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Pardon the Mess: Blog and Website Updates
A quick post about recent and upcoming updates to both the blog and website.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be making some design and functionality changes to both the blog and website. So if you see the things in a state of disarray, no need to panic, we’re working over here. I hope to have a bunch of new announcements towards the end of the month and I’m restructuring the website to accommodate some of these changes. You may have also noticed that I’ve returned to a weekly blog schedule. You can expect new posts every Friday, but I’ll occassionaly post throughout the week if something of interest catches my eye or warrants talking about. Those will be more “Mini” posts similar to this one. Eventually I hope to be even more ambitious with a two post per week schedule but for now, let’s stick to once a week.
Big site changes often take time, but even more so in this case since my website is built on Squarespace. Although I love the platform, there are some odd design/website building quirks with the backend. It’s more a matter of working around the limitations of the platform while adding design elements that match the aesthetic I want in addition to improved functionality. It can be hard to strike a balance between both, but I think I’ve found some solutions I’m pleased with.
Not to be completely cryptic, but I’m going to start featuring my work on other platforms, live streaming, and building out my YouTube channel. Maybe some of the blog posts will now be in video form? I like that idea, especially for “Musings”. Additionally, some of my work will be featured in a “Shop” of sorts, but that won’t go live until about mid-June. I took the month of April off for the most part, but now it’s back to work. No stopping till the end of the year!
All for now.
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Lina Linn at Kuuz Studio in Prague
Selection of portrait and fine art images of model Lina Linn taken at Kuuz Studio in Prague, Czech Republic.
On my first trip to Prague back in 2024, I had the pleasure of working with one of the most amazing talents and all-around wonderful human beings, model Lina Linn. From the minute she arrived at the studio, it was all positive energy and enthusiasm to collaborate. Over the years I feel like things have changed with many models prioritizing the influencer, social media star route over traditional modeling. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, you have to do what’s best for you. But it does change the attitude and excitement around photoshoots resulting in a more nonchalant, ambivalent attitude towards shooting. Not to mention many are less experienced since they don’t get any proper training via an agency or years on the job. It’s refreshing working with models that are professional, experienced, and excited about the process of a photo shoot.
Whenever I travel I always look for a studio with great natural light. In Prague, my studio of choice is Studio Kuuz. I found them via Instagram and have booked them several times over the past year. If I could own a space, it would be like this. Super high ceilings, smooth concrete flooring, and beautiful light cascading through the windows throughout the day. Even when the weather was overcast, the lighting was perfect. It also has a cyclorama when I want to shoot more traditional studio portraits. I can’t stress the importance of a proper shooting environment enough. Whatever your style or genre of photography, it’s important to support your work by giving it the proper creative environment. When I work in a space that is best suited for my work, I thrive. Shooting feels effortless and my stress levels are minimal.
And when you work with a great model? It’s fish in a barrel.
Closing thoughts at the end of this post. Hope you enjoy this set!
PHOTOGRAPHS
Model: Lina Linn @itslinalinn
Studio: Kuuz Studio kuuz.studio_kosire
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
ALL IMAGES SHOT ON THE SONY A7RV + SIGMA 85MM F/1.4 DG DN AND TAMRON 28-75 f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
IN CLOSING
I’ve made it known that I no longer wish to fawn over gear as I once did in prior years. It’s really gotten to a point where most modern cameras and lenses are good. It’s a matter of what works for you. Shooting with my Sony cameras has been a boon to my work. I love both the colors (after some tweaking) and the tonality they produce for black-and-white images. They perform flawlessly shoot after shoot and even after owning them for almost 2 years, I still find myself amazed by the image quality they produce. Pick an instrument and make it sing is the motto.
As for the shoot, sometimes when I’m preparing for one, I often find myself feeling a bit anxious. Unsure even. Like an athlete waiting in the locker room for the signal telling them it’s time to go. I’m a bit pensive, obsessively double-checking my equipment, shoot location, the moodboard, etc. Similar to the athlete, you want to go out and give a great performance. Once you hit a certain skill level, there’s pressure to perform. You have a reputation!
