as they say. It turns out most of these symptoms were cause by scar tissue on my ear drum from a previous surgery causing me to have Vertigo. Remember that nice rolling earthquake we had Easter past? I've been on that ride a few days now. I thought I was losing my mind! On the bright side of things, we discovered something probably far more dangerous.

So what "word'? Why the video? Well the video holds a lot of truths about what our profession has become. We used to run around dropping off film, picking up proofs, viewing proofs with clients etc... and now, most of all that is done on computer and online. I could get into the trappings of spending too much time in front of the computer but maybe I'll save that for another blog. Y'know, so I'll have another excuse to sit behind this computer some more. Actually, I posted this video because it's true and it made me laugh. And by posing this issue in a comedic light, it addresses this issue and let's us take a look at what's happened to us... happened to me.

If you know me or have read any of my previous posts, you'll know that I love food and I love a good craft beer. You stack those loves with turning the corner of forty, no exercise and diminishing activity at work, you are going to pack on the pounds. Packing on the pounds I did. In fact 300 lbs have been packed on. Was I concerned about this? Not really. I'm the guy behind the camera, not in front of it. Well, maybe I should've been in front of it a little more often.

I started being aware that I was getting larger with the popularity of FaceBook. In high school, I was 120 lbs and ran Cross Country and I was a twig. As I connected with old friends and we started posting old pictures, more friends would connect and not recognize me from my present pictures. I remember some people commenting about me saying, "your nose is the same..."

Vertigo - the secret messenger. Back to the "word". On my doctor visit about the dizziness and nausea, we found my blood pressure was more than high. Blood tests revealed high cholesterol and trigs off the chart. I'm overweight and out of shape. I'm the classic ticking time bomb. The word is, I have to do something about this and I have to do it now!

Not wanting to explode yet, it's time to do something about all this and hopefully it's not too late. My blood pressure is too dangerously high to exercise so the first step is diet. We've all probably heard it before, no red meat, no pasta, no salt, no spicy food. Ouch, that last one is a killer. I love spicy and robust food but I've got to do it. I don't have an exact plan yet but my diet will begin to shift today.

I have a good friend, fellow photographer and excellent writer, Dave, who after the birth of his son, decided he wanted to a healthier lifestyle so he could spend more quality time with his son. I'm not sure how much he weighed but he made it a goal to get his weight down to 200 lbs by the time he turned 40. He blogged about it and he lost the weight. I applaud you Dave. I'm going to start by reading his blog.

Guns & Girl on Skates

2011-11-13T11:11:00.000-08:00

Sunday Funday!

On sunday we take a look at rare, vintage, cool and sometimes odd photography. We take that day to view, celebrate, critique and appreciate photography new and old. Feel free to comment below and visit again next Sunday.

Images posted on Sunday Funday are not property of, nor were they created by Orange County Photographer, Greg Garcia Photography. Most of the images have been circulated around the internet and to my knowledge, free to be shared and appreciated.

Acrobats

2011-11-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

Sunday Funday!

Happy Halloween my Monkey Girl!

2011-10-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!!

Sunday Funday!

Mick Jagger & Divine

2011-10-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday Funday!

Mick Jagger, Madonna & Tony Curtis

2011-10-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday Funday!

Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney

2011-10-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday Funday!

Elvis, Sinatra, Astaire & Esposito

2011-10-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday Funday!

Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

1955-2011

Whale & the Mermaid

2011-10-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of avery thin and beautiful woman. The caption was "This summer, do you wantto be a mermaid or a whale?"

The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered thefollowing way:

"Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends(dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise theirchildren with great tenderness.

They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns.They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the BarentsSea or the coral reefs of Polynesia.

They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on cds. Theyare impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires.

Mermaids do not exist.

But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologistbecause of a problem of split personality: woman or fish?

They would have no sex life and could not bear children.

Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad.

And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side?

Without a doubt, I'd rather be a whale.

At a time when the media tells us that only thin is beautiful, Iprefer to eat ice cream with my kids, to have dinner with my husband, to eatand drink and have fun with my friends.

We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdomand knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads allover our bodies.

We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated.

Every time I see my curves in the mirror, Itell myself: "How amazing am I ?!

By: Delphine Fieberg

Beatles & Little Richard

2011-10-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday Funday!

CounterShock

2011-09-27T21:47:00.001-07:00

CounterShock, originally uploaded by greggarciaphoto.

Kurosawa, Pollack, Streisand & Huston

2011-09-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Akira Kurosawa, Sydney Pollack, Barbara Streisand and John Huston

Sunday Funday!

Billy Corgan

2011-09-21T19:15:00.001-07:00

Billy Corgan, originally uploaded by greggarciaphoto.

@ Red Rocks

Einstein & Marilyn Monroe

2011-09-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

When you look at this picture you see it's Albert Einstein

But, if you stand 15 feet away it will become Marilyn Monroe.

Now what do you think of the reliability of eyewitness testimony?

Sunday Funday!

Crutch

2011-09-16T22:03:00.001-07:00

Crutch, originally uploaded by greggarciaphoto.

