Most of the time we associate that with positive thinking, seeing the upside of things, and a somewhat positive view of the world. And that's part of it. The other side is, really, to be looking up. As in, tilt your head up and look at things that stand tall up above you.
Now as a mostly industrial photographer, I tend to be in the latter situation quite a lot. I walk around - and climb all the way up - structures that are usually way bigger and taller than me. In a way, I am blessed that I get to see a world above. A world that I get to spend time in, up close and personal.
A world above full of wonder.
A world above full of beauty.
A world above that leads the way to the future.
With gratitude -
Earchphoto
]]>
The Permian Basin is now the world's most productive oilfield, as Texas recently surpassed Saudi Arabia by producing over 4.2 million barrels per day.
Being Texas-based, we are proud of this result, and we love the Permian Basin! Supporting the oilfield with our work is always one of our main priorities.
With Gratitude,
Earchphoto
Now a ghost town, Wellington was a railroad community in King County along the Great Northern Railroad, at the west side of the old Cascade Tunnel, which is now closed.
On March 1st 1910, while two trains were stopped there because of the snow, a quarter-mile wide avalanche hit the snow shed and sent both trains over 150 feet down the mountain into the Tye River Valley. Ninety-six lives were lost; remainders of the railcars wreckages can still be seen at the bottom of the mountain through the vegetation.
Of the snow shed, the initial part still remains today and is part of the Iron Goat Interpretive Site and Trail.
The western portal of the old Cascade Tunnel is also open and can be seen along the trail.
history hiking construction transport snowsheds photography Earchphoto
The lights of the refineries illuminate the way, as if the starry night had descended from the sky and landed down on earth to grace us with its beauty. The flame of the flares burns like a thousand candles, like a symbol of our collective energy that drives us to do more and rekindles the fire of our everlasting faith.
This is Houston, Texas.
This is our city.
We never stop, we never slow down, we never give up.
We never quit our journey of discovery, the quest to improve human life through technology advancement and innovation.
This is Houston, Texas.
We light the darkness.
Find Your Light with us at earchphoto.com
#WeLoveHouston
#WeLightTheDarkness
#Earchphoto
#FindingBeauty
I like to visit old and decommissioned industrial plants, they give a sense of history, and also sometimes are a challenge to figure out - and explain how the engineering was done at the time. It's interesting to understand how the equipment worked, how specific materials were used, and see how some techniques are different today.
The old Steam Plant is now a museum, preserved and maintained by Seattle City Light. It was built in 1906-1907 by the Seattle Electric Company along the Duwamish River, and was running two vertical GE Curtis turbines producing large amounts of power for the local industrial community. A horizontal Curtis turbine was added about ten years later.
The plant also represents an architectural landmark, as early example of reinforced concrete construction.
Seattle City Light (called the Department of Lighting at the time) purchased the plant in 1951, and continued to operate the plant on a very limited basis until the seventies, until they decided to restore it and make it available to the community for tours and events.
business photography smallbusiness energy electricity powerplant turbines light museum Earchphoto commercialphotography
West Texas reminds us that industrial work never sleeps and that we all work together and sustain each other. Oil rigs, water wells, cotton fields, flares, livestock, construction sites, wind turbines... we all share the same land and we need each other to thrive and be successful.
Together we build the future.
oilandgas PermianBasin oilfield wells oilpatch drilling windenergy water flare cotton windturbines industry sustainability texas agriculture photography industrialphotographer Earchphoto
This old barn caught my eye while driving to Spokane during the Winter. It made me think of our farmers and how we can support them and show gratitude for their work.
Everything on our table comes from American farmers.
We wish to encourage you to buy local, visit your nearby fruit stand, farmer's market, produce and butcher shops. Support local businesses, small businesses, mom and pop shops.
A rising tide raises all ships.
Let's all rise together!
business photography smallbusiness agriculture shopping farmersmarket fruitstand buylocal shopsmall Earchphoto commercialphotography
The rain reminded us that no matter how much we plan and do - sometime we have no power over nature.
Because some days it rains. Hard rain. Unrelenting rain. And makes you wonder if it's ever going to stop. And maybe it won't, or maybe it will.
But see, that's not the point. The point is - what are we doing while it rains?
Are we sitting here waiting for the rain to stop? Are we fighting the rain? Are we praying for the sun to shine?
What emotions reside in our hearts?
Powerlessness? Anger? Hope?
Are we fighting with what is?
Because the deal is, any time that we are at odd with what is - we take a step back in our ability to change what is. The perception that what is happening 'should not' be happening, the feeling that our situation 'should not' be the way it is - all that weight on our hearts sets us back from the actual steps that we need to take in order to change our situation.
The hard question is - can we come to peace with what is? Can we accept where we stand right this very moment and come to peace with it enough to look around and find out what opportunities surround us, and where we can go from here?
Can we accept that it is raining hard, come to peace with the rain, and look for whatever opportunities this rain has to offer? Is the rain revealing a different Road we could take? Is the rain giving us a needed pause to find out more about ourselves? Is the rain showing us a new or different way to approach things?
There is no coincidence.
We are here for a purpose. Can we find ways to fulfill that purpose in the rain?
Maybe the rain will stop.
Maybe it never will.
But what really matters is what we do while it rains.
What really matters is that we keep moving forward, and we keep helping others and, above all things, we choose to have faith throughout the journey.
A recent song by the band Mercy Me put this perfectly into words, and you can listen to the song here:
"I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't my hope is You alone"
In the meantime, let's help each other. Any act of kindness and relief, no matter how big or small, will help someone. Let's be kind and productive members of the community and try to do anything we can to help our neighbors. They need us.
