America's Next Top Drama?!?

I normally try to stay away from talking about television shows, but this one relates to a photo shoot, so...

I'm not sure what to think of this story, regarding America's Next Top Model:

tv.yahoo.com/news/article/tv.accesshollywood.com

It basically states that the media is furious over a recent episode of ANTM, where the models are asked to be "transformed into different races" and photographed. Then, the story compares this action to a recent Australian "blackface" television performance that upset Harry Connick, Jr. and much of America.

Now, I haven't watched the full episode of ANTM, so I may be way off here. Maybe there was a secret scene where Tyra Banks requested the models to mock and degrade the race they are portraying?!? As you can tell by that sarcastic remark, I seriously doubt it.

This is NOTHING like the Australian blackface incident (they were obviously over the line, as they made fun of the Jackson 5's skin color). From the segment I saw on the internet, this ANTM episode seems to be more of a teaching experience and a focus on awareness. How in the heck can AOL TV complain that Tyra is putting her models in blackface?!? These images look sincere and the clip appears to be teaching a sort of "walk a mile in my shoes" sort of lesson.

I work in the media and have to wonder if these few publications trying to demonize Tyra Banks have gone mad? Most legitimate publications wouldn't even dare to call this episode racially-charged. Is this another case of a few dubious media outlets trying to gain ratings by causing a big stink?

For those of you shooting news abroad...

Check it out:

www.ifj.org/en

Youtube, and why I hate it so very much...

So, everyone knows how easy youtube is to use. You make a video, click a few buttons, and it is up for the world to see. I prefer using it and embedding the video in the blogs I do for clients over wrestling with all the steps each different client has to put the video directly on their server.

Well, I covered a concert for a client recently, and I needed to get the text, pics and video up right away. So, what do I do? I toss the 42 seconds of video on youtube and embed the video into the blog. What happens? A couple days later, the video gets flagged and locked down for copyright infringement!

By the way, I'm not going to mention the artists or the publication, because they are innocent in all of this. Youtube is the evil entity here and Motown Records is semi-moronic for flagging the video to begin with. And, I know what you are thinking... How is Motown stupid for flagging a video, if they had no clue it was embedded in a legitimate publication that had approval to shoot the content in the first place? Let me answer that with a common sense statement...

The video was professionally shot (it sure didn't look like a camera phone took it), it was only one verse of one song and they could've EASILY sent an email or inquiry to me first. The fact that it was obviously shot from the photo/video pit and not the crowd, should've been their first clue. The fact that I was following normal editorial guidelines and publishing an incomplete song (normally media is allowed to shoot and display 30 to 45 second snippets of songs, so it doesn't interfere with regular album and video sales) should've been the second clue. And the third... what ever happened to civility? A quick email asking about the video would've been much quicker than going through the hoops of a copyright infringement claim and then a counter-claim.

So, now I've started my counter-claim, which is filled with steps to complete and hoops to jump through. I thought about just pulling the video and uploading it to the publication's server, but at this point I'm on a mission against Youtube. It's the point of the matter that I uploaded legal video and they blocked it without asking questions first. Then they make it an uphill battle to get it unblocked. This is why I'm fighting it. It shouldn't be so hard for their users to prove their innocence.

Maybe I should just mess with the extra hassle of uploading the videos directly to my clients' servers? Or, maybe I should check out Vimeo.com and the other video hosting sites that people seem to like more than youtube?

A year of covers...

Quick took a look back at the last year in covers, after going from daily to weekly last October. The cool thing is that 31 out of the 52 covers were my photos! Pretty cool, huh?!?

More Macro...

I shoot news, PR, event and marketing stuff all the time. Even though pictures of the mayor or the new president of the Dallas Bar Association (lawyers, not bartenders) pay the bills, it's not what I would shoot for fun. So, I'll often break out the camera on my day off and shoot the kids or play around in the backyard or at a park.

