4th on Flagler - Fireworks 2010 - Vibrant green

4th on Flagler - Fireworks 2010 - Vibrant green, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

I left the apartment not even knowing if I was going to snap a frame at all. Those of you insanely dedicated photogs know that sometimes its not that easy to "get in the zone" when with those who don't travel with the excessive gear package. Sure, we are all photographers with our phones, point and shoots, and the like, but you know, some of us are just a bit too involved with the process if you know what I mean. So, knowing I was with my daughter, it was raining, and I didn't really know where I thought I should set up shop, I wasn't giving too much effort into the idea of capturing anything this evening. Sometimes its more about who you are with than what you are doing ya know?

As luck would have it though, I ran into a friend Aaron who also has a couple of girls himself. We decided to head down to a convenient building down on the end of Flagler and take advantage of the overhang. Well, so did a few others, but that was cool. With the little ones content to hang out with each other, I was able to setup the excessive gear and get to work. These shots, however, found this nut job inconveniently just outside of the dry viewing area. Keeping the lense clear of liquid was a constant challenge, but persisnance prevailed!

Here's a couple more that I liked a bit.





Quickly after arriving back at the apartment and looking out at the excessive traffic leaving the waterfront, I once again reminded myself of how great it is to live so close to these events! Happy 4th everyone!

Looking to the west for color - West Palm Beach, FL

Looking to the west for color - West Palm Beach, FL, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

First off, I sometimes have to remind myself of how lucky I am. As a photographer and lover of light and color, sunsets are one of lifes truley magical experiences. When I get the urge (which should be daily since I am so close), all I have to do is head down, grab the bike, cruise over the bridge to Palm Beaches Bike Path, and enjoy the show. Mind you, not every night is a symphony of luminous design, but its still worth the trip. To get out, clear the mind, and recharge the emotional batteries is essentially the goal. As the skys opened up this evening, however, I had a feeling that a nice scene was about to unfold, and boy was I right. At first, I was a little bit upset that I didn't even have a camera to record the beauty that was about to unfold in the sky, but I quickly realized that the real moment for me was just to see it.....really see it. Sometimes when you are fiddling with the tripod, lenses, knobs, and all that ghack, you fail to really get pulled into the moment. So thats what I did.

This image, however, was from another one of those moments...when I was fiddling about with the gear. Enjoy :)

Palm Beach - a special place

Palm Beach - a special place, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Sometimes I forget how lucky I am. In fact, just the other day I took a knee jerk reaction turn and headed over the beach with my little one after school and pounced about in the sand (not here as this is the intracoastal.....beach is much cleaner!). After spending a few wonderful moments there, I had to stop and wonder what in the world has prevented me from taking the 7 minute trip from my place over to this paradise recently.

In continuation of my little theme this week, I am posting a link to the music that inspired my creation of the image this evening. I first heard Josh Varnadore perform this live last year at a church that we were lighting a Passion Play in. I hope to hear more from him someday! Very catchy tune and a wonderful message. Hope you like :)

Warm night under the banyon tree

Warm night under the banyon tree, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Wow, what a nice little blog break that was! Our events schedule this past week made it virtually impossible to live anything close to a normal life, but thats ok. Those who know me best understand that I kinda like a random and somewhat chaotic schedule. My only regret, especially after taking a peek at the closing ceremonies tonight, was that I didn't get to watch the Olympics more. Oh well, there's alway 2014.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a fantastic week. I have a lot to drone on about, but I'm a little beat now......so more on all this later.

I hope to post a couple later in the week from a couple of the events that I was able to capture. Until then......

Entrance to the Gala - a walk into color!

Entrance to the Gala - a walk into color!, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

As promised....drum roll please....I present tonight....details of the event :)

I guess I should mention something as I usually think it is assumed. These event images are taken and processed by yours truly, but more importantly, are lit by, well, yours truly again. Actually, I'm not gonna take all the credit. It takes a great team of creative individuals that I am grateful for as well as an incredible synergy with other vendors, the venue, and the talent to create a great event. I am eternally grateful to have had such great opportunities to live that process.

