photoshopuser!

2011-07-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

The explanation.

So I took a year off, have been working, reading new books and researching different things. These things include core social science topics like Economics, California History and Government. Took a break from that with audiobooks Shadow Divers and Team of Rivals. There have been some great books on current events Like Mark Steyn's America Alone. My new project this Summer is to be a published writer, so I am reading up on that. Every Summer, I read one intense book. Last year I read the 800 page Social Media Bible. Accomplishment!

The question now is: What direction do I take this blogsite next?

2011-07-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

CSUF Summer Arts 2011

Was a success.

Doug Rice, accomplished writer gave a lecture on Friday, July 1st, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

Writer Doug Rice had some definitely great points made about being a writer. In a recent lecture at CSU Fresno, He mentioned to be a writer you have to have paitience and persistance. (I need to remember this!). This guy definitely has a sense of humor! Oh wait, I said definitely twice. Gotta strike that. Hey. He's on Facebook. Cool.

Sad to say next year Summer Arts will be moving to Monterey, CA.

2010-06-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

CSU SUMMER ARTS 2010

Attention photographers:

There are lectures on multimedia and fine art photography.
The multimedia and publishing lecture is on June 29th @7:00 p.m. and will feature award- winning photojournalist Josh Meltzer.
Susan Heyre Thelwell, Photographer and educator, will present on July 8th @7:00 p.m.
Both will be at the Conley Lecture Hall located in the Conley Art Building just northeast of the Joyal Administration Building.

Other events include: theatrical performance, animation, writing, string and piano ensembles, and dance.

For more information, go to: http://www.csusummerarts.org/

2009-12-30T17:22:00.000-08:00

Read a book...read a good book.

This was a good year to read as much history, economic and business books as I could.
I ended up reading forty-four books. History subcatagories included California, American
and world history. There was John Adams(biography) and a crazy book
titled: Alice Cooper: Golf Monster. Below are some of the books:

The Venus Fixers, Ilaria Dagnini Brey (2009)
The remarkable story of allied soldiers who saved Italian art(Italy's art)
during World War Two. (The author is a journalist who was born in Padua, Italy,
and this is her first book.) It's a good read.

Downfall (2005, DVD)
An Oliver Hirschbiegel film. "Intense and dramatic. Accurate and harrowing." -S.F. Chronicle.
This film is about the last days of Adolph Hitler. Bruno Ganz makes the role of Hitler terribly convincing.

Bismarck, Niklas Zetterling and Michael Tamelander (2009)
The story and final days of Germany's greatest battleship. This ship could outrun and outgun all other battleships. So how and why was it defeated? Great read!

Meltdown, Thomas E. Woods (2009)
This book explains why banks failed and how the government is bailing them out. there is mention of the Austrian School of Economics. Should America use their ideas instead?

Glen Becks Common Sense, Glen Beck (2009)
This is simular to Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" but in present times. Viewpoint: patriotic.

The Outlaw Josey Wales, Clint Eastwood (1976 DVD)
This is one of the best westerns I have ever seen. It has a mix of Civil War, personal values, conflict and humor. Essentially, it's about a man who chooses to avenge the death of his family.

The Millionaire Zone, Jennifer Openshaw (2007)
A proven success plan that enables you to get out of your comfort zone. "It's really about being open to the possibilities around you," says Openshaw.

A Terrible Glory, James Donovan (2008)
This is the last great battle of the American West, General Custer at the Little Bighorn. This book sheds light on major and minor characters: Custer's wife, Libby, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. It also details the events that led up to the Generals defeat. Well researched, and it's worth reading.

Arrogance, Bernard Goldberg (2003)
Goldberg shines a light on the media elite. Says Goldberg: "When the New York Times speaks, everyone in network television listens."

John Adams, David McCullough (2001)
Yes. Read it. It's a great Biography. Adams was the voice, Jefferson was the pen.

