Trippy colors along the Sebastion Inlet

Trippy colors along the Sebastion Inlet, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Well, I had a pretty cool little video slip to post as a teaser to an event we are about to load in tomorrow, but had a bit of technical workage on the upload. Hope to post soon, but for now......enjoy the serenity of this little scene I was luck to see!

More soon on the New Years Party madness that soon will unfold in my neck of the woods!

Along the coast of Oregon

Along the coast of Oregon, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

First off, I want to thank all who checked out, commented on, faved, and stumbled upon my last post yesterday. My stats on flickr showed over 650 view as it was on the explore page. As many of you know, it is always quite an honor to have your work viewed and appreciated, and I again thank you for that!

My image this evening might not reach that level of view I am quite sure, but I kinda like it. I had one of my camera bodies modified for infrared capture a while ago by a company called LifePixel and this was shot with it. I highly recommend it for those photogs with an extra camera body laying around.

Their site is: www.lifepixel.com if you are interested.

I'd also like to pass on a link to a video I saw yesterday. There seems to be a lot of people searching these days for new direction. Some industries have all but dried up, yet there are opportunities all around us. Sure its a search and takes a lot of drive, but rewards are abundant for those who do not loose focus of the dream. For those looking for new opportunities and challenges, this video will most likely mean a lot. Enjoy :)

Chasing God Beams in Iceland

Chasing God Beams in Iceland, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest of chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey." - Pat Conroy

There are a few pieces of musical art that trigger a memory, a flashback to a time and place when all I could do was consume the beauty in front of me. I treasure the acute cinematic experiences I have allowed music to help create for me while exploring parts of this beautiful world. My travels in Iceland were no exception. I was introduced to an artist called Jami Sieber by Trey from Stuck in Customs. Her incredible blend of drama and mystery created with the electric cello was a great travel companion for me as I explored this vast and unique landscape. Thanks for helping me to see this new place with a cinematic pair of eyes Jami! Check out a link to some of her sounds below:

Painted skys over West Palm Beach

Painted skys over West Palm Beach, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Cool weather always brings the opportunity for some great skys, and this evening was no exception. After a quick glance out the window this evening, I scurried about (at a rapid pace whilst haphazardly stumbling about I might add) and grabbed the D3 and sticks. I am so blessed to have the balcony I have and this time of the year, the suns in a great spot! I tried for a different perspective and used a 70 to 200 lense to isolate a space piece of the luminescent sky. Hope ya like :)

End of the Christmas Day (and a little reflection)

End of the Christmas Day (and a little reflection), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So here we are.....the end of another day. Not just any day, but Christmas Day, a day meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Seems like the real meaning has been a bit watered down over the past 2009 years, don't ya think? Guess I tend to be the a bit forgetful myself. I was reminded of this as I clicked thru the library of images of a few cathedrals on my laptop this evening. I posted a few below. I have so often just kinda blazed into these houses of worship in hopes of capturing the details but yet, never really stopping to feel the presence of the one that the house is built for. With that in mind, it feels good to have allowed myself to do just that last night!

Merry CHRISTmas everyone :)

Waiting for Santa - Merry Christmas to you all!

Waiting for Santa - Merry Christmas to you all!, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

There aren't many shows that seem to hold my attention long enough to allow me to mindlessly watch and consume. A Christmas Story, however, thats a different story altogether My dad always loved that one. So many classic lines......"you'll shoot your eye out" "why, its a leg!" "I double dog dare you"......so with this little marathon going on, I decided to setup the kit and take this shot of the pad just after I returned home for the night.

Merry Christmas to all my flickr, facebook, and blog viewing friends. Best of luck to you all for a happy, prosperous, safe, meaningful, and spiritual new year!!!

Cookie time again! (and a little conversation with self)

Cookie time again! (and a little conversation with self), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Q - So, cookie time again hey?
A - Yeah, time goes fast doesn't it?

Q - You bet it does. So, another year gone buy. Shes getting a bit older now. How ya feel about that?
A - Wow, thats a tough one. Can't anybody figure out how to freeze time yet? This is a good age you know. Little kid, little problems......you know what they say.