Alice Cooper

Maggie

2011-09-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

Maggie shot with shoe flash in a parking garage in Santa Ana

American Flag

2011-09-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

War is Hell

2011-09-11T19:06:00.000-07:00

War is Hell

Comment Below

Sunday Fun Day Comment

2011-09-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

I'm playing with a new series on my blog. Sunday Fun Day! It's to open up discussion regarding photography and it's impact. How the image not only records but also creates history.... Or, merely the appreciation of the image, the craft or the capture of a fleeting moment. In this age of digital photography and 7 frames per second or still images converted from video capture, the photographer's instinct of the decisive moment is dying. It's like the tuna fisherman that cast a huge net and so what if they kill some dolphin in the process. The creative image is turning into something that is created in post rather than the camera. For most, the image has turned into a commodity and they have resorted to the "numbers game" as opposed to creating and capturing a special moment in the camera. The game, the business has changed. This series is to appreciate, applaud, critique, and admire the works created primarily before technology got it's grasp on our art, craft and industry.

Today's images are not "Fun" so the title of the series may not be appropriate. The title is merely named so because these posts do not have anything to do with work. Today's posts being quite editorial in nature are here as a memorial on the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Even though the subject matter does not have anything to do with 9/11 directly, they a simular in nature. Feel free to comment.

Feel free to submit images to be part of the discussion too if you like. greg@greggarciaphotography.com I'm not sure if you can post images in the comment section but you can email them to me directly.

Enjoy!

American

2011-09-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday Paper Headline

2011-09-11T11:11:00.001-07:00

Sunday Funday!

On sunday we take a look at rare, vintage, cool and sometimes odd photography. We take that day to view, celebrate, critique and appreciate photography new and old. Feel free to comment below.

Images posted on Sunday Funday are not property of, nor were they created by Orange County, Greg Garcia Photography. Most of the images have been circulated around the internet and to my knowledge, free to be shared and appreciated.

Colorado First Time Home Buyer

2011-09-10T23:27:00.000-07:00

Another video day! Today we are using a small camcorder to follow around a potential Colorado First Time Home buyer as her realtor shows her prospective properties for the afternoon. We are hoping that she'll make her selection and make an offer at the end of the day so we can capture that on tape too. No fancy rigging for this one. I'm excited to see how this is going to cut together.

Colorado First Time Home Buyer

2011-09-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

Today were shooting stills of the Colorado First Time Home Buyer Team and individual head shots. This was a little be of an after thought but we figured, since I'm out here....

So, I needed to come up with a portrait lighting rig with the materials I have on hand. I ended up making it work with some light stand adapters, two shoe mount flashes, a few Pocket Wizards and an umbrella. I was tempted to shoot with the video lighting set up but I was worried that I wouldn't have the depth of field needed to shoot the group shot.

The rig and rigging worked out fine and we have another happy client!

Colorado First Time Home Buyer

2011-09-08T11:38:00.001-07:00

Today we're in Centennial Colorado shooting testimonials and web content for Colorado First Time Home Buyer. We are set up in the training room of Home Real Estate. Clients, New home owners are scheduled to dropping in about every hour.
Today's shoot is totally unscripted, zero prep and we should catch some authentic reaction and testimony from our new Colorado First Time Home Buyers!

Ford F-100

2011-09-06T02:54:00.000-07:00

It's Labor Day weekend and what does that mean if you live in Old Towne Orange by the traffic circle? The Orange International Street Fair! It's a sweat fest of international food and the smell of spilled stale beer. There's plenty to eat and drink if you are not concerned about the International part. Thousands of people attend every year and I kinda have an annual tradition of at least making it over there to have my customary bratwurst. Feel free to click the link for info and check it out!

So, this afternoon I'm standing in front of my house assessing the tons of yard work I should be doing but it's just too damn hot so I'm procrastinating. The yellow Ford above drives up to the curb and the passenger asks if they can park in front of my house. I immediately fall in love with the truck. This truck is perfect for a few upcoming video projects I have stirring in the mill so as they get out of the truck, I ask if they would bee interested in letting use the truck for a video project. The driver was enthusiastic about it and gave me his contact info.

As an independent filmmaker on a small budget, there are a lot of compromises and decisions one must make. Do you hurry up and make your video in haste and end up with a diluted lack luster remnant of what was once a great idea, or do you stick your guns and vision and take the time to execute it correctly? Truthfully, I think it's a balance of both. It may be a balance of both at any level. I think it's a matter of where those lines will be drawn in the sand. Today, I'm glad I waited. This truck practically fell in my lap. Keep an eye out for it. I'm sure it will be featured in at least two upcoming projects.

I love it when a plan comes together.

Chargers v. 49ers

2011-09-03T03:44:00.000-07:00

The surf was big today in San Clemente. We saw it on our way down to San Diego. Ron had tickets in the first row on the field of the Chargers v. 49ers game and gave them to Jz and I. We took off around 5pm.

It was pretty much a comedy of errors... We weren't planning for a trek yo San Diego so we were far from prepared. We both needed money... the car needed gas... So we had many pit stops before we got stuck in traffic. The stadium is nestled in low rolling hills. You can't even see the stadium until you're almost on top of it. You come around a small hill with what looks like a rock quarry on one side and apartments on the the other then there it is. By this time, you're committed to your lane and you must go with the herd. Of course we parked on the opposite side of the stadium than our seats and once we found our gate, it was closed. So, we needed to back track until we found an open gate. Jz needed to hit the head but we couldn't find a restroom. Finally after walking almost back to where we started we found one. Jz almost got into a fight in the restroom for yelling at a guy that took cuts and said guy continued yelling at us even after we left the restroom... something about 619! You can check in but you can never leave... I don't know if he was a Raid fanatic or forgot the words to Hotel California but he sure seemed pretty angry.

