Joey Celis Stock & Commercial Photographer: May 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

Day One Hundred Fifty One

You can't lay dead, just catch the groove… OH! - You Got To Funkifize : Tower Of Power

East Bay Grease, the music I listened to and played growing up and you can bet my girls listen to it mixed in with their stuff.

On a more technical note, simply amazing that one notebook can replace a bunch of outboard gear. I remember driving up and down the bay with a van full of gear going from gig to gig but now all you need is a MacBook. Audio is handled via GarageBand which allows me to add compression, EQ, reverb and a host of other effects. Feeding the MIDI keyboard is Reason and everything is tied together with ReWire.

Man had I had this back then my back probably wouldn't be in the shape it is today.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

All you need: camera w/ 35 & 85mm

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2010/05/lett...

All about primes.

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Bored | 85mm ƒ/1.2

Day One Hundred Fifty

What have we done to the world. Look what we've done - Earth Song : Michael Jackson

Me: Hold the plant like a little baby.
The Girl: Because the plant is hurt?
Me: Yeah, it's because lot's of people spill oil in the ocean, dump recyclables in landfills and a lot of other stuff.
The Girl: People should be more careful.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

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Making Darth Vader feel bad about blowing up the Death Star.

Day One Hundred Forty Nine

You want my love. You want my heart. And we will never ever ever be apart. - Baby : Justin Bieber

Her choice in music. No seriously.

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http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/8dJujKM635s&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0

Ok, old video from 2007 but dayum this guy has skills. All I know is how to clone out a logo.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Day One Hundred Forty Eight

It's 4am and I can't sleep - Coldest Winter : Kanye West

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Day One Hundred Forty Seven

You know I actually don't own a macro lens. While one day I will pick one up for now I've been getting by with extension tubes.

Some may scoff at the idea because it's not a true 1:1 and yes that would be correct but sometimes you just got to stop blaming the lack of equipment as to why you aren't shooting and just work with what you have.

Now off to find some boots.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

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Do you have any cake? | 85mm ƒ/1.2

Day One Hundred Forty Six

Yesterday we attended The Girl's graduation ceremony. Since we were running late, there wasn't enough time to make a photo of her. So today, she got dressed up again for her portrait.

You figure, like most parents who got into photography to take better photos of our kids, this would be one of those days where all the stuff we've learned hopefully pays off with a decent portrait.

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http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/NjP5iHr8UnY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0

Now we all know that pop up flash isn’t really triggering any strobes via optical slave because it’s all TTL so the strobes would actually fire on pre flash. Ok, I’ll give that there is a sync cord on one of the scenes.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

What’s Your Inspiration?

Rap and the Hip Hop culture.

Ask me anything

Day One Hundred Forty Five

Each time the wind blows, I hear your voice so I call your name. - I Just Can't Stop Loving You : Michael Jackson

Something about puddles that seem to draw kids towards them. I tried to explain to Mouse Girl that she shouldn't step in it but she got angry at me and decided to stomp on it a few times to spite me.

Monday, May 24, 2010

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[blip.tv http://blip.tv/play/AYHe_g0C]

Releases, releases, releases.

My Top 5 Artists (Week Ending 2010-5-23)

http://www.last.fm/user/nokia8860/charts?charttype=weekly&date_to=1274616000

Troop (17)

Kanye West (14)

Rihanna (13)

Lil Wayne (10)

Drake (10

Day One Hundred Forty Four

I've been to London, I've been to Paris. Even way out there in Tokyo - Nothin' On You : B.o.B. feat. Bruno Mars

And as the bell rang, school was officially over and we continued our Daycation from yesterday which got The Girl excited as she quickly changed out of her uniform into her swimsuit.

She must have stayed in the pool for over 2hrs only getting out when I had to reapply more sunscreen. I told her look at her hands and she yelled out, "RAISINS!"

We finished off the day with dinner at the buffet where Mouse Girl ate enough chocolate cake to last her the next few years.

Oh and the camera is just fine after getting wet yesterday. Though my Domke smells like pool water.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

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Splash | 50mm ƒ/1.2

Grown Ups

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In the pool | 37mm ƒ/2.8

Day One Hundred Forty Three

Had a Daycation with the girls today. Most of the time was spent lounging in the pool, drinking lemonade and scarfing down veggie burgers like it was going out of style.