What's ahead for 2010:
California Government
A Crack in the Edge of the World, Simon Winchester
Empire of Nations, Gordon S. Wood
Something in the Air, Richard Hoffer
More on World War II
Churchill
and more...

2009-12-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

Points to remember for those learning to be a better photographer.

Ask yourself: What do you see?

Keep in mind the composition, color and texture of a scene or subject.

Candids are sometimes better than "posed" shots.

Learn to think in black and white.

Eye contact is essential to a great image. If you're working with a model or subject, eye contact
is the best way to communicate.

When you have "the shot" you will know!

Practice makes perfect!

2009-10-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

What is the newspaper of choice?

Over the years I've graduated from one newspaper to another. I started

reading the Fresno Bee. In the 80's and 90's I went to Los Angeles Times,

Sacramento Bee and occasionally The San Francisco Chronicle. I then

discovered a classic: the Wall Street journal. I also read the San Jose

Mercury News Sunday edition.

Well, about two years ago I started to read the New York Times.

I look at the editorials and the arts section. It has been said the NYT is

a progressive newspaper. So I keep that in mind while reading about

todays political and economic scene. Remember, most newspapers have a

shift or a bias in reporting news. Journalists and editors try to present

the news bias free and adhere to a code of ethics.

2009-07-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Not for sale...

But it's a remarkably artistic image that conveys blues in music.

This is a work in progress.

For Sale:

Sepia Violin.

framed and signed.

Call for price.
The real picture looks so much better,

including the metal frame, and you can negotiate the price!

2009-06-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

An Online Portfolio (in progress)

Ken McCoy, Consultant

Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger

Martha Minuzzi and Ty Tribbet at awards show.

Steve Detweiler (Fresno State)

Family in the park.

2009-05-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Set your mind to anything (a noteworthy goal) with reasonable
expectations, and you can accomplish anything!

Examples of individuals who did just that:

Michael Phelps
Lance Armstrong
Tiger Woods
and of course,
Helio Castro-Neves, 3 time indy 500 race winner.

What are you waiting for?

2009-02-03T09:58:00.000-08:00

Economic blahs

So, it has come to the time of addressing the

economic crunch. I could not begin to tell you how

many articles I have read on the economy and on

economics (and they're still coming). I've only

read them to get perspective and knowledge.

The general idea is this: save as much as you can

for a rainy day(or season).

What consumers did: Husband to wife: things are

great honey, I just got a raise and, I want a

54 in. Blu-ray flat screen

TV with eight huge speakers(surround sound

to the max).

What bank executives did: took more than their

share, way more. They ripped us off!

If you have a job, plan your financial future. If you

don't have a job, do everything in your power to

survive. Use wisdom, be ethical. help others when

you can.

There is a book by John Steinbeck called: "The

Harvest Gypsies." It is the predecessor to

"The Grapes of Wrath." It is a bleak, eye opening

look at the dust bowl era, when migrant workers

came to California. They had it rough.

I don't want to wish that on anybody!

Large businesses are laying off varying percentages

of their workforce. This is happening all over

America. What happens to the small businesses?

They dissappear! Like the dot.com startups of the

nineties, the money is gone, the cash flow has

dried up. Technology keeps advancing, restructuring

takes place, and new ideas are born. It is a cycle,

involving a curve where some will win,

some will lose. That brings us to forclosures, not

going to talk about that.

Where is Captured Image Photography?

I know of a business that recently ended it's existence.

It was a small freelance company that had some

good years photographing weddings and dance

showcases. Even though changes were made to

keep up with the digital age, which included

photoshop, the company could not get its hook in for

real growth. The problem that surfaced was in the

reliance of word of mouth, not marketing and

networking enough caused the eventual demise.
You can picture businesses going twenty, fifty or

one hundred miles an hour. Then there are the

ones that go the speed of sound! Picture

a huge freeway with cars and trucks going at

various speeds. That is what todays business pace

is like. Strap in, hang on, and market like crazy!

It may not be enough to know one or two

programs, but three or four

gives you better choices.