We finally found our seats but since we were on the field you couldn't see the game because all the players were standing in front of us. That was ok, we had the Jumbotron for an occasional peak. We mostly just watched the cheerleaders. This was fine with me because I barely understand how the game is played anyway! We ate at Chevys afterward and I had chips and salsa, and an andouille quesadilla. My stomach is in knots and very pissed off at me right now. I just got home. Luckily.

Photoshop of Horrors

2011-08-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

Photoshop of Horrors: Vogue Mag Forgets Body Parts, Do You Care?

Posted: 19 Aug 2011 08:37 AM PDT

Over at Vogue magazine, it seems the retouching crew was a little remiss with Mario Testino’s shot of Kate Moss and her daughter Lila –seems they…er…left off a few of her daughters fingers. Or worse, that her daughters fingers actually fused into her mom’s back.

So, we all know Photoshop happens. They’re in there taking out zits and making people skinnier than they really are, and taking out wrinkles and on and on. Yes, yes, we all “know” this. But is “oops, I just left off a few body parts” excusable? I don’t know where I stand on this. It’s a beautiful shot, but the sophomoric blunder isn’t lost on me.

Do YOU even care, or is it just expected that there will be some mistakes and faux pas along the way, so we should just get on with it anyway….?

(faux pas via Jezebel) via Chase Jarvis

Saints of the Underground

2011-08-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

By Madina

Images Greg Garcia Photography

Jani Lane

2011-08-12T04:51:00.000-07:00

Rest in Peace

Jani Lane: His Only Real Friend... That Killed Him in the End RIP

People have been asking me about Jani Lane & I really don't know what to say. Picturing him by himself in a Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills with a bottle of vodka & a bottle of pills is so typical of what a rock musicians life actually is. It is a life marked by extremes. Extreme attention from people you don't know, while all the work & travel takes you away from those you actually do know. Playing to thousands of people & then going back to your hotel room & shutting the door. When the door shuts... the quiet is the exact opposite of the volume of the concert. The solitude of the empty hotel room becomes the diametric parallel of the adulation of strangers. For some, the bottle of vodka or whatever becomes a friend that is always there for you while others come & go. Yes I have felt these emotions myself. If you see me going head over heels over a girl, it's because all I have ever wanted is to have a girl to love & share my life with, & for the one I love to be with me wherever I'm at, travel with me to distant locales & stay in nice kick ass hotel suites & have fun & sing & dance & see the world. But so far this is a fantasy. Just like Jani, I spend most of my time alone in a hotel room dreaming of a girl I love who is somewhere else. I bet Jani Lane felt exactly what I feel. How could he not? I remember decades ago being invited to Jani's house for a barbeque, which we went to. But Jani didn't show up. So I spent the afternoon with Jani's dad cooking burgers & steaks & having a wonderful day with his family. My condolences to his family & especially Jani's children who now only have memories of their dad to hold on to. That is truly heartbreaking. Let this be yet another lesson to tell someone some kind words sometimes... before it's too late... while they are still alive. I can guarantee Jani Lane would not have anticipated everyone coming out of the woodwork extolling the life & times of Jani Lane. Which is why he probably died alone. In a hotel room. With his only real friend...that killed him in the end.

By: Sebastian Bach

Gear Head - Mobile

2011-07-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Orange County Photographer Greg Garcia's Equipment
This is a follow up to Gear Head - AC Powered. Most of the content will be the same. So, the reason for this entry? This will answer the inquiry for an environmental location shoot without any access to electricity.
I have organized my gear so with a couple swaps in lighting, I'm still good to go. The primary DSLRs I use are the Canon 5D and the Canon 5D Mark II. My lens arsenal consists of a Canon EF 24-70mm 2.8, Canon EF 70-200 2.8 IS, and a Canon EF 85mm 1.8. I find I get most of my work done with those three lenses. For metering I still use my Sekonic handheld and I use a Calibration Target for Custom White Balance. This is probably the absolute bare minimum I would take to any shoot.

For Lighting on a "Mobile" shoot, I use JTL MobilLights with battery packs. I have a Quantum Q Flash with a Turbo Battery pack and the Canon 580EX that I can mount to a stand with a shoe mount trigger, that plugs into my wireless receiver for off camera lighting. I'll use the Q Flash or 580EX to lighten the load if we are hiking the gear to a remote location or if I need a quick accent light to pick up some detail. I find this works really well for me even in a multiple light set up.

Keeping with the same JTL Lighting mounts enables me to use the same light modifiers as I would with the VersaLights. Depending on what is needed for the job, I have a large 60" Convertable Umbrella and a number of smaller umbrellas that are Silver, Translucent and White Reflective. I have a 21" Beauty dish that I have enjoyed using as well as a number of soft boxes including the Photoflex Platinum Series Strip Dome Q39, for controlled light placement. With those tools, I've been able to satisfy the needs to get about any job done.

Stone

2011-07-20T20:55:00.001-07:00

Stone, originally uploaded by greggarciaphoto.

iPhone image

Bastard Winos - Live @ Fitzgeralds - Storm Called Me

2011-07-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

Ashlee

2011-07-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ashlee and I have worked together before and she is a joy to work with. This was no exception. She had been wanting to update her images but had been carrying a busy schedule and not able to book a session. Finally, she had a clearing in her schedule, and contacted me the evening before, to shoot. We both had a small window in the afternoon so we scheduled a shoot in a near by park. We wanted to capture a loose outdoor feel for her shots. I knew of an area with high grass that would make a great location for her images but it was a little bit of a hike. Between our window of opportunity and also coordinating hair and makeup last minute, we found ourselves chasing daylight. The sun was low on the horizon and I knew we would never make it to the area I had intended for the shoot to get the results that I wanted. Ashlee being gracious said not to worry we can reschedule for another time. I agreed but why let this go to waste. Lets shoot! So we did. These images were taken on the side of the road on Parker St. in Orange. They were shot with the Canon 5D at 400 ASA f2.8 @ 1/30, hand held. The top image was one of the first frames shot. That warm edge of sunlight on her cheek was only there for a moment. That was the last kiss of sunlight before it was gone.