There’s self-inflicted pressure to create even better work than the last shoot or implement some new technique or approach I’ve been working on. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I fail at this. The successes often come on the days that, after arrive at the shoot, my subject walks in, excited to work and gives me their all. It’s like when you try to have a conversation with someone who’s giving you nothing versus the person who is engaging. The engaging conversation feels energizing while the former feels draining. Shoots like my shoot with Lina have me over the moon and excited for the next one. I love the work we did together.
We’re only as good as the people we have around us and she’s one of the best! A massive thank you to her!
Hope you enjoyed this post! Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below!
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Musings: March 26, 2025
Musings about the Fuji GFX 100RF, industry shills, flakes in the industry, and more.
The Shinkansen. What an amazing way to travel. I wish we had one in the US.
I’m on the Shinkansen to Kyoto as a write this. Writing in transit is now my new thing apparently. I’ve been in Japan since March 20th and it’s been an amazing, whirlwind of a trip. Met some cool people, went to a plethora of cool places and still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of this amazing country. Top 3 favorite places to visit by far. I think it will be my yearly travel destination. Europe for creativity, Japan for relaxation. Love the sound of that.
No cherry blossoms in Tokyo yet though. Darn it.
There’s been a lot happening in the photo world and elsewhere so I figured this a great time for some musings.
Fuji Announces the GFX 100RF
You’d think they’d at least put the Fujifilm logo on the front above lens.
Expensive. No ibis. Ugly design. Fixed lens, but slow. $5,000. A fool and his money are soon parted.
Although it’s a more expensive investment, if you want a small, lightweight medium format camera you could use for travel/street photography just get a X1D II. It’s prettier and much more versatile.
Nice try Fuji, but I think this one will be a flop.
The Dedicated Video Camera
Before I left for my trip I considered picking up another FX3. Ya know, something to have on my trips whenever I have video needs. I decided against it. While it’s an amazing camera and I’ve owned one in the past, it’s hard to justify something so expensive that will have such limited use. Unless I’m shooting video projects week in, week out, it’s just an expensive paperweight. Let’s be smart about equipment purchases going forward. Rent? Sure. Buy? Nah.
Save that money for travel and production. No more wasteful spending.
Don’t Take Their Money
Money > Honesty. The shill’s motto.
Recently Disney released their Snow White live action remake. Another live action remake that no one asked for in a slew of creatively bankrupt projects the House of Mouse has decided to throw at the wall in hopes something will stick. The main star Rachel Zegler is a trash human being. Yeah I said it. Entitled, arrogant, dismissive of the past, condescending, politically divisive, and truly unappreciative of the position she’s been given. That’s the rub for many Americans with modern day celebrities. They used to represent the best of us. Now? Trash.
This person exemplifies everything wrong with modern day Hollywood. Trash.
Anyway, in following the film I came across a video with a compilation of all the Disney shills that are either on the Disney payroll or are willing to sell their souls in order to stay in the good graces of these companies. It was sad. Despite all the obvious reasons the film is terrible, they will do their best to spin it as some sort of success and victory. At least upon initial release. Months from now they’ll come back with a more honest, reasonable take, but they will never call it for what it is.
You see a familiar trend in the camera industry. YouTubers and social media influencers shill products that are obviously flawed. Products they’ve barely used or really put through the paces. They are willing to lie, lie, lie through their teeth in order to keep getting access to the gear and invites to the posh events. You’ll also notice a bias they have against certain other manufacturers who they aren’t affiliated with. They’ll criticize Canon to no end, but Sony will get a pass for example.
If that’s what it requires, I never want a brand to sponsor me. I doubt they will because I shoot nudes, unapologetically and I also don’t pander to fit whatever the political norms of the time are.
If you think I would be a shill for a single company or kowtow in the face of dumb political/social initiatives, I am not the person to follow. If you’re someone conflicted about going down the path of influencer/reviewer, I advise you to remain independent. Fund the acquisition of the items for review with your own money.
The minute you take the money and/or sign the contract to be an affiliate or sponsored by some company, you lose your voice. Your freedom of expression. Your ability to tell the truth. Fuck that. And fuck selling out. Oh, I also use profanity. I fancy having a broad vocabulary.