Great possibilities, yes. Greater returns.

There was a decision to for the business owner to

return to college and get a degree. A degree was

obtained, right before the economy took a nose dive.

Timing is everything.

Captured Image Photography had some good years

and creative efforts. This will move onto something

else, no doubt. Something better.

After talking to an associate, there was mention of

the market(s) getting flooded due to so many

people out of work. jobs are getting scarce.

"But there has got to be something out there,

I'm not giving up," the business owner said.

Maybe you should become a teacher, I said to him.

"It's possible, We'll see"

2009-02-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

Classic Dog Show!

Fresno Fairgrounds

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Gordon and Anne with three russian wolf hounds.

Gordon showing off one of the hounds.
Look at the markings.

Elaine with her hound.
There were many breeds in competition, including pugs.

I thought since I was taking the day to watch the show, I had to get some images of the
russian wolf hounds!

2008-12-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

So this year we all have a little more

to think about, economically speaking.

Besides the war in Iraq, new leadership coming in,

and wondering if we will crash and burn financially.

Restratigize, spend less, spend more time

NOT running around(spend more time with

family). My new project is to study up on history and

economics, and to stay connected to others(network!).

Remember also peace on Earth begins with you!

God bless.

2008-10-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

Photoshop CS3 Seminar featuring award winning photographer James Ranells When: November 1st, 2008

Where: 6730 N. Blackstone Ave.Fresno, Ca. 93710

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Cost: $75

Topics covered: Layers & Adjustments

Camera Raw

Digital workflow

How to get the best images
and more...

There are only a few spots available!

2008-10-05T16:08:00.000-07:00

The Art of Chess

A great game for critical thinking!

No matter if you win or lose...well...it is a challenging game.

To win, study and practice equals success!

2008-10-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

Chicago at the Fresno Fair!

Oct 1st was the night for a two hour show featuring many hits

from the past. This was a truly memorable night to hear songs such as:

25 or 6 to 4

Diologue pts. 1 & 2

If you leave me now

Alive again

Saturday in the Park

Feelin stronger every day

Beginnings

Time to dig out the music!

for more info: http://www.fresnofair.com/

2008-10-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

Photographer nails 1st place in B&W Archictecture division!

The Fresno Fair (Oct. 1st to Oct. 13th) has a great photo exhibit every

year. After several years in hiatus, an effort was made to show to a new generation.

One has to have the eye, discipline and an understanding of composition

to create such a masterpiece.

www.fresno.gov/default.htm.

2008-09-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Paul Newman 1925 - 2008

I was in shock this morning when I read the headlines.

Mr. Newman starred in over 50 movies, was co-owner

of Newman-Haas Racing team(which featured Michael

Andretti), and was married to the same woman over

the long haul.

This is in honor of Paul, any thoughts or comments

please pass them on.

Thanks

(photo is from my own archives).

2008-09-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

A New Look at an Old Guitar!

Art never dies, it just keeps getting better.

This will soon be available for purchase...how large do you want it?

2008-09-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

Via Viente

Via Viente is simply the best antioxident product

on the market today.

This product can help the body fight against inflammation,

cut down the risks of heart attacks, cancer and alzheimer's.

What's in it?

Grape

Gentian Root

Bilberry

Elderberry

Cranberry

Noni

Prune

Blueberry

Apple

Aloe Vera

Via Viente has the highest ORAC/anti-oxident levels available!

For more info: http://www.viaviente.com/.

2008-09-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Due to scheduling difficulties the Photoshop Seminar has been postphoned.

It will be rescheduled soon(possibly October). Thank you for your patience.

2008-08-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

Photoshop CS3 Seminar
featuring photographer James Ranells

When: Sept. 6th, 2008
Where: Marriott Courtyard
1551 N. Peach
Fresno, Ca. 93727 (across from Fresno Airport)
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Cost: $75

Topics covered: Layers
Camera Raw
Digital workflow
How to get the best images

There are only 20 spots available! Sign up now!

