freewise fotography

Change...I moved...

2009-10-15T21:25:00.005-04:00

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!

2009-10-09T22:07:00.004-04:00

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!

2009-10-03T19:54:00.005-04:00

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!

2009-10-03T11:22:00.003-04:00

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...

2009-10-01T20:19:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-30T18:16:00.006-04:00

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!

2009-09-28T21:54:00.003-04:00

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"

2009-09-26T20:20:00.004-04:00

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...

2009-09-25T21:49:00.004-04:00

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

Mark Hubbard's Demo Reel!

2009-09-23T00:12:00.003-04:00

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...

2009-09-21T20:50:00.005-04:00

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!

2009-09-21T00:25:00.006-04:00

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!

2009-09-18T19:16:00.006-04:00

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!

2009-09-17T20:25:00.003-04:00

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!!!

2009-09-13T22:32:00.004-04:00

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...

2009-09-13T22:06:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-10T23:26:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-10T23:01:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-08T19:44:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-08T00:11:00.003-04:00

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...

2009-09-06T23:11:00.003-04:00

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...

2009-08-31T18:30:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-30T19:34:00.005-04:00

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!

2009-08-28T22:34:00.009-04:00

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...

2009-08-23T20:44:00.005-04:00

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)

2009-08-22T19:51:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-08-17T17:53:00.003-04:00

FREE!!!

2009-08-10T22:46:00.006-04:00

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

2009-08-10T22:22:00.005-04:00

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

2009-08-09T02:37:00.006-04:00

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

2009-08-08T01:58:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-07T00:50:00.005-04:00

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!

Chicago - Day #1

2009-08-06T11:34:00.003-04:00

Ok...so yesterday was pretty crazy! I left Jacksonville at 6:20am...got to Chicago at 9am...10am for you all back at home in Florida...

My father picked me up at the airport...we hung out at the house...I downloaded CS4 for him....he has a Nikon D90, but Photoshop 7.1??? It's from the stone ages!

Then we went to Helix Camera Store...I needed new MicroFiber Cloth...my father bought himself a 50mm 1.8 - the best bang for your buck when it comes to any photo equipment!

Then we drove north to Glencoe...we ate a little lunch on this thing they call a beach - Lake Michigan??? At least it was cool outside with little humidity.

Then while my cousins were getting ready for a little fotoshoot, my father and I played a little tennis....I played in jeans! I didn't know I'd be playing...regardless, that's how cool it is up here...that I could play in jeans!

I did a little shoot with my cousins...check the images down below! Then we drove back to the City...got stuck in White Sox traffic...and then after that hung-out with my old college roommate Rayshawn...we went to Reggie's - on the corner of Cermak and State....anyway, The Mars Volta was playing inside...we hung-out outside because the weather calls for that! We drank this beer called Gumball Head...it's pretty good!

More to come today!!!

Layla (Wed With Ease) & Scott!

2009-08-03T21:32:00.005-04:00

A few weekends ago I had an opportunity to hang-out with Layla and Scott...and their dogs...and yes, literally we hung-out...I just snapped a few shots here and there while we were talking. We first started the shoot at their house...and then we moved onto the outdoors. Forgive me, b/c I can't remember the name of the park we went to...but it was a pretty cool place with a little history behind it...I had never been there before...it's across from NAS JAX...

It was a very relaxing time...and I learned that there is ICE CREAM for DOGS...interesting...

If you need a wedding planner, check out Wed With Ease - Layla is very good people...down to earth...and she'll take care of you!

Here's a few pics...I included a few of Layla's home elements...enjoy!

Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens!

2009-08-01T23:22:00.002-04:00

This weekend I had sometime to hang-out with the family, so we went to the Jacksonville Arboretum.

My wife has gone a few times with the kids, but I have never gotten a chance to go with them...so this time I went...and I was totally surprised. See, the parking lot is bare...no trees...so at first glance, you may think the place is a little flaky...but that's b/c the Jacksonville Arboretum isn't complete. I saw the plans for the park...it's incredible! I don't know how long it will take them to complete it...it may take a while...it seems it's being completed by volunteers.

Anyway, once you leave the parking lot and enter the trails, you'll be surprised...check below at a few fotos I took...also, visit their website...visit the park (go on all the trails)...maybe you can volunteer!

Which is your favorite?

2009-07-24T23:42:00.005-04:00

Today I met with Jerome to download the shots he got from last weekend's wedding onto my computer...this gives us an opportunity to look at the fotos...critique them...talk about them...discuss what could have been done differently (he usually tells me what he could have done differently)...and compliment him on super awesome fotos....like these 4 below.

Unlike the last time I showcased Jerome's work, I did not post process these...I wanted to show you his work from top to bottom!

Which is your favorite? Mine is 3, but they are all awesome. Leave a comment...tell us which is your favorite and why.

I return the favor...

2009-07-23T21:23:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone...originally this post was supposed to be a video blog...and the video is complete...but I just didn't like it...perhaps it's the lens distortion in my cheap video camera...

Anyway, the purpose of this post is to let you know it's been about a year since I shot my first paid wedding!!! So technically, it's been a year since I've in business...and I want to thank all of you for helping me out. It was because of your AWESOME word of mouth that I survived my first year...and to RETURN THE FAVOR, I'm giving FREE shoots! Yes...you read that right...FREE....this is how it'll work:

If you refer me to a friend and they book me for their wedding, you get a FREE shoot....and yes, this includes the CD (no hidden cost...I'm not trying to be sneaky...this is totally FREE)...
So send your friends to me...tell them to drop your name...and if they book me for their wedding, you get a free shoot...because I RETURN THE FAVOR!

Also...more free stuff (after all it is FREEwise fotography)...From today until August 31st, if you book a family shoot and purchase the CD, you get a FREE 8x8 20 page photo album...yes, the good photo album...the one with your pictures printed on the page...not the cheapy one where you have to insert your 4x6 prints in some see through plastic stuff....you get the Good Stuff...free!

Also, also...don't forget, I offer Free engagement shoots ALWAYS...with zero obligation to book me. My free engagement shoot is like the test drive...try it out first before you commit...try me out to make sure we're the perfect fit...and again, the CD is included free of charge or obligation to book me!

Follow me on twitter and be my friend on facebook...because I'll be announcing more Free stuff in the near future!!!

Me rocking film...unsuccessfully...I'm not perfect...what can I say...?