These images were shot nearby at the Dallas Arboretum at the beginning of October. I used my Canon 5DmkII and my macro extension rings. And, let me tell you... shooting a butterfly is a lot more fun and relaxing than shooting a corporate CEO!

Behind the scenes: Kevin Winzeler

This post from the Strobist blog is worth reading and watching:

strobist.blogspot.com/2009/10/kevin-winzeler-bts-vids-big-lights.html

Jason Janik vs. Pie...

I like Patrick Michels. Sure, he's the competition over at The Observer, but he's a genuinely nice guy. He was there covering the recent pie eating contest at the new Norma's Cafe location that I shot for a new client. I liked his pics, and you can even see me in one. Just when I thought it was safe to go outside, it's me vs. those huge pies again...

www.dallasobserver.com/slideshow/view/28659756/10

You can see me on the far left in photo 10 of 16 on their slideshow.

Postcards!!!

Are you familiar with Modern Postcard? They have serviced our industry for years, and they provide a great product. And guess what... they currently have a killer deal on their postcards.

Yup, a postcard, mailer, promo... whatever you want to call it. Photographers mail them to potential clients, have them set up at a trade show booth, pass them out at networking functions. It's basically a big 4x6 or 5x7 advertisement, filled with pictures. It works a lot better than a business card, because you can fill it with your images. And right now - I think through the end of October - Modern Postcard has their fancy tri-fold cards at 40% off. Just use code OBE-OCT40 to get the discount.

I am in no way affiliated with them, and I receive no compensation for this endorsement. I'm just passing along a deal from a company I've used and trust. I hope this little tip helps you out!

Macro time in the backyard...

It was a Sunday and I had a rare weekend off. I spent Saturday at the in-law's house and then went to the sporting clays course (if you've never shot clays before, it is a LOT of fun). Sunday was mostly spent around the house, or at Target (they get so much of our money, it isn't even funny).

The two oldest boys wanted to play outside, so I took my camera and extension tubes along with me for fun. This is what I found in my backyard to keep me entertained:

For all you tech junkies, I'll give you some photo details. All of the images were shot using my Canon 5DmkII, 50mm f1.4, and my EF 12 and EF 25 extension tubes stacked. Most of the images were shot at f8.

The ultimate "cheap" ring light case...

As promised, I have revealed my suggestion for a good, secure and reasonably priced travel case for your ring flash. It is no surprise that my google analytics shows "ring flash case" and "ring light case" has been a high search topic. The first thing I wondered after buying my Profoto ring light was "how the heck do I store and travel with this thing?"

Well, I didn't see any cases sold by reputable companies specifically designed for any ring light. I didn't see any blogs or forum posts that suggested anything other than a Pelican case with a custom insert. I had already blown around six grand on lighting and wanted to keep any further purchases to a minimum. Then I had an idea...

A drum case!!! I've worked with musicians a ton, and saw their sturdy travel cases, designed to carry round objects (cymbals, snares, etc) safely. They came in all different sizes, so maybe one might fit the ring flash and its cable? So, I went to Guitar Center, one of the biggest music stores in town. I found this in their percussion section for $50 or $60:

The case is made my SBK, a company that I trust. I've purchased their hard sided golf club case and their guitar case before, and they were both tough as nails. I forget the exact size of this awesome little drum case, but you can do like me and take your light into the store to test fit it.

The following two pics will give you an idea of how the ring flash head fits inside the case...

The case is soft and padded on the inside, and the lid is secured tight. If you were really worried about your light (and who wouldn't be? These little Profoto heads aren't cheap!), you could also stuff a small pillow or towel in the case to keep it from moving at all. As it is, that light fits snug, so I feel confident.

There you have it. My little secret for the best ring light case you can find, without having to break the bank!

A Tattoo is Forever...

I would never do this:

www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/enthusiastic-shutterbug-immortalizes-nikon-on-his-forearm/

Pie Eating Contests Rock!!!