Contact: James Ranells @ 559-908-9269
shutterbug043@yahoo.com

2008-06-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Fresno State Bulldogs Baseball Team

Comes Home to a Full House!

Happy to be Home, Proud to be a Team!

2008-06-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Fresno State Baseball Team wins championship!

Party in the streets!

Fresno State blasts Georgia 6-1 in game 3 of

the Collage World Series (Wednesday, June 25, 2008).

It is a victory well earned.

In 1983, there was a NIT Basketball Championship in

New York with Fresno State as the victor. I discovered

a huge gathering of fans at a major intersection

in Fresno to show their appreciation. I do believe

traffic was at a standstill.

The same thing happened yesterday outside the Dog House Grill,

across the street from the Save Mart Center on Shaw Avenue(which is right next to

CSU Fresno).

Traffic was stopped by the fans, horns blarring and joining in the fun as they were passing by.

And then the police came...and blocked off the whole eastbound

side of the street! What a celebration!

Here are some images:

In the streets!

Stoked!

Thanks to:
Fresno State Bulldogs Baseball team:
the coaches,
the players.
Dog House Grill
ESPN
(highlights of the series are going to be on ESPN all week!)

2008-04-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

A true rock patriot.

Mark Farner,

The man who started the Railroad

in concert, 4/5/08.

There has been a shift in music in todays world.

Not much of it has anything to do with values, but

of the self. The same can be said about our country, our economic situation,

and how we spend our money.

Mark sang some new songs from a recent release: For the People.

And he sang some old classics. Among them, Are You Ready?, Country Road,

Heartbreaker, I'm Your Captain and Were an American Band.

Some of the issues he addressed were: Bring our troops home!

(Mark, by the way is anti-war).

Along with the diversity our nation has developed, there are

also many ways of thought. It can get confusing at times.

Find your true inner-voice, we are still one nation under God.

And we can still inspire others!

-James

2008-03-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

Market Watch

The market is volatile and unpredictable! Picking stocks

that can grow or offer stability take a good amount of research.

Choose wisely!

Picking the right stock is a gamble.

Money and Cars (and gasoline).

Companies are giving us high quality gasoline at an exhorbinant
record prices! I saw an original Hummer on the road yesterday,
I wonder how much it costs to fill up now.

__________________________________

Economics is the study of how scarce or limited resources
are used to satisfy unlimited wants and needs. It's all
about making decisions.

Source: Economics, 8th edition

Welch and Welch

Is saving money a healthy habit?
Yes.

Do economic statistics tell us how we are doing?

Depends on who you ask.

2008-01-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

This is an image of a Ferrari at mach one!
The original shot was and still is a beauty.

This will eventually find it's way onto a greeting card.

(yes, it will be for purchase soon).

A photographers vision is like an artist painting with light.

It is never good enough. Study the trends and read up on the markets.

Photojournalism, art, sports and commercial are just a few.

Also: it wouldn't hurt to read up on diversity of people

and new technology

2008 will be a breakneck success!

Projects are in the works.

Here is the original shot. I was in Monterey, California

one morning, and basically I was in the right place at the right time.

Always have your camera and be ready.

2007-12-20T12:49:00.000-08:00

So another year has ended...

I hope no one I offended

It's time to get out of the hole

and reach up for a new goal

avoid the mess,

do not stress,

and drive towards success!

________________

I spent one hour

with the photoshop power..

OK Enough!

_____________

Count your blessings,

remember the people you love

Thanks

2007-12-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

George N.Zenovich Courthouse

Fresno, Ca.

An artists reception was held at the new courthouse in Fresno

featuring 250 images from around the valley. The images are 20 by 30 framed

and are stunning! 6 of them are from my collection.

Thanks to Karen of Blue Moon Gallery and

Bob & Greg from Fotech Digital Imaging.

2007-10-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Senator Hillary Clinton makes Fresno appearance.