Brandi+Marc=Married!

2009-07-19T22:58:00.006-04:00

It's no secret...my writing isn't very good...or well...or whatever. My college professors helped me understand this...and I'm OK with not having the best writing skills...we'll blame it on my Hispanic upbringing...there was a lot of Spanish being thrown around. To make up for my poor writing skills, I use equations...math equations. For example:

Brandi+Marc+Awesome Family & Friends+Junior League of Jacksonville Building+Rings+Love=Brandi & Marc Married!

Dig.

Brandi+The Awesome Nikki Vann (Jabez Hair Salon)=Getting hair done!

The Guys+Getting it together=Looking Sharp.

Brandi+Marc=Marriage Festivities!

1885 Construction+Junior League=Pretty Cool Wedding Site!

ezra+jerome=two busy photographers!

Playdate=FUN!

2009-07-19T16:47:00.006-04:00

After having a little booth last Playdate, I was invited to be the event photographer! Thank you Damian...you'll soon see the AWESOME of Playdate captured by camera!

If you're not familiar with Playdate, it happens once a month...and it goes like this....

Location (this month) - Hyatt!

Games...like Operation...

and Sorry...

and an interesting rendition of musical chairs...

Note...there is also music...and beverages!

This Bride is awesome!

2009-07-15T23:07:00.003-04:00

"Ezra,

Thank You!!! Daniel & I really enjoyed watching this (an online slideshow) considering we both missed seeing a lot of this. We are in North Carolina right in this moment with the kids. I wanted to thank you again for everything. I really enjoyed working with you & I got a lot of comments of what a wonderful photographer you are. And they said it seemed as if we knew each other forever. It was hard for some people to realize that we had just met. Again, THANKS!!!"

I repeat...Connie is AWESOME!!! Thank you Connie!

Awesome shot...but not by me...

2009-07-14T20:24:00.003-04:00

What photographer ever showcases their 2nd shooters work? I do! Check out this awesome foto by Jerome...he shot it through the keyhole of where the guys were getting ready...I think he shot it with his 85mm...hope he doesn't mind the post production.

enjoy.

Bride getting ready...

Jerome!

2009-07-14T00:36:00.003-04:00

On Friday I met with Jerome. See, every once in a while, I check out Craigslist to see if I can pick up on any cool gear for cheap (this is how I got my $50 Nikon SLR)...but I took a detour and saw an ad from a Jerome who wanted to really assist a wedding photographer. I'm a vibes person...and words send out vibes...even typed words...and I felt a certain good vibe. So, I e-mail Jerome...and schedule to meet with him on Friday at Native Sun. We meet...we talk...I learn that his girlfriend in NC is into wedding photography...but over the phone guidance wasn't suffice for Jerome. We have good, strong conversation...he's eager...and I like that...b/c I'm eager. I ask if he's available the next day...he says yes...just like that. As we part...I mention a shoot that I have to go to...he asks if he could come...and the vibes were so good, I say absolutely. He helps...carry stuff...shield me from rain...I give insight...we talk...walk...I show him one time how to set my lights...now fast forward to Saturday. Ceremony is over...formals are done...we're crunched on time...I say Jerome...I'm going to take the bride and groom for a few private shots...can you set up my lights for the reception...he confidently says yes...and before I'm even done with the few private shots, he's back...I walk into the reception area...and the lights are up as I requested!!! Not to mention...lead photographer decided to stay in the aisle during the ceremony...well, that didn't afford me the best angles...but guess who did...guess who had my back...I had no time to roam...10 minute ceremony means you stay close to home...don't miss the rings and kiss...stay in the middle...well, Jerome got the killer shots...we also divided and conquered...look below...the bride is getting her dress laced...I got to run...he stays with the fellas...I come back and he's on a bench...doing whatever to get the shot...ambitious...I like!

Sorry for the long post...but Jerome bailed me out...he had my back...he isn't afraid...and he knows how the play the role of the 2nd shooter...I'm thankful for my detour on Craigslist...here's a few pics of Jerome at work...and laughter!

Self Portrait?

Oh...Jerome shoots with Nikon gear...finally I get to work with someone who uses the same gear! He even has an 85mm 1.8...I'm envious.

Jenni!

2009-07-12T15:22:00.006-04:00

Watch out Los Angeles...watch out NYC...watch out Chi-town...watch out Hollywood, Bollywood, Singapore...Amsterdam...London...Paris...Sao Paolo...Jenni is going worldwide! Yup! At the end of this month Jenni will be living in the City of Angels...and I'm envious...the West Coast might be the best Coast...

Oh...let me give credit where credit is due...MUA=kimtasha

Enjoy!

Meet Jenni.

Watch out.

Connie+Daniel=Married!

2009-07-12T14:04:00.003-04:00

Words are not enough to describe Connie & Daniel. They are the most sincere people...I felt like I was a family member the whole time shooting. It was incredible...even Connie's dad was awesome...I think I have never laughed some much behind the camera....Thanks for an awesome time, Connie & Daniel...enjoy!

Connie & Daniel.

Stills.

Brandi+Marc+Engagement Session

2009-07-10T23:54:00.004-04:00

I introduce the Bride with Faith. She hired me...and paid me in full before ever meeting me! Thank you Brandi for having that confidence in me! Marc Salley is her soon-to-be husband (basketball fans...last name ring a bell...yup...). These two are super cool & laid back...and did I mention Marc is from NYC...and he's knows Hip-Hop...yes...knows...

Their wedding is next Saturday...so look to the blog next weekend for more...I can't wait!

I love this!

2009-07-07T22:58:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone! Check out what Andrea did (I shot her wedding last October...and Sunday, I shot her Maternity session)...this is awesome...and I love how she added the link to her gallery with the password - sorry everyone, I cloned out the password...got keep my clients privacy...anyway...this is just super cool...

If you're interested in having something like this done, contact me and I'll link you to Andrea...she's super cool!!!

peace.

Andrea & Carlos (Maternity)

2009-07-05T23:24:00.005-04:00

Back in October I shot Andrea & Carlos' wedding...they went on their honeymoon...and this is what happened....Hawaii must have been good!

Andrea.

Carlos. Half Responsible.

Ice Cream break...@ Tiki Grill

My wife's favorite shot...maybe ever...

Richard+Tanyika+Julian+Kendall=Butler Family!

