HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY WAYNE

alright, i can admit it is a bit weird that i'm making noise about someone's birthday who probably doesn't care about me...but oh well.  this is my childhood idol.  i lived in edmonton during the "dynasty years", when the oilers laid waste to the entire league and won cup after cup and fielded one of the best teams night after night.  coffey, kurri, messier, fuhr, lowe....and that's just to name a few.  i'll add gregg, semenko, moog, anderson, tikkanen, lumley and fogolin to the list just to pay them their due.  and as a child, these were my heroes...the athletes i looked up to and knew every statistic about the them and the team inside and out.  i remember my dad taking me downtown on jasper ave to celebrate the '85 cup parade because back then, that stuff mattered to me.

and the whole thing was led by the man who probably could have ran for prime minister and won during the 80's.  the Great One - so aptly named because he was simply that. after this many years, i can say with absolute certainty that wayne gretzky is the single reason why i enjoy sports to this day and the reason why i am still passionate about a struggling (yet hopeful) oilers franchise.

imagine my excitement then, when i went to santa monica this past december to watch the chevron world challenge hosted by tiger woods.  now i'm not so much of an idol worshipper anymore, but i knew that seeing tiger woods and getting to see my favorite golfer (graeme mcdowell) play in the same tournament would be a worthwhile bucket list item.  BUT...there was an absolute surprise for me when i found out that wayne gretzky was playing the wednesday pro-am.  WHAT?!?!?  i literally found this out while i was on the course and met up with a group of canadians who mentioned that the best hockey player to ever live was swinging the sticks on the course and signing autographs.

i ran to the next hole where he was supposed to be and BAM!  there he was in all his awesome swagger.  it was surreal, but it was almost too perfect.  here was my idol, playing golf and i get to take photos.  i cannot think of a more perfect combination of my interests all in one moment (well, unless kate beckinsale, acryclic paints, a blank canvas and a 6 pack of orange fanta were in one room all at once). 

so happy 50th birthday wayne.  thanks for being a positive role model and for being just plain awesome.  seeing tiger was cool....but talking to wayne gretzky and getting an autograph is something i will never forget. 

please take a minute and enjoy my facebook album of photos from santa monica, which includes some additional images of the great one...and some boring sunset whatever photos....ww.


de jesus. out.

PORTRAIT RESEARCH

so tonight i spent a few familiar hours researching the latest and greatest in the world of photography and i must say, though there is a LOT of great information that i think is worthwhile and should share with all of you, sometimes i come across something that is so hilarious and brilliant all at once that i just have to write about it now.  tonight i focused on portraits and wanted to understand the differences on what makes a pose work and what doesn't.  how do i angle the chin, how do i compose a photo with more than one subject to look a) dramatic, b) artsy, c) standard issue?

photo courtesy: awkwardfamilyphotos.com

enter awkwardfamilyphotos.  this hidden gem impressed me so much in its simplicity and humour that i couldn't resist the opportunity to share it with all of you.  after spending a solid hour on the site, you will definitely understand the "things you shouldn't do" when taking family portraits.

imagine as you sift through these frozen pieces of comedy - these photos were either paid for or at the very least shared with family and friends.

here's an example of a photo that i particularly enjoyed.  babies are so adorable and cute.  especially when it appears like they don't want to be in the photo.  i'd love to give you a sound effect to accent the impression on the little guy (or gal), but sadly i cannot at this time....it sounds like a lot of m's, r's and various vowels.  many of you know probably know the impression i would make for this, and for those that know...you are awesome.

de jesus. out.

THE TOP 10 of 2010

Here's a rundown of the top ten things I learned this past year (in no particular order):

10. red bull is delicious. being able to down 8 in one sitting is a bit concerning, but I've acquired a nice taste for the energy drink. thankfully, during the latter part of the year i came to my senses and have realized that like a lot of awesome things, it is unhealthy for me and i only enjoy one with the occasional vodka chaser.

9. i don't like half assing anything. this might be a good thing, but it's also a bad thing. when it comes to something i'm really passionate about, i dedicate so much time to it and study it and learn it like a man possessed. so why is that bad? i'm still not an expert at anything.....yet.

8. without bad luck, there would be no luck at all.

7. not having a PVR would be just ridiculous. being able to rewind, pause and fast forward my way through my tv experience is just so awesome. no more queen latifah promos, more tina fey and rewinding my way to see onrait and o'toole's comedic skits again and again is priceless. if only we could PVR our way through life...and if only I could be an up and coming architect married to kate beckinsale and on a random night i went to bed bath and beyond and met with christopher walken...

