Still impressed.....

I don't know what it is. After a few years of seeing my pics published all over the world, in brochures and on billboards, I'm still that kid who can't believe they publish my pictures. Well, I get it now, but some part of me still can't believe I get to do what I do to the level that I get to do it. I think that is what keeps me fresh and creative. I never get to cocky or think I've made it. I've had plenty of successes, but to stay the glassy eyed hopeful I am is where a lot of my motivation comes from. Always learning and progressing. Photography has it's peaks and valleys. I've felt like I was at the top plenty of times and closer to the bottom other times. It's just how it is. I've got an abundance of experience with the business of photography. I keep the kid around just to keep things real.

Bruce Irons gets punched out. Nixon Watches Ad. 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, California.

Xmas with Family.

I am blessed with a large and very cool family. This holiday season has been full of fun and excitement and I am overwhelmed by the wonderful subjects they are for my camera. So many wonderful moments would be lost if I wasn't there to document them. Watching all my nieces and nephews grow up in front of me and my lens has been nothing short of the best gift I could ask for. I visit mostly during holidays and the gift they are is all i need.

So go ahead. Take pictures of your family, you may just end up with some portfolio pieces!

Newish Work

Well the blog was beginning to get a little shall we say Black an White. So here is some color.....

Happy

I promise one of these days I will post some images, behind the scenes, etc, etc. But for now I just wanted to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a positive, prosperous and healthy New Year. Just spent three hours photographing my little nieces, nephews and their neighborhood budies playing with their new toys. The joy in thier faces and the innocense is eye opening. Quite frankly; in this world, it's a nice escape from the realities of a struggling economy and a country at war. Ah to be a kid just one more time on Christmas morn. I'd give anything. To wonder if Santa is in the house,excited but scared to look, the smell of the tree and the excitement of a new toy.

All be well......

BOOST MOBILE

Just wrapped a Boost Mobile library shoot. 4 days, 28 talent, 26 crew, 6 locations, and 10,000 images. We had some bad weather, but all in all a great, great shoot. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank a few folks.
Many thanks to you all for the hard work, support and smiles.

Russ
Wally
Keith
Dana
Nili
Mike
Ana
Brian
Shanna
Freckles
Alison
Greg
Mark
Ross
Eric
Jessie
Renee
Jennifer
Jeff
Adam
Laurita
Workhorse
Richard
Evelyn
Gavin
Nina
Sam
Christiann
Hannah
Taylour
Anna
Jeremiah
Robert
Anthony
Samantha
Krystal
Ben
Shanica
Alex
MAggie
Mathew
Mariana
Bronson
Sophie
Terry
Tosh

TIPS for Assistants - Please read

I stole this info from Nick Onken's Blog ( great blog btw). I just wanted to spread the word. I'm generally very easy to work for. I won't yell at you and I respect you and the value you bring as an assistant photographer. But I do get frustrated with poor assisting. A lot of photography grads don't have much of a clue on how to assist or the unspoken rules on a shoot. Photographers don't have time to worry about the assistant.

The job will be 100 x more enjoyable if everyone is on the same page and your photographer feels comfortable in your skills and confident you have his back!

Hope to see you on the next job!

The number of assistants on a job depends on the size and technicality of the job. On bigger sets, the hierarchy starts with the first assistant who runs the set technically for the photographer. He/She must know have a vast knowledge of how to light, set up equipment, and have a good amount of on set experience. They will manage the rest of the assistants. That’s where starting out as a 3rd or 4th assistant is a good place to learn.

Here are a few things I expect from my assistants:

1. Know your role! This is probably the most important. The assistant’s primary job is to take care of the photography related technical aspects of a job so the photographer can focus on the creative and client relations aspect.

2. Do NOT push your own agenda. This is a good way to get yourself kicked straight off of a set. You are there FOR the photographer. Never talk to clients, especially about your own work. It’s very poor etiquette.

3. A good attitude. I can’t begin to tell you how far a good attitude goes. A good attitude to learn, and serve the photographer is extremely valuable. A photographer should not be questioned when they ask something of an assistant.

4. A positive attitude- Goes hand in hand in hand with a Good attitude, but a bit different. Sets can be stressful. A lot of times, the photographer is put under stress from the client. For me, an assistant with a positive attitude that can help me relax is a definite bonus. I want my sets to be positive and fun, and to be surrounded with a crew that add to that vibe.

5. Punctuality. BE ON TIME! Better yet, be early. Make the proper decisions to be able to make it to set on time.

6. Just ask! If you can’t figure it out, ASK. I’d rather you ask what you think is a dumb question(but usually isn’t), then make a mistake that costs money. I am more than happy to teach.

7. Attentiveness. be attentive to the photographer. Anticipate their move, have things ready before they need it.

Depending on the job, most of the times for me assisting isn’t too difficult a task. It’s a very laid back environment, and lighting is minimal. These are some of the things I like from assistants. Everyone photographer is different.

Above all, be willing to sweep the floors to learn and get in. Help a photographer out on a portfolio shoot, and if he likes you he/she may be more willing to hire you for the paid jobs.

Alt Pick Awards WON!

Thanks to all of you who voted for me for the 2008 Alt Pick Awards.  I've won the popular vote for website ( 1st place) and single photograph ( 3rd place).

You can view all the winners at http://altpick.com/awards/

Again, thanks for voting.  

Alt Pick Awards

Hi Friends,

 I have two pictures and my web site entered into the Alt Pick awards competition. If you go on and register (takes two seconds) and then vote I would greatly appreciate the effort. And heck, the good deed may serve you up some nice Karma.  So think of this as a benefit to your good fortune.  Like how I am spinning this?

So it's easy..... go to www.altpick.com and go to the Alt Pick Awards area. Register and follow the instructions.  My photos are in the 'Photography - Single" Section and my web site is in 'New Media, web site design' section.

The two photos are a 'a couple kissing' and 'shaun white on white horse'. The website is easy to find it has my first name as it appears on my splash page on the site itself.

Much obliged. If I win I'll take you all out for dinner in Hong Kong!

K Z

My Blog

I was thinking driving in LA rush hour ( apparently not thinking) that I should make a disclaimer about my blog.  It all starts with the fact that I am such a visual person, not overwhelmingly political and not interested in this tech site or that tech site.  I'd rather be out shooting or working on my portfolio and networking then spending the time blogging and being a "blogger".  I am here to basically keep people informed about what I have been doing, a news section of sorts and an electronic journal for me, my friends, my clients and my future clients.  There are a ton of great photography blogs out there.  So do your research and check them out.

I am here if anyone has any questions about photography, about getting started, assisting, questions about my work, etc. etc.  Reach out, I would love to help.  To me that is much more viable and constructive an outlet.

Portfolio mess or does it make some kind of sense.....

Laying up new work for my portfolio is a lot of fun.  It's creative and it gives you an opportunity to really slow down, see what you've shot.  Think about how you can make it better, why it works, what's the best way to tell your story and get your point across in a manner that is fun and useful for the viewer.  Fun meaning simply work that you hope is enjoyable to whomever is viewing it and useful meaning it is something a photo editor sees as a style or a viewpoint they can see in their book and to an Art Buyer or Art Director work that they feel comfortable pitching their client.  It's a fine line and a challenge.  But dating back to my days publishing a 'zine in high school, I love pagination and design.  So it's fun for me to spend the time and make the book really sing.  Feel free to contact me if your having questions about your own book.  My rep is amazing and has taught me so much about preparing presentations.