tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78606946573368796972024-03-13T14:09:02.310-07:00El Dave PhotographyA photographer and his toys. Updated weekly.El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-43825330719480507402013-03-18T04:35:00.001-07:002013-03-18T04:35:26.705-07:00Start of another work week<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldave/8568636796/" title="Start of another work week"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8568636796_34b91ce1c4.jpg" alt="Start of another work week by ElDave" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldave/8568636796/">Start of another work week</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldave/">ElDave</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Start of another work week. #Chicago</p>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-20383610414535893412011-09-07T05:32:00.000-07:002011-09-11T07:32:36.101-07:00We've moved!Over the 2011 Labor Day Weekend, we packed up the studio and moved into new digs. This blog will stay up for as long as Blogger will let me keep it, but all new posts will be happening over at:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.eldavephoto.com/">http://www.eldavephoto.com</a></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-31994763623638475892011-08-31T06:04:00.000-07:002011-08-31T06:42:06.804-07:00Atrocitus the Red LanternWhen I heard that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrocitus">Atrocitus</a>, leader of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Lantern_Corps">Red Lantern Corps</a>, had booked a session, I admit that I had my doubts. No, that's not entirely true. When I heard that Atrocitus, leader of the Red Lantern Corps, had booked a session, I started crying, told my assistant to cancel all of my appointments and started boxing up the studio to start a new life under an assumed name. I have worked with crazy people before, but when you're working with someone with super-powered anger issues, it's time to pack it in.
<br />
<br />So I was scrambling, trying to board up the windows when he got there. "Excuse me, are you guys open?"
<br />
<br />NO. GO AWAY, SPACE MAN. I HAVE A HAMMER.
<br />
<br />"I have an appointment for some portraits this morning. Do you think I could just come in and wait?" <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldave/4080379680/">My assistant</a> nudged me to the side and let him in. I retained my death grip on my death hammer. I have had enough of these guys coming in here, <a href="http://eldavephoto.blogspot.com/2011/07/sinestro-of-korugar.html">wrecking my studio</a>, <a href="http://eldavephoto.blogspot.com/2011/07/agent-orange.html">stealing my stuff</a>, and <a href="http://eldavephoto.blogspot.com/2011/08/bizarro-1.html">stiffing me</a>. GOOD MORNING, MR. ATROCITUS. SORRY FOR THE MESS. WE ARE REMODELING.
<br />
<br />"Uh, yeah. No problem. Look, can we get started? I'm kind of booked tight today."
<br />
<br />Back in the studio, I had him stand in position and started lining everything up. He didn't seem impressed with the radiation burns, holes punched in the walls, or the bullet holes. Some days I can't spackle the walls as fast as my clients knock them down. "You seem stressed out, man. When was the last time you had a vacation?"
<br />
<br />IF YOU COULD TURN YOUR HEAD <span style="font-style: italic;"></span>JUST TO YOUR LEFT, PLEASE. CHIN UP.
<br />I was still holding the hammer.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click</span>
<br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6100071204_e6ae87e5b1_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6100071204_e6ae87e5b1.jpg" alt="Atrocitus the Red Lantern" height="500" width="333" /></a>
<br />(Click to see larger)
<br />
<br />Model: <a href="http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DC29972">Heroes of the DC Universe Blackest Night Atrocitus Bust</a> by <a href="http://www.dccomics.com/dcdirect/">DC Direct</a>
<br />
<br />On his way out, we shook hands. "Hey, if the whole photography thing doesn't work out, give me a call."
<br />
<br />I need a vacation, I think.
<br />
<br />Be good,
<br />-Dave
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You're holding me back again </span></span>
<br />El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-53625331424987165812011-08-24T05:24:00.000-07:002011-08-24T06:02:59.229-07:00Kang the ConquerorIn business there is a lot said about repeat customers: finding them, recognizing them, and making the most out of their patronage. As has been previously noted (in nearly every post here), I am not a great businessman. Many of my clients are destructive to my studio and many more have a real problem with paying for my services. So, yeah. I'm kind of a crappy businessman.