At this point, it was literally getting darker by the minute. I turned Ashlee around in the second image and got her out from under the trees to get more light on her. I was already shooting wide open and at 1/30 of a second hand held. I didn't want to shift my ASA any more because I didn't want to pick up anymore noise. With my Sekonic hand held light meter I moved out toward the street until I got my exposure back to 1/30. With the sun behind her and below the horizon, we got a really nice wrap around light and because the light still had direction, it gave her hair separation from that background. Placing Ashlee in front of the treeline gave me a nice edge in the shine of her hair. If she was placed with sky behind her, that highlight would've bled right into the sky. We shot until it was too dark and we couldn't take the mosquito attacks anymore, which didn't take long. It was a short and fun shoot and we were happy with the results.

Ashlee is great to work with and if you're interested in working with her you can contact her via:
http://www.modelmayhem.com/ashleenicolem

The King Mixers

2011-07-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

The King Mixers at the Fox and Hounds English Pub in studio City. I believe they play there every friday night. I recommend having a few pints and checking them out if you’re ever in the area.

The King Mixers

After our Crafter Guitar shoot, I called up some friends in the area and we ended up at the Fox & Hounds. The Fox and Hounds English pub is a Studio City, California landmark where British Ex-pats join the young locals (and wayward visitors who stumble upon it) for pints, darts and sports from around the world. This evening, The King Mixers were playing. This band took their time getting started but when they did, I was really glad we stumbled in. These guys play Beatles, Cars, Queen and an amazing version of Baba O’ Riley by the Who. When they play, they do not merely “cover” the songs, they interpret the songs with their own piss and vinegar. I thoroughly enjoyed these guys and I would recommend checking them out if you’re ever in the area.

Hobo Camp

2011-07-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Orange County Photographer Greg Garcia in New Orleans

I spent a week or so in New Orleans staying in a Double Barrel Shotgun, in the area by Armstrong Park. We didn't have any electricity or water to speak of. We were lucky enough to run an extension cord from the neighbor that lit a single lamp so we could see after dark. Water would trickle out of the bathtub faucet, so we would collect the water in cups and tubs for usage later. We converted an old washing machine into a BBQ so we had a place to cook. We called this the Hobo Camp. It was pretty much open to whoever wanted to stay there. There were always interesting characters coming and going. They didn't seem to mind me or my camera. Enjoy!

Images shot with the Nikon FA and Nikon 6006 on Fuji Reala

METAVENGE

2011-06-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Orange County Band Photographer Greg Garcia Shoots Metavenge
Metavenge shot in San Pedro with a Canon 5D, Strobe and Brolly.

Metavenge from Houston Texas. I got the opportunity to see these guys perform after the shoot and they are heavy, hard and shove their music right down your throat. You’ll definitely be hearing about these guys in the future.

We shot in San Pedro and in typical fashion, not free of incident. We arrived, late afternoon, scoped out the area, and set up to shoot. Within minutes, not even ten frames into the shoot, security stopped the shoot. I was escorted by security to see the Regional Director or something like that. By the time we got to the office, there wasn’t anyone to talk to and the Security officer kinda shrugged his shoulders and said I couldn’t shoot there. Meanwhile, the band’s manager called me on the cell phone and in code, we were able to communicate to move the equipment around the hill and behind a wall where security won’t be able to see us. Security escorted me back to where we were originally shooting and I kinda dismissed it like they had to get going to their show. Once security was out of sight, I bolted over to the guys and finished the shoot. As you can see, we were racing daylight. This was one of the last shots of the day. The guys were great and we got some great shots. Of course I had to harass them for not warning me about Security. “How could you guys not see him...? He had to cross a parking lot and a grass field to get to us!” I guess they were just too into the staring down the camera.

Red 9 - Last Mistake

2011-06-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Dallas

2011-06-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Orange County Photographer Shoots Dallas at Back Yard BBQ

This is Dallas in my friend Jimmy's backyard. Technically, side yard. Dallas and I have been shooting together on and off for about five years now. She is a go getter and absolutely gung ho about shooting and getting the great shot. I purchased a wash board and tub as props and we staged the scene with some of the things Jimmy had around to help complete the image.

More images from this shoot can be found on Tumblr and FaceBook.

Steven Adler

2011-06-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Orange County Band Photographer Shoots Steven Adler of Guns & Roses for Peace Calendar
Shot at Backline Rehearsal Studios with a Nikon FA on Fuji Reala Film. Three strobes with a brolly and colored gels were used for this capture. This was shot right before rehearsal for Adler’s Appetite.

This was shot as a promotional calendar piece and advertisement for Peace Drums. Steven was passed out in a van in the parking lot 20 minutes before this shot was taken. They had just gotten into town from Las Vegas. Steven lit up and turned it on as soon as he saw the lights, he was ready to roll. We quickly shot a couple rolls of Fuji Reala using a Nikon FA and strobe. This was not the shot featured in the Calendar but I thought it kinda captured a different mood for Steven.

Gear Head AC Powered

2011-06-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

Orange County Photographer Greg Garcia's Equipment

From time to time I get asked what kind of gear do I use and I'll find myself scratching out an email, sending it out and of course emptying my trash right before I get asked again. So, I've decided to scratch this out one more time so it can have a permanent residence.