How cool is it that I actually get paid to witness fun, kooky, silly, awesome things like this pie eating contest?!? I was shooting the event for the PR company that was running the contest, and it was quite a sight! There were a lot of messy contestants when everything was said and done.

By the way, this was held at Norma's Cafe. They have the best chicken fried chicken I have ever tasted. I didn't try any of the pies, but I'm betting they are pretty good, too.

A little bit about Rock and Roll...

www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2009/10/indonesia.html?sc=fb&cc=ps

This is what I've been trying to do for the last ten or fifteen years. I've succeeded to some degree, but I feel like there is still so much music left to capture...

Erykah Badu...

A recent photo of Dallas soul singer Erykah Badu that I took. I like the old feel of the image. It feels very 1920's to me... maybe it's the top hat?

The New Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

I know everyone else will be posting these details, but I couldn't help mentioning it, as well. Doesn't this camera sound great?!? Here is Canon's official press release:

INTRODUCING THE ULTIMATE MULTIMEDIA IMAGING SOLUTION:
THE NEW CANON EOS-1D MARK IV DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
The EOS-1D Mark IV Features a Completely Redesigned 45-Point Autofocus System, Fast 10 fps Continuous Shooting, 16-Megapixel Resolution, Outstanding ISO Sensitivity, and Full HD Video Recording at Selectable Frame Rates

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 20, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to introduce the next evolution in the EOS 1D series of cameras: the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera. The EOS-1D Mark IV is a high-speed multimedia performance monster with a 16-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors, and 14-bit A/D data conversion, all at 10 frames-per-second (fps), with the widest ISO range Canon has produced to date. This new camera also features 1080p Full High-Definition video capture at selectable frame rates packaged in Canon’s most rugged and durable professional camera body.

The crowning achievement of Canon’s 1D Mark IV Digital SLR is its new autofocus system that starts with 45 AF points including 39 high-precision cross-type focusing points capable of tracking fast moving athletes or wildlife accurately at speeds up to 10 frames per second. With greater subject detection capability than ever before plus a newly redesigned AI Servo II AF predictive focusing algorithm, the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV camera sets new standards for autofocus performance among professional digital SLRs. Whether shooting for the six o’clock news or the front page, the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR is the quintessential camera to freeze fast-moving action with high-speed stills or capture stunning HD video with dynamic color and image quality. To accompany the new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera, Canon is also announcing a new accessory, the WFT-E2 II A wireless file transmitter providing photographers with a wide range of professional digital connectivity options.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV camera will intrigue professional photographers in virtually every category from photojournalism and sports through nature, wedding, portrait and fashion to commercial, industrial and law enforcement. What makes the EOS-1D Mark IV camera different from its predecessors, in addition to numerous focusing system and image quality improvements, is its exceptional Full HD video capture capability. With this new level of functionality, the 1D Mark IV Digital SLR is destined to appeal not only to professional still photographers but also to a diverse market of professional videographers and filmmakers who are looking for exceptional Full HD video quality, amazing low-light performance, outstanding portability and a level of durability unheard of in most HD video cameras in this price range.

New 45-Point Autofocus System
The new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera features Canon’s most advanced Autofocus system to date. It is equipped with a newly developed 45-point AF sensor featuring 39 high-precision cross-type AF points, and an all new AI Servo II AF mode that gives still photographers the power and performance to track and focus a fast-moving subject at speeds up to 10 frames per second. With more than twice as many cross-type focusing points as the EOS-1D Mark III and a new AF sensor construction that improves performance in low light and with low contrast subjects, the EOS-1D Mark IV has greater subject detection capabilities than any previous EOS model. To complete the range of AF improvements, Canon has developed a new AI Servo II AF predictive focusing algorithm that significantly improves responsiveness and stability by making better decisions on focus tracking in a variety of shooting conditions.