<br />
<br />That said, however, there is one thing I do right, and today I'm going to let you in on my little secret. That secret, my friends, is time travel. Not for me, of course. Here, let me explain.
<br />
<br />Every August 20th, my calendar is booked up by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kang_the_Conqueror">Kang the Conqueror</a>. This is a guy who claims to be master of space and time, right? But when there are SO MANY instances of him running around at once, it makes keeping appointments tough. You never really know if you're talking to the Kang from yesterday, or the Kang from two weeks from now, or a Kang from forty five million years ago! So what I did was, every time Kang the Conqueror (or Rama Tut or Immortus, et all) called for a photo session, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldave/4493541972/">my assistant</a> told him August 20th. That way he could just dial his time machine to that day and that time and get his headshots in. While it saves me a lot of headache, it also leads to days like this:
<br />
<br />"BEHOLD! I, the master of yesterday's tomorrows, have arrived for my 9am!"
<br />
<br />Click.
<br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6075988779_9e556408f0_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6075988779_9e556408f0.jpg" alt="Kang the Conqueror" height="333" width="500" /></a>
<br />(Click to see larger)
<br />
<br />Model:
<br /><a href="http://www.bowendesigns.com/product/kang_mini-bust.aspx">Kang Mini-Bust</a> by <a href="http://www.bowendesigns.com/Default.aspx">Bowen Designs</a>
<br />
<br />Then we do it again at 10. "BEHOLD! I, time's monarch, have arrived for my 10am!"
<br />
<br />Click.
<br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6075988779_9e556408f0_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6075988779_9e556408f0.jpg" alt="Kang the Conqueror" height="333" width="500" /></a>
<br />(Click to see larger)
<br />
<br />And again at 11.
<br />
<br />Click.
<br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6075988779_9e556408f0_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6075988779_9e556408f0.jpg" alt="Kang the Conqueror" height="333" width="500" /></a>
<br />(Click to see larger)
<br />
<br />And so on, and so on.
<br />
<br />Be good,
<br />-Dave
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Are you alive? </span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I'm alive </span></span>
<br />El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-78443702275341251332011-08-17T05:16:00.000-07:002011-08-17T05:47:18.221-07:00The Fences are DownShooting on location is something that has never really come easy for me. I spend the majority of my time in the studio where the lights shine exactly where I want them to, the models are posed, and there are generally very few surprises. I'm not known for my landscape photography, so getting a call inquiring if I would like an all-inclusive deal to document a tropical island, I was understandably surprised. The deal was pitched to me as part of an ecological cleanup expedition where foreign species had been introduced and we were going to assess the changes the island had experienced since then.
<br />
<br />Upon arrival, the rest of the crew put on those orange... biohazard suits? I think that's what they are called. When they saw my concern, I was assured that the first team out was wearing them solely as a precaution. Standard operating procedure, they called it.
<br />
<br />The team reported back and I grabbed my gear and started shooting the island. Off in the distance you could see big things. I mean <span style="font-style: italic;">big</span> things. Loud things. Howling, hooting, stomping. And me without a biohazard suit.
<br />
<br />Suddenly there was a commotion at the edge of the clearing. Everyone was shouting into their radio (I didn't have a radio). Some guys pulled out rifles (I didn't have a rifle). I saw the orange suit of one of the first team running back towards us, with a <span style="font-style: italic;">Triceratops </span>hot on his heels!
<br />
<br />Models:
<br /><a href="http://minifigures.lego.com/en-us/Bios/Hazmat%20Guy.aspx">Hazmat Guy</a> by <a href="http://minifigures.lego.com/en-us/Default.aspx">LEGO</a>
<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mattel-P3419-Xtractaurs-Pindown-Triceratop/dp/B0029LI0WS/ref=wl_mb_hu_m_5_dp">Pindown the Triceratops</a> by <a href="http://www.xtractaurs.com/">Xtractaurs</a>
<br />
<br />I've got to raise my rates...
