Austin Kite Festival

Since I am in a prime location to experience some of the invents in Austin, I'm taking advantage of it. The Austin Kite Festival, which I found out is a benefit for abused kids. Free kites were given out to the kids that didn't have one. In the 90's I used to work with abused kids so its something I am always concerned about. We have to make sure we help the kids that will be our future.

(A father teaches his son the art of flying a kite.)

The Austin Kite Festival took place at Zilker Park. There were thousands of people and kites everywhere. It made me recall my childhood when we used to make kites. I was wondering if I could still do that? I remember taking two sticks and tying them together; then taking a sturdy piece of paper to cover them and old sheets to make the tail of the kite.

(Kites are an art form. The designs and colors are movable pieces of canvas.)

There aren't a lot of kids who know how to make things. We used to make sling shots, skate mobiles and many other things to play with.

(Kites fill the sky at Zilker Park)

The weather was perfect for kite flying. Lots of wind and sun. It was a great day.

 (The crowd watching the kite flyers are reflected in the sun glasses.)

It's Carnival Time

For Those that miss all that New Orleans has to offer. Here are some images from various Mardi Gras. All of my blogs are being dedicated to Mardi Gras. Wherever you are and whatever you do, have fun and be safe.

Charmaine Neville performs at Lundi Gras in New Orleans in 2008. Lundi Gras is the celebration the day before Mardi Gras. It's when Zulu and Rex meet for the first time. Bringing back an old tradition from the early days of Mardi Gras.

Because Mardi Gras doesn't just take place in one area of the city, you can find something going on wherever you are. This is the Krewe of St. Ann working its way through the Bywater area.

Some of the costumes are a throw back to the Carnivals in Venizia, Italia.

This was just one of those photo opportunities one can't pass up. So I took advantage of it.

Mardi Gras brings out the artistry as well as the pageantry in the party atmosphere.

One of the floats from the Krewe of Zulu as it headed down Jackson Avenue in New Orleans.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again.

The Art behind the photograph Part 9

(This image was taken on the beach in Pensacola, Florida.)

As I’ve mentioned before, I had some great people to step in front of my camera. They didn’t have a lot of hang ups and they allowed me to create art. Some of them really enjoyed it and there were some that were just doing it as a favor to me. There were also those that just went with the flow because it was part of their job.

(A body with the right lines makes it all so easy to photograph. There are no wrong angles.)

B.C. I met in 2001 and I immediately wanted to photograph him. I’m always looking for something different when I seek out people to photograph. Either they have interesting features or body type. Covered in tats or blue eyes. Capturing a person’s eye color has always been a challenge in natural light. You have to have just the right angle, but you don’t want to give too much direction to a person that has never posed before because you don’t want them to get bored.

Most of the time I’ll have a person pose and I’ll do the moving so that they can just be relaxed. Then we can both be surprised by the outcome.

(I use every opportunity I can when I see a great shot. After all, I am creating art.)

I first met D2 in 1996 in Seattle. The tat on his wrist was all that I could see. After getting to know him better I asked about photographing him and whether or not he had other tats? I photographed him in his work attire and casual, but it would be several years before I would actually get to photograph his tats. He came to New Orleans and I did some shots that focused on the tats. Several years later I would fly to Seattle and get some great outdoor shots.

(It begins with a simple shot and I can see the potential in the subject.)

My camera opened up an entirely new world to me. He gave me confidence and allowed me to create art that I am proud of and so are the subjects that have posed in front of my camera.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again.




Coming up: The Nexx Fazz of Models F.D. McDermott, Coca, Jack

The Art behind the Photographs 2013

When my shift ended from my Job Sunday, I decided I would take some pictures. Here are some of the images that I created.

The above image is a view from the mall that was built along S. Lamar to cross Townlake. Joggers, cyclists and artists like myself can enjoy the scenery. Despite the fact that it was cold, the sun was shinning and for me that makes all the difference in the world. I'm guessing the same could be said for the hundreds of others that were out enjoying themselves. 

My shift ended at 2:30 PM and by the time I got my gear from the X, and waited for the traffic light to let me walk across the street, it was about 2:40 PM. I knew exactly where I wanted to stand because this was the same spot I used to capture the fireworks display on New Years Eve.

This image captures two friends fishing. I was trying to see if I could get my zoom to work on the camera. I had been having problems taking close up shots. If you look at the first image you can see the two men in their boat way off in the distance. So I did get the zoom to work. I think it has to do with the strength of the batteries. The zoom feature uses up a lot of battery power and when the batteries are low, the camera doesn't register the image and they appear to be out of focus.

I had to add a little eye candy... for people that don't really get into photography, this proves that you do like photography just on a different level. LOL This a great location for finding people as well as animals and other objects to photograph.

I took this picture in color and then I took it again in black and white. I've come to enjoy taking black and white photographs and since I can easily go from color to black and white with my digital camera I always take advantage of that feature. I have always had an eye for color and I can always tell if an image in color will look just as beautiful in black and white. I think the construction of these new downtown condos come across well.

Whether you like kayaking or rowing, there is something for everyone in Austin. From one side of the bridge I had people fishing and on the other side people learning to row.

I am pushing myself to get out and see more and more of Austin. The more I see the more I can introduce others too. It makes me feel good when I discover something that people who have been living in Austin much longer than I have don't quite know about. I get to pass along some vital information. I continue to meet new people and open myself up to new experiences.

This is where I spend my weekends. Working with actors, crew, orchestra and patrons coming to the theater to see the performances.

It was a great day to relax and read a book or like myself take pictures which is what he was doing before he decided to take a seat.

I will post more pictures and stories soon.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

The Art behind the photographs Part 8

There are many people I photographed that were models or had what it took to be a model. Some of them only model for me and then there were those that just needed pictures for their portfolio.