6. you can't take the simple joys in life for granted. i've been fortunate enough to see and do some great things this year, but i seem to remember the simpler moments a lot more. playing toy cars with a 4 year old for an evening brought me more joy than spending an evening in a fancy restaurant in a new city. talking with a close friend helped me reset myself better than spending money on myself for "retail therapy". golfing with buddies at a muni course here at home is way better than golfing by myself at a destination PGA course somewhere else.

5. speaking of retail therapy, i'm an apple whore. no doubt about it anymore. powerbook, imac, iphone4, appleTV, fuji and gala. there is no such thing as a bad apple. ipad, you are next.

4. i have replaced my love of carbs (white rice) for another form: noodles. pad thai noodles, vietnamese noodles, soup noodles...now if only i can replace these with a love for beans and legumes, i might be alright.

3. missing something can make you feel just as alive as enjoying it - it's just a different kind.

2. i'm tech-spoiled. having fast and readily available wi-fi means more to me than having breakfast. i like having information and all my digital "stuff" at my fingertips all the time, 24/7 wherever I am in the world (see 5). but i try to balance that "spoiled-ness" by willingly taking public transit to work. ugh - public transit...dennis dislikes this.

1. my photography has gotten better as the year wore on. it's definitely far from perfect, but i have learned a lot about technique, emotion and how to take more compelling images from my experiences in 2010. i guess practice doesn't make perfect, but it does help get you closer. Maybe You Like Closer?



de jesus 2010. out.

REVIEW: BLACKRAPID RS-5 CAMERASTRAP

photo courtesy: digit-photo.com

it is often overlooked, but wearing your camera is just as important as the quality of the camera itself.  if you are comfortable wearing your camera when it isn't in use, you will likely carry it around a lot more.  and if you carry your camera a lot more, it will be less likely that you will miss out on those great images that are seemingly everywhere.

i've been using this strap for about a year now and i have to say that it is by far one of the best accessories i own.  it's comfort and ease of use has made photoshoots less stressful and has allowed me to be more mobile as i carry my gear from location to location.  the key design element is the "shoot from the hip" function, where the photographer can essentially draw the camera from the standby position (hip) to ready position in an instant.  because the strap is supported along the torso like a messenger bag strap, the weight of the camera doesn't cause undue stress to the neck and i don't fear that i will end up like a hunched mr. burns after years of using the provided nikon neck strap.  in addition, the length of the strap is fully adjustable so the standby position itself can be tailored to suit a position that is the most comfortable for the photographer. 

check out the video to see what i'm talking about:
BLACKRAPID IN ACTION

the one concern i do have is that i feel the need to apply tension to the strap in the ready position just to make sure it doesn't slip off my shoulder.  minor issue, but workable.

the rs model that i own (rs-5) also contains a magnetically sealed pouch that is large enough to fit my iphone, some memory cards and essential cash and cards - all handy features when i'm just wandering around my city or a new city looking for photos.  obviously, if i do plan on carrying some additional lenses, a backpack will be necessary, but for me there are definitely times where i am less motivated to go on a personal shoot if i have to carry so much gear.  again, this is where convenience and comfort gives me no excuse as to why i shouldn't wander around with my camera.

i am in no way paid by blackrapid to review their product. i am just a photographer who can appreciate products that not only improve my work, but can make it easier and more enjoyable.  please check back here for future reviews on photography peripherals that i actually use and like/dislike.


 de jesus out.

WINNING FIXES EVERYTHING

sitting in a sports bar in santa monica last week brought me some interesting perspective on the current state of north american culture and its views on its heroes - more specifically the sports kind.

dubbed simply as "the return", the featured NBA game of last week brought lebron james back to cleveland as a member of the miami heat.  after an off season that seemed to question lebron's ability to manipulate media for his own selfish purposes, his first visit back to cleveland was supposed to bring a venomous reception, it was supposed to be mean and it was supposed to bring heat on the visiting heat.  it didn't disappoint.  the boos were audible not only from the available audio from the quicken loans arena in cleveland, but also in the well lit sports bar where i enjoyed a chicken quesadilla and a pint of beer.

the other featured game on the big screen was NFL network's mid week morsel as the eagles vs. the texans was broadcast live from philadelphia in an important regular season tilt that would help define each team's playoff status.  michael vick continued his MVP worthy season by again putting up strong numbers both in the air and on the ground in a definitive victory over the slumping texans.  stadium fans cheered michael vick with every first down pass and even the fans i shared the big screens with applauded and high fived their way through the numerous highlight plays that vick treated the fans to.

