The Story Behind the Photographs Zachsby 2014

This is not my usual story behind the photograph, but I thought these images were great and so is the story.

 I enjoy taking pictures that aren't really posed. Although this picture looks as if it may have been posed, it wasn't. I wasn't even sure I'd get the shot. Sometimes when people see a camera they run and hide. I was probably about 100 feet or more away from the subject. I shot it in color, but I decided to use a photo program and do some manipulation. I tried to get rid of the background and made the picture black and white. I also cropped the photo bringing the subject in a little closer. Black and white photos tell a better story.

Talk about giving good face. This image was totally accidental. I tried not to get too close because the subject was working. I did get an image where she did look up, but this image speaks volumes. I may manipulate it and make it a black and white image as well. I took this opportunity to take the picture because I've been wanting to photograph her since I met her, but they work so much that there never seems to be any free time.

 This image is of a talented dancer waiting to perform for guests. She was just trying to get through and then she could take some time out and get some nourishment.

All of the images were taken on the same night. It was Zach's Red Hot & Soul The Great Zachsby.

I'm always looking for people to photograph to help me create ART. Thanks for stopping by. Do come back again and become a follower while you are here. Have a great day and keep an open mind.

Molly Ringwald

Saturday night, Molly Ringwald graced the Kleberg stage at Zachery Scott Theatre. I had been looking forward to this day since I first saw she was coming to Zach and that was over a year ago. The original date in which she was to perform had been changed. I had made plans during the week as how I would plan out my day. Saturday April 26, 2014 was also the 51st birthday celebration of Eeyore. This has been a tradition in Austin for many years, but I didn’t find out about it until last year, when a fellow photographer exhibited some of his photos from the event.

I wanted to go and get some shots of my own, but when I woke I had a sinus headache. I had never had this before. I kept thinking maybe I was just tired and needed to rest. I actually took a nap which I never do. As we get older, everything changes. I didn’t want to have to miss work, but I wasn’t sure if I’d stay to see the show. I packed my camera just in case because I still didn’t know if I’d be able to take pictures.

My sources had told me Miss Ringwald’s people had specific ways they wanted things to go. No outside Molly Ringwald memorabilia would be signed. You had to buy what they were selling that night to get an autograph.

I was the only person allowed to take photographs, but I was only allowed to take pictures during the first to songs. I was feeling privileged, but I wish I had been able to video tape the last number which is the song I really wanted to hear. I would have also liked to have photographed her when she serenaded her husband with the song, On the street where you live. I thought this was quite entertaining.

Except Sometimes is the name of Molly Ringwald’s CD which includes songs from the American song book. She sang songs by Billie Holiday, Fats Waller, and the closing number was a beautiful jazz rendition of Don’t You Forget About Me. The song was originally done by Simple Minds for one of Molly’s biggest films, The Breakfast Club.

Molly Ringwald didn’t talk about her film career at all during the performance, it was strictly about the music.
I still wasn’t feeling my best because Molly Ringwald was feeling out under those lights and asked that the air be turned up. I found it cold, but I enjoyed the show. I then left right away to get home to get some much needed rest.

I had been watching some of Molly Ringwald's more obscure films prior to Saturday. Films like Malicious, Requiem for Murder, Strike It Rich and Fresh Horses.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see where the journey leads.

Check out my other blogs for more insight.
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com
http://filmlover4pg.blogspot.com
http://artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

Painting Your Dream, Dream Your Painting

Every now and then I have those days where I reflect on my life. I am at a point which some people call a fork in the road. I’ve had many forks before, but now I don’t find myself as adventurous. I don’t seem to take as many risks. Perhaps it has something to do with age or that I’m just afraid.

This morning I woke with this great idea for a sketch which will then become a drawing or a painting. Right before I go to sleep I may get an idea. Sometimes I’ll have a dream and then like this morning it happens before I get out of bed. I keep my journal nearby, but sometimes the thought vanishes and then I have to wait for it to resurface. There are times when my thoughts are really dreams. I think I am awake; I’m really asleep.

In the dream I may be writing or drawing and it seems so real. When I wake I let it go because I believe I’ve captured the moment. In reality it wasn’t  real and I can only hope my brain takes me back.
The brain is an incredible mechanism that we will never fully understand. Like everything else, people probe and experiment, but we are all individuals and we think differently, react differently, even when we may get the same result. The process that gets us there is not the same.

There is something that goes on in some of our brains that tells us at a certain age we are supposed to act a certain way. Then there are those that seem to defy that voice telling them such.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see where the journey leads.

Check out my other blog for more insight.
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

Austin Pride 2013

I recently saw that this entry never posted. So I've decided to post it now.

Austin had its pride event last week and on Saturday they had a parade.

I decided to use this as an opportunity to get some pictures.

 I’m still working on my skills of nighttime photography.

 Moving objects would be a bigger challenge.

The above are a few images from that Saturday night.


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

Happy Mardi Gras

 (This is one of my favorite photographs. She just posed perfectly.)

The Art of Mardi Gras can be found in the imagination of the people who put together the themes.

 (From the Krewe of Endymion)

From the concept, to costumes and the final presentation.

(Another float from the Krewe of Endymion)

Here are a few images from past Mardi Gras' in New Orleans.

 (A little history of Rex which is called the King of Carnival. I think I photographed this at the New Orleans Historic collection, but it could have been a Mardi Gras exhibit at The Mint.)

Check out my other blog for more images.
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

Photo shoot

When I can't find the right person to photograph, I step from behind the camera in front of the lens. Sunday after church I went to a location someone told me about little over a year ago. I thought it would be great to do some wintry scenes or use as a Christmas card. I am not a big fan of extreme cold for long periods of time. I have taken some pictures in the snow in Italy and Seattle, but you can't always go back to those places in a moments notice.

I decided to get an early start before the pedestrians were out with there dogs. I had planned this in my head for quite some time and I was able to get some good shots. The weather was great and the lighting was perfect. The sun came in just at the right moment. I like using natural lighting, but I will begin testing lights in a studio setting soon. It's been a while so I am teaching myself all over again.

I consider myself an artist that takes pictures and that's what I try to capture, giving my clients something they will be proud to show off.

You can find more images on my other blog.

http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

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

Decorating for the Holidays

Many magazines will show you ways to decorate, but when they do the before and after, the photograph is never taken from the same angle. As an artist and a photographer that bothers me. The perception of some people is to recreate what they see and that perspective is important.

Here is a step by step to creating a dining table for the holidays.

 The inspiration is from Classic Hollywood. I've been watching a lot of old black and white films thanks to MoviestvNetwork. The color scheme is black and silver. A table cloth is used to match the chairs.

 A mirror is placed in the center of the table for illumination, reflection and ambience in the room.

The table runner was one I had picked up at IKEA, but since I could never find what I was looking for I decided to embellish it with mirrors.

 Then the other items for display are added. A sculpture candle libra and two candle holders. Clear and crackled glass adds to the classic look.

You can add placements before or wait until your guests arrive and are ready to eat. Adding the placements doesn't allow the mirror to show through. Then add the plates I used black and white with alternating napkins and silver napkin rings. Salt and pepper shakers are clear plastic, but you can use glass as well.

 This is a different variation of the finished table without the placemats. I also did a variation without the table runner since I wanted the mirror to act as the focal point. It only takes about an hour to pull this look together and you can use what you have on hand instead of going out and spending money.