Change...I moved...

Ok...I haven't moved...I'm still in Jacksonville...but my blog has moved. Yes, the day has come. Freewise is no longer...I have new blog site and a new website...because change is necessary.

I will miss this blog...it's a special place...therefore, I'll let it exist on the World Wide Web...a place for me to come back and reflect...

The new blog is here.

The new website lives here.

Enjoy the new place...adios Freewise...it was real while it lasted...you will have a special place on the World Wide Web!

Holga Surprise...again!

Here's a picture from Colorado shot with my Holga. I was using some high contrast Ilford film...I think it was Ilford SFX...ISO 200...

The vignetting (on the edge of the foto) is caused by removing the piece within the camera that let's you choose whether or not you want a square picture or 4x5...you just have to be careful to tape up some holes in the inside so light doesn't leak...and ruin your film...

By the way...this is the Continental Divide...Milner Pass in the Rocky Mountains National Park...the trail leads to a creek that eventually empties into the Pacific Ocean...enjoy!

2nd blog post today - RickoLus!

Some of the best shoots are the ones that preparation is in vain. I stepped into this shoot not knowing what to expect...but only to capture Rick being Rick...or RickoLus...I am RickoLus. I stepped into a shed that's been converted into a recording studio...don't laugh...some very good vibes have come out of the Green Shed Studio. I ask Hubbard, "How's the lighting? (Hubbard was a classmate of mine...now a friend...)...Hubbard replies, "Not good after we shut the door." Door is closed...3 men now stand in between instruments and things...and in some darkness...with a fan running...and a 3 headed office light...or living room light...without lamp shades. I take a shot...and I think, "Damn, the lighting is good in here...that make shift light makes for some mean shadows..." Perhaps Hubbard, having knowledge of lighting techniques (because he makes movies), subconsciously placed the lights there for that wicked effect.

They start their practice session...RickoLus on guitar...Hubbard on drums...Hubbard keeps the rhythm with some be-bopping combinations that hold down Rick's alternative/folk style...and yet make a hip-hop album golden. Rick plays guitar...and sings...sings...uh...you'd have to listen to understand...it's not normal...but it's good. He sings about life...his life...but you understand, because you lived it too...

Now my session starts...not much room here...be careful...don't jack-up rehearsal by knocking one of Hubbard's snares...or Rick's guitar leaning on barely nothing...

I shoot...inch here and there...shoot...switch camera's...shoot...listen...my brain bobbing because I'm here to shoot...not dance...but I want to...

Several songs go by...some chatter in between songs about changes...Rick's got to get back home to give wife relief...rather, watch his daughter b/c wife has to get to work...but before he leaves...we venture outside the shed...I mean the studio. He sits down...gets some rolling paper (come on now...would I write about that on my blog)...he packs the paper with tobacco...Rick likes to smoke cigarettes the old school way...Hubbard smokes them out of a package. Rick's contraption rolls his cigarette...and then he pulls out a note book...he jots some notes and discusses a few things with Hubbard...writes...smokes...write...and then he's out...

Hubbard and I, instead, have a couple of beers at E. Street...here's a few images from our shoot...enjoy!

Post Processing the music...

Things you find in the Green Shed Studio...

Julie & Sean's Engagement Session!

The plan this morning was the catch the sunrise at Huguenot Park...but yesterday when I purchased the tickets for early entry...the high tide situation looked bad. Full Moon+High Tide=Extreme High Tide...at 8:30am....

We arrived at the park at 6:45am...we drove on the beach...and we decided to park our cars back at the parking area...the tide was coming in...and I wasn't in the mood with playing with that...

Regardless, we shot...and shot well...and had FUN!

Here's a few fotos from Julie & Sean's engagement session...their wedding is set for April 3rd!

Enjoy!

Simplicity...

Here's a little insight...a little voyage into my thoughts about photography...it might interest other photographers...or make them want to throw something at my head next time they see me...and this is also a little insight for past, potential, and current clients - you get to see how I approach wedding photography.

Here's 5 shots from my favorite assistant - Jerome. Observe the simplicity of these shots...that's because Jerome is a good listener.