If you are looking for some items that will help a good cause during the Month of October, please check out our art wall calendar and yearly planner. Proceeds from both will go to the hurricane relief fund to rebuild Houston, and hopefully help many people in need.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
#HoustonStrong
]]>
Interesting, because I actually haven't been silent - and I guess in the past couple of years I have focused more on a micro-blogging of some kind using various social media platforms - mostly Instagram and Twitter, and to a lesser extent Facebook.
There's convenience maybe playing a role here - social apps on the phone make the work easy, share an image, share a video, pen a few words... and voila, some new content or a quick preview is out to the world and you can start conversations with new people. I guess the idea of the blog has this attached perception of being more intensive, or requiring a bigger effort - and the feeling of putting words out into space with the uncertainty of whether they will maybe reach anyone, or maybe not. Guilty of somehow following the world of immediate gratification, and seeing the like or engagement of a social media post as more effective, while maybe it is just that - immediate.
And so here we are, and must we make amend to the faithful readers who had come to expect a little love from the Earchphoto Blog. And here I say it, mea culpa, because I dropped the ball. And I could go and dish out a million excuses - but I won't. No excuses, just a simple admission that sometime I've opened this window and looked at the blank page and found myself lost for words.
Ad so here is a simple comeback - to say I am grateful you are here, and reading this, and giving me a reason to put words out into space.
And thank you for your patience, and your loyalty - and for another opportunity to be here, and to be more consistent in keeping up with this blog, and to be of service to you.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
What do you look for in a photographer?
What is Earchphoto? Who are we, what is it we do?
Earchphoto (ˈēˈär-kˈfō-(ˌ)tō) is a commercial photography company. We are commercial photographers - we look for the light.
If you expect your photographer to be an unbiased observer, a documentary shooter, well - then we are not the company for you.
However, if you are looking for a photography company to stand by your side and share in your vision, and become an evangelist of your mission and activities or products - then yes, you have come to the right place. We are here to help.
Because #EarchphotoBelieves
We create images with those companies and individuals that we believe in, those we always wholeheartedly support.
Sure, we are a for-profit company, and we are in the business to make a profit after all.
But there is more.
We created this venture with the purpose of carefully selecting a group of people, brands, businesses, and teams, that we support and help grow and wish to showcase to the world.
We proudly stand behind each and every one of our clients: architects, contractors, designers, manufacturers, models, trainers, athletes - every single one of those we decide to work with.
We believe in their vision and work to help them move forward and innovate.
We believe in brand consistency, and we will protect our brand - and yours - down to the last pixel.
This applies of course to our commercial work - but also represents the backbone of our editorial collaborations with magazines, newspapers, and media outlets. And this is why we carefully scrutinize and hand-select the few media outlets we agree to collaborate with - to make sure that each and every single one of our images is used for a the purpose of promoting and supporting a client.
Always remember that, even when we are on assignment for an editor, we remain commercial photographers at heart: we shoot to SHOWCASE, ADVERTISE, and SUPPORT the people and brands that we believe in and are loyal to.
We strive to show the best in everything and everyone.
We look for the light.
We believe in loyalty.
Find your light with us at earchphoto.com
#showcase
#advertise
#support
#lookforthelight
#loyalty
While you wait to sign up for next year's tournament, check out all of Jamie’s Hope fundraising events on their website. The foundation raises funds to benefit Targeted Therapy cancer treatment research at M.D. Anderson. For more information on Jamie's Hope for a Cure, please contact Executive Director Amanda Abiassi at [email protected]
#endcancer
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
We get so used to the texture, that sometime when we look at real skin on a photograph it looks a little bit weird to us. And we get used to retouching everything - people, objects, buildings... eliminating power lines, electrical outlets, trash cans, imperfections on containers and bottles, wrinkles on clothing, signs of wear...
And there's the day when we decide not to retouch. The day when we decide to leave the image alone - with the dirt and sweat and tears and snot and everything that happened in real life. Just because. Just to keep it real. Just to bring some of that 'real life' in the photo, and make the viewer feel as they were there, and experience all the effort and the emotion and the truth.
Today is that day.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
To see the images from the shows head over to the Moonfyre Photography website and check out the photo galleries.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
Granted, I love all things 4 wheels - and two wheels, and eighteen wheels... practically anything that moves and can race, with an engine or human-powered... from truck to car to motorcycle to bicycle. But I guess Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati, and Jaguar are right at the top of my love-list. There is something about the lines and the attention to detail - and the tradition of a race car.
Find out more about these amazing cars and their racing history on the Official Website.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
But well, as things are, we cannot control the weather, and it's not always in the sun!
Last weekend the weather gods were not in our favor, and it ended up being a very overcast day with some drizzle. Being the high-contrast person I am, I love full sun, high noon light, with hard shadows and deep contrast of light and darkness. Instead, I was fiven soft flat light and grey skies, oh well - be grateful for what you have - still better than pouring rain for sure :)
So here you go - enjoy some overcast rainy images of the polo match, which was great as always despite the weather.
And by the way, go check out Kristie's work at Moonfyre Photography, her images are great and she's a lot of fun to 2nd shoot for!
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
The game was of course a lot of fun, and we had the pleasure to see many friends in action on the field as players and coaches.
Enjoy a few images from the event gallery, and visit www.alz.org/texas for more information
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
And my answer, to each and every one, is - I do not know.
Because I don't.
Because pricing it's not about me, it's about you.
No, this is not some holistic mantra post where we hug trees and do yoga and sing kumbaya - not my style, I'm not that romantic.
Truth is - I do not know what to charge until you tell me what you need.
Pricing is not about me.
It does not matter whether a shoot takes a minute or a day of my time, or whether you need to shoot a pencil or a pipeline or a water plant or a hospital or a horse or a sports car or a football game.
It's not about the camera, or the lens, or the lights, or the computer, or what it is I am supposed to shoot.
It's not about time, and travel, and location, and rentals, and crew, and models, and assistants - all of those are just expenses that get added to the quote. It's not about what I do and how and where and how long it takes.
