Monday, July 30, 2007

Joe Vitale's Zero Limits book release

Dr. Joe Vitale and Dr. Hew Len

A few months ago Joe Vitale called me to see if I would photograph his Ho'oponopono workshop with Dr. Hew Len in Austin, TX, not knowing that one of my photos would end up being the author photo for his newest book Zero Limits. After the event I made a print and had it framed as a gift for Joe. He was so impressed by the photo that he immediately said this has to be in the book. Well, the day has finally come. Saturday afternoon here in Wimberley, TX Joe had a book signing and by the size of the crowd it looks like Joe has another #1 bestseller on his hands and I am proud to be a part of it.

Me and Joe

The day also had a few hidden gems. This is eight year old Landon, one of Joe's fans. He has set his sights on earning a million dollars though his web site www.thefartsite.com, kind of a bet with his mom that he could make a million selling farts. So far he has earned $500 but I have a feeling that number will start rising really fast. This kid is a true inspiration. Does anyone remember what they were doing when they were 8. It sure wasn't trying to build a business on the internet to make my first million. I was happy with $20 mowing lawns. To see Pat Obryan's interview with Landon go to www.patobryan.com/blog.htm.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Fallen Angels

My latest shoot for Marrika was a huge success. I worked with Samantha again who is always awesome and she introduced me to Bobbie who was equally amazing to work with. I couldn't be happier with the shots we got. All of my work for Marrika has always been on location mainly because I don't have a studio but when you spend a small fortune on studio lights you kind of want to use them. The idea for this shot required a lot of space in order to set up the lights the way I wanted so I borrowed a friend of mines living room that was about 20X30 with 16' ceilings. It worked out perfect I was able to set up my profoto 2400 pack with my new 5' octabank softbox, 2 1x4 strip softbox and my new grids. We had a 6 hour shoot with about 12 wardrobe changes and the day just flew by.

I am heading out Sunday to Amarillo to do a shoot with JD Souther for Cowboys and Indians magazine then making my way west for several shoots and of course catch a few waves. More on that later.


Pura Vida!

Friday, July 6, 2007

Pura Vida!


I just returned from the greatest trip of my life, or maybe the second greatest. It doesn't really matter because both times were in Costa Rica. It was such an amazing time that I am heading back in Oct. to look into buying something. There is no better place to get away. Amazing people, amazing food and amazing waves. We were 40 miles from the nearest paved road, no phone, no tv. Internet if you needed it. It doesn't get any better than that. I have never been more relaxed. Our typical day usually started around 5:30 when the howler monkeys decided we had slept long enough. After our morning session we would head to town for Gallo Pinto, scrambled eggs and fried plantains then head to the house and relax in the pool with and ice cold Imperial before we would head to the beach for another round of waves. Surf, eat, drink beer, sleep, repeat. My main intention while I was there was my photography but on arrival my plans quickly changed. I was too relaxed and having too much fun surfing I just didn't feel like lugging the camera around. In fact, I think I shot more with my small point and shoot. I bought a underwater housing for it so I was able to take it out surfing and get some great video footage. I'm working on a movie right now using imovie (my latest fascination) which will be available on Youtube real soon.
Pictured are Norman Talbot, Steve Brown, Jake Bradley, Me, Fred Ballard, Cornelius Morley, Dan Carmody, Scott Grusky and Ron Alcalay. Thanks guys! Can't wait to do it again. We have to keep the legend of Jake alive.