Q - Dude, your doing just fine. Three years now on your own. You seem to have it together. Balancing work, career, personal life, your future, and of course your daughter. Just keep it up...balance it all, and remember what's important. Memories, for you, for her.......especially for her.
A - Yeah, I know. I need her too :) and hey, thanks for the nice words....I need to here that sometimes, ya know

Q - No problem, thats what I'm here for. So on a lighter note, how did the kitchen hold up.
A - Well, got it cleaned up in about an hour. Looked like an explosion of sugar and flour. Kind of a disaster actually.

Q - And the cameras?
A - Covered in flour of course! Sticky floury mess...

Q - Was it worth it?
A - Every second.....you bet!

Q - Cherish the memories my friend!
A - I will, and thanks again!

Night lights in Boston

Night lights in Boston, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Any day that starts out with a phone call from a couple of friends can't help but be a good day. With that in mind, this shot seems most appropriate. While up in Boston a few clips ago (Ok Mike, what does that mean exactly......not sure are ya........didn't think so.....well, carry on.....) I had a chance to explore a bit of Boston with a couple of fellow photogs.

I must say, I love those shows that reward me with a chance to explore a new city with a few friends. During one of those moments, a couple of us happened to stumble upon this cool location near the Boston Harbor.

And not that this has anything at all to do with the mood, heres a link to the music I processed to this evening.



You know...I think its time for a few festive holiday shots, don't you? Guess I gotta get to work on that!!!

Sunset in Sebastion - larger than life

Sunset in Sebastion - larger than life, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So often, many a great photographer has set out for the golden hour. Those warm and wonderful precious few moments of light have often found this photographer without a great location! Every once in a while however, these two come together in luminescent harmony. (Geez, did that sound stupid!) Sometimes its a crapshoot. You prep the gear, load up, and headout...or if your slightly insane, you do this in the morning. I must say, I do love starting the day this way...it's just a bit hard to actually get started. Yeah, my sunset shots far outnumber those sunrise ones, thats for sure! (Again, quite a lame sentence there.....)

Anyway, while bumbling about the coast here one afternoon in Florida, was quite lucky to be as they say "at the right place at the right time!"

Up near Ricoletta in Buennos Aires

Up near Ricoletta in Buennos Aires, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." - Jawaharial Nehru

Wandering about.......I gotta tell ya, sometimes thats what I seem to do best. In this fast paced, time everything to the minute society we seem to find ourselves a part of (and trapped in at times), I have to admit, I crave that feeling of wanderlust quite often. Seems like I allow myself to embrace this most when I am out of the country. On this particular evening, the sounds of the Argentineans were the beacon and the camera my guide. Wandering in and out of alleys between tents housing vendors, I slowly and inquisitively approached the top of the hill. The scents in the air from the food stalls, old natives selling handmade crafts, the laughter of children romping about, ...... all setting the scene for a memory eternally and cinematically embedded in my mind. This is the gift given to the visiter that chooses not to see a new place as a tourist, but as a traveler.

Time to decompress - Sunset at Seabring

Time to decompress - Sunset at Seabring, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So I was asked at the book launch party last night about how I have been able to diligently post a a blog post just about every night. Well, for me, its all about the escape. There are those who escape to the bottle, the TV, the gym, the club, the internet, you name it....we all look forward to that daily escape. I guess this is mine. Sure, there's the occasional useless tweet or mid day facebook post, but this is more of a focused....uhhh, well.....what is it exactly? Kinda like a rather long worthless tweet actually. Yeah, well, sorry about that......let's hope tomorrow evening is a bit more insightful!

Anyway, enjoy the image!

Thats the real escape for me actually. Spending a little time painting and playing in the digital darkroom this evening was rather therapeutic. After finishing a few proposals for up and coming events this evening, this little escape to my world of color and light is just what I needed!

Event at the club (and a book launch party)

Event at the club (and a book launch party), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

The Art of Celebration South Florida. Well, the book is out, or at least should be soon. This evening was a little get together of South Florida's finest in the event industry, most of whom are in the book. Although this image is not from the show, its a small sampling of the caliber of work we are associated with. It was a great evening in Palm Beach and a nice night to be outside at a great event, unwind, and touch base with a few friends, associates, and colleagues. In case you are interested, here is a link to the book. Hy-Lite Productions, my special event lighting design company, is featured as well as several of my images.