Amazing High ISO Performance
Wedding and event photographers shooting in low light without the benefit of a flash can take advantage of Canon’s widest ISO range and highest performance ever. The EOS-1D Mark IV camera’s ISO speed settings range from 100 up to 12,800 in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments with ISO Expansion settings of L: 50 for bright light or H1: 25,600, H2: 51,200, and H3: 102,400 for even the most dimly lit situations. Photographers and documentary filmmakers working in available light will be impressed by the low-noise image quality of the 1D Mark IV, capturing amazing still images and video footage even at speed settings as high as ISO 12,800. High ISO, low light still images are further enhanced by Canon’s adjustable High ISO Noise Reduction feature, now a default setting in the camera.

The EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS HD Video Powerhouse
Over the past year, Canon’s EOS HD Video technology has changed the way users capture 1080p HD video and opened new doors for multimedia journalists and Hollywood cinematographers alike with full manual exposure control, selectable frame rates, and interchangeable lenses on some of the largest and most sensitive image sensors on the market. Canon continues this innovation trend with the new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR with Full HD capture and full manual exposure control, plus selectable frame rates on an all-new
APS-H-sized image sensor that’s similar in size to a Super 35mm motion picture film frame. The large sensor allows filmmakers to achieve shallow depth-of-field just as cinematographers have traditionally done using much higher-cost motion picture equipment.

The more than 50 Canon EF lenses compatible with the EOS-1D Mark IV give videographers incredible creative options, including an impressive selection of large-aperture professional L-series primes as well as zoom lenses, macro, Tilt-Shift and Fisheye optics. The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV allows for three video recording resolutions – 1080p Full HD and 720p HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards. Sound is recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via optional external microphones connected to the stereo microphone input. The camera also provides an in-camera video editing function allowing users to remove the start or ending of a video clip directly in the camera to eliminate unwanted footage and speed up post-production.

Image Quality and Performance
The heart of the EOS-1D Mark IV camera’s outstanding image quality is a newly developed 16.1-Megapixel CMOS sensor featuring Canon’s latest and most advanced proprietary technologies. These technologies include improved photodiode construction to enhance dynamic range and gapless microlenses that are positioned closer to the photodiodes for improved light gathering efficiency. The transmissive quality of the color filter array has been enhanced to improve sensitivity. Canon has also upgraded the sensor circuitry to improve noise reduction before the image data is exported from the CMOS sensor to the rest of the image processing chain.

With 60 percent more pixels than the EOS-1D Mark III, the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR employs Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors with approximately six times the processing power of DIGIC III for full 14-bit A/D conversion at 10 fps. High-speed continuous shooting up to 121 Large JPEGs is possible using a UDMA CF card. This camera also features three RAW shooting modes for versatility with Full RAW (approx. 16 million pixels), M-RAW (approx. nine million pixels), and S-RAW (approx. four million pixels). Three additional JPEG recording formats (M1, M2 and Small) are also available.

The 14-bit per channel conversion facilitated by the dual DIGIC 4 Processors provides smoother tonalities in final images capturing all 16,384 distinct tones in each channel (red, green and blue) at the full 10 fps frame rate. RAW images shot on the new Canon EOS-1D Mark IV use the entire 14-bit space when converted to 16-bit TIFF files in Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied with the camera at no extra charge. The 14-bit A/D conversion is also the foundation for Canon’s Highlight Tone Priority feature that takes maximum advantage of the camera’s extensive dynamic range to preserve detail in highlight areas of the image. Canon’s new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR also features an improved white balance algorithm making colors more accurate when shooting under low color temperature light sources such as household tungsten lamps.

The EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR features Canon’s Peripheral Illumination Correction function which corrects darkening that can occur in the corners of images with most lenses when used at their largest apertures. When activated, it is automatically applied to JPEG images and video clips as they are shot. For RAW images, it can be applied in DPP software.