<br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6052312393_aa29617fff_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6052312393_aa29617fff.jpg" alt="The Fences are Down" width="500" height="333" /></a>
<br />(Click to see larger)
<br />
<br />Be good,
<br />-Dave
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">All of your life you've been led</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> To believe your nothin'</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>
<br />El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-6439965716232765802011-08-10T05:39:00.000-07:002011-08-10T06:00:51.133-07:00Bizarro #1Another week, another studio session with a superhero. This time is going to be different. No more supervillains. No more wrecked studio. No more not getting paid. This week, and you're not going to believe this, I had <span style="font-style: italic;">Superman</span> come in for a shoot.
<br />
<br />Model: <a href="http://www.dccomics.com/dcdirect/?dcd=14177">Bizarro</a> by <a href="http://www.dccomics.com/dcdirect/">DC Direct</a>
<br />
<br />Ok, so he looked rough, but who am I to judge? He's Superman. I mean, come on, the guy's an alien, so that may be how he really looks. He was very direct and straight to the point, which is greatly appreciated. "Me am ugly. Me am having LOT of money for pictures." Awwww yeah. Dave's gonna get <span style="font-style: italic;">paid</span>.
<br />
<br />To be completely honest, the mask (?) and the weird voice were throwing me off. I mean, it's obviously Superman, but something wasn't quite right. I couldn't put my finger on it until I remembered that Superman has a <a href="http://superdickery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=28&Itemid=45">reputation for being a jerk</a>. I've read those Silver Age comics... It's alright though. I mean, it's Superman. Truth and justice. He's just having a laugh at my expense and I'm cool with that.
<br />
<br />"Ok, Superman. Let's do this. Stay put and we'll do this in 3-2-1." <span style="font-style: italic;">Click</span>.
<br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/6028565785_82c361c9c1_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/6028565785_82c361c9c1.jpg" alt="Bizarro am #1!" height="333" width="500" /></a>
<br />(Click to see larger)
<br />
<br />Afterwards he shook my hand (which was a huge thrill!), "Me am very happy with photo. Me will put payment in the mail right away. Hello!"
<br />
<br />Be good,
<br />-Dave
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Didn't you wake to see the light </span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Couldn't you hear the truth</span></span>
<br />El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-78291893552222926442011-08-03T05:29:00.000-07:002011-08-03T05:57:04.117-07:00TrophyMaintaining a photoblog is my way of practicing photography. Oh sure, I take lots of pictures. I edit some of them. I post even fewer. But what does get posted is what I feel is the best work I have at the time and it is usually something I am excited to show off. Whether I'm trying to tell a story with the photograph, writing a story about the photo, studying lighting or color or composition, every post is focused on being a better photographer.<br />Inbetween posts, I've been working on a secret project that has me looking at all my old photos and I've noticed that I almost <span style="font-style: italic;">never </span>take a picture without someone or something's face in focus.<br /><br />In my head, it seems like the only thing that matters is the face. The eyes; the expression (Which is funny because most of my models have masks that obscure their faces or cover their eyes). So I really need to open up my idea of what and how to photograph.<br /><br />Model: <a href="http://www.spawn.com/toys/product.aspx?product=3522">Poacher 2</a> by <a href="http://www.spawn.com/toys/">McFarlane Toys</a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/6004767347_5f644d3541_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/6004767347_5f644d3541.jpg" alt="Trophy" height="500" width="333" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You can break from everything that confines you</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-1564254931101706942011-07-25T05:30:00.000-07:002011-07-26T07:04:50.632-07:00Agent OrangeI've got to stop letting supervillains in.<br /><br />This week, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larfleeze">Larfleeze</a> (the Orange Lantern) stopped by, clutching a stack of prints from Sinestro's shoot. "These! I want these!"<br /><br />My assistant, <a href="http://eldavephoto.blogspot.com/2010/04/waterproof.html">Reflector</a>, pointed out that he already had them. Right there in his hand.<br /><br />"...I want these but with me in it."<br /><br />Oh dear. Here we go again. Just getting him in to the studio was an ordeal. "What's that?" That's a chair, Larfleeze. "I want it." When he saw the equipment he nearly went berserk. "What's <span style="font-style:italic;">that?!