{Some people I just enjoyed photographing and the window of opportunity was there. Most of the time I studied people so that I could get that perfect shot and then there were the times where I just had to go with the moment.}

I never wanted to do what every other photographer was doing. I tried not to use the typical backgrounds if I didn’t have too. Now that I look back on my art, I guess I was trying to create my signature. Most of the time I photographed myself first using a particular background and if it worked then I’d use it on another client or model.

{The majority of people I've photographed I worked with in some capacity. Sometimes it took some coaching to get someone in front of the camera, but when it happened it was magic. That was the case in this session. I took two shower curtains and connected them and suspended it from the ceiling and let it drape along the floor. It added a contrast with the light as if its two different pieces, a wall and a floor.}

Most of the people that made it in front of my camera was either by word of mouth or I recruited them. I was very selective in who I photographed and what type of events I photographed. I didn’t like being stressed over creating something or taking on more than I could handle.

{For a local clothing store I came up with this concept. It's rather traditional, but both subjects had a look that went back in time. No backdrops, and just natural lighting.}

We began as Dlonzo Modeling Troupe. We were a group of models ranging in height from 5’2” to 5’9”. I had created something that would later catch on at some of the department stores. I knew all alone the chances of making it as a runway model were slim to none, but working in print and doing commercials was another story. My dream had always been to act and then I realized this could be that stepping stone. Everyone that was working for me had other aspirations. When some of the models began to branch out and work for other people, I changed the name to Dlonzo Models and was working as an agent. I was still producing fashion shows, but I was also hiring out models and putting together portfolios. I was teaching them how to market themselves and who to contact outside of the city if they were really serious about this business.

{As I mentioned, some people need a lot of coaching. That was the case with Chantal. The name alone represented beauty, but no everyone sees what I see. I just picked locations as random as we drove around town until we got back to my studio. This was all impromptu. Most of the time I plan things out, pick out what the model would wear, but this time I just went with the flow.}

I began taking video classes because I had always had a dream of having my own talk show. Of course I still enjoyed being behind the scenes and wanted to learn how it all worked. When you tell people you were a model or an actor you can see a twinkle in their eye. There is something about those words that make people a little weak in the knees. It’s a world many would love to be a part of, but don’t always make it. I’m glad I was able to do what I did for so long. There were a lot of perks that came along with being a model and a chance to meet a lot of people.

Coming up:  Dlonzo Models, B C DjayD, The Nexx Fazz of Models F.D. McDermott, Coca, Jack

http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

The Art behind the Photograph (Models) Part 7

Thinking about whether or not one is serious about modeling or just wants to look like one. My motto was don't just look like one, be one. Formal wear is a big deal in NOLA and I figure its important to have at least a few pics in a suit or tux.

Sometimes you don’t actually remember how something happens, but when you have a reminder then you know it did. Ron M. This is an interesting story. We used to work together. There were only a few people that new anything about what I did outside of work. Gradually I’d begin talking about the fashion shows or the film festivals. Etc. One day I had brought my portfolio to work because one of the ladies I worked with had a daughter that wanted to get into modeling.

Winter wear is also an important part of a portfolio, but I was mainly testing out props and seeing what looks worked best. There wasn't much that Ron didn't look good in and once he got hooked on being in front of the camera he was game for just about anything.

Anyway, word must have gotten out and a few of the guys in the warehouse wanted to the see the pics. Mainly, they wanted to see the girls in swimsuits. We guys are a strange breed because as much as we don’t like to think of ourselves as being vain we really are. Sometimes even more so than women.

Part of the first photo shoot when I getting the subject used to being in front of the camera.

All it take is getting in front of the camera once and seeing yourself in a way you’ve never seen yourself before and you are HOOKED!!! That happened to be the case with Ron. Of course not everyone has what it takes, but most people with the right energy, persona and photographer to work with them can take a good picture.

As with the majority of the people I photograph, I have my favorite photograph and this happens to be the one for Ron. It happened purely by accident because I don't like models to take risks that could hurt them. The model was willing to do what was needed to get the best shot.

A photographer can only do so much, but with the right model, art can be created.

Coming up:  Dlonzo Models, Wilbert, Ron C., Dino, Carolyn, Curtis Scott Hall, DjayD, The Nexx Fazz of Models F.D. McDermott, Coca, Jack

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

The Art behind the Photograph (models) Part 6

(This image became part of a collage of my models. This was from one of the last photo shoots that we did. It's funny how people just disappear out of your life.)

Simone and I went back a long way. She was just a young girl and then she grew up into a beautiful young woman. I found out she had a crush on me when she was younger. One of her brothers was not very fond of me…

(I was always trying something new. I wanted my images to be unique.)

Anyway, I presented Simone with my idea that I was getting a modeling troupe together and if she would be interested? Needless to say she was right from the start. We started out with a small show and then gradually got bigger.

 (At this particular shoot we created some great images. Each one of my models has that one photo that I really, really like.)

The more I photograph someone the more we both feel comfortable with each other and we can create something that we will both be satisfied with. If the model has an idea I always allow it to be showcased. If it isn’t working for me then I try to get the model to try it my way.

(This was part of that same shoot and became part of my permanent portfolio.)

Sometimes the pose is awkward, the color choices of the clothing or the background may not be working. As a self taught artist, it's all trial and error. Over time you get the hang of it, but I'm constantly challenging myself to create something different. My studio is my canvas and it’s always filled with experimentation.




A photographer can only do so much, but with the right model, art can be created.

Coming up: Ron M., Dlonzo Models, Wilbert, Ron C., Dino, Carolyn, Curtis Scott Hall, DjayD, The Nexx Fazz of Models F.D. McDermott, Coca, Jack









Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.