As I was sorting thru and processing these images tonight, I was reminded of what a magical experience setting up and running these events really is. I'm gonna have to do a little behind the scenes video kinda documentary thingy someday. Tons of time to do that....haha. I'm a little bit of a goofball, so I'm sure it wouldn't be too serious. We'll see though....stranger things have happened. Might be kinda interesting to see, perhaps.....to who, I have no idea!

Anyhooo,......enjoy......

A look at a Gala

A look at a Gala, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So I got a call the other day from a perspective bride that found a few of my images via tags that ended up on google images. Looking for a lighting solution for her big day, she called me up to inquire about details. I thought it was kinda funny that she started out the conversation with "I see you have a lot of really cool images posted on your blog, but do you still actually do lighting?" Haha, I got a bit of a chuckle outta that actually. Soooo, here we go......

Seasons in full swing here in Palm Beach, and this weekend found us illuminating a couple of the Galas here. I took a few shots from both events as I always find them full of subjects. Almost like a kind of toy box full of photographic opportunities. Tonight's post, as well as the following images are part one of a series from one of the events. Look for part 2 tomorrow night.

As the guests arrived to the cloister area, the brick facade simulating a backstage door welcomed guests into what was designed (by the mastermind event designer Bruce Sutka) as a walk thru a backstage area.

Various props, cases, costumes, and details you might actually find backstage as well as 2 live actresses helped create entertaining "tableaux vivants" to help tell the story of the scene.

After the guests completed the walk thru the theatrical scene, they were treated to a spectacular room of color and kinetic energy. Watch for images in tomorrows post as I unfold the color and details! Also check out Sutkas site for more from Bruce Sutka and his amazing teams talent.

Merlion Fountain - Singapore (and a couple of New Years Clips from the Paradise Ball with a bit about 2010) ... wow, long enough title or what??!!

Merlion Fountain - Singapore (and a couple of New Years Clips with a bit about 2010) ... wow, long enough title or what, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Well, first post of the year.....what to say, what to say....

For one thing, for me anyway, the new year is always a great time to reflect on past accomplishments and give gratitude. This past year has rewarded me with a bit of travel....visits to places I never dreamed I would visit, and for that....I am sincerely thankful for. Iceland, France, Italy, Switzerland, and of course the US. And with a cool sounding year (Twenty Ten.....I like the sound of that don't you? Has a positive and energetic ring to it), I am sure to be treated to more opportunities!

Being in the events industry, I must admit, New Years Eve is always one of those evenings that I am usually working, but I love it....so that makes it fun actually. For the last 25 years, I have for the most part been on one of our events. This year was no exception. The countdown is always a kinda cool deal when you are responsible for a few effects to happen on Q. Sure, I've witnessed my share of balloon bags that never opened or confetti cannons that for whatever reason, decided not to go off....but this year, like most so far....we rocked the house! Here's a little clip from the countdown here in Palm Beach at the Paradise Ball while the second one is a little rough handheld psuedo timelapse clip created from a few images a couple of years ago.

Enjoy, and oh yeah, Happy New Year! May yours be safe, prosperous, loving, and full of self growth. More on that in future blogs to come. :)

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 :)

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 :)

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.....

A great view to wake up to - from the balcony here in West Palm Beach, FL

A great view to wake up to - from the balcony here in West Palm Beach, FL, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Having just gotten back from bumbling about a bit in Europe, I was reminded of just how incredible the South Florida sky can be. Europe, for the most part, seemed a bit hazy and that can be challenging at best for capturing landscapes, so I was kinda charged to wake up to this luscious sky just after my return. Created as a 5 shot HDR panorama, I tried to capture the full tonal range of an early morning view from my balcony. As the winter months approach, I am looking forward to the sun slowly making its way a bit more South. Nothing like capturing a brilliant sunrise without every leaving the pad (LOL!)

As always, more to come.....

Son et' Lumiere Sunday - "a small but important part of a special event"

Son et' Lumiere Sunday - "a small but important part of a special event", originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Yes, indeed it is Sunday again, and for this blog.......you guessed it.....Son et' Lumaire Sunday. That one day a week that I have reserved for a peek into the unique industry I have been a part of.

I am quite proud of the fact that in addition to flawlessly serving the social, corporate, and event markets (which is quite rare for a small company to accomplish), we have always been a full technical production house with a design driven focus. While, it is quite common to find equipment rental companies, labor organizations, and design organizations, having all of that under one roof can sometimes be a bit of a juggling act. I can proudly admit that we are but one in a few that has successfully accomplished this....design driven production with a passion for excellence.