2009-07-02T22:43:00.003-04:00

Ok...

ezra+camera+Richard+Tanyika+Julian+Kendall+Jax Beach+Hip-Hop Conversations+Bob Marley talk+Jamaica (I want to go soo bad)+Fun=Butler Family foto session

Here's a few pics...visit my facebook for more...the link is to the right!

Freewise Foto-Tourism?

2009-06-30T21:35:00.005-04:00

I'll be heading to Chicago during the first or second week of August. I was thinking of offering a Foto-Tourism trip up there. I'll be the guide...take you around the city to see the sites...take you to some super awesome places to photograph...do some long exposure at night...on top of the Sears Tower...get immersed in the Chicago culture...check out the Art Institute...China Town, etc... I also have a band shoot scheduled...and perhaps more. We also get to enjoy the night life...hang-out at some really cool places. Basically, this is an opportunity to scope out the Real Chicago...and see things you probably wouldn't see if you went by yourself.

If there is any interest out there, let me know. Hit me up at ezra@freewisefoto.com or 904-338-3901.

*Note: This is not a consult...just a fun trip...but if you'd like to learn more about exposure, I can handle that.

New website - Life.Culture.You

2009-06-29T01:45:00.008-04:00

New site is up!!! If you see something that isn't cool or functioning correctly, please let me know at ezra@freewisefoto.com

The last month I really put a lot of thought in what direction my photography should go in...and it has a lot to do with me, as a person. I'm not into "make believe" or being someone I'm truly not...I don't like artificial...I don't even like movies...I prefer documentaries...my music has to be REAL...no fluff. I like authenticity...and my fotos, especially wedding fotos, will document that more...I think capturing real life moments will stand the test of time and last forever...and by doing this I'm benefiting my clients...when they look at their wedding pictures 10-20 years from now, it'll reflect their wedding day...and hopefully give them the same feelings they felt on that special day! That's the overall goal...right...so long live Life.Culture.You....enjoy the site...it's below...literally...and let me know what you think of the new site - leave comments!

Flash Required to view this area.

Graduates (pt. 2)

2009-06-26T14:50:00.004-04:00

Graduates continued.

Tomas. FAMU.

Moneshia. FCCJ.

College Graduate. Johnetta. Jacksonville Evangelical Seminary.

College Graduate. Terry. Jacksonville University.

Let's turn this #%@ing party out!

2009-06-21T22:21:00.014-04:00

If you follow me on twitter, then you might have noticed a bit of my insanity...after Christine & Stephen's wedding in Jacksonville (blog post below), I drove to Daytona for a party...a birthday party...Willie's birthday party...the Big 40 (no, not the drink...)...they turned the party out...the equation was like this - Willie+Tanya+family+friends+DJ+food+drinks='40 years young Willie'

Willie & Tanya...

Family & Friends...

Tanya & Willie.

Happy Birthday, Willie!

Check...check...check it out...

2009-06-21T20:30:00.005-04:00

Alright...after shooting Christine and Stephen's engagement sesssion way back in September, their wedding finally came around! Let's see...how can I explain this....hmmm....Christine+Stephen+family+friends+football (gators & saints)+faith+New Orleans+party=Mrs. & Mr. Coots!

Enjoy...

Fun's visual definition.

Graduates. (pt. 1)

2009-06-19T17:26:00.004-04:00

Today I drove around town meeting with these 3 young ladies who recently graduated from high school! Class of 2009. I was asked to photograph them for a program...a program at their church - New Life Evangelistic Center. The initial plan was to have all the young ladies meet at one location for a shoot, but I thought it would be better to photograph them in their environment. All the photographs were taken in their house...Life.Culture.You...

Laquanta. NAVY.

Brittany. UCF.

Cynthia. FAMU.

Part 2 continues next week.

Rewind...Playdate Jacksonville!

2009-06-13T22:34:00.004-04:00

Rewind to last night...

I was invited to set-up a little booth at Playdate Jackson ville...thank you Tan (Journey 2 Joy Event Planning 904-233-1604)!

If you're not familiar with Playdate, let me break it down for you...

Friends+Music+Jenga+Uno+Connect Four+Spades+Wii+bar+awesome venue=Playdate!

Simple. Next Playdate is July 10th! Check out some fotos from last night...enjoy!

St. Augustine with Layla (Wed With Ease)!

2009-06-13T19:29:00.003-04:00

Today I met with Layla...the creator of Wed With Ease...the reason why you would wed with ease...

We met at Present Moment Cafe and we ate Vegan and Raw delights...even the corn chips were Raw...dehydrated...not fried!

We conversed about weddings, life, and family...we conversed about the important things in life.

After our lunch, Layla (and her husband, Scott) headed down to Palatka...to check out a dog shelter...a shelter for pit bulls. Layla is on a mission to help erase the bad stigma pit bulls have gotten...so she went to check out the shelter and see how she could help!

I, on the other hand, took a tour of areas around St. Augustine that don't typically get toured...

Here's a few pics from my short trip to St. Augustine....enjoy!

Present Moment Cafe.

Less-Toured St. Augustine.

My daughter, Curious George, Gary Fong, & Sto-fen meet!

2009-06-12T11:27:00.003-04:00

I was renting a car online...making phone calls, scheduling appointments...all the while, my daughter is playing with her Curious George...and my camera bag is open. I walk away to talk to my wife....my daughter continues playing in the room I left...after a few minutes, I call on her - to check on her. She comes running in with Curious George in hand...and some extras...check it out!

These are diffusers for my flash...camera flash...

Purpose:

Gary Fong lid - hat to protect his head in case he falls...and to keep his head clean.

Sto-Fen - nose & mouth cover to prevent him from sweating?...as my daughter explained.

Gary Fong diffusers - special shoes for basketball...so he doesn't fall down...

Tanya (headshots & extra)!

2009-06-06T23:25:00.005-04:00

Saturday I took a little trip down to Daytona to meet with Tanya for her headshots session. We met at the Plaza Resort and Spa. The manager was kind enough to let us shoot in the hotel. Here's a few pics from our session...enjoy!

Fun Headshot!

Full Body.

A little lifestyle collage.

Daytona.

Nick...headshots and more!

2009-06-05T21:40:00.004-04:00

This past weekend I met up with Nick in downtown for a headshots session. Nick was in a full length film directed by my old professor and good friend Marc Boese. The name of the film is "False Pretense." Anyway...Nick is a real cool guy...he's all about vibes...so we had a lot of fun....also, we snuck a few fotos of him and his GF (girlfriend) - who's lives in Tampa and is Puerto Rican! Here's a few fotos from our session...hope you enjoy...