Other new features include a large three-inch solid structure Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution and a wide 160-degree viewing angle for enhanced clarity and more precise color when reviewing images and shooting video. The new in-camera copyright information feature helps professionals secure control over images by setting copyright data directly into the camera and appending that information to each image file in the Exif metadata. Additional features include a fluorine coating on the Low Pass Filter to further repel dust and enhance the EOS Integrated Cleaning System.

Minimize Post-Production with Enhanced Canon Auto Lighting Optimizer
Action photography truly is all about speed, capturing a fast subject with fast focusing and fast frame rates. However, all this speed might be wasted if it is slowed down by lengthy post-production procedures to adjust image quality. The EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR helps reduce post-production work with a powerful new Auto Lighting Optimizer (ALO) system. When enabled, Canon’s ALO automatically adjusts the image for optimal brightness and contrast on the fly during in-camera image processing, reducing clipped highlights while keeping shadowed areas as clear and detailed as they actually appear. By optimizing brightness and contrast in-camera, Canon’s ALO system significantly reduces the need for post-production image optimization, and gives photographers image quality they can take directly to press. Demanding professional photographers who tested ALO clearly stated that this one feature will reduce their post-production image optimization process by more than 75 percent. Canon’s ALO works with both RAW[i] and JPEG images as well as video recording.

Rugged Reliability
Canon has taken every measure to ensure that the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera has the highest degree of weather resistance in the EOS line. The 1D Mark IV camera incorporates a wide range of design features that enhance its durability and reliability for professional assignments. For example, the 1D Mark IV’s body, chassis and lens mount are completely weather-resistant and 76 gaskets and seals surround all buttons and seams. The body covers and internal chassis, including the mirror box, are constructed with magnesium-alloy, one of the strongest and rigid metals available for its weight. For added strength, the lens mount is constructed with stainless steel. In fact, when used with Canon’s Speedlite 580EX II and/or most current L-series lenses, the entire camera system remains fully weather resistant, so professionals can concentrate on getting the shot instead of worrying about protecting their gear.

New Wireless Connectivity
Canon is announcing the availability of the new WFT-E2 II A* wireless file transmitter exclusively for the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E2 II A wireless transmitter is an extremely small and versatile device that offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. In addition to adding the ability to connect to wireless networks over 802.11a, the new WFT-E2 II A adds a wealth of new professional features to the photographer’s tool kit. The new Camera Linking feature allows a single photographer to simultaneously fire up to 10 cameras remotely; and the updated WFT Server mode lets you remotely use Live View, control settings, and fire the EOS-1D Mark IV over the internet from anywhere in the world using a standard Web browser or many Web-enabled smart phones. Additionally, geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth, using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in late December, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $4,999.00[ii]. Final pricing and availability for the Canon WFT-E2 II A wireless file transmitter will be available later this year.

I win! I win! I win!

Well, I win second place, anyway. It's a monthly contest among the nation's top wedding photographers through Bella Pictures. My detail shot of a bride and her chopper came in second for the month of September.

I know you are saying to yourself, "He shoots weddings?" Yes... I do a limited number every year. I actually LIKE shooting weddings, as long as I don't overbook myself with them. What can I say? I'm a sucker for romance... You can see some of my wedding stuff here: www.jasonjanik.com

My old pics...

A long time ago, I was just a college kid in love with the local music scene. I started a website on Geocities, back before everyone and their grandma had their own website. It was filled with pictures of Texas bands - hence the name The Texas Bands Page.

The pictures weren't the best, but the website had a lot of heart. And since there were maybe two other websites on all of the internet at the time that focused on North Texas bands, I was always getting a lot of hits and a ton of emails.

Well, times change. Now I shoot for big national publications and shoot international rock stars. I still love shooting local bands, but I don't add anything new to the Texas Bands Page. And now Geocities is closing down - or closed down, depending on when you read this post. All those bands and musicians will be lost to the public, because I'm not going to move the site anywhere else.