To answer this question, it really depends on what is needed for the job. I will split this into different categories to cover my bases but I will begin with the meat and potatoes. The primary DSLRs I use are the Canon 5D and the Canon 5D Mark II. My lens arsenal consists of a Canon EF 24-70mm 2.8, Canon EF 70-200 2.8 IS, and a Canon EF 85mm 1.8. I find I get most of my work done with those three lenses. For metering I still use my Sekonic handheld and I use a Calibration Target from PhotoVision for Custom White Balance. This is probably the absolute bare minimum I would take to any shoot.

For Lighting, if it's a scenario where we have access to AC Power, I use JTL VersaLights. Now I know this may be frowned upon to the "Mono Light" hating photographic community out there but I have found for a quick, unobtrusive set up, these really work well. If I'm setting up for a shoot in a doctor or lawyer's office, or even at a residence with families walking around, I don't have to worry about a battery pack and cables running through the room. I don't have to worry about a client or child tripping over cables and/or knocking over equipment. Usually, I can plug the lights into a perimeter wall outlet and the middle of the room stays clear. I find this works really well for me even in a three light set up.

To keep with a cable free environment, I use the JTL DigiFirer Wireless triggers for my lighting set up. The DigiFirer Triggers mate with their lights very well and I've had trouble free performance for years. For light modifiers, again, it depends on what is needed for the job. I have a 60" Convertable Umbrella from PhotoFlex as well as an assortment of smaller umbrellas with silver, translucent and reflective white materials. I have a 21" Beauty dish that I have enjoyed using as well as a number of soft boxes including the Photoflex Platinum Series Strip Dome Q39, for controlled light placement. With those tools, I've been able to satisfy the needs to get about any job done.

Warrant - Crafter Guitars USA

2011-06-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Orange County Band Photographer Greg Garcia Shoots Warrant for Crafter Guitars
Joey Allen and Robert Mason were shot with the Canon 5D and multiple strobe.

Tonight I shot Joey Allen and Robert Mason from Warrant for Crafter Guitars. This is a promotional endorsement for Crafter Guitars USA out of Virginia. This shoot went about as smoothly as they go, even with all the friday night traffic to get to Burbank from OC. Rob Shean assisted me on this shoot to ensure a speedy set up and tear down. This was shot at their rehearsal studio, the last 30 minutes of their scheduled rehearsal. When we arrived, they were outside taking a smoke break. We were greeted and introduced, then escorted to the rehearsal room. The plan was to set up while they were rehearsing their final set. Everything timed out perfectly. They finished the last song and we were ready to shoot. We shot a variety of poses for about twenty minutes, wrapped, and got on with our Friday night. I love it when a plan comes together...

Jodi

2011-06-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

I shot Jodi in the high desert near Hesperia. We just pulled off the road in this vacant area and played with posing and lighting as the sun went down. This was a simple one light set up, set camera right, diffused with an umbrella. The hair and rim light came from the sun as it was setting over the horizon. Jodi is awesome to work with and is quite athletic. At one point she told me that she loves motocross and considered doing that for a living. Lucky for us that was a conflict of interest with the modeling and she chose to model.

To see more from this shoot, feel free to view my tumblr page. http://greggarciaphoto.tumblr.com/

Poogie Bell

2011-06-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Poogie Bell photographed at the Vault in long Beach. Canon 10D and multiple strobe.

Every now and then you get a stressful, nightmare shoot. This was one of them. This was Murphy’s Law in full swing. Let me just say upfront, Poogie was awesome! This was a promotional shoot for Poogie’s cymbal endorsement and was shot at the Vault in Long Beach. The plan was to get some live shots at sound check before their show. Everything was arranged with the venue and the light man to run lights to look like show while I got my shots. That seemed simple enough, right? I arrived at the venue at the scheduled time and there’s no band, no Poogie. Apparently his flight from Pittsburgh had been delayed. I waited two hours and I asked the cymbal rep, what are we going to do? His answer was pretty much, wait a little longer and shoot what you can. We were about fifteen minutes from doors opening when they finally arrive. Of course they need to sound check so they get onstage and the monitors do not work. So now the sound guy is pissed and doesn’t want anybody on the stage. The house is screaming they need to close the stage curtains because they need to open the doors. I’m getting nervous so I start unpacking all my cases for lighting and start setting up for another back up plan. I knew once they close that curtain, that stage is dark. All the front lighting is outside the curtain line. They close the curtain and the band is ready to go to the hotel. I’m feverishly trying to set up lights to get some shots. I lit Poogie with an umbrella from the front, I put light with a red gel on a boom overhead and I threw a blue light behind him aiming at the curtain. Meanwhile, Poogie’s band mates are yelling “C’mon! Let’s go! Bus is leaving…” I told Poogie, just a few shots and you’re outta here… I’m set, ready to go. Let’s go… Poogie sat down; wearing the shirt he was traveling in and I said, just play. It wasn’t but a few seconds before the stage manager stormed the stage furious because doors were open but I had already gotten my handful of shots. I’m not exactly sure what Poogie is so happy about in this shot. Maybe he could see behind me and new I was about to get my head chopped off. I don’t know but it works for me. Istanbul chose to run a different image at NAMM and I’ve included that image as well. All in a days work, right?