</span>" That is the remote for the lights. "Ooooo....." Everything he saw, he touched. Like a kid in a store, except kids don't make everything all glowy orange as if their fingers were covered in radioactive Cheetos dust.<br /><br />I asked what he wanted to do with the lantern battery and he just hugged it and rocked back and forth. "Mine... Mine... Mine..."<br /><br />Model: <a href="http://www.dccomics.com/dcdirect/?dcd=16147">Heroes of the DC Universe - Larfleeze the Orange Lantern Bust</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Click.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5978039158_5ac57ee2f6_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5978039158_5ac57ee2f6.jpg" alt="Larfleeze" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(Click to see larger)</span><br /><br />The flashes seemed to snap him out of whatever was going on in his head. "Thank you for the cameras." Don't you mean prints? "No!" All of the equipment he touched that was all glowy orange <span style="font-style:italic;">stood up</span> and followed him out the door.<br /><br />I've got to stop letting supervillains in.<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I feel like I'm in a blocked state of mind </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Am I getting through?</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-51254033827868546842011-07-18T05:37:00.000-07:002011-07-18T06:21:55.249-07:00Sinestro of Korugar<i>In blackest day, in brightest night,<br />Beware your fears made into light.<br />Let those who try to stop what's right,<br />Burn like my power... Sinestro's might!</i><br /><br />I used to have some simple rules in the studio. 1) No weapons. 2) No supervillainy.<br />Seems straightforward enough, right? But no. Some people just have a problem following the rules.<br /><br />Sinestro sauntered in while I was in the back working with another client. I heard <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldave/4080379680/">Reflector</a> (my assistant) arguing before the studio door was blown off it's hinges. My client, a high schooler, ran away screaming while I just stared open-mouthed at where my door used to be. "I require my visage to be captured by your camera. Prepare your equipment."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Model</span>: <a href="http://www.dccomics.com/dcdirect/?dcd=16146">DC Dynamics Sinestro</a> by <a href="http://www.dccomics.com/dcdirect/">DC Direct</a><br /><br />Now, I've had my share of bad customers and have gotten better at being assertive and standing up for myself, but the second I opened my mouth to protest a giant yellow spider landed right. in. front. of. me. I have a thing about spiders.<br /><br />Sinestro waved the spider away. "I am prepared. We shall go on three?"<br /><br />"...yes sir." UGH. Giant spiders freak me out.<br /><br />"Excellent. 1-2-3." <span style="font-style: italic;">Click</span><br /><br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5949998881_8553ba38b5_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5949998881_8553ba38b5.jpg" alt="Sinestro" height="500" width="333" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Stuck in my bedroom with nothing<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> But a voice in my head</span></span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-48975164482445184742011-07-13T06:05:00.000-07:002011-07-13T06:24:27.117-07:00Johnny MoOk, ok. Ok! Oh. Kay. Put the swords away and I'll take your picture! Just stand over there. Yes, where the X is. What are you looking for? The big X on the floor is where you need to be. Wha- sir, there is nothing up in the ceiling. No... I do not have any hidden assassins or booby traps. You know, I don't think I caught your name.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Johnny Mo is the leader of O-Ren's personal army, the Crazy 88. Johnny Mo is most prominently featured in the "House of Blue Leaves" scene. After The Bride kills Gogo Yubari and O-Ren Ishii's six bodyguards, Johnny Mo, armed with a pair of shōtō, arrives with an army of Crazy 88s. He is a more proficient fighter than the rest of the gang, nearly tipping the scales in their favor and holding his own against The Bride for several minutes alone while fighting her on top of a balcony railing. She eventually chops off both of his legs, and he falls into a pond from that second floor balcony and is presumed dead thereafter. *<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Kill_Bill_characters#Johnny_Mo">Wikipedia</a></span><br /><br />Fine. Yes. Have a henchman stand there first. That's fine.<br />See? No death. It's just tape on the floor to help me with the lights. Will you please stand there now? Thank you. Turn to face me. Look up, just over my shoulder. That's perfect.