Senator and presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton

stopped to campaign at Fresno High School this

morning. The senator touched upon health care

and how we should have choices for individual

health care. She had also mentioned if the war

is still going on...she will end it. The key word

for the rally was changes. There was a large crowd

on hand to show support for the democratic choice.

2007-10-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

On Making a Music Video

Day one: Location confidential!

Setting up for stationary location shot.

The driving shots were done first.

Day two: At the Club.

Pictured above are Analyst and Vico, who will be in the

video. (Analyst wrote the song. It's actually

pretty good.) There was a lot of dancing that night.

Day three: Filming the finishing touches on it.
Vico and Analyst pictured above are actually working.

Travel notes: Don't let anybody tell you
about finishing on time. The job gets done when it
gets done! I actually got lost..twice on the
third night. The song is a cool, dancable rap song.

Also: Always carry jumper cables in your car...and

a flashlight. They come in handy just in case one

of the star car's battery goes dead. Everyone

worked hard to finish on time.

2007-09-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

HD DVD vs. BLU-RAY

I have started a project where comparisons are noted in new DVD technology.

The field of DVD's is changing faster than you think. There is a higher quality

product available, actually two standards of higher quality.

The High definition DVD offers a noticable sharpness when

played on a High defintion system. But in seeing how Blu-Ray

plays on the improved system, there is no comparison!

The Blu-Ray offers incredible sharpness!

Price

The price of a high definition system is a little more than a normal one.

The Blu-Ray DVD machine, a good one, costs between $425 to $500.

Now you can go and make your own comparison.

Coming up:

New DVD releases in HD and Blu-Ray

2007-08-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

San Fransisco Golden Gate Bridge

as photographed on Saturday, August 25th, 2007.

Historic View.

Travel notes:
There were too many people on the weekend.
The best time obviosly is during the week.
I couldn't get to the desired location(north end, looking
towards the City).
There will be a next time.
Car of choice: 2007 Toyota Corolla.
Music of choice included CCR, The Who, Jethro Tull,
Dave Matthews, Paul McCartney and Deep Purple.

2007-08-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

Grank Funk guitarist Mark Farner

performed at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk

on Friday, August 24th, 2007.

The veteran rocker still had it as he

performed two shows at 6:30 and 8:30.

The set list included In Need, Mean Mistreater,

Some Kind of Wonderful, Inside Looking Out

and I'm Your Captain.

He will be coming to Fresno in April of 2008!

2007-08-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Turntable as Art:

a color study in blue.

Boredom during summer, more classes around the corner.

Books read, movies seen, how many red bulls did I drink to get this image?

(again, in photoshop, tweak the image in curves and

experiment with the bule channel).

Choose your own idea and photograph it

on a white background.

2007-08-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Mitt Romney makes Fresno Stop!

Mitt Romney stopped in Fresno at

La Boulangerie to campaign

on the issues important to voters.

Mr. Romney before questions from the press.

It will be interesting to see how all the candidates
will fare in next years election. With so many places to go
and people to see, the process is much more
complicated than ten years ago.
(You got to give him credit for being a republican.)

2007-08-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

The Camera as Art!

This is my 100th post!

There is nothing you can't do as an artist. You take a basic

photo, clean it up, and run a curves adjustment(in photoshop).

I have a favorite choice...but you can experiment

to your liking!

Graphic Illustration

I am thinking of including this as a greeting card, but

it needs a little more something.

Tell me what you think.

Feedback welcome!

2007-07-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

National Geographic photographer in Fresno!

Bob Krist (above left) shared travel notes and stories

to a full room with about thirty people turned away!

He mentioned the common problems to solve when out

in the field: bad weather, time limitations, language and logistics, access and

overfamiliarity. He shared details of his travels and stunned us

with magnificant images from New York, The Carribean and Tuscany.

Mr. Krist has written several books and will soon have a new one out.

For more on travel photography, get "A Sense of Place" by Krist.

2007-07-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

In Honor of the Fourth of July,

and our freedom...