Pricing is about you.
It's about the purpose of the photoshoot.
It's about what our images can help you achieve.
It's about what images you need and what you are planning to do with them.
Because what you do with the images changes everything.
Because what the 'price' will buy you is a usage license: a license to use and reproduce my images for some very specific uses.
And I cannot honestly give you a licensing price until I know exactly what use I need to authorize with that license.
This is why we don't post prices or rates.
Because they do not exist.
Because pricing is about you, and your needs, and your goals, and your plans - and how our images will help you achieve all that.
Because pricing reflects you and your business, and your world does not fit in a cookie-cutter routine number or package. And our work is customized and tailored to your world, because the purpose of our work is your success.
We are not about numbers, we are about working together for a common purpose.
Come talk to us - we are here to help.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
We are always extremely grateful to be selected to photograph vehicles, and we do admit to having a special interest for Jaguars. So here you go, two quick test shots we took as preview, while preparing for a recent photoshoot to make decorative display prints for a dealership showroom.
See you on the road, keep driving what you love, and go test drive a Jaguar soon: you will fall in love!
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
This year, instead of working for one individual competitor as it is often the case, I had the opportunity to spend some time second shooting several classes for Shawn McMillen Photography. It has been an interesting and fun experience - I am actually starting to like these second shooting jobs, and may try to pick up more of those in the months to come.
Please support this horse show all year long by becoming a member of the Pin Oak Club: they really go above and beyond to provide support to Texas Children's Hospital. You can learn more about the show and what Pin Oak does for Texas at www.pinoak.org
And of course, we will be back next week for Spring Gathering - so if you are at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, stop by the ringside and say hello!
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
Meet Blitzkrieg - barn name Blitz. Former fox hunter, now enjoying show jumping and beginning a new career as an eventing horse.
He was able to secure a 3rd place ribbon in his very first show, and we hope for many more.
Here are a few images of Blitz working on his new career goals with owner and trainer Savanna Little.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
Of course, a walk in the park becomes kind of an adventure when your companion for the day is published nature photographer and writer Irene Amiet of Oceandance Photography.
Irene is well known for her photographic books about Africa and the Texas Gulf Coast, and also for her art which is on permanent display at the Affaire D'Art gallery in Galveston, TX.
Check out her amazing work on The Oceandance website, and go visit with her at the next Galveston Art Walk.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
It is always wonderful to be back in California - and I totally loved seeing the 'perfect paint' in action. They are competing again today, on the last day of HITS Thermal, and we wish them the best of luck!
Enjoy a small slideshow from HITS Thermal week VI jumper classes and Grand Prix.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
Yes, of course red has a special appeal to us, but we definitely enjoyed playing with light and reflections with all other colors, and we do have a soft spot for carbon fiber...
Thank you BH Ferrari for thinking of us once again, we definitely appreciate it!
With gratitude -
Earchphoto
]]>
Saturday night was the Ladies' Classic night at Sam Houston Race Park, the highest paying race of the season, and also an occasion to support the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer. It was nice to see the park crowded with the many spectators wearing pink ribbons in support of breast cancer awareness and fundraising.
The race itself was of course a fantastic event, and here are a few quick images from race night.
Race your horse and help #endcancer!
Earchphoto
]]>
Most of my friends have realized that exotic cars hold a very special place in my heart - and Aston martin in particular... so this photoshoot felt more like a vacation than like everyday work. How is it they say, do what you love... exactly.
Enjoy a few of the images we prepared for the display, and go test drive an Aston Martin whenever you get a chance!
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
About a year ago, we decided to put Hayli's work to the test in a pool photoshoot with model Savanna Little, currently represented by the Neal Hamil Agency. Hayli's make-up and hair of course stood up to the test and remained flawless throughout the shoot.
Here are a few images from that day. We wish to thank Hayli Moore and Savanna Little for working with us on that shoot.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
Those who follow Earchphoto on social media and here on the Blog will probably remember us volunteering for other events organized by Jamie's Hope, such as the Masquerade Ball and the Golf Tournament.
Jamie's Hope is an organization very dear to us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to volunteer at their events.
Many thanks to Amanda and Jamie who welcomed us into their 'family' of volunteers in 2012 - the Angel Tree Mission event marks the anniversary of our first meeting with this fantastic organization, which we hope to keep serving for many years to come.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
Seattle breathes creativity and community outreach, and it is a very welcoming city even with a 'first timer'. Just walking around you can find inspiration and create something innovative. Of course, in my case, this means finding an architectural masterpiece (thank you Frank Gehry) and giving my own interpretation of its structure.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
Below are a few previews, and feel free to browse the Look Houston 2013 photogallery for additional images of the show.
Let's work to end AIDS.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
For those who do not know, I actually grew up in Italy. Fashionable, I know, and just a little bit exotic. On a good day, I can still speak some very reasonable Italian - and even find my way around the kitchen for a few traditional recipes.
When you think Italy, you either find yourself craving food and wine - or envisioning luxury products, ranging from fashion and furniture design, to accessories, jewelry, and exotic cars.
Exotic cars have a special place in my heart - I love cars in general, and have a special 'weakness' for Aston martin, and for the Italian makers Maserati, Ferrari, and Lamborghini.
A photoshoot involving a nice car always adds a bit of extra pleasure to a regular work day - and when the nice car is a Maserati, it gets logged as a pretty good day in my book. Here we are 'sharing' our pleasure with our blog readers, by showing a small sneak peek of the images we created.
Enjoy, and show Maserati some love by going out and buying your own!
Earchphoto
]]>
We conclude with Haute Hippie, Rolando Santana, and fabulous Nicole Miller!
Enjoy viewing all the preview galleries on our Fashion Houston 2013 page, and see you all next year at FH2014!
