Valley Revolution '09

Superchick


Kutless

This weekend I got to shoot the Valley Revolution '09, a Christian music festival in the San Fernando Valley. Lots of people, local bands, and big-name Christian Bands such as Seventh Day Slumber, Fireflight, Superchick, Relient K, Kutless and a lot more. This was a great opportunity to give back to the community I live in as a volunteer photographer, and I have to admit, it was cool to walk around with an "All Access" pass and a bunch of camera gear hanging off of me. My ego was probably a little overinflated, but the sore back and shoulders compensated for that. God was reminding me that I'm just a nobody who thinks he's somebody without Him.


Relient K

I was able to go backstage, onstage, in front of the stage, on both sides of the stage, under the stage (just kidding). I only got my wrists slapped a couple of times by the stage manager and the main sound guy for overstepping their boundaries, but I still got to shoot from pretty much anywhere I wanted. I was also, as far as I know (I might find out differently) the first to upload photos for the event. Those can be viewed here.


Kutless


Kutless lead singer

The Busyness Continues

From the Dance Studio Portrait Session - Angelica Abrams clowning it up

I've been sick for the past couple of days, which is both a result of how busy I've been and something I have to work through, precisely because I'm so busy.



Michelle Pillar at the Pregnancy Resource Center benefit concert

A partial list of recent shoots: The Bat Mitzvah party, the Track Meet, the Pregnancy Resource Center benefit concert, the Christian Performing Arts Center dancer portraits (that was a big one, which I still have to process). Then there's what's coming up. Tomorrow evening begins the Valley Revolution (www.valleyrevolution.com) which goes for three days, plus on Saturday morning Peter's Boy Scout troop is meeting at 6:30 am to go down to the Veteran's Memorial in Westwood, which I will shoot because I can (if I'm not too sick). Then Monday evening (Memorial Day) an engagement session at the beach with a bride and groom whose wedding I'm shooting in July.

During all this time I'm processing the shoots, editing and adjusting, uploading to my website, processing print orders, and emailing links to clients. Adobe Lightroom has been a boon. But I've been so busy. I guess God is showing me that I'd better be careful what I ask for, I just might get it. I'm getting it.

All of a Sudden, I'm a Busy Photographer!

What's up with that? I don't get any paying photography jobs for several months, then suddenly I have almost more than I can handle. Senior portraits, an engagement session and a wedding, a product photography gig, a Bat Mitzvah, track meets, concerts and more! My prayers are being answered!



If this trend continues, by the grace of God, I'll be able to pay off some old bills that have been bringing me down for a while. And do some fun stuff with my family!

My Review of Bogen - Manfrotto Lightweight 4 Section Monopod Black Anodized #676B / 3006B

Adorama

Bogen - Manfrotto Lightweight 4 Section Monopod Black Anodized #676B / 3006B

Bogen - Manfrotto Lightweight 4 Section Monopod Black Anodized #676B / 3006B

Surprisingly Good For the Low Price

Larry Lenscap Chatsworth, CA 5/13/2009

 

4 5

Pros: Strong Construction, Compact, Hand Strap, Opens Quickly, Lightweight

Best Uses: Long Exposures, Stabilization, Sport Photography, Reducing Noise (ISO Reduction)

Describe Yourself: Semi-pro Photographer

This monopod is surprisingly good for the price, but I expected quality from Manfrotto - just not this good. It's very stable and strong, the clamps lock securely with no wobble, and the height is ideal. I bought a tilting monopod head to go with it, and I'm good to go. Great for sports.

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