I’m above the influence because I don’t need their money. It’s not my bread and butter. I make my living actually taking photographs, not reviewing products. I can’t imagine how morally/ethically conflicted once must feel if reviewing products is your main source of income. When the access to a product will make or break you financially, you’re almost forced to play ball or bills go unpaid. Perish the thought.
Don’t take their money. Find your own way.
You Don’t Need Hollywood, Hollywood Needs You
Piggybacking off the previous point, I feel the same about Hollywood. For years, Hollywood turned their noses up at artists desperately clamoring to sit at their table. They were in an unshakeable power position for decades. It used to be practically the only way to produce a feature film of quality. Now after a myriad of scandals coupled with box office bomb after box office bomb, Hollywood finds itself facing irrelevance. Increased competition from streaming services and international films absolutely killing it, they no longer shine as brightly as they once did. It’s hard to convince the youth to even go to the movies anymore. Unless it’s a fantastic film that you recommend to all your friends and family, most people will skip the trip to the theater. Who’s going out on a Saturday night to see Snow White? Pfft.
One of Hollywood’s glaring issues is that they’ve painted themselves into a corner by preaching to the public and advocating so defiantly for certain causes that they’ve lost touch with the average person. They’ve insulted fans, pandered and catered to audiences that will never buy a ticket, and been downright lazy in terms of coming up with fresh, interesting new ideas. Remake here, sequel there. Same old faces for years. They no longer break new talent whether it be actors or filmmakers.
Attendance at theaters is in the tank. Film festivals are folding. Studios are laying off people left and right. Tell me again why I should go to Hollywood and jump through hoops to please a bunch of snobs and pseudo activists?
You know why movies were so much better years ago? Because a different generation where in charge of them. A generation with different values, thicker skin, and a focus on entertaining not preaching or offending the audience at large. Those people had vision. They wanted to make clever, thought provoking films that challenged the status quo. That challenged the ideas and long held beliefs of viewers. Now? Most of the mainstream films are run of the mill, cookie cutter, conformist tripe.
Hollywood no longer has its finger on the pulse of what’s hot. If you’re a young writer, filmmaker, you don’t need them. They need you. Build your own avenue. Fund your project independently and shop it around to the highest bidder. Or develop a platform where you can feature your work. Form a collective of passionate young artists with something to say that goes against the norm. Buck the trends! Don’t grovel and beg them to sit at their quickly shrinking table.
Their time is done.
They could have done so many amazing things in this new era with how hyper connected with are as a society. Instead, it’s been squandered because politics and pushing propaganda has superseded entertaining and creating art.
And a part of me hates to see its demise, because it used to be such an amazing place. Like Disney, Hollywood use to be a place of wonder and excitement. Where imaginations ran wild. You would sit in the theater and anticipate how amazing a film would be with your favorite star directed by your favorite director.
It reminds me of a line by one of my favorite rappers, Crooked I where he muses about the demise of hip-hop:
“Was stressed out over cashflow, hip-hop used to console my soul, now it’s a bunch of assholes.”
My sentiments about Hollywood exactly.
Then again, I can’t feel to sad for them. The below the line people sure, but everyone else? Nah. The way they’ve carried on for the past ten years should be a cautionary tale to any industry. Unbridled hubris and contempt for your customers has consequences. The chickens are coming home to roost. And as Joker so eloquently put it:
“You get what you fuckin’ deserve!”
Dealing with Flakiness
I had some tentative plans for shoots while here in Japan, but have ultimately decided against it. A word of advice, never force something. Portrait work relies heavily on people. And if people drag their feet in responding, or it’s unnecessarily difficult to confirm times/dates, don’t waste the energy. I think people on the other side of the camera(from models to clients) just think photography is some easy endeavor.
Travel costs, studio costs, backing up images, retouching costs, etc. It’s a time intensive, expensive profession. And if people don’t appreciate and respect that, as evidenced by their nonchalant behavior, don’t stress yourself. Save your money. Work with people who are passionate, appreciative, and show enthusiasm for the process. Models in particular can be flaky and very nonchalant. Don’t work with those people nor give them more energy than they deserve.
Instead of shooting on this trip in Japan, I’ll be shooting during a trip to Malaysia I’m planning for May. The model I’m shooting with is so cool and helpful, I’m excited to work with her. That’s the standard. Excited, enthusiastic, and helpful people. No divas, no unprofessional lackadaisical people.