If you're wonder if I was in the pool with my camera, wonder no more. Good thing for weather sealed gear.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

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http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/wKB7zfopiUA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1

Classic shit right thurr

Day One Hundred Forty Two

I hope it's true. This vision is more than what it seems. - Once Upon A Dream : Emily Osment

I was assured that it wasn't poisonous.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Day One Hundred Forty One

But she wears short skirts, I wear t-shirts. She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers - You Belong With Me : Taylor Swift

The idea behind this photo is pretty straight forward. A girl drops her bracelets and bends over to pick them up. Making the photo however wasn't since it involved wearing high heels on a just pledged coffee table and trying to convey to The Girl to turn just a bit and to keep her legs closed.

She eventually got the concept after seeing daddy get up on the table with the heels to demonstrate the posing. I had the camera off, just to make sure no photos were taken of that.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Day One Hundred Forty

It's ok, theoretical physics is a bit tricky. Even Hawking got this one wrong.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

One Hundred Thirty Nine

joey_joey_joey posted a photo:

“Take my verses too serious, ya hate me. ‘Cause I’m the one to paint a vivid picture, no HD” -Successful : Drake

I know I’m not very good at getting…

One Hundred Thirty Nine

Take my verses too serious, ya hate me. 'Cause I'm the one to paint a vivid picture, no HD -Successful : Drake

I know I'm not very good at getting back at everyone in the comments. I know this man. So click on your name if you have no clue what I'm talking about.

@ murphmatic: Still thinking on the Swing Out Sister deal.
@ jibbit: I'm waiting for the day I run into Tony! Toni! Toné!
@ *Focus: Keep yo head up.
@ gixster92: Check out my past setups.
@ johngpt: No flickr stream for her.

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http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/CSLqIkBv81s&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0

Dang, they just all up in the leaks.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

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[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/11434588 w=500&h=280]

Freak House. This is just pure dope.

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http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/ztw_tDO-5f8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0

When I first saw this on TV I replayed the crash testing over and over. It’s just fun stuff. Tou Kool!

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http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/DaZExdTHHjY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0

I still want a C63

Day One Hundred Thirty Eight

I see you aiming at my pedestal. I betta let ya' know - Hard : Rihanna

"Sit on this box and give me a meanie look."

Monday, May 17, 2010

My Top 5 Artists (Week Ending 2010-5-16)

http://www.last.fm/user/nokia8860/charts?charttype=weekly&date_to=1274011200

Basia (38)

Kanye West (29)

The Chipettes (23)

Swing Out Sister (19)

Jay-Z (15

Day One Hundred Thirty Seven

I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. - Greatest Love Of All : Whitney Houston

End of the school year is fast approaching and The Girl brought home a packet that contained an entire year of school work. We sat down while she went over each piece with me.

At the same time I was filling out a sheet that was given to me by the school principle about my feelings about her growth both academically and spiritually (yes, she goes to Catholic school).

The last section was, "What would you like to say to your child about their year in school?" I put down: "Awesome!!!1"

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Day One Hundred Thirty Six

I can't wait get to school each day and wait for you to pass my way - All I Do Is Think Of You : Troop

I originally wrote out how I came about making this photo but in the end I'm gonna use this time to talk about this song and flash back. So excuse this old man for a bit.

Yes, I know the original was from The Jackson 5 but the Troop version is what I grooved to and man was that the cut. When this song came on, all the honies just wanted to find anyone to dance with.

Sporting mustard rayon shirts while flossin' the patent leather shoes. Graphics in the hair, even lines in the eyebrows. Impressing the fly ladies with Boone's Strawberry Hill, while your body reeked of Drakkar Noir or Obsession.

I remember playing gigs up and down the bay and getting beeper numbers, hoping they weren't fakes. Man this song just brings those days back.

143 on the beeper. lulz.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

What's in my reader?

http://www.google.com/reader/shared/16279850625285628216

I follow a number of photo blogs as well as a handful of tech blogs mixed in with some traditional news outlets. I use to use Safari to manage my feeds but I have since ported everything over to Google Reader.

I like the ability to share items I’ve found interesting in addition to the syncing between desktop and mobile.

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Mobile Music | 85mm ƒ/1.2

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[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/11765892 w=500&h=280]

The Girl brings down the house!

Day One Hundred Thirty Five

Imma be on the next level. Imma be rockin over that bass treble - Imma Be : Black Eyed Peas

I asked if she could do something silly. She said, "It's like I'm chewing on a fruit roll-up." I've learned not to question.

And you would be correct in thinking that she is right beside me as I edit the photos of her. She's just making sure she is portrayed correctly.

Oh, if you want, check out her performance at school.

