Photos: Red Sun Rising @ The Empire Concert & Bar

October 23, 2014

Tuesday evening, Akron's own Red Sun Rising hosted a special free show at The Empire Concert Club & Bar to give their fans a sneak peak of their performance before they ship off on tour with Pop Evil next month. The guys played a 35-minute set to a packed house of the biggest RSR fans. As loyal as the fans are toward the band, RSR never take it for granted. They have the up-most respect for their fan base and this free show was another great example of appreciation for their hometown.

This was my third seeing RSR and every time I come out with my camera, I walk away with some of my best shots. That has to tell you something about these guys. My favorite is seeing Tyler bust out those insane solos and the expression he gives is pure gold.

The image you see above is a double exposure of Tyler head banging. His movement intrigued me, so I thought it be cool to dramatize it through a time-lapse shot.

Red Sun Rising will be playing one last show before the Pop Evil tour begins at the Akron Musica Halloween evening. I'll be there ready locked and loaded. If you happen to be there, say "hello".

Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)

Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

I would of liked to got better shots of the other two members, but the place was crowded and limited my movement to change stage angles.

2014 'Mask Affair' @ Journey Art Gallery

October 21, 2014

The 'Mask Affair' is what's hot in downtown Canton at Journey Art Gallery. This is my second year providing visual stimulation for the event, but don't think my work closely resembles the feeling of actually being there to witness it first-hand. The work here is worth the trip to Journey. So what exactly is the Mask Affair?

Su Nimon, the gallery owner, puts together the biggest fundraiser of the year known as the Mask Affair. She invites artist to participate by giving them a mask and allows them to come up with most creative idea to display in the gallery. No restrictions. Each mask is $75 and the proceeds this year go to The Children's Network of Stark County.

The event this year is even bigger. Four walls now occupy the gallery and the level of craftsmanship is exceptional. I bought two of them last year and I already see numerous mask I want.

I recommend you stop down on 4th street in downtown Canton and see the show before it ends November 14th. It's a beautiful space and Su and Jeffery always greet you with a warm welcome.

Photos: "Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?"

October 18, 2014

My good friend, Doug allowed me to shoot the dress rehearsal for Henry Farrell's novel, "What Happened To Baby Jane?" Thursday evening. The film was adapted by Robert Aldrich in the 60's, so it's for good reason I never even heard of the film. I know Doug and he certainly picks a lot of twisted, dark comedic stories that end up being a smash hit.

Check out the craziness of this film through some of my favorite shots. Oh, and don't forget to purchase your tickets here.

I was told from one of the cast members that Craig May and Roman Feemster (bird watcher) who played Blanche and 'Baby' Jane Hudson, were a spitting representation from the film.

Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)

Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

I'm experimenting with a new shooting method. Now, I shoot all B/W in camera. This helps me ignore the color tones and allows me to focus on the light and darks of an image to achieve a perfect exposure. Since RAW is the preferred method, all color information is still intact.

Harry's | My Alternative to a Economical Shave

October 13, 2014

Alright. I'm throwing out a post from left field to share something I found mind-blowing. What I'm about to reveal will in fact save you a wad of cash from the daily routine of your own bathroom.

Okay, how many of you guys at the end of your last razor blade, dread of going to the store to buy replacement razors for your Gillette razor? I know it was an awful pain in the butt to fork over $20 for 4 razor blades. I always thought, "this is an insane amount for blades." These companies you buy from seem to add all these irrelevant features to your razor and blades. Come on, adding a razor that vibrants while you shave? Who the hell cares! I just want a honest and simple shave without the added price tag to a worthless new feature they included in the razor.

This is the considered alternative. I'm talking about a honest shaving plan from Harry's. The shaving company that will save you that "wad of cash". Last week, I received this simple, well designed box in the mail. When opened, I found 8 razor blades distributed between the two boxes (4 per box) and my sweet orange razor I ordered all for...wait for it...just $25!

Harry's blades aren't just some run-of-the-mill piece of metal shaved for your pleasure. They're engineered and sharpened all the way from Germany in a factory with 90 years of experience. The word "Germany" alone sold me, since those Germans know a thing or two about quality.

From their website, you pick between 3 of their most popular shaving plans. They also have a custom shaving plan if you wanna get fancy. Since I only shave every other day, I chose the "Occasional Shaver". Every 3 months, Harry's will send me another 8 razors in the mail for just $15. That's crazy, because every 2 months I find myself out at Rite Aid forking over $20 for 4 razors blades. AND here, I'm getting 8 high quality razors in the mail. So I did the math and figured, "I'm going to have a bunch of razors at my disposal and save an average of $60 a year on blades." Win, win! Also, I know you women like to steal your guy's blades, so this is your chance to get in on the shavings as well. ;)

So if I turned your head and aroused your curiosity, click the link below and I too believe you'll be making a brilliant decision.