Earchphoto
]]>
We especially loved seeing him take his team on the runway at the end, together with the models - to show that the collection is in fact the work of everyone. It takes a village, indeed.
You can view some images from David Peck's collection on the gallery.
And, it's not over yet! There are two more galleries that should be released soon, and will be up on our Fashion Houston 2013 page!
Earchphoto
]]>
Today we showcase Yigal Azrouel , Zachary Prell , Houston favorite Chloe Dao , and Peter Millar.
Enjoy, and stay tuned for three more galleries coming soon on our Fashion Houston 2013 page!
Earchphoto
]]>
In the meantime, we will start posting images from the other collections shown at FH2013.
We begin today with Rebecca Taylor , Wes Gordon , Johanna Johnson , Bibhu Mohapatra , and Cut25 by Yigal Azrouel.
Enjoy, and stay tuned for more galleries to be up soon on our Fashion Houston 2013 page!
Earchphoto
]]>
So long, Fashion Houston - we will meet again next year. In the meantime, enjoy a few previews below, and stay tuned for the overall photogalleries which will be coming soon!
Earchphoto
]]>
Fashion Houston 2013 is still in progress, and we will post more previews after tonight's show. Stay tuned!
Earchphoto
]]>
And of course the 'queen' of the night - Audi. We had some fun outside playing with lights and flare while waiting to get to work...
Fashion Houston 2013 is still in progress, and we will post more previews this week. Stay tuned for more details!
Earchphoto
]]>
We were honored to serve at the second annual Jamie's Hope Masquerade for a Cure, and we are extremely grateful to give our small contribution and be part of the cure.
I hope many of you will consider volunteering or donating to this cause.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
#endcancer
#MDAndersonCancerCenter
#JamiesHope
]]>
My rep asked for some food-related images again, to use with marketing materials. Always a pleasure, especially considered that I get to eat the props, and sometime even cook them, have someone style them, take photos, and eat again.
Yes, you guessed right, I do like to eat.
Of course photography comes first - can't ruin the food styling - but we do get to eat in the end...
]]>
Some dream of a romantic getaway with their prince charming - other of simple country life pleasures. And it's all good.
Our idea of the perfect date involves a camera and 4 wheels - aka a camera and the perfect model.
We had a lot of fun with a yellow Ferrari, and for as much as we like red (can you tell?), it was as close to a perfect date as it gets.
Enjoy some Summer colors!
With gratitude -
Earchphoto
]]>
What you see, what you feel, what you dream or wish for - in small squares.
Looking at it as a combination of random moments - you realize that it does, in fact, depict your life and follow the road where your confused path is somehow taking you. And well, coming from confusing me - no surprise that it really does look totally random.
But in chaos - and chaos it is, as chaos always reigns - lie common threads, and recurrent themes.
Medicine
Architecture
Faith
Industry
Health/Fitness/Food
As always - in the midst of chaos everything is connected. Tout se tient. And in the small square world of Instagram and phone-ography - we get a pretty clear glimpse of who we are.
Here's to chaos, and life in small squares, and to the hidden connections and endless discoveries that our phones capture each and every day - with much gratitude.
Stay connected - you can find us on Instagram as @Earchphoto.
]]>
So for one day, we are sharing a few useful resources and education tools, if you wish to learn more.
Texas Water Conservation Association
And of course, we also share a few images from the local water and sewer plants...
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
The Houston Ballet graciously allowed AIA to use the Center for Dance for this event - which gave us occasion to spend time at the center once again.
The building was designed by Gensler, and was a winner of an AIA Design Award in 2012.
We absolutely love Houston Ballet and the Center for Dance - and are extremely grateful each and every time we get to spend some time there.
Here are a few old photos we took on a couple of occasions in 2012, when the building was first opened for use.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
We do.
Yes, you have heard this before... I would spend endless hours just observing make-up artists work. And I do - I am that lucky - I get to do something I really love!
Those who know me realize that I clearly am not the 'nostalgic' type... but occasionally I do miss film, and I do take the 4x5 out for a shoot every now and then. Just to get in the darkroom and develop my film and print again. And yes, I used a 35mm too... and my favorite B&W film was TMZ, aka T-MAX P 3200. Yes, I like high contrast, did someone not know that yet? Grain and high contrast. Black, white - what's grey for?
Well, a little while back I had sort of a 'digital B&W day' working with fabulous make-up artist Hayli Moore of Beauty By Hayli (www.beautybyhayli.com) and here is a preview of some of the work we did together - kind of bringing film back in our digital days.
And yes, of course, we love working with Hayli... check out her amazing work at Beauty By Hayli - Everything Has Beauty!
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
This past Sunday we had the chance to spend a fun hour (oh-so-much-unbelievable-fun) with Mutts With Manners in Galveston, TX. Mutts With Manners is a one-of-a-kind dog obedience school founded by three friends, Trelle, Heather, and Cathy, and their motto is 'pawsitive training for your dog'.
To connect with the school, which also provides training services at BoneVoyage Pet Resort, check out their website and Facebook page.
We had a wonderful time with the school owners and their trainer Laura, and had occasion to play with a few of their amazing K-9 buddies...
We cannot wait to be back at Mutts With Manners for more K-9 fun!
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
Here are a few images from a fun day!
]]>
Alexenia by Ksania Lerner is a Houston-based fashion design firm always on the lookout for unique fabrics and innovative concepts. Ksania comes from years of experience with fashion design, and is constantly looking to bring something different to the fashion scene.
To see more of her fabulous work, please visit the Alexenia website, and find her on Etsy and Facebook.