Almost a year ago, I had a model reach out. She’s based in Miami but makes frequent trips to New York. She hit me up and says, “Hey I’ll be in New York soon, I’d love to shoot with you!” I said okay and we set up a date to do it. As the date approaches and after days of planning for her shoot and booking a studio, she goes radio silent. The shoot ended up not happening. I had to cancel the booking with the studio and get a credit to use for another time. Talk about annoying.
Recently, before my most recent trip to Europe she pops up again. “Hey I’m in New York! Are you around? We should shoot!” No apology, no “Sorry about last time.” Just, hey let’s shoot! No care or consideration of how she bailed on me the last time.
How do I handle flakiness?
Blocked. Next. I’ll never work with that person.
As George Bush, Jr. the most beloved President in our country’s history, put it:
“There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again.”
All for now!
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Musings: March 20, 2025
Thoughts on my upcoming trip to Japan to celebrate my 40th birthday, reflections on my recent trip through Europe and how I feel about the milestone age I’ve arrived at.
I’ll be in Japan March 21 - April 1st celebrating my 40th birthday!
I’m penning this post while flying to Japan to celebrate my 40th birthday. How the time flies? It seems like yesterday I had just arrived in New York at 25 years old. All bright eyed bushy tailed.
15 years? That’s crazy.
It was fifteen fun, chaotic, drama filled, peaceful, heartwarming, heartbreaking, happy, maddening, thrilling, purposeful, educational, and unforgettable years. And now I’m heading out of my 30’s into the big 4-0. Ain’t life something?
Here’s to 40!
And here are the musings:
To Shoot or Not to Shoot (Japan Edition)
I was considering doing a few shoots during my trip, but I’ve been feeling very cautious about it. I have my camera gear with me, but similar to Korea, it can be very challenging finding a good studio to work in in Japan. I’ve scoured the web for days and most are either not suitable, unavailable, or haven’t replied. It’s been making me anxious.
So I decided to take a breath and reconsider. Why do I even need to shoot? It’s okay to take it easy sometimes and just enjoy the trip.
But I’m addicted to photography so I’ll probably shoot something anyway. Lol
The biggest thing I’d like to take away from this trip is just to use it as an opportunity to recenter myself and map out my plans for the rest of the year. The past month has been such a whirlwind of events and shoots, I haven’t been taken care of myself like I should be. Gotta work on that and find the balance again.
My Last Europe Tour Was Amazing
Straight out of camera portrait of the amazing Ksenia Lytvynova in Paris. She is phenomenal. Captured on the Sony A7RV
As amazing as it was grueling, this last trip was by far the most successful. I felt like creatively I was on fire. I was really dialed in. But I’m only half the equation. You’re only as good as the people you work with and all of the models I worked with(some old, some new), were just brilliant. Such talented models and beautiful people. I’ve been blessed to have worked with some of the most amazing women in the world.
It’s humbling to say the least.
I’m going to do an entire post thanking Europe for its influence on my work and motivation, but for now I just have to say it’s really boosted me as an artist. I don’t think I’ll go back for a while, but I know when I do, it’ll push me even farther. Something about that place.
Oh and my Sony A7RV is by far my favorite camera of all time. Out of all the cameras I have ever used, this one really makes my work sing. There has been no other tool that has felt like a true extension of my creative being more than that camera. It is perfect for what I do and how I work.
What Does Turning 40 Feel Like? Or what are my thoughts about it?
I’m embracing it. I’ve been someone who has advocated for people to embrace their age. Each decade represents a different chapter in one’s life and I feel it’s healthy to let go of past self in favor of embracing the new chapter in your life. We have to transition or otherwise we’ll remain mentally, emotionally, hell spiritually stunted if we don’t embrace each stage in life with the respect and duty it deserves.
So that’s where I’m at with it.
40? Let’s go. I feel like the next 5 years will be most creative and productive years. And if so, I’m ecstatic to have arrived at this point.