earlier in the day, i spent a few hours watching the first round of the 2010 chevron world challenge highlighted by a stellar sub 70 round by tiger woods.  security was tight around the world's number 2 player and the added protection was largely due to a fear of over anxious fans ready to blast and throw proverbial tomatoes at woods over the marital "indiscretions" that plagued his life over the past year.  organizers of the tournament actually believed that spectators would show hostility towards woods at his own event, again to bring to light the admitted moral mistakes by the most recognizable athlete in the world.  but it didn't happen - instead of protection from hate, the added security on hand was conveniently on hand to protect woods from the mob of adoring fans that followed him throughout the day. 

let's take a look at these three individuals and what has made them the polarizing sports figures they were in 2010:

1) lebron james - an off-season of free agency culminated in a made-for-tv special aptly titled "the decision" in which viewers were strung along for an hour only to hear king james utter the now famous phrase "i'm taking my talents to south beach."  (by the way, try searching that phrase in urban dictionary for a good laugh). in doing so, lebron was made out to be a villain not only in the city he left, but in all of america for showing what is perceived to be a lack of heroism by abandoning the only team he's played for and instead chasing championships with a mega team that was billed to be the most dominant NBA team of all time (it didn't start out that way - which only incited excitement with all the haters).

2) michael vick - after kevin kolb went down with an injury in week 1 of this year's NFL campaign, the most electrifying QB in the pro league was finally given an opportunity to play...something he's been waiting for since being released from prison in the spring of 2009.  quick reminder: vick was sentenced to prison in 2007 after being charged with his involvement in an illegal dogfighting ring.

3) tiger woods - thanksgiving 2009 was the start of a wild year for the world's best golfer.  as it revealed itself a bit more, you could also view that day as the end of the crazy ride that woods partook in for so long.  mistresses came out of the woodwork, making claims of woods' wild rendezvous in the bedroom which ultimately led to a divorce from his wife, a damaged image with corporate sponsors and a less than stellar year on the golf course which saw him finally lose his number one ranking after 281 consecutive weeks at the top of the leaderboard.

so what is the point i'm trying to make?  well, it's simple really: tiger woods admittedly cheated on his wife with several women.  michael vick is an ex-convict who plead guilty on his own accord. lebron james used free agency to find himself a better team.  yet on this day, only one of these three mega sports superstars could claim that they were being booed heavily by fans in the flesh and by fans watching on TV's around the country.  lebron james was the most hated athlete on this day and it made absolutely no sense to me.  but one thing i did notice is that at this moment in time, vick was playing well, woods was finally playing to form but the heat have been underachieving since the start of the season.  maybe winning fixes everything.

there's a lot of commentary that could dignify the reaction of the fans, but the point of today's blog is only to highlight and mention the interesting approach of sports fans on how they direct their hate and love for their particular hero.  commit crimes, be a questionable example of morality, but as an athlete....just win baby.  people seem to forget your personal indiscretions when you succeed on the field of expertise...the reason why you're a fan of the athlete in the first place.  i'm not saying i completely agree with it, but let me be fair.  i was there to see tiger woods.  he's awesome.

WEDDING SHOOT: CARIEANNE and TOM

it's not every day i get to ride a helicopter up a mountain for a photo shoot.  in fact, i would even say that that would be a "never"-y day occurrence.  haha, but i digress.  on this particular day however, i was given a fantastic opportunity to spend an afternoon with carieanne and tom for their wedding ceremony in canmore - on top of a mountain.  how awesome is that?  well, take a look at these teaser photos and maybe you can answer that question yourself...

thanks carieanne and tom for one of the most memorable photoshoots i have ever been on.  you guys are great and your laughter was contagious.  best wishes on a happy life together!!!

as always, these are merely a small sample of the many photos i was able to capture of this very photogenic and fun couple.  if you want to see more of the photos from this special day, you will be able to see them on my website very shortly.  i am very close to the re-launch of the site, so please stay tuned for updates and information on the refreshed dennisdejesusjr.com.

de jesus out.

FBL AT 20

i am pleased to announce that i will be working closely with the FBL as the official photographer for their 20th anniversary season.  throughout the season, photos will primarily be posted on the FBL's facebook page but i will definitely have some posted here and on dennisdejesusjr.com.

the FBL is a member owned, member run men's adult basketball league serving the local filipino community.  since its inception, the goal of the league was to provide a fun environment where friends can get together and enjoy healthy competition on a saturday morning/afternoon.  being around for 20 years only proves that it has been and continues to be a successful formula.

bringing together two of my interests is a wonderful opportunity and i thank the FBL and look forward to an exciting season of basketball and great photos!

feel free to visit the FBL every saturday from 10am-3pm
at the Calgary NE Sports Facility:
401 - 33rd St NE                                        

de jesus labas.

