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The Bodner

Ever have one of those friends who is just, well, there when you are together? They are always so present in the moment, that they perpetually gloss over tidbits you would really appreciate knowing about them. Everyone enjoys bragging on their pals and assorted loved ones. Some people truly are ignorant of their own genius and opt to not give us the chance. Their vocation is just what they are, so what could the big deal possibly be? A year ago I met Jessica Bodner and her boyfriend, Robert Catalusci. They had recently relocated from San Francisco to Ventura. Two

Cira and The Mermaid

Not many people know this, but when I began working in editorial as a writer and shooter, Europe was my market of choice. Not sure exactly why, but it seems like the editors who most frequently get it with me are from across the pond. It has always been that way. I first was introduced to Cira Riedel, editor of the multi lingual action sport, art centered magazine 7Sky, online. Cira was looking for content for an issue he was putting together. A couple e mail image tosses back and forth via the inet clothesline and we were done. The

My Agenda

The blog to do list waxes long and there is so much to communicate. But at the top of my list is a chain of creative people. Artists, writers, film makers, dancers, musicians, photographers and business owners, whose work and bright glow I hope to share. It will need to be fun, inspiring and encouraging, because that is who and what they all are. Also: Making a fiscal way in Photography An examination of technology and how it affects man. Technology and Green. A look at Canon’s new 5D Mark 2 and what may be the most amazing imaging tool

Metaphysical Momentum: Water Carriers

Ventura has been in the throes of an art boom the past few years. I have watched amusedly as a diverse group of people have been drawn to our little berg from far flung corners of the earth and served as cultural and intellectual fodder for a renaissance of sorts. Creative seedlings they all are, putting down root, bearing fruit that the town will benefit from. No where has this been more obvious to me than in the recent Ventura Film Fest event where during a period of four days, film makers, artists and musicians mingled with a diverse cross

Skinny Bitch: A Day in the Life

I have a rewarding job. I get to hang out with people I really like and create images that reflect a vibrant, healthy and exciting lifestyle. In fact, such is the appeal of that lifestyle that the world of fashion uses it’s cachet to create branding for the many products it markets. The way my shoots come together has always been sort of weird. Sometimes I feel as if some grand conductor has launched a symphony and I simply stumbled into the performance unawares. Then it all connects and I do my portion. It truly is a small part that

Mary Carmel Osborne: Unintentional Icon

To call Mary Osborne a surfer girl is about as misleading a statement as calling me a surf photographer. Yes she is a surfer. But that description is a tight pigeonhole for her to fit into. It is what she is, not who. Mary and I have history together. I doubt that there is anyone who knows me as well and anyone that I trust as much artistically and personally as her. The ability she has as an artist, producer, professional athlete, and model is often overlooked in a cursory glance. Too short to model, too nice to compete, and

Resurrection

Those that know me know of the beliefs that motivate and drive me. It is probably no accident that I became a photographer. It is due to an innate appreciation for light. We all have it. Some of us simply choose to pursue and embrace it more than others. Having grown up in a religious household and been afforded a Parochial school education by my hard working parents, I learned early on that religion no more puts you in communion with God ( Which is also known as the light of the world) than standing in a garage makes one

Jeanette

Jeanette Ortiz, out of all the women I have shot, from Academy Award winners to elite athletes has got to be one of the warmest, sexiest, most intelligent and bravest females in the roster. The only issue that really creates for me is that yep, her Dad is younger than I. Oh, and my girlfriend Donna who runs Betty Belts is one of her main sponsors. Damn, double whammy: too old AND watched like a hawk. But there are benefits to being decrepit. (Yea I AM smiling) She is a true oxymoron if ever one drew breath. For example, we

Pulse

Brian Nevins name first came up almost ten years ago, as I was at Calumet in Santa Barbara and my pal Craig, had told me that a Brooks student was looking for me and wanted to assist. My answer had been somewhat sarcastic as I recall, something to the affect of : “What is he gonna hold my hand while I swim or something?” The short of it is that Brian pursued the heck out of me and over a period of months, I relented. (I think Craig still laughs about it to this day.) We became best friends and

Another Day At The Office

The following text came across recently from an obviously distraught Mary Osborne via her I phone. She was in Departures at LAX: Continental Airlines Horrible!!! “I just managed to have the worst check in at the airport in history. I had two longboards two shortboards ( one I was bringing for a friend) and they wanted to charge me $700. The first lady then sent me to this guy who was going to let me slide for $200, the superintendent who was another woman came over and told him not going to happen. I had to separate the two boards

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