Orange County Photographer Shoots Poogie Bell at the Vault in Long Beach

Greg Garcia Photography

2011-06-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

Crystal

2011-06-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

Shot with the Canon 5D and a bounce card in natural light.
HeadShots by Orange County Photographer Greg Garcia

Meet Crystal! Crystal needed a new head shot for extra casting. We were looking for a clean natural image so we shot completely by existing like outdoors with a bounce card to brighten up her eyes a tad. Nothing else needed. We shot at a local park in the afternoon. Unfortunately we were having and typical hazy California afternoon so to get some color in the background, I chose to pick up some of the greenery the park had to offer. The sun was dancing in and out of clouds but I got enough direction from the sunlight through the trees to light up Crystal's hair. I think we got some great All-American girl next-door looks for Crystal and hopefully we'll all be seeing her on Glee sometime in the near future! Good Luck Crystal!

Jimmy Camp

2011-06-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Orange County Photographer Greg Garcia Shoots Jimmy Camp for New Record

This is my long time friend, recording artist and political insider, Jimmy Camp. We shot this in his living room for his album “Captain America”. From what I understand, “Captain America” is the first Album to be recorded entirely on an iPod. You can view a “making of...” movie about this on Jimmy’s website: www.jimmycamp.com.

Blah Blah Blahg!

2011-06-19T11:11:00.001-07:00

Hi Blogosphere!

That's right! both of you. My sphere seems to be a bit small at the moment. But size isn't everything unless your talking about Aperture. I cracked up the first time I heard a variation of that for a class on Aperture. I will have to credit our fearless leaders of South Coast Photography Meetup Club, Paul and Andy. By the way, this is an awesome group of photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds. I've only been to a handful of meetings so far but what I have experienced has been informative and entertaining. There is a wealth of knowledge, experience and talent in this group. Everyone I have met has been extremely friendly and I openly generous to share their "bag o tricks". I recommend this to anyone interested in photography and fun. ...Fun is the reason most of us got into photography in the first place right? So you know they're a great group of people.

Dark Angel

2011-06-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Orange County Phtographer Greg Garcia Shoots Kymree as the Dark Angel
This was shot with the Canon 10D and Quantum Q Flash off Camera

This is Kymree. Obviously this is the Angel Motel on Bitterbush St. We shot this a little later than planned but the image still comes across. I was concerned that being on a major street we might cause a little commotion so I wanted to be in and out as quickly as possible to avoid any trouble. I parked up the street at a 7-11 where Kymree got ready in my truck. Meanwhile, I asked her to wait for my call to join the shoot while I metered and set up lighting. I walked up the sidewalk with my lighting assistant and we weren’t there 30 seconds when the cops showed up with their lights on me. We had just walked up and I had gotten on my side to compose the shot and my head was close to the curb and gutter. The police officer thought I had passed out or something. We had a chuckle about that and he let me carry on with what I was doing. I called up Kymree. We blasted through shots for ten or fifteen minutes and got out of there. Kymree was great to work with and we have continued to shoot together since.

Lighting for this we used a Quantum QFlash mounted on a mono pod powered by a Quantum Turbo Battery.

Ashlee

2011-06-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ashlee shot by Orange County Photographer Greg Garcia

I believe my initial contact with Ashlee was through Model Mayhem. Originally we had planned to shoot her in a sun dress in a grassy field for some portfolio pieces. On the morning of the shoot, she decided that she wanted to more of a lingerie type shoot. I booked a studio but then the studio called back and had found they double booked. A friend of mine was over because his car was overheating and needed a place to kick while it cooled down. He overheard my conversation on the phone with Ashlee as I was trying to secure a location. He offered up his apartment. I had never been there before but this late in the day, I didn't have much choice. Ashlee agreed to meet there and we shot a number of looks inside and out of the apartment.

This shot is the stairwell leading up to the apartment. Ashlee is lit with a JTL Mobil Light with a brolly and a gelled strobe, lights her from behind. I will post more from this shoot at a later date. Ashlee and I continue to work together from time to time and she is great to work with. You can contact her through Model Mayhem #724163

To see more images from this shoot, check out Tumblr

Lake Forest Stabbing

2011-06-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Two positive forces lost in a senseless act of violence from a ex-con looking at their third strike. Hoss, friend and co-worker of two years was always energetic, positive and happy to help in any given situation. Whether in training or sharing tricks of the trade, he kept no secrets and he seemed to take joy in seeing others succeed. He is definitely someone you would want on your team and he will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace Hoss.

Goldfinger

2011-06-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

Orange County Band Photographer Greg Garcia Shoots Goldfinger at the Glass House
Shot with the Nikon FA and available light. I do not remember the film stock. I should re-scan the original negative. This scan is a much more blocked up than the prints that came from this negative. I’ll put that on my “to-do” list...

Hmmm. I think this was at the Glass House. This is going back a few years around the time Britney Spears first single ...Baby One More Time came out. I think this is the drummer. He’s wearing a schoolgirl skirt and he started dancing around the stage like Britney Spears in the video. There was a point when he was dancing on top of the rack you see in the background and I knew, he’s gotta come down some how. So I got ready. I’m sure I was shooting my trusty Nikon FA at the time. Y’know, manual crank, no motor drive etc… You get one shot and I got it. He took an amazing leap. Click!

Rod's Liquor

2011-06-15T23:20:00.001-07:00

Rod's Liquor, originally uploaded by greggarciaphoto.

This is Candice and my brother in front of Rod's Liquor in Downtown Orange. we needed an image for Candice's 21st B-Day invitation and this is what we came up with. That's my sofa from home that we brought out and we had most of the "props" already. Ambient light was metered with a hand held Sekonic Light Meter and I set exposure, close to match. Lighting was provided by a JTL Mobil Light and Brolly. I had to drag the shutter a little to get the neon to burn in.