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http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/K_c0sK8lclk&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0

Vietnam is where it’s at to get product leaks, that is if you don’t want to get busted with stolen goods.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Day One Hundred Thirty Four

Well you was doing fifty five in a fifty four - 99 Problems : Jay-Z

I'm one of those, "clean up as you go along" type of people and I try to teach that to my girls. But today I got caught not cleaning up my mess and well I got written up.

I tried to sweet talk my way out of the violation but The Girl was serious about it. Good thing for me she takes her time writing which gave me enough time to throw up a couple of lights and make a photo of her.

Man, this is gonna go on my permeant record too.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

Took moms out to dinner tonight. Great view, great service and food. André Rochat was even expediting that night so of course we went out back to holla at the playa.

Day One Hundred Thirty Three

Well The Girl made the auditions and today was the talent show.

I was a bit surprised as how far some parents went as well as what passed off as talent.

I was a bit worried at first since they let the older kids go first and she was one of the last performers but I figured out that the other kids were the opening act and she was the headliner. (Wut? I'm her dad!) But The Girl did great and brought the house down, having everyone waive their hands from side to side.

Next year will be different though, judging by what the other parents brought, with some of them actually performing with their child (ja, I know right. WTF). I'm thinking large moving stage, with a center for 2 DJ ala Daft Punk, some dancers from the local *cough* clubs, smoke machine and freaking lasers.

About the photo: Mouse Girl was so happy. She was screaming and clapping, just showing mad support for her ate. So much so that after her performance she was knocked out cold. Then again, it's not like she hasn't done that before.

Pure.Genious.

http://www.graphicology.com/blog/2010/4/28/292-the-sneakiest-design-ever.html

The 2010 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro (The only team in F1GP with a tobacco company in it’s name). There was some rule back in 2005 that prohibited tobacco companies from advertising in, amongst other things, sporting events) Marlboro has poured millions into sponsoring Ferrari over the years but with this ruling what are they to do right?

Well the design team came up with one bang up way to get the brand out there, in a form of a freaking bar code. Yep, looks like a barcode alright until it speeds at you at over 200mph.

Of course the betters are not to to thrilled with this but man you got to give credit where credit is due.

Fcuk this is tight!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Day One Hundred Thirty Two

Looking out of the window, can't believe what I see - Brave New Hope : Basia

This photo was actually inspired from yesterday's photo. After making that photo, The Girl started going around photographing things, one of them being the clouds outside.

As I was putting away the gear I looked over and saw the photo. I quickly removed the 85 and replaced it with the 35 and as I viewed the photo through the viewfinder I heard Brave New Hope in my head. I thought, ok this is tomorrow's photo.

So after homework today, I explained the concept to her. She agreed so long as I let her hold her flower. The tippy toes were also her idea.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Day One Hundred Thirty One

The Girl is quite the shutter bug. I tried to get her to use a trigger for the lights but she prefers au naturel. Wut evaz!

I explain how off camera lights can be used to bring out the highlights in hair, clothing and provide definition/outline of the body against the background. But she just rolled her eyes and said her kitty cats don't like flashing lights.

Who am I to argue against that?

Monday, May 10, 2010

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I HAZ INTARWEB | 85mm ƒ/1.2

My Top 5 Artists (Week Ending 2010-5-9)

http://www.last.fm/user/nokia8860/charts?charttype=weekly&date_to=1273406400

Lady GaGa (28)

Madonna (24)

The Chipettes (22)

The Beatles (15)

Kanye West (11

Day One Hundred Thirty

Your devotion, opens all life's treasures - Devotion : Earth Wind & Fire

So here I am getting dinner ready when The Girl says she is going on the internet. After a bit, I look back and she's like deep into it.

I figured might as well make this today's photo so here I am trying to be all ninja like extending a boomstand with a softbox attached to reach behind her for some hairlight action since there's no window directly behind her.

Mouse Girl blows my cover by yelling, "Me help daddy take picture?" as she starts spinning the hood of the 85. Good thing The Girl was so into it that she didn't notice the ominous box looming behind her.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

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Hair Clip | 85mm ƒ/1.2

Day One Hundred Twenty Nine

Mouse Girl is still at that age where she needs an afternoon nap but of course she thinks she knows more than I do and sometimes refuses to do so.

So instead of fighting it, I let her continue with her paper crafts while I cleaned the other room. A while later The Girl comes in telling me that she's fallen asleep at the table. I turn around and sure enough, exhaustion got the best of her.

Like the caring dad I am, I asked The Girl to grab daddy's camera. So here we are trying hard not to giggle as we snap some photos of her. I did take her up to her room eventually, but not till we were done making fun of her.