We wish to thank amazing designer Ksania Lerner, models Ashley Roberts, Savanna Little, and Carol Lisherness, make-up artists Kira Kovacs and Sarah Stafford, and hair stylist Billy Jones.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
No secret either - John Lautner has always been my favorite architect of all times. What is especially interesting in his architecture is constant innovation. A few weeks back I was chatting with an old friend, about 'old times', and us driving around L.A. on the weekends when we were younger. We would just get out and drive and discover new architectural treasures. And every time we found something that did not look like anything else on earth, well, we had a joke that it was probably a Lautner house. And most every time, we were correct.
You could always tell Lautner works, not by them being similar - but by all of them being unique and innovative.
Innovation is a driving force - an inner struggle, some might say.
Innovation is the heart of architecture.
Innovation is what we live on.
Like every masterpiece of art, it takes a considerable conservation effort to maintain many of Lautner's works. Some are privately owned and protected, others are maintained with the help of the John Lautner Foundation. Other, unfortunately, are at risk. If you wish to get involved and help protect Lautner's architecture, visit the Foundation website.
A recent documentary on the architecture of John Lautner is available on DVD - you can see the trailer here and find more information on the Foundation website.
To see more about the architecture of John Lautner, visit the John Lautner Foundation on their website and like their page on Facebook.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>Yes, I do indeed photograph beauty and fashion occasionally - but where do I see beauty in the world? In hospitals, first and foremost - the place where we take fear away and give hope. The place where we innovate, and solve problems. That is where I see beauty.
And another place of 'beauty' to my eyes are industrial plants. The place where we have power over nature, and we push our limits further. Yep - odd enough maybe - but just put me on a pipeline or let me walk around a chlorination pool and I'm on top of the world.
There is indeed a common thread - common with our brand and I guess with me as a person since photography is a representation of how I see the world. Powerful, Fearless, Visionary, Unlimited. That is our role on this earth as I see it - and that's what invariably lands in front of my camera.
That is my idea of beauty. Powerful, Fearless, Visionary, Unlimited Beauty.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
Hayli Moore is a licensed cosmetologist, and the hair and make-up artist at Beauty By Hayli. Her tag line is "Everything Has Beauty" - as in, there is beauty everywhere, all we have to do is find it and show it to the world. And that is - in simple words - what Hayli does. Find your inner beauty and bring it to the surface, so that the world may see.
We had the privilege of working with Hayli on several occasions, and we can see her passion for beauty in every detail. Her work is beyond fabulous, and she is just a wonderful artist to work with. We are very grateful to be among her collaborators.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
We are grateful to owner and principal mechanic Marco Rubio for collaborating with us on this photoshoot - and to model Savanna Little who seems perfectly comfortable with grease and tools.
]]>
So - digression - for those who do not know... my PR is also my ex-boyfriend. Yes, funny, I get it - it's everybody's joke. He works on restaurant menus and marketing materials quite often, hence why I occasionally get to photograph food, drinks, produce, restaurants, and such.
Recently he was preparing a campaign for a local farmers market, and needed some photographs of organic produce, showcasing how organic homegrown produce will be healthier food for your family.
What is it about organic - you walk in the grocery store and find yourself debating whether you really want to pay more for those smaller uglier veggies... Let's be honest, organic veggies do not look as shiny and big and beautiful as the 'others', and are usually more pricey - because of the "USDA Organic" label. Many of us have wondered at some point whether it's worth it or not, and the research out there is of course controversial.
We are not here to start a debate on whether to buy organic or not. We do, and we like to maintain a vegetable garden as well - but that's not why we are here. We are here to be of service to you: if you grow, show, sell, or cook fresh produce in your business - we'd love to meet you and discuss how our photography can help.
Earchphoto is here to help.
]]>
Jalyn is a future airline pilot who loves fitness and modeling - we had so much fun with her and cannot wait to see her again in front of the camera!
By the way - although not too often, we do take on a few portfolio development projects for models who wish to move to a new market, or renew their portfolio, or recently signed with a new agency. If you or your agency are looking for a photography company, come see us: we are here to help.
Earchphoto
]]>
As part of our 2012 rebranding process, we created a Fine Art Division of the company, and a fine art catalog which includes some of the items shown below. Our fine art prints are on metal, on canvas, or on styrene-mounted photographic paper - and include large size splits and clusters.
Since our new Fine Art Division was born, we have been invited to show our work on a few occasions both in Los Angeles and Houston - and more recently in Galveston. We also had the honor to donate a few of our fine art canvas prints for silent auctions and fundraisers.
Please feel free to browse our catalog, or inquire for additional information - and definitely come visit us at the next art exhibit!
Earchphoto
]]>
Yes, a bold statement - but true. It is indeed our favorite liquor - always puts a smile on my face when someone asks for photos of vodka.
A little while back we helped out a local store during their renovation, as they were looking for images of bottles to print and display in their sales room. Among wine and tequila and other concoctions - we found occasion to photograph our #1 favorite vodka of all times: Ciroc blue dot.
]]>
Hard to admit, we didn't make the group of early adopters on this one. Yes, my hi-tech self, proud owner of the very first Blackberry, beta-tester of the Creative Cloud and many other innovations - I was practically the last human being on earth to open an Instagram account last February.
And it came out of nowhere. I kind of got inspired by an Australian filmmaker and photographer - Hailey Batholomew of You can't be serious - and by her project 365 Grateful. After hearing the story of the project (check out the website, it is absolutely amazing), I decided that I wanted some small way to celebrate gratitude, and that it would be a 'side' project, although still somehow connected to our company brand identity.
The idea of using the phone to capture small moments of gratitude came immediately - I always have my phone with me, it's there, handy, to document anything that crosses my path. And voila - the idea of joining the community of Instagram-mers was born.
If you are on Instagram, come by and say hello. Get a cup of coffee and spend time (virtually) with us. We appreciate the dialog on all platforms, and this is just our latest online adventure. Connect with us @earchphoto and celebrate gratitude each day with us.
With gratitude,
E.
