PRISM Magazine // Published

Published in PRISM! Excited to announce that one of my photographs made it into Vol. 2, No. 3 PRISM issue!
Quoted from NDU.edu “PRISM is published by the National Defense University Press for the Center for Complex Operations. PRISM is a security studies journal chartered to inform members of U.S. Federal Agencies, allies, and other partners on complex and integrated national security operations; reconstruction and nationbuilding; relevant policy and strategy; lessons learned; and developments in training and education to transform America’s security and development apparatus to meet tomorrow’s challenges better while promoting freedom today.”

See the website here: http://www.ndu.edu/press/prism/

A little background on the photo:
I traveled north through South America in 2009, with my last stop being Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Ending with a bang is one way you could put it, as I was able to witness both ends of the spectrum – abject poverty directly next to flourishing wealth. This particular photograph is from the segregated slums, which are located at various places in the heart of the vast city. It was taken at an elevated point, beyond the ghetto area and streets. I was escorted up by a local via motorcycle, as navigating on foot or alone would certainly yield danger. With the area governed by drug lords, policemen are replaced by those that possess AK-47′s, contraband, and who knows what else.

I made it out with only a few minor cuts and scrapes (trying to conceal my camera while scurrying through the narrow and uneven alleys is somewhat of a frightening thrill. Was it worth it? Without a doubt. I’ll be back in Rio soon enough.

Here are a few snapshot I took of PRISM. Check it out!

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New Site & Blog // 2011 Update

Maybe for some of you this is old news. Over the off season I had a little time to bring my web & graphic design side back to life. I’m definitely proud to announce a complete redesign of my site and blog! Of course, it’s never really 100% complete as my projects continue to evolve, but check it out and leave some feedback.

- Portfolio
- Blog (You’re on it!)

Moreover, I’ve added one of my favorite photos from a wedding never put online before (It’s also now on my homepage). Take a look!

Here’s to a great 2011. Stay tuned for more.

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Zack Arias // Washington, D.C.

I had the pleasure of meeting Zack Arias just before the July 4th weekend in Adams Morgan. I’ve been following Zack for quite some time now, even before he was internationally known. The event was a mixer held prior to his One Light Workshop in Washington, D.C. Thanks for picking up the tab for everyone! And of course the great words of wisdom and inspiration. Check out Zack’s blog here.

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Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM

I must say this past Memorial Day Weekend was one of my favorites. But what made it that much better was coming home to see my almost forgotten package I ordered. The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM. I’ve wanted a telephoto lens ever since I got rid of my 70-200 f/2.8L earlier this year so this was almost a given. I’ve been striving to own only fixed lenses as I believe they force you to be more creative in all situations. Not to mention these ultra-fast ‘light intaking’ lenses are ideal for weddings, concerts, and to achieve an extremely shallow depth of field (which I can’t get enough of).

Here are a few snapshots taken the other day, and at what better place than a venue for one of my upcoming shoots. In spirit of my 1.4 Goodness post, I’ve made a few of these wallpaper size. Final thoughts after the jump.

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Helllllo New Business Cards

I Decided it was time to place an order for some new cards. Besides, who doesn’t love a fresh new design? They took a few extra weeks to arrive, but overall are pretty solid quality. Rounded corners rock! 16pt card stock thickness is also a nice touch, I can’t even put that many in my wallet. If you need to know any additional details feel free to comment.

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f/1.4 Goodness

Whether you realize it or not, many of your favorite photos out there probably exhibit a quality known as bokeh. High quality bokeh can only be produced with a high quality lens. Once you understand the concept it is something marvelous in itself. Recently I’ve been doing some focus tests on the newest addition to my gear family, the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM. Since it is a member of the ‘holy trinity of primes’ I thought I’d throw up some of the test photos. Almost anything that comes out of this lens displays a fine example of bokeh and serves perfect for wallpapers. Thus you have the first (of many to come) collection of wallpapers I will sporadically put up on my blog. Enjoy.

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