<br /><br />Model: <a href="http://necaonline.com/category/licenses/movies/kill-bill/">Kill Bill's Johnny Mo by NECA Toys</a><br /><br />Hold that for just a second, ok?<br /><br />3...2...1... <span style="font-style: italic;">Click<br /></span><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5933726288_754fe513c0_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5933726288_754fe513c0.jpg" alt="Johnny Mo" height="500" width="333" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />-Be good,<br />Dave<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I could break into a million pieces</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-50295424743682911042011-07-06T06:04:00.000-07:002011-07-06T06:26:26.291-07:00Independence Day"They say that the best weapon is the one you never have to fire. I respectfully disagree. I prefer the weapon you only have to fire <span style="font-style: italic;">once</span>. That's how Dad did it, that's how America does it, and it's worked out pretty well so far."<br /><br />To be perfectly honest, I'm not a huge fan of this armor. Even though Iron Man is my favorite character, this new suit just doesn't do it for me. Until I got my hands on the action figure of it, anyway.<br /><br />Model: <a href="http://www.hasbro.com/shop/details.cfm?guid=D56BA50A-5056-900B-1088-7E9D579DCD08&product_id=28571&src=endeca">Marvel Universe Iron Man - Modular Armor</a> by <a href="http://www.hasbro.com/">Hasbro</a><br />Backdrop: <a href="http://pegasushobbies.net/catalog/Peg.-Gaming-Accessories/c2/p98/%234930-Gothic-City-Ruins/product_info.html">Gothic City Ruins</a> by <a href="http://pegasushobbies.net/catalog/">Pegasus Hobbies</a><br />Special Effects created by waving <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparkler">Sparklers</a> in front of a desk fan.<br /><br />Now that I've played with it a bit and snapped a few shots of it (there will be another post in a few weeks about this armor), I'm a fan. More easy to photograph armors, please!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/5908803670_b46423a1ba_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/5908803670_b46423a1ba.jpg" alt="Independence Day" height="500" width="371" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />If you'll excuse me, I need to go put out the fire I started in the studio because I was setting off fireworks indoors.<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You leech off my desire</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-31709724339379884562011-06-29T05:57:00.001-07:002011-06-29T06:23:06.697-07:00Assassin's CreedEarlier this year, I had a <a href="http://eldavephoto.blogspot.com/2011/01/boss-fight.html">mini-rebellion</a> where I struggled against my style and tried to push myself outside of my comfort zone. While I am really happy with how those experiments turned out, I realized that what I was really doing was trying to learn new ways to do what I feel I do best. That really got hammered home a few weeks ago for the <a href="http://eldavephoto.blogspot.com/2011/06/bionic-commando.html">Bionic Commando</a> shoot. While it wasn't the most exciting image, I couldn't be happier with it.<br /><br />Those quiet moments are what I'm really interested in, I think. That moment of contemplation before action. Who better to emphasize that than an assassin in Renaissance Italy?<br /><br />Model: Ezio Auditore de Firenze by <a href="http://necaonline.com/category/licenses/video-games/assassins-creed/">NECA Toys</a><br />Backdrop: Pegasus Hobby's <a href="http://pegasushobbies.net/catalog/Peg.-Gaming-Accessories/c2/p98/%234930-Gothic-City-Ruins/product_info.html">Gothic City Ruins</a><br /><br />"The sun is setting. Time to work."<br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5277/5883960367_4219fbf312_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5277/5883960367_4219fbf312.jpg" alt="Assassin's Creed" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Insensitive to all your needs </span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-43408964961014887422011-06-23T05:58:00.000-07:002011-06-23T06:24:44.098-07:00Bring the NoiseSo last week's shot was kind of quiet. Dramatic lighting, yes. Cool muted colors, yes. Loud? No.<br /><br />Today's shot is all about bringing the noise, or bringing the <span style="font-style: italic;">ruckus</span>, if you will. The part of the movie where the bad guy's base explodes and the hero strides smoothly away before the credits roll.<br /><br />Model: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1VuxVcZnaA">Army of TWO's</a> Elliot Salem by <a href="http://necaonline.com/28679/products/toys/action-figures/army-of-two-7-action-figure-assortment/">NECA Toys</a><br />Backdrop: Outdoor studio<br /><br />The first problem I ran into is... the grass and leaves are, you know, green. Not so much explodey fire as I would like and I didn't want to set the Outdoor Studio on fire just for one shot. So in Photoshop I had to swap the greens for warmer reds, oranges, and yellows. That made things a little better, but I still wasn't satisfied, so I added some gaussian blurs over the "fire" and you know what?