Nick and girlfriend - Brenda...

What can we do to help....???

2009-06-05T07:58:00.006-04:00

Last week on facebook I asked the question of what we could do to help the homeless population. This past Saturday, my good friend Matt and I went to the streets to find out.

You have to use the link below...the video is in HD...and vimeo won't let me embed it unless I pay some $$$...that's not cool...regardless, you can view the video at that link....don't forget to leave comments!

the link

Here's a few fotos from the excursion!

Alvin.

Big Larry, Debbie, & Willie.

Larry.

Larry..again.

My good friend Matt...and my partner when it comes to making videos!

Connie & Daniel

2009-05-31T13:12:00.004-04:00

This morning I met with Connie & Daniel at one of my all-time favorite spots (except for the bugs) - Big Talbot Island! We hung out there for about an hour laughing and giggling (Connie does a lot of laughing...and that's a good thing!!!). After shooting there we worked our way down Heckscher Drive to try out Steve's Famous Peanuts...and yes, they are good...get the cajun boiled peanuts...and much thanks to Connie and Daniel for the gift.

Connie and Daniel have known each other since middle school - which I think is incredible (considering I have only talked to one person from my middle school days - thanks to Facebook). They will be getting married July 11th at the Mizell House - thanks Kaci ;)

Enjoy!

Newsletter - Subscribe!!!

2009-05-29T23:10:00.003-04:00

Check this out! Newsletter Subscription Form!
If you want to get the latest updates, news, and SPECIALS, subscribe now! I promise not to send a lot letters...maybe just once a month...and if you get annoyed, you can always unsubscribe...but that won't happen...I hope?

Jayme and Wesley's Slideshow!

2009-05-26T23:54:00.005-04:00

Katie & Jason...

2009-05-24T21:58:00.004-04:00

Today I met with Katie and Jason in Fernandina Beach for a little fotoshoot. Katie & Jason drove down from St. Louis to spend time with family...see, Jason is Edwin's brother...and Edwin and Jason are my cousin's wife's cousins...wow, that was confusing...on Valentine's Day I did a fotoshoot for Edwin and his wife, Shea...and they referred me to Katie & Jason...who are cousin's to my "cousin in-law." Ha...I think that makes sense...maybe not?

Katie & Jason both served in the military...where they met. (Jason is now in the reserves.) Jason is originally from TAMPA (and he's a die hard Bucs fan!!!) and Katie is from Rockford, Illinois (right outside of Chicago)...cool...right!

Here's Edwin & Shea...thanks for the word of mouth!!!

And here's Katie & Jason...by the way, Katie is 7 months pregnant and expecting a boy...they are going to have their hands full!!!

Chicago Trip Video!

2009-05-24T11:05:00.001-04:00

My trip to Chicago! from ezra ayala on Vimeo.

"The Rayshawn"

2009-05-22T22:58:00.003-04:00

Do not attempt this in photoshop! This is pure...natural...organic twist...we shall call it the Rayshawn. Rayshawn was my roommate back in college - Valparaiso University. On my recent trip to Chicago we hung-out quite a bit. While walking back to the car, I decided to experiment...Rayshawn was willing to participate. So in honor of him, we call this "The Rayshawn."

How did I do "The Rayshawn?"

I slowed my shutter speed to 1/25th....this seems to be the magic number...then I closed my aperture up a little to prevent any major "blowing out" - f/6.3

I was using my cheapo 17-50 Tamron 2.8 lens...I was at 32mm.

Twist rapidly, but smoothly...try to keep the focal point in the middle as you twist your camera...

If you pull out your shoulder doing this, I will not be held responsible!

Emily & Mike...slideshow!

2009-05-22T08:28:00.008-04:00

I removed the slideshow b/c I accidentally put in on "automatic play" and it's interfering with the video above...so here's the link - Emily & Mike.

Enjoy!

Chicago Teaser...

2009-05-21T02:48:00.004-04:00

Here's a couple of montages...one of Chicago and one of my father's artwork...

The trip was awesome...it was a time of reconnecting with family and old friends...a time of touching some of my cultural roots...a time of making new friends...and a time of enjoying the city where I was born...oh, and I met with Fred Egan...

Montage 1: Chicago

Montage 2: My father's artwork - partials...not the full paintings...

Question for me #6

2009-05-13T20:02:00.003-04:00

Actually this wasn't a question anyone asked me...I just felt like sharing.

Remember this foto.

Well...this is how it was done. Yup, that's a wand...a wand for bubbles...My daughter was so kind to lend it to me for a day.

Originally, when I was messing with this wand at home, I had different results...but that's b/c I was using a wide angle lens....here, I'm using my favorite - 50mm.

Thanks, Kaci for the shot! And I hope this inspires everyone to experiment...you just never know what cool things you can do!

Food #10 - families

2009-05-12T01:38:00.004-04:00

Today was Monday...hence the day I share some food for thought or something inspirational.

Well, here's my inspiration...I love working with families...family sessions have been some of the most fun forms of fotography that I do (say that 3 times really fast.). Here's a collage from a recent shoot....see why I enjoy them so much!

Mac, Erica, Mychel, and Myles!

2009-05-09T22:33:00.007-04:00

Stephanie showed me some serious love by referring me to the most awesome family ever...really! By the way...this is Stephanie...

I have never been certain about the whole "soulmate" concept until today. Erica moved to Florida from Ohio just because she wanted a piece of our Sunshine...and Mac moved here from the East Coast because his job moved him. On Mac's first night on the town he met Erica and that was it...he was taken off the market! Soulmates indeed!

Here's a few fotos from our expedition to Guana River State Park...enjoy!

It's Family Time.

2009-05-09T00:40:00.001-04:00

Fed Ex plug...did you notice?

Tidbits #5 & Naomi Williams...

2009-05-07T22:28:00.006-04:00

The Tidbits return...after a two week break.

High school was awful for me...b/c I really hated the hours. I had to get up so early...and then after basketball practice, I was pulling 10-12 hour days. But I managed. Basketball was a big part of high school. It made me some good friends, but we lost a lot..almost everytime...for 3 years! I learned how to lose gracefully...it wasn't easy at first, but it was necessary...we just weren't good!

