Take a Picture, It'll Last Longer: July 2009

7.31.2009

Artist of the Month: July

Santiago Calatrava

Photo: NY Magazine

Santiago Calatrava was born in Valencia, Spain on July 28, 1951. He studied in Zurich, Switzerland at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in 1981.

Turning Torso in Malmo, Sweeden (2005). Photo: Wikipedia

Calatrava has received numerous recognitions. In 1990 he received the "Médaille d´Argent de la Recherche et de la Technique", Paris. In 1992 he received the prestigious Gold Medal from the Institution of Structural Engineers. In 1993, the Museum of Modern Art in New York held a major exhibition of his work called “Structure and Expression." In 1998 he was elected to become a member of "Les Arts et Lettres," in Paris. In 2004, he received the Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

City of Arts and Sciences in Calatrava's hometown of Valencia.

In 2005, Calatrava was awarded the Eugene McDermott Award by the Council for the Arts of MIT. The Award is among the most esteemed arts awards in the US.

7.29.2009

Back in the U.S.A.

I know I have been backed up on the Pics of the Day. I'll get back to it as well as my flickr photo album.

In the meantime... on my bus ride to Valencia, "Oliver Twist" was the on board movie. Directed by Roman Polanski in 2005. The movie was over-dubbed in spanish, so I watched it without sound. The cinematography/ visuals of this movie is stunning. I thought this movie was made in the late 70's because it had such a classic movie style. Every single frame of the film were gorgeous paintings or photographs.

I was in awe by the film. I really want to see it with sound now. If you have seen it and did not really dig it, try watching it without sound. You will see each shot better if that makes any sense. I kind of enjoy watching TV without sound sometimes because you can see the edits/ cuts and everything moves more slowly so you can appreciate each shot and the quality of making the movie, show or commercial.

7.25.2009

Picture of the Day 7/18 - 7/20/9

7/20

7/19

An amazing view of the sea from a friends family condo.

7/18

Back in Lamanga. Showing a friend, the Nikon's sensor sensitivity at ISO 3200.

Picture of the Day 7/15 - 7/17/9

7/17

I really like this image. This will be on Flickr page soon.

7/16

A kid is fixing a A/C unit while a homeless man lays nearby, alive I think.

7/15

A gorgeous woman at a cafe/bar in Murcia. Ester, Bolivian native, and her equally attractive co-worker, Mery, made Kitch one of my favorite cafes. Also they had wifi and A/C, two other good reasons I came by for work.

7.24.2009

Picture of the Day 7/11 - 7/14/9

7/14

Public display of affection (PDA) in Spain is everywhere. I think it's common most of Western Europe. I agree with this loving gesture, where in American it is frowned upon and considered rude. I like this not as a ogling photographer, watching people make out but enjoying the carefree passion displayed for the person in front of you.

7/13

I have been surprised by the quality of graffiti in Murcia.

7/12

I do want to return here someday

7/11

Insert cheesy bible verse with white text. Or any quote - it'll look somewhat more dramtic with this as the background. For example: "Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish." ~Albert Einstein

"Be excellent to each other." Bill Preston, Esq. of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.

7.22.2009

I saw this on Strobist

Wired via Strobist

This is basically was my set up to my senior show shoot. He also carries many of my philosophies on photography and shooting people. I would love to do this in Spain, the language barrier makes it complicated. I have been asking people for portraits - I do know to ask if i can take a photo. Further explanation will be difficult though.

The idea we both share: not to get hung up on gear and complicated lights. Simplicity is key.

The lighting scheme he is using is exactly what Richard Avedon used on his street shoots.

I promise to post more photos from Spain soon. I am just busy hanging out and taking photos. I don't really feel up to spend a few hours in front of my laptop, editing photos right now.

7.14.2009

Picture of the Day 7/6 - 7/10/9

7/10

El Rape means THE RAPE in spanish.

7/9

Crowded market

7/8

MJ - front page

7/7

Spaniards are evidently good at the foosball

7/6

Petri and I wait for LaBrell.

7.09.2009

Picture of the Day 7/3 - 7/5/9

7/5

Hoops by the Mediterranean. I never had a view like this when I play.

7/4

A funny story with this:

I went to this restaurant for some cafe and toast. It was very hot so I wanted some iced coffee (cafe con leche y hielo). This was a Viennese Iced Mocha - something i usually get in the states at daily grind or starbucks. When the kid came out with the drink, it was this mega-dessert. Served in a milkshake glass with a ton of whipped cream (which i hate on my iced coffee) and chocolate bits on top. The waiter mistakenly handed it to another table which gardener a lot more attention from that table and other tables than i expected when i order this skyscraping drink. It was good but not what i was expecting for a late breakfast.

7/3

Amigos! (From Left)Petri, Melissa and Javy

7.08.2009

Lennox Mclendon / AP file via MSNBC

Rest in Peace Michael Jackson

His music transcended cultures worldwide. His image, choreography and fashion made him one of the greatest performers ever.

Thriller changed how music videos were made... afterwards many of his music videos were directed many other premier (and personal favorite) music video directors.

Mark Romanek - I blogged about him before.

David Fincher - you might remember him now for directing Seven, Fight Club and Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Herb Ritts - One of the greatest fashion photographers - I'll have to do a blog on him later.

Martin Scorsese - duh. This video has an longer version that many didn't see. It makes the video much better. I also love the parodies of this video as well. One with kids and the other from the great Weird Al.