Jerome knows...I like simple. A few photographers out there like to do some funky stuff...they take a shot with a little tilt in it (this is called Dutch Angle in video/film)...you know...that shot where you have to tilt your head sideways to see it right (I'm guilty...I used to do it often...)...some use some really cool lenses that distort ____ out of everything...and some do some really cool work in photoshop beyond anything believable...fantasy couldn't even have conceived...and that's all cool...some people like that...and there's nothing wrong with that...but I like simple...that's my opinion...

As wedding photographers, I feel we're photojournalists...we're documentarians...photographic historians...and our job is to record the day as it happens...and sometimes when we use all this neat trickery in our shots, we take away from the moment. Our eyes, our minds focus on the tilt..or they focus on those radical colors...and unfortunately we lose the purpose of the shot.

Here's some simplicity...nothing fancy....

Scott getting ready...pensive...

Scott re-writing his vows off of his computer onto an index card...

Nothing fancy...just telling a story...without distraction...

Jax Shoot Club - September

Another Jax Shoot Club meeting...and with 80 photogs in the mix...wow...it might have been harder than shooting that one wedding ceremony where the pastor/priest tells you that you can't move - @ Corinna, Mel, & Kathryn!

Regardless, it's always fun getting out from behind our computers and talking with your fellow photog friends...it beats communicating via Twitter and Facebook!

Here's a few that I sneaked away...and when I get the info, I'll revisit this blog post and give credit where credit is due...ahhh...thanks Mel and Kara...Faythe - she did make-up...this I know!

Credits as promised:

Makeup: Faythe Mesic www.faythemesic.com

Hair: Sonia Garza soniagarza1225@yahoo.com

Models:

Lauren (dress with colorful makeup) lauren@laurenrossi.com

Many faces...moods...emotions...and those are beads in the models eye lashes...WICKED!

Mamiya - check out the photog sitting in the back - that's a reflector!

Massive Wedding Collage!

Sometimes while working on fotos from a wedding, you get so caught up looking at one foto at a time that the "story of the day" starts to get foggy in your mind. In particular, with this last wedding...where there wasn't those traditional aspects of the American wedding (no, there wasn't a first dance...nothing got tossed...no one had to put something up some stranger's leg...)...

But due to the lack of these rituals I have come accustomed to, I was wondering what the "story" was looking like...so I decided to make a Massive Collage! First, I decided to try not to use images that were showcased on the blog or on Natalie & Scott's slideshow...and I decided to use "The Other Pictures." See, we photogs go through all our images and decide to show the best - composed correctly, exposed perfectly, etc... Well, these are the leftovers...but these are the ones that REALLY tell the story...the Grade A photos tell the story too...but I think these really capture the day...so here's Natalie & Scott's Massive Wedding Collage...made up of fotos that did not make cut to be showcased on the blog previously (the leftovers)...slapped together imperfectly...intentionally...and I hope it tells a little story...enjoy!

The Fray - "Heartless"

I dig the animation in this song...the moving characters...check it out for your self...

The FRAY - Heartless from IE HAGY on Vimeo.

the Vitamin Circus Blog...

Good reads...check it out!
the Vitamin Circus...Go!

Mark Hubbard's Demo Reel!

I was checking out youtube for some videos...and I stumbled across my good friends Demo Reel (Mark and I took video production classes together). While I was watching this video I was totally wowed. His videos have always been better than the rest of us in class...he always had an extra something that just blew the rest of us away...but then I saw his Demo Reel...I'm floored! I've seen the work in progress...I've seen his work grow...and I'm totally impressed...check it out...it's a must!

Note: The music is by the super talented Rickolus...and I got a fotoshoot scheduled with him! I'll post it on the blog when that day comes!

Enjoy!



Double Note: Check out 2:36...on the phone booth - Marion Crane sticker - I've worked with band member Thomas...what a coincidence...

Vegetarian Shoes...

Vegetarian Shoes found on www.mooshoes.com.

The brand Vegetarian Shoes manufactures these shoes...out of the UK...

$105 - being vegan comes with a "healthy" price tag!

I did not take this foto...it was found on www.mooshoes.com.

Natalie & Scott's Wedding!