We were probably in and out of there in a total of about 20 minutes. We did start to get a little bit of a crowd of onlookers but for the most part, they viewed from across the street.

It was a fun shoot. Candice was totally fun to work with and a go getter and props to my brother for playing waiter and making it happen.

Anza Borrego SoCo Photo Trip

2011-06-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

These images are from a recent trip to the Anza Borrego Desert with the South Coast Photography MeetUp. They are a great group of photographers and enthusiasts that have a passion for photography and having a good time. If you're in the Orange County area I suggest you check this group out.

The two landscapes are from Canyon Sin Nombre and the Mammoth Sculpture is from Borrego Springs. All three images were shot in Manual mode on my Canon G9 PowerShot. I used in camera metering and utilized the histogram to calculate my exposure.

The first image above I took the highlights of the sand right to the edge of the histogram and backed off slightly to avoid clipping. The cloud cover gave me enough latitude to capture the rest of the image.

In the image of the Mammoth/Elephant, I wanted to interpret the shot a little differently than an averaged metered Auto Exposure would. So, I walked up to the statue on the shadow side to get my meter reading. I locked in the exposure and recomposed to completely obliterating the background. There is some flare because on the second day in the desert I'm sure my lens had seen cleaner days but I was happy with the effect I got.

The middle image of the red rock and the blue sky is a cheat. The sun was so bright at this point, the shadow and the highlights were beyond the latitude of the digital capture on my G9. So, I capture it in two images with two different exposures shot hand held. The red rock was metered in the same way I metered the elephant and the sky was shot under exposed to pull in the color and not blow out the clouds. Basically, I laid the sky in the overexposed area of the red rock image. It's not much different than what we used to do in the B&W Darkroom days. Now it's done in PhotoShop instead. I'm sure there's easier ways to do it but I'm Ol' Skool. Haha! Ah... don't you just miss the smell of mixing fresh chemistry in the morning? Lol! Now go have fun!!!

Cooper Wedding

2011-06-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

“Un-flippin real! You Rock Greg! You’re my photographer for life... great images”

-the happy groom.

Shot with the Canon 5D.

Cooper Wedding

So I pick up a message from a buddy that I met at a party a year or so prior, on Monday. “I hope you are treating life well. Linsey and I are getting married Saturday. I'd like to talk to you about shooting that day.” Well, we played phone tag the rest of the week and finally on Friday, the night before his wedding, we catch up on the phone. I’m sure I don’t need to share with you the pressure leading up to your wedding day and this situation was no exception. Add to it that this is the week of Christmas and you’ve taken it up a a whole other notch. Luckily, I had a wedding party with a great attitude that laid it out like this... “We’d love to have you shoot our wedding. We know it’s last minute. We know you’ll know what to do...”

Off to the races I went. Shooting from the hip as they say. It was a great celebration and even though my time was limited due to a previous commitment, I was able to capture some great images.

Duck Duck Goose!

2011-06-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

The goose that bit me!, originally uploaded by greggarciaphoto.

Aw... look at the nice duckies and geese... HONK!!!! WT....?
I was scouting for locations in San Pedro when I found this quaint neighborhood park. I had my iPhone out so I could snap any potential areas. There were plenty of old trees, greenery and a nice pond with ducks and geese. I'm thinking this place is pretty awesome and I wanna come back and shoot sometime soon.
So, from this pic you can see I'm a good distance from the little river / pond and I'm still on the paved walkway. Then, breaking the serene moment comes this obnoxious repetitive HONK! HONK! HONK! and this crazed goose with a big attitude. I was bum rushed by a goose! Well, I think he was a goose. Anyway, I reached down with my iPhone and snapped this right before he latched on to my pant leg with his two great big pointy teeth! Oh wait, that's a rabbit and a very poor attempt at a Monty Python reference. I almost fell backward trying to escape this foul fowl. I had to crack up at the whole situation and if there was anyone watching I'm sure they had a gaggle at this gander.

Billy G. Wrant

2011-06-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

Orange County Band Photographer Greg Garcia Shoots Billy G. Wrant of D-Cup
Billy was shot with the Canon 5D and JTL MobileLight & Brolly behind Perry’s Pizza in Newport Beach.

My long time friend Ky, rang me up that he needed images to send for a band audition. This was obviously one of the more serious shots. There are some more shots that are a lot more fun that I’m sure will make it here soon. This was shot in a back ally in Newport Beach.

Wilco Tango Foxtrot

2011-06-02T23:46:00.000-07:00

Wilco Tango Foxtrot, originally uploaded by greggarciaphoto.

Orange County Photographer Greg Garcia Tries Lagunita's Wilco Tango Foxtrot

Ok. I'm trying a new beer tonight. I have to admit, the name on the label caught my eye... not normally how i would choose a beer. Anyway, I'm glad I did, it is really good. It's very bold. Malty with an aggressive hop character. It definitely has a floral hop nose but it's smooth and creamy on the palate and full of body. For a bold beer it's hard to drink slow. It comes in at 7.83% alcohol by volume and reminds me of the beer Keri Kelli and I would seek out in the bay area. This beer has a quality that reminds me of days at the Tornado quite some time ago but it's flavor is completely fresh. The only bummer about this find is it's a limited release. WTF!

Shot with the iPhone 3G

I'm Back!!!

2011-06-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

I'm back!