Ok, enough of the pat on the back for now......

What I really want to focus on goes a little deeper.....

In the events world, it takes quite a bit of focus from a lot of vendors. Meeting planners, designers, production coordinators, caterers, florists, etc., all working in complete synergy for the same goal.....a flawless event. I love that! Sure we all have other events we are working on with a million things that need to be done, but when it comes down to it, nothing matters before the event except for THAT event.......nothing! Doors happen on schedule and there is NO excuse. When I start to loose that focus, I remind myself of one thing. Be it a wedding, corporate meeting, concert, party, or theatrical performance, there are a few key individuals that have lived this event in their minds for a long time. The bride who has dreamed of her special night, the meeting planner that had the vision for that special launch promotion, the artist that has practiced for months for their performance, the fundraising committee that has worked tirelessly planning for weeks.......it all boils down to that special time, show time. As an event professional, you have to realize that, tune into it, and become a part of it. To give it anything less that 100% is really letting down those who have entrusted you to help carry out their celebration and vision. I sincerely look forward to once again, harmoniously being a part of this magic over the next few months as our season kicks in.

Son et' Lumiere Sunday - The Season in Palm Beach

Son et' Lumiere Sunday - The Season in Palm Beach, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

"In the beginning there was nothing. God said, "Let there be light!" And there was light. There was still nothing, but you could see it a whole lot better." ~Ellen DeGeneres

On Sunday evenings, I like to take a little moment to recognize, look back at, and kind of give a bit of thanks to the industry I have been a part of for the better part of my life. Some posts are eu' currant, while others are a bit of a trip back in time. Why I do it in this tricky little French title kinda way, I have no idea.....but that's another story altogether......anyway.....

The Season.....yes the Season....

That period in South Florida and specifically here in Palm Beach in which the real party begins. Historically, the island swells up from its slow paced population of the summer from around Thanksgiving weekend up until Easter weekend, give or take a couple of weeks. Vendors such as hotels, restaurants, rental company's, event companies, florists, ......well, they all depend on this. It's always been a predictable cycle. A few of us have branched out and catered to the corporate market as well, but this seasonal social market continues to be a rather large share of the pie around here.

As I took a quick glance of the up and coming event calender for this season, I must say that this year seems to be predicting a kind of bleak outlook. Should be no surprise with the economy and the whole Madoff fiasco, but its still kinda tough to except.

For most of us in the game, I guess its a safe bet to except the fact that this is just a bump in the road. Sure, at times it seems like a huge bump, but I feel good times around the corner.

I've approached this challenge as a unique one. An opportunity to slow down a bit, focus on new strategies, realign myself with some new goals, travel, take some much needed personal time with my daughter, and appreciate (really appreciate) the fact that I have had a great 25 years so far. Although, it's not going to be business as usual for quite some time, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that my bright future is bound to provide me with!

Wrapping up the day

Wrapping up the day, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So these were taken a few weeks ago, when the South Florida sky seemed to have a little bit of character. There for a few days, we were truly blessed with the artistic brush strokes of mother nature. These days lately....well, not so much.

I must admit, the weather lately has gotten me in a bit of a creative rut here. I think its about time for a total change of scenery. More on that in a couple of days!

For now, I think its about time to start purging out a few images here on the blog. My normal approach has lately been to post one a day as I think that each one that gets to the "blog worthy" file should gets its day in the limelight. I know, maybe a bit lame to think that way perhaps. Well, the files a little larger than it should be and I think that its kind of giving me a safety net to fall back into, thus allowing me to slack a bit in creative exploration department. So, here we go.....let the purging begin...

I took a little walk amongst the wreckage that used to be Flagler Drive today. A plan is in place to create a more friendly waterside experience for us here in West Palm Beach......a plan that this blogger and citizen supports. Not sure however if they are on schedule, but this evening, it appeared that progress is certainly being made. A target date for completion is apparently around the end of the year, just in time for a New Years Party!