I like non-traditional weddings...but I admit I'm biased...being that Rana (my wife) and I had a very non-traditional wedding. Natalie and Scott's wedding reminded me of our wedding. No church, no aisles, no seats, no wedding parties...just plain simple......ah, but the big difference was that Natalie and Scott had a photographer...me!

Here's a few fotos from their Sunday wedding at One Ocean...located in Atlantic Beach.

I would like to thank Jillian for helping out...she lives in Mexico and shoots weddings too!

Enjoy!

This won $20,000...all shot on a phone video camera!

This video is absolutely incredible. It's shot so simple. I think most people could do a video just like this...but this producer thought of it...they came up with this really creative concept...and what makes it so significant is the message....

I dig this kind of stuff...with my education in Social Work, it's really important for me to remember this stuff...to stay grounded...to stay true to myself...to not forget that there is people out there that need our help...

Watch it...think about it...this is crucial...

Joe Vigil on iTunes!

I love this stuff...you know...do a shoot...and see the total fruition of your work.

Here's Joe Vigil's single cover for iTunes...he brings back a classic from Stevie Nicks!

You can check it out here!

For all Brides-To-Be...must see!!!

This blog post is for all Brides-To-Be! I have some really cool collaborations with two fine wedding planners. I'm not going to break it down into detail...but I will say that you will most likely be able to get a wedding planner and a photographer for the price of ONE! Essentially, you will have more $ in your pocket to save, to purchase more products (albums, digital images, etc...), or splurge on that really cool DJ.

So for details you need to contact Tanya at Southern Charm Events or Heather at First Coast Weddings & Events.

Tanya's contact info:

Tanya@southerncharmevents.org

904-588-3271

Heather's contact info:

info@firstcoastweddings.com

904-739-8003

Again, what I'm offering through these two awesome wedding planners is so outrageous, you have to contact them (or contact me...).

Colorado Day #5...last day...

So I didn't blog my last day in Colorado...I didn't get any real cool fotos that I could share...b/c I shot most of that day in film...so we'll have to wait and see.

Regardless, that last day was exciting like the previous 4 days! Friday morning we left Estes Park and stopped by some really small towns! A couple of towns were located on a Dirt Road!!! What an awesome strategy to prevent growth! We went through Pinewood Forest, Allenspark, Jamestown, and Nederland. The land up there was nice. Beautiful valleys...with grasses...and rocks in the mixture (could you imagine having a giant rock in your backyard!). After that we returned back to Boulder...checked a couple of surrounding towns in the 'flat zones'....walked a trail on the side of the mountains...got our hotel, and ate some fantastic Thai Food (Pad Thai & a Peanut Sauce/rice/veggies dish).

To wrap things up, it was very hard to come home. I love the mountains! It's like home...I feel really FREE up there. The air is so smooth to breathe in...the sights are beautiful...it's therapy! But the ironic thing is that I have a super fear of heights! See, there's a friend of my father's side of the family...a very eclectic and spiritual person...he discovered my super fear of heights in his high rise condo (this was like 7 years ago!)...anyway, he told me that in my past lifetime I must have gone out by falling from some high place! So I joke around and tell my wife that I was a super nice mountain goat...but rather clumsy. This explains why I came back as a human and why I feel like the mountains are home!

Until Such Time, Colorado...perhaps I can return home...

Day #4 - Colorado

Day #4...and thank this hotel owner for having some wireless internet! So this morning we left Granby...and went off the main road to scope out some land. We saw some awesome land for sale up in the hills (8,000-9,000 feet above sea level)...but the temperatures are extreme...regardless, it was beautiful!

After we scoped out some land, we entered Rocky Mountain National Park. At first we were in a valley for quite a while...I was cool...and then we started climbing...I was still cool...and then we hit a spot where there were no trees...but I was cool b/c I was on the other side of the road...until a switchback! Then the cliff was on my side...no trees...no barriers...just air...a little earth, but not much...for 45 minutes of driving.

Here's some fotos through the park...I can't wait to return to do some hiking...

Mountains...lot's of them...

My Foto - Park's Foto

A little education: The water in the foto on the left drains in our ocean...the water in the foto on the right drains in the Pacific Ocean...all within a few hundred yards of each other - The Continental Divide!

Elk at the bottom near Estes Park...we ate lunch down the road, where another herd ran by us by about 200-300 yards!