Today is June 1st and we're turning over an old leaf.... Gonna start buggin with my Blahg!!!! So prepare yourself for some Blah blah blah because it's coming! Oh, and there will be some cool shots and video too!

Check it and check back!

Hear Kitty Kitty

2011-05-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

 Orange County Band Photographer Greg Garcia Shoots Hear Kitty Kitty

Hear Kitty Kitty shot in Jay's driveway in Torrance. This was shot with multiple strobe, brolly and warming filters. Captured with the Canon 5D and 5D Mark II. This image has been mocked up for their upcoming show at House of Blues May 10th. This was a fun and kick back shoot. I was going to blog about it but Julie and Nikita expressed the vibe of shoot so well, on the Hear Kitty Kitty blog, I stole it! See below.

hi!! what up?! well! we just shot this super rad photo set with greg garcia friday.

Photoshoots: This past Friday HKK went to Jay's house in Torrance and shot a whole bunch of promos for Jackson Guitars, HipTrix and Pickworld (our proud endorsers). Beer, vintage cars, carne asada, a pit bull named Bronco=awesome. Thanks to Greg Garcia for his photography skills, Jay for letting us overrun his home with clothes and glitter, and to Danielle for hair and makeup and glitter.

Stone @ the Vegas Brewfest

2011-05-10T00:04:00.000-07:00

Stone @ the Vegas Brewfest, originally uploaded by greggarciaphoto.

This image is from the Las Vegas Brew Fest. It was taken from behind the Stone booth as the people from Stone were serving the happy beer lovers. I shot this with my iPhone and edited the image in my phone with the app, Best Camera.

Bi-Pedal Locomotion

2011-04-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Bi-Pedal Locomotion, originally uploaded by greggarciaphoto.

This is an iPhone capture as I was riding to the park. I kinda like the simple graphic nature of the shot. The post processing was done with the iPhone app Best Camera

Blogging. What a weird creature. It's like a diary that you know everyone can read but you have no idea if anyone is reading it. The only guage that you have is by the comments and email that you might receive regarding your blog.

So originally, this was just going to be a photo blog. Then it morphed into a behind the scenes look. Then it turned more personal. Then I started getting feedback from other photographers that like the tech and set ups involved in taking the shots. Well, just like my bike pictured above, the squeeky wheel will get more oil. The funny thing about tech is, it's like riding a bike or driving a car with a manual transmission. It's been so long since I learned how to drive it's almost foreign when you try to break it down and explain the process to someone who has never done it before. I have found it to be a great exercise for me and I plan on incorporating it at least once a week.

Regarding all the other subjects and content? They are all part of my daily life behind the scenes, if you will. So, I will most likely continue to blog about them as well. The adventure, circumstance tech... etc... I thought about starting additional blogs that are specific to those subjects but that seems a bit complicated so for now, it's all gonna stay here. Was it Popeye that said, I yam what I yam...", so I will share it here. I will try to be diligent about tags so any of the subjects can be searchable and I'm even thinking about an entry schedule. Maybe I will isolate tech to Wednesdays and give my entries a little structure. If I decide to ink that idea, I will let you know. For now, I'm gonna bust out the oil.

Punk Rock Picnic

2011-04-19T01:24:00.000-07:00

3rd Annual Punk Rock Picnic shot by Orange County Photographer Greg Garcia

These images are from the 3rd Annual Punk Rock Picnic held this year Hidden Valley Irvine at Verizon. I had originally planned to see the Bastard Winos at this show but due to a line up conflict, they were unable to attend. After reading that Duane Peters and the Exploding Fuck Dolls as well as the Dickies were part of the days entertainment I decided to attend anyway. In my formal life as an recording engineer, I had recorded the EF Dolls for some their early cuts on Monster Records and releases on Disaster Records. So, I thought it would be cool to catch up with some old friends I hadn't seen in a while and the Dickies... I still have their vinyl records in my collection and I used to listen to them in High School, so I was looking forward to their set as well.

No fancy tech here. Today I brought the little gun, my Canon G9 and of course, shot in existing light. I obviously had a little fun in post kicking up contrast in PhotoShop. Otherwise, these are pretty straight forward captures. I chose the Canon G9 as my point and shoot because it has just about all the manual control ability of a DSLR minus the lens options and it captures at 12.1 megapixels. Not bad for a little guy. I can manually adjust on the fly with live preview or I can always view the histogram for a more accurate read of my scene. I will post more images from this camera in the near future and I'm sure you'll be surprised of the quality.

To view more images from this event, follow this link:
http://greggarciaphotography.com/online/punk

Dio

2010-05-16T14:47:00.001-07:00

Dio, originally uploaded by greggarciaphoto

Rest in Peace

Originally, this was posted as a silent tribute to the little man with a huge voice and a big heart. As emails flew back and forth on the day of his passing, a lot was being said and shared about the man on the silver mountain. Did I know him? No. Did I meet him? Yes. Briefly, for a hello and a handshake. Below is a copy of an email between my friend Rj and I the day Ronnie James Dio left this world.

Keri talked to Vinnie last night. Vinnie said Dio probably wouldn't make it through the night. Kk texted me this morning and told me he's gone.

I met Dio in the early 90s backstage at Pacific Amphitheatre. It was more of a "Hello" than anything else. He was very courteous and nice. He was back stage, outdoors, mingling with everyone there. He had the full attention of the girls all around him, why would he want to talk to me... Y'know? But he was nice enough to say hello and shake my hand. That's how I remember it anyway. All I know for sure is Kk and I drank like fiends and woke up in his Fiero in an empty parking lot, shortly before daybreak.
Good times!