Luckily, someone cared enough about the old days to ask if they could post a sampling of the old site for future viewers to see:

www.kera.org/blogs/

It gives you wings...

I had fun shooting this Red Bull sponsored concert the other night:

blog.quickdfw.com/archives/2009/10/red-bull-sound-clash.html

I think this will be a blog-only story, so no big printed pics on this one. I'm noticing the web becoming such a huge priority with all my clients these days. It's been something important for a long while now, but not like it has been recently. I think everyone in the print world has finally realized that readers are going to the web first for much of their entertainment.

Heck, many of the biggest publications down at ACL earlier this month were doing web-only coverage. I love the immediacy of it, but I am not a big fan of the tiny images or the tiny mobile screens people are using to view everything. I want my work run big, so people can soak up the details.

I suppose the flip side is that I can run ten images online with a story, where print's limited space meant only two or three might've been used at most. I definitely do love that people get to see more of my stuff now. And it gives me a chance to supplement my still photos with video - something you couldn't do with print before.

I know all of this is old news to the world. I am just mentioning it, because traditional print publications are finally embracing the web content as an equal (if not more important) aspect of business. It means more respect and more pay for doing something online. That's a good thing, right?

Yet another person with better Photoshop skills...

I'm good at Photoshop, but not the best around. My main talent comes from the camera, not the computer. I know there are some people who can do a lot more than I can in Photoshop. I'm always learning something new, even though I've been using it since 1996.

Here is yet another person who can probably run circles around me, when it comes to Photoshop. Look through his blog and you'll see a lot of cool tips:

www.blog.spoongraphics.co.uk

The Press Release...

Marketing your services takes more than just printing up business cards. These days, I send out mailers, make phone calls, attend networking events and I send an email to every person on my list of current and potential client list. I don't like weekly emails, because I get those from some people and they annoy the heck out me. The people that hit me up every month are the ones I tend to read the most. They aren't constantly bombarding me with stuff, but they send info frequently enough to stay on my radar.

Well, one thing to send out through email is a press release. Companies do it all the time. It is just a formal message providing info on something important you've done. This is one I just sent out this week. It talks about a recent album I did work on...

Contact: Jason Janik FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tel. 214/535-1062

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JASON JANIK FEATURED ON NEWLY RELEASED JIVE RECORDS ALBUM- IN STORES OCTOBER 13

Bowling for Soup Releases 10^th Album “Sorry for Partyin’”

DALLAS, TX – Photographer Jason Janik is the photographer for Texas-based band Bowling for Soup’s newly released album on Jive Records, Sorry of Partyin’, which hit stores on October 13, 2009.

Sorry for Partyin’ is the 10^th album released by the Texas-based band, and the 3rd album for which Janik has served as photographer. Jason Janik’s work was also featured on the band’s 2004 album Hangover You Don’t Deserve, which subsequently became a RIAA Certified Gold album, selling in excess of 500,000 units, and the 2005 release Bowling for Soup Goes to the Movies.

The Grammy-nominated quartet of Bowling for Soup includes singer/guitarist Jaret Reddick, guitarist Chris Burney, bassist Erik Chandler, and drummer Gary Wiseman.

Jason Janik is a Dallas photographer whose work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Spin Magazine, Black Tooth: The High Life, Good Times, and Tragic End of “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott (Zac Crain), Dallas Morning News, USA Today, DFW Quick, American Profile and other publications.

###

If you would like more information or have questions about Janik Photography editorial, advertising, and event photography, please call Jason Janik at 214/535-1062, or email Jason at mailto:jason at janikphoto.com

So sorry...

I'm sorry if I've been absent for the last several days. I've been super busy with photo shoots, editing and photoshop work. And any free time has been spent with the family. I'll blog about some of my recent shoots very soon. I promise!

Hassie Digi...

I only need $14k to buy a Hasselblad digital back for my medium format cameras. Anyone have that kind of spare change stuffed in between the cushions of their couch? Wanna share? No? I didn't think so...

www.calumetphoto.com/item/HA13944/?t=CM01&a=CM01

Bowling For Soup in the bathroom...