Day #3 Colorado

Day #3...a day late. Sorry...no internet connection at the last hotel in Granby.

Day 3 went like this...waking up early...and it was kind of chilly. We left Silverthorne...drove through that 2 mile tunnel again. Then we went over Berthoud Pass at 11,000+ feet...sorry no pics...wife wasn't too crazy about me stopping to take fotos (but don't worry...day #4 has some awesome fotos from 12,000+)...

Anyway...we drove through a few towns that we had interest in seeing...but when we got there, we decided to keep on moving. Then we stopped in Granby, where our internet-less hotel was...interesting town...in a valley. We decided to get off the path...we went into Arapaho National Forest...drove down a gravel road for 9 miles along a lake...went over a treacherous dam with ZERO railings...and then ended up in a secluded area...in a grassy area...on a little river...with a view of the Continental Divide. We ate a late lunch there...and kept a Serious eye out for Bear...we saw none...

Note: It seems more than half the pine trees here are dying d/t a beetle (Pine Beetle). Due to the mild winters lately and the favorable summers, this little beetle has been unstoppable. They only treat the trees in Rocky Mountain National Park...the rest of the trees will suffer the consequences of nature. They say this same infestation occurred 500 years ago...hopefully the trees will be able to recover...anyway, this explains the foto of the single pine tree...resilience...

Lake Granby - Granby Rainbow - Surviving Pine Tree

Arapaho National Forest - where we ate lunch!

Colorado Day #2

Day #2 - We left Boulder around 11am...then we drove through some serious mountains...and finally arrived in Silverthorne around 1pm. The highlight was the tunnel we drove through - at 11,000+ feet above sea level. That was the first time I felt a little strange inside. Silverthorne is a town of about 4,000 people...but it neighbors Dillon, which has 9,000 people. It's kind of expensive here...and they have a summer that last only 2 months. It gets real cold here too...I mean tonite, it will get in the 40's...

Here's a few fotos.

The Tunnel.

Lake in Dillon, Colorado...next to Silverthorne.

Day #1 - Colorado

The fam & I got up at 3am...jumped on a plane from Chicago at 6:50am...landed in Denver @ 10am. We quickly stopped in Minneapolis prior to reaching Denver. I picked up my rental car...I got a sweet deal on a small SUV...it cost nearly as much as renting an Impala...anyway, I get to the rental...they tell me to choose whatever SUV I'd like...so I skip the RAV 4 and go for the Hummer 3...it's much bigger...and considering I am traveling with family (hence, half the house), this vehicle is just right...except for the stares we get b/c Colorado is pretty green.

I want to apologize because on twitter I dissed the whole city of Boulder (I stated the the people in Boulder were a bit snooty)...well, I apologize. The people in Boulder are cool...but a good handful of people I came across inside the Whole Foods grocery store were snooty...???

Here's a few fotos from just outside of Boulder...literally, just outside...

Enjoy!

Coming from Chicago...

Alright...so tonight is my last night in the City of Wind - Chicago. Once again, it was a busy week visiting family from every corner of the city and burbs. Tomorrow I'm off to Colorado to do some site seeing...but before I leave Chicago, I'll give you a little taste from a shoot tonite. I met up with Tarima Son - a local Jarocho band (traditional music/band from Veracruz, Mexico). Check out this awesome set...

Next blog should be coming from Colorado! Enjoy.

The Holga Surprise...

This is what happens when you use a Holga...my Holga...

If you're not familiar with Holga's, don't feel bad...I'm just getting around to understanding them. Basically, a Holga is a cheap toy camera...made in the early 80's so that the common person in China could afford to take pictures...and then an uncommon people in the West got a hold of this cheap, plastic lens camera...and manipulated it beyond all imagination...some even won awards in photojournalism using this $20 something-dollar camera...

Here's my hand at it...the severe vignetting is done in camera...by manipulation...hence, extracting a certain piece inside the camera. Much tape is needed to prevent light leaks...and for all you photogs...this camera is stuck at 1/100 shutter speed...F/11 or 13 (depending on your source), and the suggested film speed is ASA/ISO 400...

Enjoy this strangeness...