I was a "hip-hop head." There was a few of us who really were loyal to hip-hop...a music that we never thought would ever get air time! We dressed the dress...yes, kiddos, I was sagging over 15 years ago...we started the trend...and we talked the talk! I had a pair of shell top Adidas...we wore sweaters with hoodies to look cool, even though it was like 85 degrees outside!

Through all of this, I managed to maintain a 3.3 GPA...and scored high enough on my SATs to get accepted into a few colleges...Northeastern (Boston), Wingate, Winthrop, USF, New Berry College, and Valparaiso University. I choose Valpo...b/c they gave me the most financial aid...and b/c it was far from home...and close to Chicago...where I was born and where my father lives...and where it would be cold enough to wear sweaters with hoodies and not bake!

College was awesome! But moving away had certain repercussions...I lost contact with some of my old friends, including my best friend, Sam. More on my college experience next post.

In the meantime readers, please visit www.fornaomi.com.
Naomi Williams is an awesome photographer that I look up to. I met with her two months ago while meeting with her about 2nd shooting for her. She has such an awesome spirit! So, please visit the site and help out. Naomi was recently diagnosed with cancer (it's still unconfirmed, which is just a technical term the doctors are using right now). Regardless, she has started her chemo treatment and really needs our help. Please visit that site...and help!

Questions for me #5...and Boogie Woogie Woogie...

2009-05-06T23:16:00.007-04:00

Here are a couple more questions I have been asked:

Are you skilled in Photoshop? What's that? Photoshop...oh, I never use photoshop ;)

Are you available for surprise proposal occasions? Yes...and I would be very flattered...and invisible!

Piece of advice for brides and grooms. When all else fails, go with the Electric Slide...it always works...Boogie Woogie Woogie...

Electric Boogie (the Electric Slide) - Marcia Griffiths

Did you know Marcia Griffiths was an I-Three? What's that?

She was one of the 3 back-up singers for Bob Marley!

Food # 9

2009-05-04T18:49:00.002-04:00

Simple.

Oh my...another ridiculously awesome wedding - Adriane & Edward!

2009-05-02T23:33:00.007-04:00

I couldn't think of anything more fun, exciting, and rewarding as wedding photography! I have done a lot of exciting things in my life - buzzer beaters...win championships (nothing professional, but still meaningful), climb mountains, graduate from high school, college, etc...but wedding photography is just the greatest thing - outside of my own marriage...and my children. There's nothing like a couple choosing you to photograph their most important day in their life because they like they way you do it! That means so much to me...so here's a sneak peek...I mean, more like a gaping hole where you can get some serious insight to Adriane and Edward's wedding...along with some commentary...

This is a serious problem of mine...cropping off peoples heads???

Hopefully Kaci sends me the foto of me doing this shot (hint, hint)...then I can tell you what I did...it's nothing revolutionary, but super fun!

Hill Top...Orange Park...

Traditional...very nice...safe...

Off camera lighting...

And then comes the weirdness...off camera lighting...slow shutter...and some manual zooooom!

Oh...and rear sync flash...

Repeat.

Here's another problem of mine...where as most photographers use their flash by bouncing light off the ceiling, I'm on a crash course collision with light! I love it...it came out of necessity...not every wedding can you bounce light...now I love it...I rarely bounce light, b/c shooting into the light or using it as side light adds a lot of drama to the foto...at least I think...

BANG!

BOOM...it's like an explosion!!!

And then a little something extra...

Well, I hope you all enjoy the funky, fresh style now known as freewise!

Questions for me...#4 and misc...

2009-04-30T00:07:00.008-04:00

Ok...so I'm really struggling to get my posts out on the timeline I said I would...I mean, it's past midnite and here I am trying to write a blog....ouch....

Well first...some miscellaneous. For my media packaging (the package I use to put the disc my clients receive after their wedding) I choose Loktah. As you may already know, I try to be green - that is environmentally conscious...so I dig this company. If you are vegan, the loktah tree packaging is dipped in beeswax...I buy the hemp one...it's vegan!

Questions for me...

Question #1:

Someone important wrote,"Personally, I want to know family background of the photographer I'm working with - wife, kids, pets, etc..."

Here's my answer - I'm married to my wife, Rana...for almost 10 years!!! We got married when we were pretty young...so I'm not super old or anything....I hope? I have a daughter who is going to be 4 years old this Monday...we'll be going to see the sunrise for her b-day...we do this every year! I also have a son who was born in December 2008. We have a cat...Sofia...she's about 9 years old...and I love to pet her...it's quite therapeutic. We also take care to two outside cats...and I think we inadvertently feed the raccoons too? I play a little guitar...love sports, even though I'm semi-retired...music is really important to me...and I love nature...especially the mountains....especially the ones in Oregon!

Question #2:

What is your favorite detail to capture at weddings?

This one is easy...shoes!!! Yes, I love photographing shoes...rings are good too...but shoes are the best!

Food # 8 - two days late: Don't Panic...and don't tell anyone where the secret button is?

2009-04-29T00:21:00.004-04:00

Ok...two weekends ago after Emily & Mike's wedding, I lost my alarm pad...and my truck was in the parking lot of a Catholic Church...and people were still there! See, I left for the reception with the bride & groom...Shain, my partner that day, drove up to the reception in his car. So after the wedding was over, he took me back to my truck...and at some point between leaving the reception area and getting to the church, I lost the alarm pad for my truck....b/c the alarm pad broke from the key chain years ago!

So I had to break into my truck and try to manually disarm the alarm in the parking lot of a busy church. The last time I tried this, I had Sound Advice on the phone telling how to do it...so I didn't have much faith that it would work...but I remained calm...and I DIDN'T PANIC!

Here's a little video of how the whole thing went down....

Truck Break in after Emily & Mike's Wedding! from ezra ayala on Vimeo.

The sad thing about all of this, is that after I shut the alarm off, Shain found my the alarm pad on the floor of his car....duh!

Jayme & Wesley's Wedding...freewise style!

2009-04-26T00:51:00.006-04:00

Hey...had an awesome day photographing Jayme & Wesley's wedding! Their wedding took place at Laurel Island Links outside of St. Mary's, GA.

Here's a few fotos...these really depict my style...freewise...nothing conventional...strictly "you never know what I'm bringing to the table."

Thanks Ronny for your help...much needed help!

enjoy...