Here is the new issue of Quick. I think it's one of my better covers. The pics are for a feature on the Grammy-nominated Denton band, Bowling For Soup.

Where's Waldo?!?

Or, more like... where's Jason? I received this email from the folks at ACL yesterday. It had a picture that caught my eye. Who is that? Why, it's me!

I was photographing a band/DJ/guy named Girl Talk at the 2009 Austin City Limits Music Festival, and you can see a tiny little me in a blue shirt and green hat. Not really "stop the presses" news-worthy stuff, but I thought it was funny to spot myself in the pic. Kind of like a real life game of Where's Waldo!

Photographer, behind the scenes...

Here's some behind the scenes footage of a recent photo shoot I did. I also helped some with the "official" video that will be up on Quick's website in a few days - incase you are wondering why I was also seen operating a video camera.

www.vimeo.com/6953849

I'll post a link when the photos and video come out. But I'm sure you'll see them before I do, because you read Quick online and in print all the time... right?

ACL extras...

I had a few mud shots from ACL Fest that couldn't be used for publication, for one reason or another (either it was a redundant image or I didn't have the person's name for the cutline). I'm sure you've seen most of my pics up on the Quick website by now (more coming in this Thursday's issue). Well, I thought I could toss the leftovers up here...

This man was mudhead. At least that's what I nicknamed him. I suppose I might've sported a similar design, if I were bald. Or, worn a hat.

This girl made me laugh. She was relatively clean, compared to most of the ACL audience. She had to walk through this messy, sloppy, mud pit, which she wasn't happy about. I saw her face squinch up as she started. Then she covered her eyes as she stomped through, like it would make the mud go away if she couldn't actually see it.

The one above was someone I spotted while snaking my way through the crowd. I looked up, and there was this girl covered in mud. Completely covered! And she was so proud of it!!!

ACL, from another point of view...

Hopefully, you followed my ACL Fest photo blog on Quick's website this past weekend. Here is a link to three days worth of pics and postings:

blog.quickdfw.com/archives/2009/10/austin-city-limits-music-fest.html

austin-city-limits-music-fest-1.html

austin-city-limits-music-fest-2.html

austin-city-limits-music-fest-3.html

austin-city-limits-music-fest-4.html

austin-city-limits-music-fest-5.html

austin-city-limits-music-fest-6.html

austin-city-limits-music-fest-7.html

I think I did an OK job of shooting the three day festival. I just started looking at other websites and publications to see what they got. Some of them got some pretty sweet shots - stuff I was envious of. Some of them seemed as if they phoned this one in - no effort, no talent. Here is what I found from the others. You be the judge and tell me who had the best shots of the weekend:

www.rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/30332187/behind_the_scenes_at_austin_city_l

www.rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/30332226/austin_city_limits_2009_the_best

www.austin360.com/music/mediahub/media/slideshow/index.jsp?tId=189177

www.austin360.com/music/mediahub/media/slideshow/index.jsp?tId=189473

www.austin360.com/music/mediahub/media/slideshow/index.jsp?tId=189713

www.spin.com/articles/austin-city-limits-best-worst-moments

blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2009/10/acl_09_pearl_jam_regains_its_r.php

blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2009/10/acl_09_the_toadies_come_from_t.php

blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2009/10/acl_09_jonathan_tyler_and_the.php

ACL, Here We Come!!!

We will leave for Austin in four hours, so I can shoot yet another Austin City Limits Music Festival. I have photographed ACL every year, except for the very first year. The wife joins me, because she can network the media and sponsor tents for her work, and her parents will watch the baby boys (and cats) at our house. Even though I know they are in good hands, it is hard to leave them for three days straight.

I'll be doing an ACL blog update for Quick at their website (www.QuickDFW.com), so be sure to follow along all weekend!