We are extremely grateful and cannot wait to work with her again!
It was a trial run of gold leaf, which we paired with a fabulous golden dress designed by Chloe Dao.
Earchphoto Runway wishes to express much gratitude to our creative team of the day:
Outfit: Chloe Dao
Make-Up: Sarah Stafford MUAH Artistry
Hair: On-Site Hair Design
Modeling: Haley Fountain (First Models)
]]>
Herve Leger has always been one of our favorites - high fashion innovation at its highest level - and we could not wait to see what Max and Lubov Azria would create with the bandage dress.
The collection presented by far exceeded our expectations! The design and craftsmanship of each piece are breathtaking - and we cannot wait to include these new fashion designs in our upcoming photoshoots!
The new Herve Leger website launches tomorrow - so make sure you visit them to learn more about their innovative work!
In the meantime, enjoy a few snapshots of the show.
Please find more about high fashion innovators Max and Lubov Azria on the About page of their official website.
To view and shop Herve Leger collections, visit their official website.
And follow Lubov's column on their official blog for up-to-date news.
Earchphoto
]]>
It is my way of changing viewpoint, switching focus, and finding renewed and re-energized inspiration.
Sometimes I go help a friend and second shoot a wedding. Or help out a colleague with a newborn session. Or take photos for a couple of musician friends.
Granted, these are rare occasions, but they bring along a sense of renewal and pave the road for innovative work.
One thing my friend have heard me say in over two and a half decades with a camera - is that I find a few genres of photography extremely boring. Seriously boring, to the point of giving me a headache!
Swimwear catalog is one of those. I remember barely surviving two swimwear sessions twenty years ago - and found them to be the most boring, monotonous, cookie-cutter routine sessions of all times. Every time someone asks me to photograph a swimwear collection - I refer them to someone else.
Well - wise people change their mind, don't they?
A few weeks ago I had an afternoon swimwear session - and I must confess that I found it extremely high-energy and fun. Ended the day soaked and freezing - by the way thank you Canon for sealing the 1Ds models very well - but totally satisfied with the session and the outcome.
Yep - twenty years later - I'm discovering that swimwear can actually be a lot of fun.
Thank you Savanna Little for a very entertaining day!
E.
]]>
Originally built in the late 60's as a warehouse for storing air conditioning equipment, 2311 Dunlavy has long gone unnoticed in an otherwise growing and vibrant Midtown neighborhood in Houston, Texas.
To attract a new first-floor tenant, the building had to go through a significant transition in order to become more marketable. The result was a simple design solution, using materials that were in keeping with the surrounding urban feel.
A cable-link system was used for lateral bracing, as new windows were added to the façade and did not want to impact the existing tenants with the addition of new structure.
New window canopies were added, along with a storefront entry for a retail tenant that were composed of raw steel, giving it a certain rustic urbanity. Exposed Honduran Mahogany was used in the decorative panels, added to provide relief and depth to the façades.
The result was a warm and welcoming focal point with much needed green space that received positive acclaim from its tenants and surrounding neighbors alike.
Though it was a simple project, it proves that a bit of pragmatism, ingenuity, and creativity can go a long way in giving an old structure a second life. (text by Kristin Noble)
We at Earchphoto are especially grateful to Carlo M. Di Nunzio, AIA, Principal, and Kristin Noble, Marketing Director. Please visit Di Nunzio Lifestyle Architecture for additional information.
We enjoyed this collaboration and look forward to many future projects together!
With gratitude,
E.
]]>
Well, from our Beauty and Fashion Division, here is evidence that architectural photographers CAN shoot portraits...
Earchphoto Runway would like to thank Savanna Little, Sarah Stafford, and Billy Jones for being members of our team for this photoshoot.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto
]]>
Photographers walk on this earth as everyone else does, and they see what everyone else sees. But photography is about seeing the same thing through a different 'lens', pun intended.
The other day I took a walk with an architect friend, as he was surveying a residential project and taking some photographs for his collaborators. I had a camera in the car and so we both walked around and took a few snapshots. And yes, I did say 'snapshots', right out of camera, with no retouching.
Later, we sat down for lunch and looked at the back of the camera, and we realized that this is what it's all about: seeing the world differently.
The difference between anyone with a camera and a professional photographer is how they see the world.
And so next time you walk outside and look at your world, think about it this way - how would you like it to be seen? How would you like your clients to see your business, your house, your hospital, your corporate office?
We are here to help you see the world differently.
With gratitude,
E.
]]>
We recently 'moved' our beauty and fashion work into a separate division of our brand, which has now its own space. To celebrate this change, we are posting a preview of the latest photoshoot at the Houston Skyline Studio, with rising star model Savanna Little and make-up artist extraordinaire Hayli Moore Kasser of Beauty by Hayli.
We wish to thank this great team of outstanding artists, coming together to create magic with our new division.
With gratitude,
Earchphoto - Beauty and Fashion Division
]]>
My skin doesn't do too well with make-up. I love it, absolutely love it - but my skin and my allergies do not, and it's only on very rare occasions that I can war a bit of powder or foundation for a few hours. Yep, pretty tough for a girl...
I am nevertheless fascinated by cosmetics, and by the work of make-up artists. I would watch them work and do makeovers for hours. In my eyes, a makeover is a quest to find inner beauty, some sort of a human remodeling project, and you know how much remodeling and modernization projects are dear to my heart.
There is something special about the idea of rebuilding, remodeling, reorganizing... it's sort of a moment of extreme honesty and extreme power. First, honesty - because to be ready for a makeover we have to defy the idea of perfection and admit that we are not perfect. And well, I was in gymnastics as a kid, so yes, perfection is deeply rooted in my mind... So, honesty first - strip down the perfection, admit to the brokenness, and acknowledge the need for reconstruction. Second, power: the power to shape and rebuild something innovative, visionary, daring, and fearless. The power to create, to materialize an idea in the tangible world, to find that inner beauty, to build something and watch it grow on its own.