Next time we're busting out the whip cream!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

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http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/h2ZXSzaUIBQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0

Street Fighter: Legacy. The light setup in the rain is pretty dope. Makes me want to produce a short.

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[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/11554824 w=500&h=280]

Get some popcorn. It’s MegaMan dopeness.

Day One Hundred Twenty Eight

joey_joey_joey posted a photo:

“I knew that it was wrong. So baby, turn the record on, play that song” - Brown Eyes : Lady Gaga

The email read that they didn’t have a softbox or…

Friday, May 7, 2010

Only primes

Recently, I was asked to join a prime lens only group on Flickr. The premise of this group was that for the entire month of May you restrict your photography to only using prime lenses.

I think this is a great idea as it’s all too common in the field where you see someone compose by zooming. I feel that shooting with a fix focal length lens really makes you conceptualize the photo before even picking up the camera. You begin to see in focal lengths, knowing what length will work with your idea and what won’t all in your head.

I feel that shooting with a fixed lens is the essence of photography. Well that and a rangefinder.

*Me holding my 85 ƒ/1.2 II. Yep, it’s a stubby piece of glass but gosh do I like how it renders.

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http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/ql-N3F1FhW4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1

When I’m rollin with my posse in the H.O.V.

Day One Hundred Twenty Seven

So then we tried, singing it slow now because you weren't used to how fast we touched - Frontin' : Pharrell Williams Featuring Jay-Z

More practice on getting that whole not lit by flash look.

I did notice that my left arm is darker due to driving around under the desert sun. Lolz, I'm broken.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

I bought a really big modifer

Like 7’ big. Really excited to try it out but I’ll have to wait as it won’t ship till end of month.

Day One Hundred Twenty Six

Inspired by The Girl's photo, Mouse Girl wanted to help me out today by loaning out her feet under the condition that she get to go up on the coffee table as well. I'm thinking that's the only reason why she agreed to a photo. o_O

So I thought about it for a short bit, set the lights up and had her sit at the edge of the coffee table. I explained to her to keep her hand at the edge of the table and to cross her legs. She's such a great helper as she can follow my directions fairly well resulting in only a few takes.

At the end she requested to see the photo from the camera and after she approved of it, got down and told me to clean up my mess.

If you're interested, more of my 365 work is up for license on Getty

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Day One Hundred Twenty Five

Got some new shoes today.

The Girl was pretty excited to help out today because she got to stand on the coffee table. And yep, up to my old tricks of shooting wide open with flash.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Day One Hundred Twenty Four

I'll be the first to admit that sometimes I loose focus on what this whole thing is about and get wrapped up talking about the latest glass or how large of a modifier can a speedlite handle. It's really easy to do.

But then you have those moments when you're looking through your viewfinder and see someone, for a split second, do something really silly and you kicks into high gear and the next thing you know, you made something really special.

Saucy by Mouse Girl

Monday, May 3, 2010

My Top 5 Artists (Week Ending 2010-5-2)

http://www.last.fm/user/nokia8860/charts?charttype=weekly&date_to=1272801600

Madeline (48)

Kanye West (32)

Drake (25)

Jay-Z (21)

OutKast (12

Day One Hundred Twenty Three

Strike a pose, there's nothing to it - Vogue : Madonna

I asked The Girl if she would help me out with a picture today and she said sure.

She struck a pose.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Day One Hundred Twenty Two

Love is all you need. - All You Need Is Love : The Beatles

As the morning sun found it's way into our living room, there I sat on the floor removing the cap from my camera and attaching my 35 ƒ/1.4 readying myself for my Moment In Time piece. I then thought to myself, "what would I make?"

Then from my right I hear, "Daddy, I made this for you." as I pivoted around, there was The Girl with a gigantic heart cut out card held wide open with her face right in the middle.

My camera was already in mid motion up to my face, right thumb on the quick control dial swinging the aperture wide open, while my index finger rested on the main dial waiting for my shutter instructions.

As I looked through the view finder, my thumb quickly moved the AF point to her head, index finger responded with the shutter settings. My thumb then mashed the AF-On button engaging the AI-Servo routines, while my index finger rolled from the main dial over to depress the shutter.

A moment in time. Sunday, May 2, 2010 ~15:00 (U.T.C.)

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Day One Hundred Twenty One

Next time I'm in church, please no photos - Run This Town : Jay-Z feat. Rihanna & Kanye West

Always wondered what a paparazzi photo would look like using off camera flash… yep wonder no more.