<br /><br />I dig it.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/5862833581_02d59ed9c0_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/5862833581_02d59ed9c0.jpg" alt="Army of TWO" height="500" width="333" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Fools often sometimes forget</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-47456005462520398962011-06-14T05:59:00.000-07:002011-06-14T06:17:58.078-07:00Bionic CommandoWe don't talk about the first time Nathan Spencer stopped by for a photo shoot. Let's just say it didn't go well. This time, however, I was invited on a "ride along". Seems pretty cool, right? Swinging around on buildings, whipping dudes with that robot hand, I was super excited.<br /><br />...did you know he has a desk job? He literally stares at spreadsheets all day.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5195/5832637874_b4bf3c9c0f_b_d.jpg%22"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5195/5832637874_b4bf3c9c0f.jpg" alt="Bionic Commando" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />This week's shot features <a href="http://necaonline.com/category/licenses/video-games/bionic-commando/">Nathan Spencer</a> by <a href="http://necaonline.com/">NECA</a> and is, in a way, an example of my signature style. I've been told before that this type of portrait is recognizable as "my style" and, to be honest, I resisted that for a long time. No idea why, really.<br /><br />After thinking about it, I realized that being told I have a unique, recognizable style is a great compliment and I should probably not be such a pain in the butt about the whole thing.<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Can't wait to see you. </span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-86572281087508405282011-06-07T06:03:00.000-07:002011-06-07T06:20:39.803-07:00Halo: CryptumA few years ago, my friend <a href="http://chanh.tumblr.com/">Chanh</a> convinced me to read the novels based around the <a href="http://halo.xbox.com/en-us">Halo</a> franchise, and they were... ok. Fun reading, no heavy lifting required. I mean, how much story can a book based on a game really have? You are Master Chief and you run around killing everything in sight. Ok, so maybe the books made the fighting a little flashier (flying somersault grenade toss), but they didn't really grab me.<br /><br />And then he told me that <a href="http://www.gregbear.com/books/halo.cfm">Greg Bear</a> (a favorite author) was writing a Halo novel. An incredibly fun and hard to put down Halo novel.<br /><br />So this week's shot is a sort of homage to the Halo franchise. From a video game where you pistol-whipped aliens to a series of novels that hooked me in, you've made me a fan.<br /><br />Figures used:<br /><a href="http://www.spawn.com/toys/product.aspx?product=4086">Sgt. Forge (foreground)</a><br /><a href="http://www.spawn.com/toys/product.aspx?product=4184">Jorge (background)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5807814775_3cd62e4fbe_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5807814775_3cd62e4fbe.jpg" alt="Halo: Cryptum" height="500" width="333" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I wonder how long it will be before</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> you leave</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-67918177443132414702011-06-01T07:44:00.000-07:002011-06-02T08:27:28.840-07:00Gears of WarGears of War, like most shooter games, is something I am <span style="font-style: italic;">terrible</span> at. I really enjoy the setting and the character designs, but put a controller in my sweaty hands and it all falls apart.<br /><br />So many tears...<br /><br />With Gears 3 coming out soon, I wanted to try and recreate the cinematic feel the game has. Everything is overly dramatic, rubble everywhere, and, oh man, the light bloom. I'm not sure how close I actually came, but I am extremely proud of this one!<br /><br />Model: NECA's <a href="http://necaonline.com/category/licenses/video-games/gears-of-war/">Marcus Fenix</a><br />Backdrop: Pegasus Hobby's <a href="http://pegasushobbies.net/catalog/Peg.-Gaming-Accessories/c2/p98/%234930-Gothic-City-Ruins/product_info.html">Gothic City Ruins</a><br /><br />Due to the size difference between Marcus (7") and the Ruins (28mm scale), I had to prop the ruins on a roll of masking tape so it didn't look like Fenixilla running amuck over some poor gothic cathedral.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Dave, you're rambling. Get on with the picture."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>Sorry about that, Marcus.