Learning and creativity

OK. So I have a few cool things for you good people of Earth. First is some nice links that I really enjoy. You never where you can learn new things. I heard once, a person today can learn in 2 years what it used to take somebody 30 years to learn. I believe that. Here are a few of my favorite online resources to learning more

Lynda.com
PSDTUTS.com
digital-photography-school.com
strobist.com

Here are a few fun video's for ya'llllll. Be inspired




Man Must Explore from Stephen Alvarez on Vimeo.



and now in the name of good photography. Harley video'd the new little ad campaign. My V-Rod is coming in next week. (sike) Behold the power of good advertising photography


Ok, have fun you guys.

Braun....and Patton
Dallas Based Photographer

Fashiontastic

When I started this go around the trolly, I never really wanted it to be about me. What fun would that be really? But in order to serve you brilliant individuals fully, I have tried to include the tidbits I run into day in and day out. Lately I've really been into fashion. This being said is some kind of miracle because I've never had much tolerance for things that you couldn't wear for 30 years. A good pair of jeans, boots that get better the more you wear them, a leather jacket...a good suit. these things are iconic and will not be questioned...ever. So it's hard to see myself looking at fashion. Its in now, and gone the next week. But I suppose the appeal is that I stopped looking at them as duds that people blow endless money on, but more as art that is to be worn.

Art like photography has influences, and itself can even mark history. The attitude and ideals of that culture in time. Those that know me well know I am pretty open minded, and you also know I get bored rather easily. My interest in fashion has captivated my attention lately, and for right now....I connect with the great fashion photographers. Maybe it's just their approach to communicating art, attitude, and life that grabs me like a kid window shopping at christmas.

OK, So I found these and have been running through them like a school boy thats been sick from school for a semester...trying to catch up. Rankin is one of those photographers with whom people seem to have a love hate relationship. Well for his latest endeavor Rankin has turned his lens to recreating the seven (in his opinion) photographs that changed fashion and brought a camera crew along to film the process.

















Have fun

Braun
Dallas Based Photographer

Greats: Annie Leibovitz ....Always at work.

If you throw me much of your time reading my efforts on here, it's no secret I love great photographers. But not only for the images they produce, but I think it is so important to observe successful people (from all walks of life) to see their approach...get in their head. Don't misunderstand, I don't think one person has it all together, but to see their passion and drive...well frankly it inspires me.

This is a new thing I want to do. A series of spontaneous blogs here and there, highlighting people who I truly adore their work. When people ask what I like to do with my spare time, this kindv thing is on the top 3. Maybe I'm boring, but I really love observing people in their element. Annie Leibovitz is one of those people for me that I could just spend all day (and I have many times) looking at their work. Watch her lighting, her creativity, her passion, her direction. This past Christmas I did not admit to wanting much, but her book: Annie Leibovitz at work, was on that short list. It is great. She is great. I was hugely disappointed to face the grim reality that I had read it all with no more left to soak up. I hope you enjoy these few videos. The last one is a series from BBC. I highly recommend checking out all 6 of them.



























Have fun

Braun
Dallas Based Photographer

Down, Set, Adios Stadium

This past week has been so odd I can't stand it. I have been crazy sick, coughing...sweating and shivering. At the same time, I've been blessed with some pretty cool opportunities. First my mentor let me test drive his new Canon 5d Mark II. Ya know the one that shoots 1080p HD? I'm not known for my video expertise but this thing was pretty cool. I can see how (in the right hands) it will change the game. And where could I test such a 21+mp beast....Texas Stadium. Home of the Cowboys! Well atleast it was. My friend invited me to come along since his buddies got the green light to go play flag football on the field. So I roused myself, sniffles and all to have at the place. Truth be told... I was suprised to find the place completely filthy. Like nobody cleaned it up after the last game. "just leave it as it is, we're gonna burn this mother down in a few weeks" I imagined some guy in a hard hat screaming at the stadium clean up crew. This is the place my father and I would dream of going on Sundays. I saw some great games played here...and this is how it will be remembered. Just wrong. It was like a ghost town, all empty and cold and filthy.


As for the camera, this thing is mean. like realllly mean. You snap a photo and the thing says, "I'm here to play ball" The dynamics are like nothing I have ever seen. Can we say detail detail detail. I'm not much of a Canon rocker....but this thing will put a smile on your face. GET IT TOGETHER NIKON...YOUR KILLING ME! I was disappointed to find that it is made of plastic. Plastic?? Like Lego plastic? Just didn't feel like it could go 10 rounds out in anywhere too far from little johnny's soccer field.



All in all it was a good time. I wish I would have had a little more time with the beast, at least some time that I wasn't sniffling like a little wet cat. And now for Video Amateur hour! I was so surprised how fast it auto exposed. This doesn't do it justice but I had to have a little fun on the way back from the store. Note the awesomeness of Billie Joel, and for those that keep phoning in....YOUR WELCOME for the french accent.

Have fun guys!

Braun
Dallas Photographer

Fashionista!

This week we had some fun on the streets of Dallas. Lauren who was our fantastic model completely rocked it. We shot at 3 locations around town and as always I love to have some buddies that like to shoot with me. Michael Hawkins rolled with, and so did Gerry who is a new pal...and now much valued one. This guy was great. I was blessed to have such great company. Crazy Blessed. For the first location we used a Ab1600 through a strip box behind the model, camera right. Also used a Ab1600 through a giant Photek diffuser.


For this Michael jumped on the Dart train with a Ab1600 with a umbrella and opened it up inside...we almost lost him. I think the conductor(?) caught on. Hater. Good job Michael!

...and we made a new friend.

The next location was downtown on Elm Street....literally. I felt like Wayne's World. ...CARRRRR!! GAME ONNNN!! Once it was clear, we charged the street like a 60's civil right's march...with style.


The last location we did I have to give mad props to Gerry for finding this one for us. I was pleasantly surprised to find out the Dallas Helipad is public property....and has a great view. NICE ONE GERRY!



The Man himself, Gerry.

Mucho thanks to:
-Lauren, for being patient, wicked fun, and beautiful...not to mention some mad Hair Flipping skills.
-Michael, for your intense model directions, lighting wisdom, mobile light stand moves, and awesome behind the scenes shots
-Gerry, for your mad muscles that intimidate the craziest "locals", fun attitude the whole time, and mad location skills, eagerness to help, and your sweet BTS shots too.
-GOD, for giving us a beautiful 70 degree day in between two 30 degree days! and for awesome people in my life.

Have a great 2009!

Have fun! Crazy blessed,

Braun
Dallas Based Photographer

Your's truly by Michael.