Art of Celebration - South Florida

Check it out :)

Boat in the harbour in Honfleur, France

Boat in the harbour in Honfleur, France, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Kind of a departure from my usual style of upload here. Not that it really matters, but I think I was experimenting with Corel Painter (for all you digital darkroom cats out there). I say that cause its been hanging out in the upload file for a while...too long actually. I don't really love it, but its a nice soothing image for me as about 15 minutes ago, I was wondering what the PC desktop would have looked like had I actually dropped in out the window from the 6th floor condo that I live in. Yeah, that hard drive was spinning, gurgling, skeegan, and whining, while doing only God knows what. I mean, all I wanted to do was turn it off! Sometimes I look over and look at that read/write light blinking and wonder "what in the f**k are you doing!!!" I must say, its nice to come into the other room to the Mac. It never seems to be off doing some other "computing" that I didn't ask it to. Its always just there for ya and ready to rock!

Geeeeeeez, what kinda tangent was that? Good grief!

Anyway, this image is just another example of what can be done in post with the arsenal of tools at our disposal. Corel Painter, indeed, a program I hope to experiment with a bit more in the future. (on my trusty and dependable little Macbook Pro and Wacom tablet of course!)

Lighting on the bay - APOA in Tampa

Lighting on the bay - APOA in Tampa, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

About a month or so ago, we were proud to be part of a week long summit for AOPA in Tampa. I hope to post a few more over the next couple of weeks, but until then, here's a little tease.

Overlooking the Tampa bay was a great location for this evenings event. The long hallway with its 30' columns was a great empty palette for us to paint the colors of the evening with light. The ceiling of the long corridor became a blank canvas to project kinetic waves of light to simulate water and waves. Over top of that, in a slight amber contrast, were projected images of seashell patterns. Good food, great music, dramatic lighting, and exquisite decor.....as always, its great to see it all come together!

Waiting on the meteor shower

Waiting on the meteor shower, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So, according to the experts, there is supposed to be a meteor shower tonight. Hmmm, ain't seen nottin' yet. The full kit is set up on the balcony with a fisheye lense cranking out a 7 exposure set every 20 seconds in hopes of capturing an HDR time-lapse of the show. Like I said, its a bit light on the actual show part. I guess I'll see in the morning!

Goodbye Tampa

Goodbye Tampa, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I titled this one while processing it during the last day I was in Tampa for a week long Summit about a month ago. I does look a bit apocalyptic though, doesn't it?

As I checked into my room, I kinda squealed like a chipmunk (alright, that sounds kinda weird), when I got a glimpse of the view I had for the week. I think I may have taken a couple of time-lapses too. In fact, I'm sure I did. Soon to follow I am sure.

Hope everyone is having an awesome weekend!

Along the banks in Varenna in Lake Como, Italy

Along the banks in Varenna in Lake Como, Italy, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

A longtime goal of mine has always been to spend the summers in Europe. Sure, I've been there a few times, seen alot, backpacked from Norway to Greece and just about everywhere in between, but what I mean is more of a total immersion. One of my dreams has always been to have an apartment in Paris. This would be a great place to use as a base to explore all of Europe! Perhaps a rental unit somewhere along the Seine....you know, in one of those penthouse floor to ceiling window units on the top floor somewhere between the Isle de Cite' and the Musee de Orsey. Or perhaps a lofty space over looking a quiet courtyard or street in Le Marsay or Saint Germain dePris. By the way, I am quite sure I totally hashed the correct spelling of all of those places.

On my last trip over there, I was lucky enough to find another jewel. Although its really no secret, the lake region (as seen above) is a great region to get away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Milan and Florence. This little port village of Varena was a great little home base to explore the lake area from. Hmmm, I guess I'll have to get a little villa here too! I wonder if its a buyers market over there now? LOL!

A river runs through in Iceland

A river runs through in Iceland, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

"Tourists don't know where they've been, travelers don't know where they're going." - Paul Theraux

That saying rang so true for me in Iceland. When I was there, I truly felt like I had no idea where I was going.....and passionately embraced every second of it! So much to learn, so much to see, and so many opportunities to trash that little rental car I had! I took that poor little thing into places I am sure it has had nightmares about long after I dropped it off.