Life.Culture.Reylius

Rewind. 2004. I just got a new job at the Boys & Girls Club at Woodland Acres (aka: Sin City). I'm the Program Director. I meet my staff...and there's one, Reylius...18 years old...living by himself at Lighthouse Bay Apartments...attending FCCJ (FSCJ)...and working as the Art Director at the Club. This calls for a lot of responsibility...and some serious growing up!

I left that job 7 months later...it was more than a job...it was your life...and I had a new born, so I couldn't afford to give my life to the club. Reylius has moved on too. Over time I lose touch with him...that's in 2005.

About a year ago, I'm sitting at the now closed Barnes & Nobles...someone comes up behind me..."hey, Ezra...???" Holy___ (I can't say on my blog)...it's Rey...with Dreads...

We swap #'s...e-mails...hang-out one time afterwards...catch-up...stay in touch...and now the foto-shoot.

Reylius now attends Edward Waters College and will be graduating in a couple of semesters.

Here's the many sides of Reylius...Life.Culture.Reylius...enjoy!

Credit goes to Jerome...once again...for helping me out! Thanks bro!

Jacksonville Shoot Club!

Alright...so if you follow me on twitter or facebook, then you've already seen these fotos...but if you haven't, enjoy...but first let me explain....

Jacksonville Shoot Club was started by Kara Pennington and Melanie Watson...and their husbands. Basically, the shoot club was designed for a bunch of photographers to get together and shoot...experiment...network...hang-out...jump in fountains, etc. All level photogs are welcomed. Props go to these people below for this month's gathering:

Makeup and Hair was provided by Faythe Mesic: http://www.faythemesic.com/

Bridal Bouquets were provided by Anything with Plants & Flowers: http://www.anythingwithplants.com

Lauren's Dress and bridal attire was provided by Solutions Bridal of Gainesville: http://www.solutionsbridal.com/
Her dress was by designer Alvina Valenta (style #9700) and her veil was by Lori London (style #VM95)

Our models:
Julianne and Greg (engagement couple)
Kelly & Chris (bride and groom)
Lauren (solo bride)

And Melanie, Kara, and the dudes...and Shain for driving from Valdosta (dedication baby...and good gas mileage)!

Now you can enjoy!

Solo Bride - Lauren

Partial Head Bride and Groom - Kelly & Chris

Sexy couple who suffered hypothermia (just kidding) - Julianne & Greg

Joe Vigil...11 months later...

Remember this...Stacy Nieuwenhuis probably does...

This was taken 11 months ago for Joe Vigil's website...we shot outside of St. Augustine...we shot at the famous Airplane Graveyard...and then moved on to an old car lot...

11 months later we meet again...but this time inside of 11E (11 E. Forsyth St. in downtown). Thanks to a good friend Tan, she hooked me up with Make-up Artist Michal May...who happens to live in 11E. Michal let us in her apartment (Thank you Michal!)...and Joe & I started where we left of 11 months ago. This time the fotos will be used for an iTunes release coming real soon...I'll keep you posted on Twitter & Facebook...enjoy!

Natalie+Scott=(check below)

Natalie & Scott's engagement session...at the Mizell House...thanks Kathryn Brown (aka: Kaci).

Back in April I met with Natalie and Scott...we met the Flats...you know...Tijuana Flats...

We talked about their wedding...and then for the next 3 hours, we talked about everything under the sun...

Well, today wasn't much different...except the awesome fotos below.

Natalie & Scott will be getting married next month...at One Ocean...so keep an eye out!

One of my favorites!

My father's wedding slideshow!

FREE!!!

Ok...this is simple. You have to guess what this is...the first to guess correctly (leave a comment) gets a free 1 hour shoot! Sorry Kaci, you can't play...and also, this is only for locals...unless you want to come in from out of town for your free shoot. Ahh...and only 2 people maximum...this is not intended for families...just singulars or couples...

So go ahead and guess away...and if I don't know you, you have to leave me some contact info in the comment section...

Well...we already have a winner! Emily wins...that's right...it's Cloud Gate...or as the Chicago locals call it...the bean. It's located in Millenium Park...this shot was taken under it...you can see my reflection in the middle of the image...I'm kind of tiny...