Sunset over West Palm Beach, FL

Sunset over West Palm Beach, FL, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Hey Folks, I'm back!!!! Cue the applause......(wait for it....wait for it......"cricket, cricket,...crrriicket")

Well, anyway, here I am...

After a few days away from the computer and essentially unplugged from the shackles of technology, I am recharged and, well, ready for another break...LOL!

This one was taken from one of my many favorite place along the bike path here in Palm Beach. The reflection in the water was treated a bit with "Topaz Adjust" and then linear blurred a touch in Photoshop.

Thanks for checking it out. Check back for more this week!

A nice place to stop along the bike path in Palm Beach (and taking a blog break for the week!)

A nice place to stop along the bike path in Palm Beach, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Across the bridge on the island of Palm Beach is a bike path that I have enjoyed riding on for the better part of the last 20 years. While capturing a time-lapse loop with the D300 (that I trashed last week with excessive time-lapse capturing of the load-in), I took the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the area with the D3. This banyan tree is AWESOME by the way. Makes no difference how many times I pass this monster, I continue to be in total awe of its strength and beauty.

As far as my normal post for Sunday nights (Son et Lumaire Sundays)...well, kinda tired and a little burnt from the week, besides, I think you might have seen enough of it from this week.

My time-lapse Tuesday, although I have a few good ones ready for prime time, is gonna be put on the back burner as well. I am heading out in the am for a few days and taking a little vacation up in MIckey Town ....a.k.a. Disney World, with my little one. I should be back on the blog perhaps Friday Night? I am sure you all will survive (LOL!)

Enjoy your week!!!

From Flagler (but shackled to the lighting console)

From Flagler (but shackled to the lighting console), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

There is one thing that sitting in a cold dark arena all day on headset does, and that is wonder what the great outdoors is like! Well, only 10 to 12 hours to go.....and I am free!

Seaside at Blowing Rocks

Seaside at Blowing Rocks, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Its been a while since I headed out early, way way too early, to catch a nice sunrise. Just a bit up north of where I live is a place called Blowing Rocks. Along the shores of Jupiter Island, it is just about the only place along Florida's East coast that I know of that has a rocky coastline. The tricky part is the trek there however. You see, the park technically doesn't open up until well past sunrise. Not sure what that is all about. Kinda lame for the photographer for sure as the best lighting is just before during and after the sunrise. The solution? Park at a county park about a mile or 2 South and crawl up the beach in the wee hours of the hot, humid, Florida morning. But hey, who said this was easy, right?

Here are a couple from a photo shoot with a local camera club I went out with a while ago. I guess its about time to take that trek again!

Waking up in a colorful world

Waking up in a colorful world, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

One of the greatest experiences of photoshop is that it is never really learned completely. There are so many little filters, brushes, dodads, and gizmos, that for the adventurous and curious artist in all of us, you are never really finished exploring. That experience is pushed even further when you add a few plugins like the one I used here. My origional attempt at this piece was to create an image that appears to be painted. I then turned the opacity of the effect down a bit, more so on the sky, and then brushed in a horizontal blur on the water to add more motion. I kinda like it :)

More to come perhaps in the next couple of days from my quick little trip to the keys. I took more snapshots that my usual fair of HDR brackets, but some of those snaps were under water! We'll see how those come out soon enough.

So, what's on the agenda for the week? We'll for me, we have a little wedding to light at the Breakers tomorrow then it slows down (actually crashes hard) until mid July. I hope to elaborate on that soon as think it requires a more substantial post. The beginning of the week will find me moving to a different unit in my building. Should be an easy move as its down one floor and on the other side of the building. More on that later too.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Dawn of a new day in Palm Beach

Dawn of a new day in Palm Beach, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

As is so often the case with my posts, the image of the day has virtually nothing to do with my actual location at the time. While the warm tropical air of Key West hovers over me on the balcony of my hotel room, I see the random glow of lighting far off near the horizon. After a sun soaked day of goofing of, I am all but completely drained. The thought of getting the tripod out, setting up a shot, and processing an image from the day is...well, just a thought. I have high hopes of getting up early to catch the beautiful start of the day however from just outside of my room. I mean, no kidding, this place is RIGHT on the water. Basically, fall out of bed and shoot! Until then, this is one from up in Palm Beach taken a little while ago. I tried a few little techniques on it. Hope you like!