And what in Heaven's name is this blog post about?
Business.
Yep, business - successful, efficient, streamlined, business.
But then, to keep it simple, this blog post could be summarized in four words: Thank You Tamara Lackey.
Thank you, really.
Ok, for those of you who have not heard the name Tamara Lackey before... please go visit her website: www.tamaralackey.com
Tamara is an amazing artist and businesswoman. And, she is an amazing teacher, speaker, and mentor. What makes her especially awesome is that she comes to photography from a business and communications background, and thus she has a much deeper understanding of business and marketing than most of us human beings :)
Earlier this year, in the midst of a work-life-profession-business-everything reorganization, I reached out to Tamara for an advisory session. My expectation was plain and simple to get some good business critique and advice, and a bit of help finding my way through the chaos.
Well, yes, that is what you expect of a mentoring session.
But Tamarra's advisory sessions are not just mentoring sessions, they are life-changing sessions.
In 90 minutes she took a honest look at my whole professional and business life and the chaos just dissolved. Objectives and purposes became clear, business structure changes, branding and divisions of the brand made sense, the website got a complete remodeling, and my mind and belief system got a bit re-wired as well.
Yes, it was that simple. We have many old sayings in medicine, and one that I have used very often (and still do) is 'paging is a sign of weakness'. Truth is, at times you come to the sudden realization that you need someone's help. And it may be as much as a conversation or even a word - and finally everything finds its place, and confusion disappears.
And, I got to join Tamara for her "Work. Life. Balance" workshop with creativeLIVE in Seattle, which was an amazing experience that I will eternally be grateful for. And another experience I highly recommend as well: watch Tamara's classes on creativeLIVE, and if you have a chance attend one of her talks or workshops. You can find more about her workshops and mentoring sessions on her website.
Photo by Andrea Devisser, who made a small miracle with my BlackBerry :)
Today my company is structurally sound, we have a consistent brand culture and service mission, and I am tying to walk in the direction of a more balanced professional life. All of that thanks to someone who took 90 minutes away from their busy schedule to take a close look at my business and help me sort it out. It takes a special someone to do that.
It was an unexpected, and very welcome, total makeover.
Thank you Tamara!
E.
]]>
A Certified Professional Photographer, or CPP, is someone who wants to stand out from the crowd. In today's market, where the barrier to entry into photography is so low that anyone who received a DSLR for Christmas can walk into a public office and create a new busincess, it is not sufficient to just be a good photographer. The world is full of good photographers. The CPP talls your clients that in a world with over a million photographers, you are one of less than 3000 who decided to take a board-style examination and submit a body of work to a panel of judges from the Professional Photographic Certification Commission for evaluation. It tells the world that you put yourself out there to be evaluated and judged, and you made it out alive with flying colors. It also tells the world that you are keeping up with an industry which is made of constant change, and participate in the numerous continung education activities required to maintain the certification.
The principal photographer at Earchphoto is one of the less than 3000 worldwide (and less than 200 in Texas) who elected to become certified.
Our decision was also driven by the clients we connect with and represent: our networking crowd is made of architects, engineers, physicians. They maintain a higher standard by passing their boards, and so do we.
We believe in education, in maintaining a high standard of service, and in delivering the highest quality products.
We believe in professional certification.
Elena Sbrana, CPP
Principal Photographer
]]>
I feel a special connection to healthcare architecture. Modern healthcare architecture is fearless, unlimited, and visionary. It stands at the intersection of emotions and power.
Illness is terrifying, like a storm in a patient's life. It brings confusion, fear, it clouds daily living with an overcast of doubt, limits, darkness, and uncertainty about the future. It affects the patient and everyone around them.
When a patient walks into a health care facility, they come looking for guidance, healing, and hope. They come from a place of darkness, and they seek light.
Architect John Lautner once said that the purpose of architecture is to improve human life. Healthcare architecture is the representation of that purpose.
The purpose of healthcare architecture is to relieve the limits imposed by illness. Illness says to the patient that they are afraid, limited, alone, unsafe. Illness takes away hope. Illness says you cannot do what you wish to do. Healthcare architecture responds by providing support and safety, lifting limits, opening spaces, restoring hope and creating connection.
Modern healthcare architecture brings light and hope into the healing space by creating an environment which is interconnected with the outside world. Gardens, playgrounds, art exhibits, and starry skies live within the modern healing space. The design brings the outside world within the patient room, and makes them an active participant in their own healing process.
The purpose of our photography is for the images to convey this message - the feeling that coming through these doors, walking into these healing spaces, here they will find guidance, healing, and hope.
Today I am not walking around as an architectural photographer, and not as a health care professional.
I walk as a friend today, going to visit a young child waiting for an upcoming surgery. As I move through the hallway, a little girl walks in a hospital gown, carrying a coloring book and a doll. Two boys sit together in the playground area, pushing a small toy truck on the slider. IV's, bandages, monitors - and a variety of colorful caps covering those little heads.
There must be some uncertainty, and fear, and pain in those hearts. And yet they all find the strength and courage to smile and play, and to seek hope.
We have so much to be grateful for. Being healthy enough to walk into this hospital as a visitor, for one. Being healthy enough to walk in many hospitals to take photographs. Being healthy enough to come by and meet all these wonderful people, even if just for a moment, even if just to share a brief walk along the hallway.
So, yes, please: at least once in each one of our busy days, let's take a minute to practice gratitude.
E.
Everything we learn, everything we figure out, is meant to be shared to improve the lives of others. Or make their job easier, maybe.
And sharing through education betters us all, the teachers and the learners, as while we teach we also learn...