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2603/5790032635_938a34efaa_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2603/5790032635_938a34efaa.jpg" alt="Gears of War" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">I persist - I persist - I think I'm hiding</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-88724930456556318692011-05-27T06:16:00.000-07:002011-05-27T06:36:25.252-07:00I am Iron Man<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TTKbep4xSiE" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />You'll never guess what this week's picture is.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/5764518953_0a89cf7443_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/5764518953_0a89cf7443.jpg" alt="I am Iron Man" height="500" width="333" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />I wanted to try and convey that sense of plodding dread you get from the song's opening riff. Something big and heavy and absolutely terrifying is coming for you and it wants you to <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span>.<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Wipe my face - get up again</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" > get up again</span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-17520373482498370742011-05-21T06:46:00.000-07:002011-05-21T06:54:34.265-07:00Let's Be Bad GuysBlah.<br /><br />That's how I feel about this week's photo. It isn't a bad shot, mind. It just doesn't... pop for me and I don't know why. It's well within the color range I usually use, the lighting and vignetting seem fine, and I definitely love the subject, but...<br /><br />I dunno.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/5742538697_6a042efd51_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/5742538697_6a042efd51.jpg" alt="Let's Be Bad Guys" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">God damn I wish - I'm dreaming </span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-26701861345351782582011-05-11T06:45:00.000-07:002011-05-11T07:04:48.409-07:00Cad BaneNormally doing portfolio work for people is pretty fun. They come in, we chat for a bit about their image and how they want to be portrayed, and everyone's generally happy with the results. Once in a while they will have a strong idea of what they want, but usually it is a more organic process that lasts the entire shoot.<br /><br />And then you run into guys like <a href="http://www.hasbro.com/shop/details.cfm?guid=5FB376E8-19B9-F369-107E-F9DCA6D8CD94&product_id=27048&src=endeca">Cad Bane</a>.<br /><br />You know what the first thing he said to me was? "I'm calling the shots today," as he rested his hands on his blasters. Not even a hello. "Ok, no problem," I said. "What did you have in mind?" He turned to leave and nodded at his little robot who gave me a printout of exactly what Cad wanted (sunset over his shoulder), where he wanted it shot (a nasty local cantina), and, well, it was essentially the finished product.<br /><br />Grabbing my gear, I hustled to the cantina, set up the lights, reflectors, camera, and waited for him to make his entrance.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/5709721865_60845bb86e_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/5709721865_60845bb86e.jpg" alt="Cad Bane" height="500" width="333" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />He walked right passed me, <span style="font-style: italic;">shot some guy</span>, and walked out. "I'll be by to pick up the prints."<br /><br />I gotta find a safer line of work...<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">All those callous eyes</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-59022575009364624732011-05-06T07:24:00.000-07:002011-05-06T07:48:59.397-07:00Dr. Acula<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5693518836_ccdc941087_b_d.jpg" title="Dr. Acula by ElDave, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5693518836_ccdc941087.jpg" alt="Dr. Acula" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Posted without comment because it's Seis de Mayo and I'm exhausted.<br /><br />Stupid <a href="http://eldavephoto.blogspot.com/2011/05/playing-catch-up.html">Senor Funtimes</a>...<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;font-size:78%;" >Can I get a witness</span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-51716619953126833202011-05-02T06:20:00.000-07:002011-05-03T07:23:04.100-07:00Playing Catch UpUrgh... My head. Where am I?<br />The last thing I remember was sitting down to post last week's shot and the phone ringing, and then... oh- oh no.<br /><br />Please tell me I didn't blow last week's update because I was partying with Senor Funtimes.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5683964286_6c8c7bb11b_b_d.jpg" title="Senor Funtimes by ElDave, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5683964286_6c8c7bb11b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Senor Funtimes"></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Make my life worth something more</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-24500087038025092072011-04-22T05:52:00.000-07:002011-04-22T06:00:54.249-07:00The Sun Never Sets on LatveriaHey guys, things are super busy here in the studio, but I wanted to quickly show you one of the projects we're working on. A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a small Eastern European nation to shoot some stills for an upcoming tourism campaign. Due to a non-disclosure agreement, I can't tell you where, but I'm sure you can figure it out.