WEDDING SHOOT: ANGIE and LUCAS

autumn weddings are beautiful.  the colors are gorgeous, the sun is warm and so are the people.  here are a couple of teaser photos from a fantastic wedding i was fortunate enough to shoot - set in the visually stunning backdrop of bragg creek in the fall.  as you can see, angie and lucas are a beautiful, photogenic couple and along with their wedding party were an absolute blast to spend the day with.  congratulations to them both and best wishes!

yes - not the most conventional photo.  but in my experimentation with off camera flash work (especially in difficult lighting conditions) this particular photo caught my eye as one of my favorites from this wedding.  it breaks a lot of conventional photography rules, but sometimes breaking the rules yields some really interesting results...















technical details (gear used):
nikon D300S
nikkor 50mm f/1.8
nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
tokina 11-16mm f/2.8
nikon speedlight SB-900

more photos from this shoot will also be available on my site dennisdejesusjr.com.  the site is currently being re-designed and i promise to make some announcements here once we are closer to its relaunch.


de jesus out.

WITNESS SOMETHING MEMORABLE

after a rough day, it's nice to have a quiet night at the mancave and just flip through channels on the ol' PVR.  thankfully, i came across CNN and am watching the mine rescue in Chile.  when watching something like this, i'm reminded of how grateful i am for the technological advancements that made this rescue achievable and also made the communication possible between the miners thousands of feet below and the officials and the families above ground.  of course, the tireless efforts of the rescue workers isn't forgotten nor the strength of the families whose hope pushed them through a certainly agonizing 2+ months without their loved ones.  it's all about perspective.  this is a great moment for humanity and i am really moved to see this unfold live and in front of me.  that young boy crying as that first capsule emerged will be an image i will never forget.  absolutely beautiful. 

don't lose sight of the fact that TV is not only for mindless entertainment but a way to witness incredible events in history as well.

de jesus fuera.

THE BACKUP PLAN

back when email was new and exciting, 2MP digital cameras cost $600 and the word google only meant a very large number (yes kids - google actually had another definition before) i had a handful of backup plans with girls i knew from school.  you know - the kind where you'd say "if i'm not married by so and so time in the future, we should hook up and get married then."  of course it was silly, but i think it gave each of us a false sense of security because even though you weren't good enough for each other at that time, you were convinced that the impending frustrations of dating and disappointment could lead you back to a pretty decent person later on when the time was right...you know, the "backup plan".

of course, that isn't the backup plan i'm referring to today.  today, the back-up plan means file management outside of your computer.  people ask me what i do with my digital photo files after a project is complete, how do i manage them before, during and after a shoot and what do i do to backup my photos.

in a time where external hard drives are affordable and where services such as "offsite" storage servers are easily available, there is no excuse why you shouldn't back-up your photos.  it may take a little bit of work to maintain and go through it, but anyone who has ever crashed their hard drive can tell you that backing up your files is well worth the effort.  trying to restore files (even if you could do it yourself) can be a headache and the realization of files permanently lost can be a huge disappointment.

so what do i do? for photoshoots, i currently go through the same 4 steps:

1. purchase a dedicated SD or CF card specifically for the shoot.  don't add or overwrite an old card.  and once the shoot is done, don't add or overwrite this card for the next shoot.  by doing so, this acts as a first backup and will always be your storage of all straight out of camera original "master" files.

2. upload all files to my computer, where the original master files will be mixed with the retouched/edited images.  both versions of the photos will be stored on the computer's hard drive.

3. once the project is complete, all master files along with the retouched/edited images are burned on DVD's as high res full sized jpeg files.  this acts as the second backup of original master files but is essentially the one and only backup of the edited images.  as USB memory sticks become less expensive, i may choose to use them instead of DVDs, but for the time being, DVDs are far more economical though burning files onto them can be time consuming.

4. DVD's are physically stored off site to ensure they are not damaged in case something happens at my home office.

when it comes to personal projects, i don't necessarily go through this much detail.  i typically reuse cards or add onto them and i don't really concern myself with backing up photos that i know aren't good shots.  of the selected photos, i'll be sure to have at least the edited version and their master file on some sort of external source (i.e. DVD or USB) that is separate from the computer's hard drive.

some may think that this is overkill and that this redundancy is a bit much for file management.  i personally haven't had a problem with losing files from a crashed computer, but i have heard enough horror stories from friends and colleagues to scare me into making sure i don't lose any of my work.  the steps above are purely my own personal method of storage backup of digital photos - in no way am i promoting this to be the "right way" of doing so.  as mentioned earlier, there are a host of other ways to backup your work (even facebook or flickr are adequate) and all i really wanted to get across is to make sure you recognize the importance and do as the rappers tell the girls and "back that $h!t up".


de jesus heraus.