A few people have e-mailed asking how a certain effect was achieved, or how a photo was taken, which settings, which lens, which post-processing... and we have decided to start answering questions on the web, so that many others could see the behind the scenes and benefit.
Please feel free to browse the Education website, where we will be posting the answers for everyone to read.
The first post is in regard to the ice table shot.
Enjoy, and keep the questions coming!
Earchphoto
]]>
Think of a pacemaker, or a pair of surgical forceps, or a syringe.
Think of everyday items, such as cosmetics, clothing, jewelry, shoes, handbags, cars... and how much we rely on the products we use to represent ourselves, our vision, our mission, our purpose in life.
What does your product say? How does it speak of your brand, vision and culture? How will it change lives? When your customers look at your product, how do they envision the change it will bring in their life?
The way a product is presented through imaging can change the world.
This is the beauty of photographing commercial product: we get this one chance to present our vision to the world. How fascinating.
]]>
During the break we had briefly chatted about some camera gear she had for sale, the changes in technology (we both got started in photography as teenagers with film and large format), and most of all - merging video and photographs in fusion projects. I was looking at creating a mixed media project - and she had mentioned that a still-video project was about to come in the next segment of the show.
Anticipation was building...
During her final section of the show, she introduced the project. To introduce the "My Story', her video-still fusion product for high school seniors, Sandy told us that she presents it to the client as the most high end product available, and then she told us what she actually tells the parents during the consultation: When you watch this presentation, I do not want you tho think about your son and whether you want this product for your son. I want you to think about what it was like when you were seventeen, and how you felt. At 17 you don't realize how free you really are: you have the world in your hand, you get to choose to be anything you want to be. You have complete and total freedom towards your future. What would you give today to hear your thoughts, your dreams, and that freedom of when you were seventeen - and to be able to watch that now, twenty years later?
Now, if you haven't seen the Workflow Tour and don't know about the "My Story" products, here's your homework: before you go on, open a new tab on your browser, head on over to Sandy's website, find the video section, and watch her "My Story"video-still fusion art. And since you are there on her website, go on to Ukandu and gift yourself a copy of the Workflow Tour and the Still-Video fusion Tour, they are worth every second in GOLD. Sales pitch over, alright, but yes, you do need to see her "My Story" video.
And now come back to my blog, thank you. Sandy's "My Story" is pretty impressive, right?
Well, after playing the video, she asked the audience, us, (and yes, me too), one more question: "What have you found tonight that is going to be the thing that changes everything?"
When I walked out that night, I though about that question. And about the idea behind "My Story" - capturing that moment of absolute freedom, and the dreams and thought of a 17 years old. And I thought about that lost teenager, that me that was 17 years old once, and what that 17 years old's dreams were, and what she wanted to do in life, and to be.
A seventeen, I was in high school of course, and an intern in a large commercial studio. It was pretty clear in my mind what my future was going to be. Finish high school, go to college, go to architecture school, and build a career as an architectural photographer. Pretty simple.
It was perfectly laid out. The perfect career path, the best architecture school nearby, the studio to come back to, I had it all planned out.
And it never happened.
At the end of college, unexpectedly, madly, abruptly, I fell in love with Medicine. Or maybe the idea of Medicine, and of the impact that Medicine can have in the world. And in a minute, all plans were gone. Vanished, locked away in those restricted moments we find an excuse for, and we call interests, activities, hobbies. Medicine is a totalitarian and jealous lover, and leaves no room for casual flings or old friends. Medicine wants all power and pride to herself, does not share the attention, does not want to let anything else on the stage.
For many years, photography was relegated in the role of 'side activity', reserved for those few volunteering/pro-bono projects that would come along. Yes, there was always this idea in the back of my mind - that someday, somehow, at some point I would maybe start an architectural photography business, something like a side business venture, something to grow by the time I retired from Medicine.
And yes, seeing this written down, it does sound like a load of excuses... hiding behind excuses, and behind the perfect statue of the nice doctor who occasionally offered the pro-bono photography skills to help, years went by.
Years and years.
Until that evening a few months ago, when someone walked on a stage and asked me, all of us, and yes, me too, to remember what that 17 years old, long gone, wanted to be. What that 17 years old, not really gone, still wanted to be. What this 41 years old, right here, right now, really wants to be.
The architectural photographer of Medicine, no more and no less.
And this is how the new re-branded Earchphoto is born, crossing paths between a long gone past and an uncertain future, in this confused present shaped by dream and work. And this is where my re-branded self is born, this intersection of photographer and doctor, striving for a peace which is never to be found.
What have I found that night, that changed everything? I found my own "My Story". And someone that somehow had the key to open a door and unleash a dream that had been locked away for a long time.
Sometimes, it just takes a special someone to unlock the door.
Thank you, Sandy.
]]>If this is your first visit, welcome, and thank you for landing on the new Earchphoto website; if you are a returning visitor, thank you for coming back to visit us. We appreciate the time you wish to spend here with us.
This is our new virtual home. The big remodeling effort is now completed, and we are adding the finishing touches to our new pages. In a way, it still is a work in progress, a perennially 'under construction' site, which really should tell you that we are - much like all of you - always at work, always changing, always moving forward. Much like you, we strive for constant innovation.
The real novelty is - we are open for business! (do I hear a drum roll... ?)
Yes, after 25 years of passion for architectural and commercial photography, we decided to take a leap of Faith and transition into an architectural and commercial photography business. Definitely a brave (or crazy) move, but there comes a point in life where you have to close your eyes, take a risk, and trust the Lord - and this is where we are right now.
We are here to be of service to you.
Please feel free to inquire about how we may assist with your new project - we are looking forward to creating visionary imaging together.
This new virtual home is a door always open: please come in often, and spend some time with us. Regardless of whether we may collaborate with you on your next project or not, our main goal is to be of help. Please let us know that you came by, and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Thank you for visiting,
Earchphoto