Blogging on the Go
I’ll be posting regularly during my Japan trip. I’ve set of goal of getting out, exploring the city and taking lots of photos. Just snapshots really, but it will be a good exercise and force me to be a bit more consistent with the blog. Lol
Now I’m going to post this and watch YouTube videos about all the cool things I should do in Japan! Happy Birthdsy to Me!
Thanks for reading!
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Gear Talk: The Panasonic S1R II
More thoughts on the Panasonic S1RII. A very “meh” release for me.
There’s a lot to say about this camera release, but honestly I’m just “meh” about it. It’s not exciting unless you’re already in the L-Mount. If you’re shooting Sony, Nikon, or Canon, you’re probably better served by your current camera or their flagship model.
Out of all the reviews I saw, Camera Conspiracies(as usual) sums this release up perfectly for me.
Basically the major selling point is a lot of camera…for less. The spec sheet looks very impressive, but a camera is more than its specs. Does it overheat? What are the limitations of all the modes? Is the Autofocus up to par for the increased speed they’re boasting about?
Before people start screaming that L-Mount is back, there are still lingering issues with the system and this camera in particular:
Panasonic’s abysmal customer support. Good luck getting anyone on the phone.
Still no S PRO Prime lenses to round out the system. Where’s the S PRO 85mm, 35mm, or 24mm? All the other systems have premium primes in these focal lengths. Panasonic front-loaded when they released their first batch of S PRO lenses, but haven’t released anything premium in years. Not entry level f/1.8 lenses, I mean knock your socks off premium lenses. Where are they? Sigma has great options but we all know Panasonic lenses will work best with their own system. It’s a no-brainer for them to have them. It’s been too long.
Non-stacked sensor. For a flagship, this should have been standard. Given the cameras specs and focus on speed, a stacked sensor would have probably alleviated many of the issues. At least it would have added to the wow factor.
Large lenses, rivaling those of Fuji’s GFX system. If you want ultimate image quality and don’t mind weight, I’d wager the GFX 100S II is a better value than this camera.
If you’re a video shooter, the rolling shutter may put a damper on your plans. I don’t do extensive video with the A7RV for this very reason and apparently the S1RII’s is worse.
If you’re a stills shooter, 44 megapixels is pretty good, but a higher resolution like 60 megapixels would have probably been better. At least they could brag about increased resolution. I wager they went with 44 megapixels to accommodate the video side of the camera which is understandable but also causes the camera to not excel in one area or the other.
Lower res EVF than competing options like the A7RV.
There are many more to point out, but that’s just off the top of my head. For a camera seven years removed from its predecessor, I would have expected a lot more in way of “knock your socks off” features.
EOSHD also shares my sentiment about the release in the accurately titled post, “Panasonic S1R II – Great spec, dying brand.”
Ouch.
I guess my main question is, “In what area does this camera excel over the competition?” Where does it absolutely trounce what other companies are offering at the moment? I can’t think of a single area. And because of this, I don’t think it will be the red hot seller they need at the moment. It will keep them alfoat, but when the other companies inevitably counter, I expect to see deep discounts and bundle offers on Panasonic’s 1.8 lenses.
If I sound very apathetic, I am. For a company that’s far behind the competition, they need more than price and a fancy spec sheet to convince people to give the mount a serious look. You need a true flagship, something way ahead of what the competition is doing. Canon has the R5II, Sony has the A1II, and Nikon the Z8/Z9. Each excels in a particular category over this camera. It’s cheaper, but not better in the ways that matter.
Additionally I could see it cannobilizing sells of the S5II. Between those two, it’s probably the better purchase from the stills performance alone. Unless money is the limiting factor, just get the S1RII.
If you’re already invested in another mount, nothing to fret over. It’s exciting if you’re in L-Mount, if you’re elsewhere you’re probably better off staying put. I know I am.
Meh indeed.
Unfortunately I think since the S9, the writing has been on the wall for a minute. Panasonic is a brand that lacks ambition as well as direction. They refuse to make obvious decisions that would bolster their system (Remember how they fought hard against phase detect autofocus for years?!), they release cameras that are more “me too” than trendsetting, and their release windows have become so long between products the competition will leap them in quick succession in a matter of months!
It’s not a brand I have faith in nor a brand I can really recommend to someone looking to invest in a system. This should have been a homerun and instead…it’s a bunt.
All for now.
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