Work In Progress

Category: Photography & Travel

  • Sweden So Far

    There were some doubts about the weather on day one but now a week into our trip those fears have been put squarely to rest. Sure the clouds peek out every now and then but there has been enough sunshine to make a (albeit transplanted) phoenician happy.

    The wedding was fantastic; took about a million photos (more on that later). Here are a few snaps I took yesterday with my iPhone during our walk by the sea (cannot wait to get my hands on the five megapixel camera on the new iPhone 4).

    Boat

    Seaside Cafe

    More to come. Happy… what day is it anyway? Ahh, another great upside of being on vacation.

  • Sweden & Sunflowers

    Those of you who know me, know that I (for the most part) cherish routine (and man, has this past week been way outside my normal routine.) However, sometimes I cherish a good stretch of outside of the box, layered on top of more outside the box. Therefore, on the heels of the last five days, my wife and I will be making a trip to Sweden at the end of this week! A trip I have been looking forward to for months and months. We leave on Thursday and will be there for ten days.

    While I’ve visited a few times before, this trip will be unique because it’s summertime! That’s right. We typically visit during Christmas and it can get very cold in December. I’m personally rooting for warm (80 degree) weather, and with any luck, look forward to the beach, and perhaps even swimming in the sea.

    Oh, and Linda’s sister Johanna is getting married to her long time love Andy Preigard. I’ve seen pictures of the mission style church and the ultra modern restaurant where the reception will be held. I’ll be sure to share lots of pictures of both the countryside, and the events, so hold on to your hats folks! It is going to be a fun time.

    I was on a walk this afternoon and came across this flower. Not that I needed reminding, but for some reason it reminded me of our upcoming trip. Maybe it was my expectation of a warm pretty Sweden in bloom. Whatever the reason, in honor of the summertime, the warm sun, and our trip to Sweden, I leave you with this image.

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    Happy Monday!

  • Jake Johnson's Picture Perfect Course

    My wife and I take Pilates a couple times a week. You can picture me doing Pilates, can’t you? Maybe not. Anyway, that is where I first met Jake Johnson. It turns out that behind the laid back, easy going personality, is a successful commercial photographer. Well, well! When I found out he was teaching a series of photography classes, I immediately signed up for the entire series. (Jake and local photographer Dawniele showing the class how it’s done.)

    Jake Johnson - Picture Perfect Course

    After completing each class, I had to ask myself, why did it take me so long? If you own a camera (that goes double if you own a DSLR) you owe it to yourself to learn how to use it. Whatever level you’re at, there is always more you can learn about exposure, camera settings, lighting, composition, editing; the list goes on. My point? Stop sitting back and letting your camera make all the decisions.

    Jake Johnson - Picture Perfect Course

    As I become more familiar with my camera, as I understand how to see light and to control it, I become a better photographer. I am not saying I’m all that and a bag of cheese-its, just better.

    Jake Johnson - Picture Perfect Course

    These pictures are all ones I took randomly over the course of the last class. We all took during being the “model” so if you don’t like the picture it’s the photographer’s fault. If you like it, then it’s totally the model. That’s fair, right? (Pictured is local fashion photog Stella).

    Jake Johnson - Picture Perfect Course

    Scary bug alert! This guy showed up as we were taking group pictures and supports the quote by Joe McNally, “Don’t pack up your camera until you’ve left the location.”

    Jake Johnson - Picture Perfect Course

    Happy Friday!

  • The Best Camera? The One You Have With You

    My first camera was a Canon 35mm SLR with a kit lens. It was a Christmas gift from mom and dad close to twenty years ago. Besides their love, and my eduction, that camera was perhaps the greatest gift my parents even gave me. While there was a period of time during which I put the camera down (film can be a hassle) there was never a time where I didn’t see things around me and consider how I’d capture the moment on film.

    My reawakening happened one overcast afternoon London, England. I was with my wife and in-laws, walking the streets, just taking in the amazing sights, and suddenly I wished, out loud, that I had my camera. “Wait a minute. You do!”, exclaimed my wife. “Huh?” I replied. Then I suddenly realized… my iPhone!

    Those were pure moments. I wasn’t worried about megapixels or a fancy lens. In that moment I became a believer that the best camera is the one you have with you. The simplicity of that experience reawakened the love. Sharing those captured moments with friends was the glue that made it all stick. I have since upgraded my megapixels but that moment reminds me never to take that, or myself, too seriously.

  • Blew Smoke – Gurkha Event – Friday, May 21, 2010

    This past Friday evening I joined my friend and business associate Dean Distasio at his Gilbert, Arizona based fine cigar shop, Blew Smoke, for a special Gurkha Cigar Event.

    Blew Smoke Gurkha Cigar Event

    The regulars where all there, including many new faces, all enjoying the cigars, food, drink and the very special musical guest on guitar. Owner Dean Distasio was there offering special discounts on fresh Gurkha Cigars. Also in attendance was a special guest all the way from Miami, Florida, Shawna Williams, Regional Sales Manager for Gurkha Cigars.

    Blew Smoke Gurkha Cigar Event

    Besides the consumables, the party also included prize giveaways courtesy of Gurkha Cigars.

    Blew Smoke Gurkha Cigar Event

    If you do not want to miss another event make sure to visit the Blew Smoke website at http://www.blewsmoke.com, click on Cigar Event Notification and sign up for their mailing list! See you next time.

    Blew Smoke Gurkha Cigar Event

    Blew Smoke Gurkha Cigar Event

    Blew Smoke Gurkha Cigar Event

    Blew Smoke Gurkha Cigar Event

    Blew Smoke Gurkha Cigar Event

    See the whole set of pictures here > http://www.flickr.com/photos/owenwbrown/sets/72157624009579317/

    Disclaimer: Those of you who know me know that I do not smoke myself. I recently posted about that experience. However, I do like capturing pictures of folks having fun, and to do that you have to go where people are having fun! Folks where definitely enjoying themselves.

    At the risk of sounding like a ginormous (gigantically enormous) hypocrite I have to admit that even though I do not smoke cigars, I certainly wouldn’t suggest impeding on these men and women from enjoying theirs.