This is a take on a Jasper Johns print. But of course I did it

my way. Take a moment to reflect how we got here to 2007.

Take a moment to read the Declaration of Independance.

Freedom isn't free. Brave individuals paid a price, or gave it 100 percent to

start a small nation, 13 colonies. They were diverse, yet they

all had the same idea. These individuals were tired of the status quo.

They nation grew, as did our zeal.

Here is another creative look at how two ideas can come together.

2007-06-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

The 2007 Christian Music Awards

at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, CA

Pictured above: noteworthy photographers!

Artist Carmen commenting on the heat in Fresno

Masada with Marilyn Fernandez: true talent!

Ty Tribbett works the crowd.

This guy has so much energy! I was amazed.

He is the male artist of the year.

Martha Munizzi and Ty Tribbett

2007-05-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen!

The new Adobe Creative Suite 3 has arrived!

This has Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and a

whole lot more. There are also new features: An improved camera raw,

in Photoshop and live paint in Illustrator. There is even

Flash and Dreamweaver features.

This whole package naturally has tutorials explaining

all three program features, which makes for a great learning tool!

For those of you interested:

You can attend the Illustrator CS3 seminar in

San Francisco on Tuesday, May 22nd.

It is at the South San Francisco Conference Center.

This seminar includes Vectors, Brushes and Type, Layers,

Objects and Groups and Effects and Filters.

It is in depth.

Price: $99

Sponsered by NAPP.

2007-04-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday fun at the Clovis Rodeo!

The Clovis Rodeo wrapped up on April 29, 2007.

Below is some of the action of this great event.

Bareback bronco event.

Calf wrestling.

Barrel racing.

The main event:

Bull riding

Just one more!

Photographers notes:

Yea, it was hot! I hung in there. This rodeo is not for wusses!

(To the cool woman from Gilroy, hope you get to see these.)

Timing and location are what makes the great shots.

The between the action times are great for capturing a

slice of life(behind the scenes).

Till next year.

2007-04-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

The Clovis Rodeo 2007!

This collection of photographs show the process

of roping a calf. Giddyup!

Closing in.

Almost got him.

dismount of the horse.

Putting the calf on it's side.

Tying up the legs.

Done!

The Clovis Rodeo is on this weekend.

April 26th to the 29th.

You gotta try the tri-tip sandwitches!

2007-04-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

Conservation Fair at Fresno State!

A team of energy experts(students actually) man one of the booths in

an effort to increase awareness of conserving energy on campus.

Some of the sponsers supporting the event.

Spin the Wheel.
The questions were geared toward energy
consumption and conservation in California.
Halftime, the Fresno State mascot gets involved.

What better way to enjoy the day with a pie eating contest.

2007-04-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

In the news.

A warehouse owned by Zacky Farms caught fire in
South Fresno near downtown. The warehouse contained feed and grain.

No one was injured, the cause of the fire at this time is unknown.

2007-04-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

The message is clear.

He has risen from death to life!

The ultimate sacrifice!

For us.

Happy Easter!

When you send a message that is worthwhile,

keep it simple, make it bold, go for impact.

Don't overdo it, or you lose effectiveness!

2007-03-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Magazine of the Month!

I said it before, and I say it now: Great how-to tips

on applying special effects to photos. There are product

and book reviews. This issue gives you a detailed look

into the new CS3 BETA version!

2007-03-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

The Art of Photographing Clouds

These are cirrus clouds.

They are high wispy clouds and are made up entirely of ice crystals.

Late afternoon is often the best time

to photograph them.

Sky and Moon

A creation like this comes along once in a blue moon.

I changed the hue of the moon via photoshop and added

it a week later. The cloud shot has increased contrast, it's

cool how the top of the sky ended up so dark.

2007-03-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

I saw a documentary on war photography the other day.

Photojournalist James Nachtwey was featured. I saw

powerful images in black and white. When

you're photographing people who are grieving for a

killed family member, the only way you are ever going to

get that chance is if you have gotten to know

the people and spend time with them.