Today was draft day in the NFL...so we had to do something along those lines...

I paid the price for this one...a mosquito bite on the forehead...nice look for the ceremony!

Thanks Ronny for seeing this...thanks 90mm for being macro...and thanks God for helping me understand Shutter Speed, ISO, and Aperture...and thanks to anyone who I forgot to say thanks to...???

Sooo busy that....

2009-04-23T00:33:00.003-04:00

...that my regularly timed posts will take a break this week and return soon...but keep your eyes open for new fotos from this weekend's wedding!

This is how I feel...if you can say that...I'm working hard!

Food #7 - a day late

2009-04-21T17:26:00.003-04:00

I have been really busy the past week or so. One day when things settle down, I'll have to write a blog or a book about these days.

Well, because I am so busy I didn't have a chance to write a blog entry for Food yesterday...and that's ok, because I didn't have anything to write about...but today I do.

Today, during a group conversation, a person was stating how their job had changed it's hours - rather, months. This person was stating that they used to work 10 months...and how it was hard when they had to go 12 months because during the summer all of her co-workers would be off. This person stated she's better now with seeing her fellow workers take off for the summer, but she still wonders what she could be doing during those months off...and one thing she mentioned was traveling...she said she could travel. And that hit me like a ton of bricks of sadness...

Food #7 - Don't settle for less in this life. If you have dreams...things you want to do, places you want to see, experiences you want to experience, DO THEM! Put your mind to it...set yourself up to achieve your dreams. Yes, it is a mixture of being in the right place at the right time and having to push towards something...but you can do it. So put yourself in a place where you can work towards achieving your dreams. Don't miss out. Don't be stuck in your office working while everyone is having the time of their life!

Redwood National Forest - one of the most fascinating places I have visited!

Emily & Mike...married!

2009-04-19T00:07:00.012-04:00

Today...oh,it's past midnight...ok, yesterday, I had the opportunity to shoot Emily & Mike's wedding. It was totally, insanely fun! They got married at St. Joseph's Historical Church...the reception was at the San Jose Country Club.

Ah, and they got their hair & make-up done at Tranquility Salon & Day Spa. The owner was nice enough to let us in and shoot the ladies while they were getting ready!

The reception was super fun...again, I wanted to get on the dance floor...when you play some salsa, merengue, and reggaeton...forget about it...you have no choice!

Here's few (a lot) fotos...thanks Emily & Mike for allowing me this opportunity...have fun in Jamaica...bring me back a Bob Marley souvenir!

Corinna (Corinnahoffman.blogspot.com) - I used the portable soft box here...

And here too....

And this one...with some severe back lighting/flares/blow-out!

Oh...this one too...

But not this one...it didn't recycle fast enough, but I'll take it!

Mama Fader trying not to breakdown...ah Mike...you have an awesome mother who loves you a lot!

Tidbits #4 & Questions for me & some...

2009-04-16T19:23:00.006-04:00

So yesterday I was quite busy, so I didn't have a chance to do "Questions for me."

But I also have to do "Tidbits" & I owe little recognition to my family in Puerto Rico...

Questions for me:

What inspired me to be a professional photographer?

Well, it all started when I realized I had a serious dislike for the 9-5 world...so I went to back to college to get a certificate in Video Production...and that's how I got into photography. At that moment I knew I had to do something with the camera that I could earn a living...and then I ran into Pop Photo's 2007 Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the World....and that was it...I wanted to do that...

Are you the paparazzi camera man really up close and personal or do you try to blend into the background? Depends...I could be both...there's a time for everything...and sometimes brides and grooms want you to do whatever it takes to get the shot...sometimes you have to blend to get the shot. Thanks sis' in Portland for the question!

"Tidbits"

Ok...I left off last tidbit with me living in Riverview experiencing the most extreme boredom.

During this time period I dropped football for basketball. I played point guard...I played on the Jr. High team and High School team...I did double duty...and I averaged like 17-18 points a game...it was ridiculous. After my 8th grade year, I asked if I could go back to public school. So I started my freshman year @ East Bay High - the worst school you could attend in Hillsborough county in regards to sports! I knew no one at the new school, but I was well equipped to handle solitude. I did. Kept to myself and walked with dignity...no one messed with me...thank God. I played on the freshman team, but that was a joke....it wasn't until the following year that basketball got serious again. Also, at this point my parents had adopted a couple of kids...this changed the house a little, but I still kept to myself...

Recognition to a family member in my mother's land:

This past Monday, a relative of mine passed away. Benjamin lived many years. He's always lived in Puerto Rico except during the time he served in the United States military. He served in WWII. During that time period he became mentally ill - possibly due to the things he witnessed and the shots they were giving him to prepare for battle.

Last year, I had a chance to visit Puerto Rico and I was able to talk to him...he was so kind...funny...and a true country man. He lived poor...mentally ill...but he was content with the cards that were dealt to him (I honestly think the hills kept him happy). Peace-out Benjamin...see you on the flip-side!

This is one of my favorite fotos of all time...

Food #6 - Reflection

2009-04-13T23:03:00.007-04:00

This weekend as I was shooting that massive 9 session day, Dani and I were walking when we noticed Saw Palmettos were growing through the asphalt - yes, that's correct...little palm frongs were coming straight out of the parking lot...lots of them...I wish I would have taken a picture...

The Most High created the earth...the plants, the sky, the rain, the clouds, the wind and all other natural things on earth (sorry Atheists...hopefully no offense was taken). It seems people forget that He is the artist that created all these wonderful things...and like a TRUE ARTIST, these things He created are a reflection of Him. So, there you go...check the Saw Palmetto growing out of the asphalt...God is persistent...resilient...and simply can't be stopped!

*Note: I refer to God as a he simply b/c of the culture I live in...but I don't think God is a man or woman...that's reserved for us on earth...but he created us...so it's a reflection of him...he can be your Father...and he can be compassionate, loving, and nurturing just like a mother can...hmmm...that's some serious food...

Puerto Rico from an Airplane...April 2008...

Natural trees near a golf course...El Conquistador - Puerto Rico

Jayme!

2009-04-12T22:57:00.005-04:00

Ok...here's a little peek from today's freewise fantastic bridal shoot. Jayme, her mother, and brothers came along for the shoot. Jayme's mother was a model, so her knowledge really came in handy...I'm so glad she was there!!! Also, if you are wondering why we're posting her bridal shoot on the web...well, it's b/c Jayme's soon-to-be husband isn't into the world wide web...so we're pretty confident he won't see these...but everyone else can! Jayme's wedding will be 4.25.09...I'm eager!