Harry's | Auto-Refill Men's Razor Cartridges & Shaving Cream

Portraits: Joe Albert of J. Albert Studios – Canton, OH

September 18, 2014

What great honor. Got the nod from my friend, Joe Albert of J. Albert Studios (<--Check him out) to go out and shoot some professional portraits of him for future promotional pieces. I've known Joe well over a year and a half now – picked up and learned a bundle of invaluable tidbits of information about photography that has elevated my game. As professional, competitive and stocked up on the latest camera gadgets, Joe also carries a very vital and infectious trait that's key to success – his cheerful and devoted respect towards others. If I haven't convinced you yet, click the link above and follow him on Facebook.

When he asked me for this task, the first idea that popped in my head was, “Joe, we gotta shoot you in downtown Canton.” Joe LOVES the city of Canton. When he's not busy with a photo shoot, you'll more than likely find him downtown roaming around with his camera interacting with the locals or shooting the architecture around the city. And here's a quick tip. If you wanna make a good first impression, bring him a cup of coffee. I'm pretty sure it's intertwined in his DNA.

Joe also enjoys photographing the angels on top of the courthouse. They're amazing! Only made sense to grab one with them in it.

If you're thinking about getting some quality shots, don't hesitate to ask Joe. He's your man!
J. Albert Studios
1218 Pittsburg Ave NW
North Canton, Ohio 44720
(330)-966-1186

Thanks bud for spending the last hour and half of daylight shooting you!

Portraits: Lindon So, “The Scenic Route” – Canton, OH

September 16, 2014

For the last month and a half, I've been asking myself, "How can I expand my photography beyond the concert stage?" Ever since I got hooked into shooting shows, I've been steadily following two of my favorite photographers, Todd Owyoung and Ross Halfin – picking up as much valuable knowledge I can wrap my head around. I noticed in addition to their 'Aw-inspiration' concert coverage, they also get from time-to-time a more personal look into the artist. So right there, I decided it be wise to spend time with some of the local talent and build the second part of my portfolio with some professional promo shots.

This is Lindon So. He's the lead guitarist for The Scenic Route, a band right here from Canton, Ohio. I first saw Lindon play a year ago and the one thing that grabbed my attention was his energetic stage presence and solos.

Lindon and I met up in the downtown area of Canton, but I already had a specific spot picked out. We started the shoot at the abandoned Hercules Engine Factory. This place is perfect to do any band promo shots. Later, we shot right in the city. Lindon brought along his electric and acoustic guitar and we both pretty much jammed out for the few hours while I set the scene.

Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)

Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

The setup with really simple. I'm still learning off camera flash, but I've been working with a close photographer friend of mine polishing out my rough spots. I used a SB-900 flash with my reliable RadioPopper triggers. To over power the bright sunlight, I went bare on the flash (except for a few inside).

Huge thank you for Lindon for being a great subject on this shoot. If you would like to follow him, check him out on FB @ Lindon So.

Guitar and vocalist,  Eric Potapenko starting up the good vibes. — Guitar and vocalist, Eric Potapenko starting up the good vibes.

Photos: Diverge @ Jacobs Pavilion

September 12, 2014

Yesterday, Diverge opened up Jacobs Pavilion for the band, Twenty One Pilots on the Patio Stage in downtown Cleveland. This was a unique experience as the guys got to perform for the crowd before gates officially opened. As free tee's and kazoos were thrown out, this was a perfect excuse to introduce the Cleveland area why Diverge deserved to be on the same bill.

The whole evening was filled with screams and cheers, but it's safe to say Diverge where the culprits of starting the positive energy from the gecko.

Photographer Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)

Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

Review: Tesla @ House of Blues (Cleveland, OH)

August 21, 2014

Blues metal band, Tesla headlined a tightly packed House of Blues Tuesday evening along with American Dog and The Vegabonds.

After 27+ years together as a band (with 4/5 of the founding members active), these guys show no signs of slowing up. Hot off their seventh studio album in June entitled, "Simplicity", Tesla made sure to cover more than a couple off the album while kicking things off with "MP3" as the set opener.

From the moment the curtain rose, Tesla's dedicated fans could be heard throughout the venue singing much of the songs as if they wrote 'em themselves. But you cannot overlook their earlier hits such as "Modern Cowboy", "Signs", and the ever popular power ballad, "Love Song" as they appear later in the set. They closed their hour-half set with "Little Suzi". The band's highest charting single from the "Mechanical Resonance" album (1986).

This being my first time seeing Tesla, I was glad I attended and got the chance to shoot their show. This is the type of music I grew up listening and spending the evening with my old man (who pretty much feed it to me) was an added bonus. I would highly recommend coming out the next time they roll in, because Tesla know how to keep their fans engaged and the shows are very family-friendly, so any age group isn't restricted. I would like to throw out a special thank you to Bill M. who's one of the guys behind the management of Tesla. I had a absolute riot.

Photographer Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600

Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

This was a new and unique experience of shooting. I was able to shoot around ISO 1250 and f/4 for most of the show. Thanks to Jeff's brightly button down shirt and the stage lighting being very energetic. And the good thing, I could focus on composition and shooting AND not have to fumble around too much to make sure the settings were correct.