On a totally, and I mean totally unrelated note.....while the rest of the country is under a blanket of snow, its about 85 degrees out here is South Florida at about midnight, and I am stringing Christmas lights on the balcony......very very strange!

Under the Juno Pier - In a perfect world

Under the Juno Pier - In a perfect world, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Thanks for stopping by!

Although I originally shot this as an asymmetrical image with a small section of the pier off the the left, I decided to work my mirror image technique on it. After a little color work, a bit of tonal contrast, and a couple of other photoshop actions, I created this. Hope ya like :)

Infinate reflections

Infinate reflections, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

On occasion, the image posted is the result of a creation not scene at the original moment of capture. It was a hazy lazy day in Key West that I found myself floating about in the shallow waters with a couple of friends. I shot a few images out there that day...some with boats, some underwater, some of us clowning around....but the simple ones of the clouds seem to interest me the most. As I studied one of them a little closer, I couldn't help but wonder what I could do if I mucked around a bit with it. I kinda like the result :)

Up to Montmartre' - Paris, France

Up to Montmartre' - Paris, France, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I've often heard a few critiques talk about HDR photography as if its a fad. Hmmm, yeah, just like the impressionistic paintings in France were originally seen as. The only difference in todays internet age is how this fast this new look has spread. A passing fad? No, I think not. A technique that artists of the future will continue to explore, create with, and expand......you bet. I'd lay a nice size stack of cash on that one. There is no one that understands that more that the HDR guru himself, Mr. Trey Ratcliff from Stuck in Customs.

Check out his stuff at: www.stuckincustoms.com/2009/12/06/where-the-impressionist...

And while I'm chatting a bit about artists...and specifically about art it Paris.....here is a little clip of the one and only Jami Cullum jammin to a cut off his new album in, .......well,...... Paris!

A quick stop to soak it all in

A quick stop to soak it all in, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I must admit, I haven't been allowing myself to be the most creative here lately. (I'm not even sure if that sentence makes any sense actually.....) This time of the year usually has me scrambling to keep up with the demands the season down here in South Florida. I guess that demand on the body and mind opens up the adrenaline tap thus allowing myself to create on a different level. (Once again, not really sure what the hell I'm talking about!)

All right, lets start over.....

How about we just all look at the pretty picture here :)

While heading over to the Breakers Hotel here in Palm Beach, the cloud formation off to the side caught my attention (funny how it seems to do that!) After a quick swerve off to the side of the driveway, I just had to stop to enjoy the reflection.......

That's it Mike......thats all ya got?.....ouya!

(Oh my, what a lame post!!!!!)

I think its time to grab the camera and get out there again, don't ya think? I need some new stories......and quick! LOL.....

Temporary lighting on a HUGE waterfall - Turnberry in Aventura

Temporary lighting on a HUGE waterfall - Turnberry in Aventura, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

This cool waterfall on the golf-course was the backdrop for a wedding that we lit a couple of weeks ago.....pics to follow soon. About 100 yards off to the left was the ceremony. We used wireless DMX to control a rack that fed power to the lights that you see along the wooded cart path. Without these, the waterfall and surrounding trees were virtually in the dark. The effect worked awesome, all were happy, and I got this cool image :)

The process required a few exposures as the waterfall was quite a bit brighter that the foreground here. In fact, the foreground red flowers were in the dark! It was something like a 3 minute exposure to get the detail. As always, more to come!

Look what I found!

Look what I found!, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I don't care how many times I visit this incredible city, the desire to wander about the grounds at the Eiffel Tower (or Tour Eiffel as its known over there) never diminishes. I haven't scene it yet, but according to PLSN (a local trade publication for the lighting industry), this famous monument in Paris has been lit since October with more than 400 LED fixtures to mark its 120 year anniversary. I can only hope that the programming has been done tastefully. I am sure, being French, that restraint has been coupled with elegant style. The last thing the world needs, in my humble opinion, is another beacon of illumination slapping rather haphazardly thru the visible spectrum of light like a cheap imported souvenir! I'm just say'in.........