*Today's shoot was at Fort Clinch...well, not the actual fort...enjoy!

Her brothers were having some serious fun!

9 shoots...one day...

2009-04-11T20:17:00.008-04:00

Today I did the insane...the improbable...and the absolute peak of awesomeness...I shot 9 one hour photo sessions at Hannah Park. I started at 6:30am for the sunrise...except the sun didn't rise...not visibly (you know what I mean)....and I ended at 6:00pm!
I saw the neatest thing. The ice cream truck person at Hannah Park was playing this and this. I bought a non- ital pepsi...but it hit the spot and gave me a 2nd wind....uh, sugar?

Dani assisted me...thank you for your help...no way would have I survived without you today! Awesome look!

#1 session

#2 session

#3 session

#4 session

#5 session

#6 session

#7 session

#8 session

#9 session

This is what I'm talking about!

2009-04-11T19:24:00.002-04:00

My friend Matt sent this to me via Twitter...just check it out...you have to...I promise....

Also, comeback later tonite to view a few pics from my fotoshoot marathon...I did 9 one hour sessions today!

Stand By Me from David Johnson on Vimeo.

Arica!

2009-04-10T22:33:00.005-04:00

Today I had the opportunity to do something a little different from routine...I had the opportunity to do some head shots/modeling fotos for Arica! I met Arica at a casting call while attending FCCJ. Today Arica, her mother (Amy), and I met at Black Rock Trail...we hiked quite a bit...fought off the meanest biting gnats...and beat the incoming tide! Here's few fotos from our excursion. Enjoy!

Tidbits #3

2009-04-09T19:40:00.004-04:00

So I left off the last time when we moved out of Clair-Mel to my "culture shock Riverview." Riverview is a suburb of Tampa...but when I moved there, it was pretty much rural, except for a couple of subdivisions.

Moving to Riverview was the end of playing football or a massive hide & go seek game on the block. Riverview was the beginning of solitude...solitude that would have made a monk envious!

There was hardly any kids in the neighborhood...and the ones I did find (rather, my mother found) were the kids who took a bat to our mailbox when we first moved in. After one day of watching them play "skate or die" while listening to some death metal, I had had enough! So I entered into "hermitville." I had to invent games...I had to imagine things...I had to be really creative...and sometimes destructive (b/c certain things in the house weren't meant to be basketball hoops).

Private school was sort of cool...in the sense that my life wasn't being threatened because I had the baddest bike...but the kids were certainly not "cool." My fellow peers and I had come from two opposite ends of the world...I mean Tampa...but being around these type of kids prepared me for college and my professional career.

My saving grace was this small basketball court my step-father made. He had a cement truck come to the back yard and dump a whole heap of concrete...he smoothed it out...we put a hoop up...and waited. Michael Jordan was the thing...and I could hold my own in b-ball....plus two years of organized football was taking a toll. Trust me, I was bad...super fast...I went games without getting tackled (it was either touchdown or out-of-bounds). But two years was enough...I had so many bruises on my arm, I'm surprised no one called Child Protective Services! Anyway, the hoop was my saving grace...my church...my sanctuary...my meditation from extreme boredom.

Tampa from Raymond James Stadium - 2007...Jags won this game...spoiled my b-day?

The house in Riverview...

Questions for me...

2009-04-08T21:03:00.004-04:00

More questions:

How flexible - if at all - can you be with payment of services in light of the current difficult economy? Can I be afforded the opportunity 'pay ahead' up until the day of  the event - or be billed?

How flexible? I don't stretch on a routine basis anymore...but regarding my services, I'm pretty flexible. I've had several clients pay me little by little until their big day. But in order to set your date in stone, I need a retainer...and that's $600 right now...not flexible there...

How would you describe your "style" of photography?

Freewise...that's how I describe my style of photography. I try to keep my fotography fresh and unique as possible...but most importantly, when you shoot with me, it's going to be fun! What good is my style of photography if you aren't having any fun...so for me, my style of photography is important, but it's more important to me that you (the client) is having super-duper amounts of FUN!

Are images available to your clients on a cd?

Yes...on CD for "regular" shoots...DVD for weddings...DVD has more memory...hence, can hold much more info. This is a digital world...I highly recommend getting a CD over prints...prints fade, get washed up, bend, get finger prints, etc....so get your fotos in digital...keep'em on the disc I give you...back them up on your computer...make another and lock it in a fireproof safe....and then save up some $$$ to buy a super big print and frame....and then hang it in your bathroom??

FUN!

FREEWISE STYLE!

Danielle & Paul test?

2009-04-07T00:49:00.004-04:00

Yeah...sort of worked?

Danielle & Paul

Food #5 is Love!

2009-04-06T19:13:00.008-04:00

Ok...so I'm trying to be a bit more organized with a few of my recurring topics. Today is Food...and food is hard to put on a certain day, b/c it's typically something that comes to me out of nowhere.

But here's something that I have thought for years now and was reminded of last night while "watching PBS" (post processing fotos). Last nights show was about the 3 major religions and that region of the world (the Middle East)...

Food #4

In this time that we live in, there seems to be so much WAR going on...so much HATE...so much ANGER. And we can see this in our daily lives as well...people rolling eyes at their co-worker...the person in the car in front of you yelling and making unkind gestures at the next car...the rude customer service personnel, etc....you get my point.

It seems most people have forgotten their ROOTS. A lot of people have clung on to their certain beliefs...and sometimes these beliefs cause differences...and because someone else may believe something differently, we're quick to allow ourselves to feel negatively towards that person. My point in Food #4 is that we have forgotten our ROOTS...we have forgotten the foundation of our existence...whether you are Jew, Christian, Muslim, and even Atheist, we have all been created on the foundation of LOVE...the foundation of our existence is LOVE! Nothing else really matters...really! So if we throw away all our goofy philosophical, theological, and political differences, LOVE will be the only thing standing...the only thing BINDING us...LOVE is the only thing that matters! - Food #4 - The Foundation of our Existence is LOVE.

And here's couple of pics - the clouds today above my house...looks like an x-ray of a hand?

And my backyard...my Sanctuary created by the Most High...and a little of my Mexican landscaping skills -what a shame - my landscaping skills?