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5642777871_f4fbb2f68d_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5642777871_f4fbb2f68d.jpg" alt="Sun Never Sets on Latveria" width="333" height="500" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">What would happen if this were gone</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-45047410559196900052011-04-14T06:51:00.000-07:002011-04-14T07:19:58.246-07:00Full of StarsThis week was the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's flight into outer space and I wanted to try and do something special to commemorate it. I don't have any model rockets or miniature cosmonauts (an oversight that will be corrected), but I do have some Lego minifigs and a sizable science fiction collection. With that in mind, here is my attempt at recreating a scene from <span style="font-style: italic;">2001: A Space Odyssey</span>.<br /><br />The original:<br /><img src="http://bespokecashmere.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/sjff_01_img0509.jpg" /><br /><br />For this shot I used:<br /><a href="http://minifigures.lego.com/en-gb/Bios/Default.aspx#Spaceman">Lego Minifigure Spaceman (body and helmet)</a><br /><a href="http://minifigures.lego.com/en-gb/Bios/Default.aspx#Hazmat%20Guy">Lego Minifigure Hazmat Guy (head)</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NGC_6357">The entire NGC 6357 Nebula</a><br /><br />I set an LED bulb on either side of the figure and used my window blinds for the vertical stripes. Taking it into Photoshop, it was... ok. Nothing spectacular and certainly not as dramatic as the still from <span style="font-style: italic;">2001</span>. That's where the Nebula came in and worked its magic. It took quite a bit of playing with opacity, but I think the end result is definitely worth the time and effort. It's certainly blowing Lego Spaceman's mind!<br /><br />"The thing's hollow—it goes on forever—and—oh my God—<span style="font-style: italic;">it's full of stars</span>!"<br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5618742943_97ecd5be47_b.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5618742943_97ecd5be47.jpg" alt="Full of Stars" width="500" height="333" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">With your head so in the cloud</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-44070658771256148182011-04-07T08:36:00.000-07:002011-04-07T09:03:33.421-07:00Mortal KombatYou may have heard that there is a new Mortal Kombat game coming out. I'll be honest, my favorite character is, and probably always will be, Sub Zero. The freezy ice blast, the slide, the ice swords? Count me in.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Scorpion looks SO GOOD with a sword that he ended up dominating today's shot.<br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5598320608_3792f4dc28_b.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5598320608_3792f4dc28.jpg" alt="Mortal Kombat" width="333" height="500" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />What I originally wanted was sort of a backstage view, where Sub Zero was returning from his match with Scorpion lying in wait, ready to ambush Subs. The more I look at it, the more it looks like they're waiting to jump each other. Like playing Hide & Seek, but with Fatalities.<br /><br />The setup was so simple that it's easier to just show you.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5597738961_6d12e856ce_b.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5597738961_6d12e856ce.jpg" alt="Mortal Kombat - BTS" width="333" height="500" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Scorpion is standing in front of a resin wall piece and that's a wooden/leather trunk behind Sub Zero. No fancy lighting, just natural light from the window to the left.<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Relied on me to say it all</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860694657336879697.post-49138704218766308942011-03-30T19:07:00.000-07:002011-03-31T05:31:59.181-07:00ReflectorIs there a Transformers Noir? If not, there should be.<br /><br />Sorry for the short post this week, guys. Busy busy!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5016/5576893476_50d08e0451_b_d.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5016/5576893476_50d08e0451.jpg" alt="Reflector" width="500" height="333" /></a><br />(Click to see larger)<br /><br />Be good,<br />-Dave<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">From left to right...</span></span>El Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426750191911621250noreply@blogger.com1