Photos: Filter, Helmet, Local H and more @ Cleveland Agora

August 20, 2014

I was at the Agora Theatre covering Entendre as they opened for hometown heroes, Filter along with 4 others Friday evening. Yes, a sold out night with a total of 6 bands on the bill. Thankfully I had a empty bladder to shoot all six. 0.o

I need to throw another shout out to Ryan (RC), Entendre's manager for the VIP hook-up and allowing me to photograph the guys that night. Thanks RC!

Without further ado, here are my favorite shots of the evening.

Rogue (Cleveland, OH)

Entendre (Akron/Canton, OH)

Stars In Stereo (Los Angeles, CA)

Local H (Chicago, IL)

Helmet (New York)

Filter (Cleveland, OH)

Photographer Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600

Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

Review: The Sigma 50mm "Art" f/1.4

August 08, 2014

Last week I picked up the highly anticipated lens from Sigma – the 50mm f/1.4 "Art" Series from LensProToGo and got to play with it the whole weekend. This lens caused some major spark and excitement ever since Sigma decided to do battle with Zeiss' highly respected 55mm f/1.4 Otus ($4,000). Zeiss being the Rolls Royce of camera lens and Sigma, well... lets just say any American car manufacture; I had small hopes they could deliver and keep the price tag competitive for consumers.

Priced at under $1,000, Sigma's 50mm "Art" lens seems a lot to fork over for a standard size and commonly used lens, but at a fraction of the price compared to the $4,000 you pay for the Zeiss, seeing the examples I shot below, I'm sure you'll see the quality this thing can produce. Just a minor disclaimer, I haven't tested the Otus to the Sigma, but other respectable online reviewers have placed these two equally top-of-the-line lens.

I will go through some of the specs, but I'm not going to pixel push it like the other guys do because really, "who the hell cares if you have to get down to the last grain of salt to find imperfections?" This is a beautiful lens. Enough said!

Size/Build

Just look at it! Is that NOT the biggest 50mm you ever seen? I call it the "Hercules" of 50s with a diameter outreaching the span of my hand. The diameter and length stands at a whopping 3.4" x 3.9" (without hood attached) and weighs slightly under 2lbs. Yes, it's massive, but felt very comfortable attached to my D600.

The body of the lens is rock solid. Very professional feeling in my hand. Filter size is 77mm with a 9 blade diaphragm behind the front end of the glass. Lens construction is 13 elements in 8 groups. Okay, enough of the boring technical mumbo jumbo. On to the visual results.

Bokeh (the sexy, buttery glory)

Sigma 50mm @ f/1.4 — **Sigma 50mm** @ f/1.4

This was my first time shooting at f/1.4 and once you go down this far, you never wanna come up. The out-of-focus elements transitioned smoothly at the higher apertures (f/1.4 - 3.2). Shooting your subject with strong light shapes in the background felt like a unified ensemble, dancing throughout your frame.

I didn't stop with static subject matter, I wanted to test this on people. As I began shooting at f/1.8 and all the way down to f/1.4, the images brought on a 3 dimensional look to it. The sharp focus areas of the faces really jumped and displayed an eye-appealing portrait.

Sigma 50mm @ f/2.5 — **Sigma 50mm** @ f/2.5

Comparison: Nikon 50mm f/1.8 vs Sigma 50mm f/1.4

Now, these two lens are on the opposite side of the spectrum of price, but both are sharp. I own the Nikon 50mm (left), it was my first real lens. I love it, but compared to the Sigma, I just want to chuck it out of my bag. Check out the two compared shots below and see for yourself..

This is my good friend, Rachel. Better known as the "Ginga Ninja" (her title, not mine) and she was kind enough to let me take a few shots of her. Thank you Rachel!

Okay, both images above are right out of the camera, no adjustments whatsoever. You get a rare glimpse of my naked files. I shot both at the same shutter and ISO (1/640th @ ISO 640) to compare their exposures and I decreased the depth of field on the Sigma up to f/1.8 to match Nikon's aperture.

As you can see, the colors on the Sigma (right) are more vivid than the Nikon. Winner Sigma. Since I shot these both at the same ISO and shutter speed, Sigma pulls away again as the light appears brighter, explaining how good the glass is. The bokeh on the Nikon at 1.8 isn't as smooth compared to Sigma's. Now lets take a closer look at the sharpness.

Here it is cropped in at 100%. Do I need to pick a winner here? I thought the Sigma did a far better job at 1.8, as more of the area on Rachel's face was sharper than on the Nikon.

Conclusion

I know this isn't the most critical review for this lens or even fair to the other 50s out there, but it's safe to see, this lens is tack sharp! The only downside to this lens (and small) was it was a little slow to focus once I tried to get in closer to my subject, but that may be more of the camera's fault. Would I recommend this lens? Well depends, if you already own a f/1.4 lens from Nikon or even Canon, I really don't think forking over another $300 - $400 to get it is a practical choice. By all means, if the funds are available or you are already looking to dip your toes in the 50 market, then yes, invest in the extra $$. I guarantee you'll see the results and money well spent down the road. Myself, I'm going to eventually grab this for my concert/portraiture work...since I do need an upgrade from my current 50mm.

Check out the additional shots below from the Sigma 50mm!