Danielle & Paul's Wedding Slideshow!

2009-04-06T15:37:00.003-04:00

Here's a slideshow from Danielle & Paul's wedding. I'm not super content with the resolution...I think the compression for online use is ripping my fotos apart...regardless, here's a little something for the meantime. In the super near future, I'm going to purchase Showit Web program to get rid of all these problems...enjoy!

Danielle & Paul's Wedding! from ezra ayala on Vimeo.

Emily & Mike!

2009-04-04T23:53:00.003-04:00

Emily & Mike took advantage of my complimentary engagement shoot. That's right...if you're looking for a wedding photographer, I offer a complimentary engagement shoot to ensure that the bride and groom are choosing the right photographer...and it also helps me make sure I'm choosing the right bride and groom - my style is not traditional...so if I shoot an engagement session and the couple only want traditional photos, then I know I'm not the right photographer for them...and it won't be too much fun for me capturing their day...nor will they be pleased with the product...so I offer complimentary engagement shoots so we can be sure that we will all be happy!!!

Here's a few from Emily & Mike's engagement session...I hope they like them...

Thanks Melanie from La Dolce Vita Studio

She inspired me to go after a shot like this...I've seen them before, but typically refrain...but I'm glad I went for it...thanks Melanie ;)

If you ever get the opportunity to participate in one of my shoots, be prepared for anything. On the way to Emily & Mike's shoot, I saw an abandoned shopping cart on the road. Being that I have a pick-up, I pulled over and chucked the cart into my bed! After the shoot, I ended up taking it to Wal-Mart...where it originally came from...my Karma is a little bit better now!

Here's s clone that truly went wrong. I'm not new to clones...done them before, but they are novelty. When you are shooting a clone shot, a lot can go wrong...and a lot went wrong from the get go. SHADOWS! If you zoomed up on this shot, you'd see what I'm talking about...but regardless, I had to show this shot...but I don't recommend blowing this foto up to a 11x14 or greater...sorry Emily & Mike...???

I apologize for the long post...hope you enjoyed....and also, "Food" will now come out on Mondays..."Tidbits" will be on Thursday...and "Questions for Me" will be posted on Wednesdays...take care.....

question for me....#2

2009-04-04T00:04:00.004-04:00

Here's a couple more questions I was asked regarding me and my fotography:

What kind of photography do you do (commercial, bridal, head shots, all of the above, etc.)?

I am a wedding photographer, a lifestyle photographer, and a musician photographer...

Lifestyle photography includes families, couples, singular person, person with pet, etc....as long as you can be yourself...lifestyle photography should reflect you...I also dabble with head shots and am very picky when it comes to working with models - it's got to be decent!

What is your background (where did you go to school)?

I attended Valparaiso University and received a degree in Social Work and a minor in Speech Communication. I also attended FCCJ where I received my certificate in Video Production. Via my courses in Video Production, I was introduced to photography - hey, how ya doing?

Have your photos been published in any magazines or books?

Soon...we're working on this...soon...in the meantime I have an ad here.

And here some fotos...

Sunset over Ashland, Oregon...taken Winter 2007.

Somewhere in Oregon...2007...baa-baa....

Northern Cali...2007.

And a local one...Mathews Bridge here in Jax...9/2007...a picture for my class assignment...

Food #4 - my 100th post!

2009-03-30T13:21:00.004-04:00

Here's a quote from one of Michael Franti's songs...this is real, 100% vegan Food!

Those who start wars, never fight them.
And those who fight wars, they never like them.
Those who write laws, can't recite them.
And those of us who just fight laws, we live and die them.

Here's a Michael Franti interview...

Sunset foto revisited...

2009-03-29T23:25:00.004-04:00

Ok...so last nights post I included this foto...

Do you see all the black on the marsh...there's no definition...that is really annoying....so I revisited the foto and made some adjustments....

See here...much better....

Details...

2009-03-29T02:20:00.003-04:00

Just helped Kaci with a wedding...and here's some details...some are unorthodox...but that's how I roll.

Sunset...

Normal details...

Weird details...

Questions for me...

2009-03-25T23:27:00.003-04:00

About a month ago, I sent out an e-mail to past "clients", future "clients", friends, and family. In the e-mail I asked them to put themselves in the shoes of a prospective client. I then asked them, as "prospective clients," what would you want to know about me...ezra, the photographer?

I received many questions and I plan to answer a few on my blog...but the purpose of the e-mail is to assist me with a series of videos we're making for my bio section on my main website.

In the meantime, I'll answer a few here on my blog...it will probably take a series of blogs, b/c there was a lot of questions!

The most common question was - How long have you been a photographer?

Answer: My whole life...I just never had any cameras...just my eyes...serious...but that's not the answer most would want to hear. So the preferred answer - not very long...I've been shooting weddings for a year this month! That's not long, but experience doesn't always equal quality...judge my work by my fotos...not how many years I've been shooting.

Another question was - Are you a Christian? And if not, can you be sensitive to my desire to approach the photoshoot/event from a faith-based perspective?

Answer: I am a Christian, but not by any traditional or conventional standards...and I am open to all faiths and walks of life...I judge no one based on what they believe (as long as they are not harming anyone). Again, I am open to all faiths...and I am sensitive and respectful to all walks of life! (But Hindu weddings or engagement ceremonies are the best, b/c they don't typically eat meat...so I can partake!!!)

And here's a couple of pictures...just b/c pictures are cool to look at!

Danielle & Paul's Wedding!!!

2009-03-22T00:04:00.006-04:00

Ok..just got back from Danielle and Paul's wedding...and these two are so awesome. I remember when we first me to discuss their wedding...it was Barnes & Nobles...and I was totally psyched to work with them, b/c they like abstract, outside-the-box, "oh my god, you didn't" type of photography. So it was a perfect for me...and them!

Well, their wedding ceremony was at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum - go there...especially if you do any kind of photography! While the crowd was filling in, the Postal Service was playing in the background - now how cool and outside-the-box is that!

And during the reception, the DJ was just killing it...I mean, I was ready to put my cameras down and start breaking dancing. He played all kinds of old skool hip-hop...and then he played some Del Da Funkee Homosapien and other underground hip-hop vibes that I used to listen to when I was a teenager...and then he switched it over to Soca...and then finished with my favorite - BOB MARLEY!

Here's a few pics from the day...enjoy...