Chicago - Day #5

I'm a little late on this post...but yesterday was my last full day in Chicago...and like usual, it was another busy day! To start the day, I had a shoot with Katie & Jason...I photographed them back in May on Fernandina Beach...they came in from St. Louis...Katie was pregnant. Well, when they heard I was going to be in Chicago, they booked for another shoot...but this time, we met in Chicago and Katie wasn't pregnant...Miles was born 3 weeks ago. You can see a few fotos below.

After the shoot, I went down to Michigan Avenue...to get a little surprise for my daughter...I went to the American Doll Store. I got her a Bitty Baby...needless, to say, I think she was more excited about her surprise than me coming home!

Then after I escaped the doll store, I ran and met with my cousin for a late lunch...yup, we got some Thai food...it was very good...and unfortunately, I can't remember the restaurant's name.

And after that, I met with my old roommate from college, Rayshawn...and his wife, Sabrina...we hung-out a little...ate a late dinner...and I talked to one of their friends regarding their September 2010 wedding...and then that was it...Now I'm back in Florida...my wife surprised me with Indian Food...which was just perfect...b/c there are no Vegan delights in the airports...just smoothies...and those don't fill up your appetite...so thank you Rana!

Enjoy the few fotos...and look for something FREE tomorrow!!!

Chicago - Day #4

How do I start this blog entry? Ok, today (which was yesterday) my father got married! I was the best man...and I took a few fotos! It was pretty special to fotograph my sister helping my father with his cufflinks...and my father dancing with Maria around Maggiano's...and my father making a toast to Mary's mother! It was even cool giving my camera to Mary's daughter-in-law to take pictures during the ceremony - she had a better angle...I was the best man...stuck in the front!

The ceremony was small...it took place in Mary's backyard - Mary is my father's wife...I have known Mary since I was in high school! Anyway, the ceremony was in her backyard...she has a very nice garden...super nice! During the ceremony, they did the sand pouring ritual...but before they poured their sand in together, a few selected family members from each side of the family poured in the sand. It wasn't just my father and Mary "mixing"...it was the two families! That was pretty neat...

Here's a few fotos from the day...enjoy!

My family...and friends of the family...thank God for timers and tripods!

Chicago - Day #3

Day #3...Ok...first I visited Rana's grandmother in the hospital...she had a super minor heart attach Wednesday...so I went to see how she was doing...Rana's grandmother is 90 something years old!

After that, I ran to the Thai Bowl on Taylor St. for some quick Pad Thai...w/Tofu & Veggies (and thank God they didn't accidently put Chicken in it like they did in Jax...)...I also had a Boba Tea w/tapioca balls....

Once the stomach was full, I jetted to the John Hancock Building...the 3rd tallest in the city...and then I met my aunt and we drove to the suburbs for my father's rehearsal...

After the rehearsal, my cousin and I went to the Bahai Temple and caught a few cool shots!

Enjoy!

Chicago - Day #2

Wow...another crazy day in Chicago. The last two times that I have visited this place, things are non-stop.
Today...which will be tomorrow when most of you read this...my father cooked me a nice breakfast...a late breakfast...I needed some rest from the day before. After breakfast, we went down to China Town...I tried out my new Holga...we'll have to wait to see the outcome of those fotos being that camera is a film camera. After China Town, we met my sister at my father's house...I did a little shoot for them that we will call 'the year after foto session." The session started in the alley behind my father's house...then we hopped the train into downtown...shot some near the Picasso sculpture...and then walked to Millenium Park and shot some more. We headed back on the train again...shot some cools shots waiting for the train...even used the Holga!

My sister headed out...so my father and I decided to go back into downtown and go up the Sears Tower...I mean Willis Tower...
That was a near inexplicable experience. I've been up there 3-4 times...but this time they have the LEDGE!!! I have a serious fear of heights...but this was the best therapy! This is a must do if you visit the City!

After that, we ate at the Athena Greek restaurant...and thank God, they had some Vegan alternatives!

Enjoy the pics below!

China Town

My sister Nicole and my brother-in-law Nick!

Nick looking cool while waiting for our train...you have to look cool in Chicago!

Atop the Sears Tower facing Northeast...that's Lake Michigan.

Me...on the Ledge...on the 103rd Floor...over 1000 feet above the pavement below!