107.9 La Kalle a Univision radio station hosted a summer event for the kids. Although it was hot, the kids did not seem to mind and they had a lot of fun.

Timbaland knows…HE IS THE MAN! Charting in the top 10 in almost every popular musical genre, Timbaland knows he is the producer to respect and now add performing tour artist.

Timbaland’s (Producer: Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River,” “Sexyback,” Nelly Furtdao’s “Promiscuous”) ”Shock Value 2″ tour was an all around sensory sensation. I seriously do not even know where to begin. The audio was spectacular because the band was made up of some serious session and touring players. Yes, I said “band.” An eight member band to be exact, playing some intense arrangements. The video and lighting were synced to the beats that Timbaland created. This gave the illusion that the artist presented on the video screen was actually on stage with the band. It was a wild and very fun ride for your eyes and ears. This was only a promotional run. I can’t wait to see what he does for the real tour.

I should have the behind the scenes pics and videos up soon. Let me just tell you, “his band is crazy.”

The MAESTRO:

Toronto should be proud, “Down with Webster” is a really fun band. When I say band, I mean seven members deep; three vocalist, guitarist, keys/bass player, drummer, and a DJ. DWW is a highly energetic band with a mission. That mission is to take their fusion of rock, hip hop and pop and have a great time. Their pulsating loops, deep bass sounds and loud distorted guitars have you either dancing or jumping up and down to songs about partying or about love lost with no regrets. Down in Houston, Tx where I caught these guys they were the opening act. Before they were done though the crowd was engaged and participating; singing the hooks back to the band. Toronto, thanks for sending some of your talent down(pun intended) south for a good time.

Its fun to go out and just hope you catch something unique and fun. Early in the month of January I captured a couple of guys playing an acoustic set at Roots Coffee House in North Richland Hills, Tx a small suburb of Ft. Worth, Texas. Fronting this duet was Adam Roye a skillfull guitarist and Anique Fazaldin on drums. Adam’s pedal set up was really cool as he had all the pedals running to one switchboard. Anique’s setup was a kick bass, hi hat and three snares, one being a vintage Civil War snare. Adam used his pedal board to create a loop and set the groove. Anique would jump in and lay down the rhythmic foundation and Adam would follow with leads on top of the looping groove. During the set Adam explained that some of the music was being written as they were playing. I thought that was really impressive and skillful. It was a sound for sore ears and very fun to watch.

Marisha was looking to expand her facial portfolio and asked me to help. We started off the evening trying to do location shoots but the weather was unexpectedly cold. We made our way back indoors and I set up a single Canon 580exII and begin shooting. In order to expand her portfolio I had to have her do a few different looks. She quickly warmed up to the idea but at first she was a little hesitant. She normally does not wear her make-up so heavy. In the end though I think we achieved some positive results.

The Good Girl

The Teeny Bopper

The Rocker

The Club Hopper

The Diva: Ice Queen

Canon 7d, Canon 50mm/f1.8, Canon 580exII. I used various settings. I changed the white balance, shutter, f-stop throughout the entire shoot. I was purposefully going for different looks.

Sometimes musicians have a moment of collaboration between them and the audience. Its perfect when the crowd correctly interprets the music and lyrics and respond positively. That feeling is so overwhelming and beautiful that as an artist you want that glimpse of adoration to become a lifestyle. If you ever want to experience that collective appreciation have Timothy “Mace” Macon play drums for you. He brings an emotional and skillful approach to drumming that begs to be heard over and over. Need a moment as an artist to be exhorted and remind yourself why you do, what you do? Ask Timothy Macon to play drums for you.

Bob of illphoto.com and I collaborated on this shoot. He should be posting some pics of this session on his blog pretty soon. Until then check out some of his other work which is both amazing and hilarious.

Saturday night under the cover of a light mist I made my way out to the north end of downtown. Stepping cautiously into an antique home converted to an art gallery and coffee haus. I quickly spotted my subject. Kyle Steed an aspiring artist hoping to change people’s perception of faith and life through visual art. This is a man with hope. Its a shame we must meet. Unfortunately the dark wet night seems to be just right for someone in my occupation.

Once again the situation seemed to not be in my favor. Lots of people and a small crowded space. So the best thing to do is shoot everyone. Instead of using my favorite Canon 85mm, I pulled the Canon 16-35mm/f2.8 attached to the 7d. Shot Kyle and everyone us and made it out in just a matter of a few hours and still had time to meet some fellow shooters for a nice late dinner in the Uptown area. It seems favor was on my side after all. Congratulations to me.

I shot the entire event at ISO 2000 1/200 F2.8 using the Canon 16-35mm/f2.8 and Canon 7d body.

Sometimes I wander aimlessly, shooting at things randomly.

Shooting people is really fun, however shooting things can be much more fun and destructive.

My friend Bob of illphoto.com (he mentioned me in his blog so I thought I would one up him by mentioning his site) and I go will just out to random events and begin shooting. Occasionally we will not even have a destination. We’ll just stop and go until we spot a subject of interest to shoot.

I hope you like the shots.

Despite the name of my blog being called “Shooter’s Ledger,” I am not a man who enjoys hunting. I like guns and I like what guns can do but I am not one who takes pleasure in the final result. However, shooting in the mountains of Alaska is something together all separate. Wait, what? What did I just write? Never mind the last incoherent statement, if you can call it that. I guess I was trying to say, “shooting in Alaska is quite fun.”

These pictures were taken over several years from 2003-2008 with different Canon camera bodies and lenses. The camera bodies used were the Canon 10d, Canon xti, and the godsend Canon 1d. I also had the misfortune of using the Sony Alpha 350 for some of these pictures but please do not hold that against me.

The Canon lenses used were the introductory 18-55mm/f3.5-5.6, 28-80mm/f3.5-5.6, 24-105/f4

I will not list the Sony gear I used.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. You can click on any picture to enlarge it.

After “True Widow” (mentioned in the previous blog) finished rocking their set “the Burning Hotels” took the stage.

A four piece Post Punk music inferno broke out. The two guitarist trade off fronting the songs, the bassist does background vocals but he also lead one song, the drummer was the madman of the band. He wouldn’t offer any expressions just hard, technical and fast rhythms. The other three the members offered the wall to wall audience charisma, passion and even some witty charm in between the songs.

Starting form the very first song “the Burning Hotels” set the place on fire. The music was dynamic and energetic. They also performed a couple of ballads for the ladies which went over quite well.

I am sure when they perform down in Austin, Tx during SxSW they will get plenty of positive attention.

I hope was able to capture their set for you to enjoy.

Canon 85mm/f1.8 lens