They accept you.

Other images shown were people in shacks,

cooking and doing daily chores.

There are people in Indonesia

living right by railroad tracks.

This is news.

And those are real people.

Kindness and honesty go a long way.

____________________________

In photojournalism,

those who get shot are the ones on their

first assignment or...

those who have been at it so long they think

they're bulletproof!

-from the CNN documentary on

war photojournalism

2007-02-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

Magazine of the Month.

The original National Geographic!

2007-02-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

Boxing in Clovis

Boxing is a sport of discipline for the young and

the seasoned. It's a challenge to get

a great shot in a split second. Of all

the photos taken, this was the best shot.

Just one more:

Shadowboxing.

Women can get into this sport too!

2007-02-01T16:55:00.000-08:00

On Photographing the Fashion Element.

I thought it would be fun to

photograph a fashion watch and

accent the face of the watch

with creative lighting. I

ended up making images of a whole bunch of things

and creating a new portfolio called:

Of steel and metal!

I've got to get a photo of a Tag Heuer watch next!

2007-01-26T08:46:00.000-08:00

Magazine of the Month!

National Geographic Traveler is a great read. You will

also find tips on where to go.

Travel is an important part of life and it's a good way to destress!

2007-01-22T07:18:00.000-08:00

On Winning:

Congratulations to the

Indianapolis Colts for their

win against New England.

(If you saw the game, you know what I'm talking about)

An interception with less than a minute to go

gave the Colts the victory!

They had the desire to win.

They came from behind.

They reached their goal as a team!

A winning strategy is crucial to success.

What's in your game plan?

2007-01-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

On Writing:

The importance of passion.

"If you're focused on what your passion is"

says Stedman Graham, "you're really aware

of what you should be doing in your life.

You understand your purpose. You're

always looking for opportunities

to build that passion."

From the book: Author 101

(a crash course in publishing success.)

2007-01-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

Check out the book 'The Radical Leap' by Steve Farber.

You'll find the LEAP formula:

Love, Energy, Audacity and Proof.

You will also find out how to stoke your business and

amp your life! (amping means finding your frequency (your

strength), tuning it in and turning it up!)

You can change the world!

This is a great book to start on for the new year!

It deals with positive refinements.

For more on Mr. Farber and the center for

Social Profit Leadership, go to:

www.socialprofitleadership.org.

2007-01-20T20:28:00.000-08:00

If You Are Beaten

If you think you are beaten,

you are;

If you think you dare not,

you don't.

If you like to win,

but think you can't,

It's almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost.

For out in the world you find

Success begins with a person's will;

It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are;

You've got to think high to rise;

You've got to be sure of yourself before

you can ever win the prize.

Think big and your deeds will grow;

Think small and you'll fall behind;

Think that you can and you will.

It's all in the state of mind.

Life's battles don't always go

to the stronger or faster person;

but, sooner or later the person who wins

is the one who thinks they can.

-Anonymous

Inside each one of us are the seeds of greatness,

we have the power to make them grow.

Do we want to live a life of mediocrity?

2007-01-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

The Art of the interior

Trade shows display images like this.

Usually it's planned out in detail

with lighting accenting certain features.

This image was shot on spec. and is

copyrighted. It is also originally shot as a

panoramic.

2007-01-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

What's my line?

Candid photography of children can

be so rewarding! Props can add to the photo.

It also helps if you have a subject willing to pose.

If that doesn't work...shoot candids with a

telephoto lens. Make it your first project of the year.

Smiles!

2007-01-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

Welcoming in 2007!

The above illustration shows the creative power

and color in illustration!

As a photographer taping into the power of marketing, I want to hit

the markets often. This creates image and brand!

Now lets take a look at how the same theme could be used for an advertisement:

Adaptability. Pretty cool.

2006-12-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

Titles:

Dead Flowers

Civil War Moment

Peaceful Grove

Art Show is on!

These are some of the images available at

Dina's Exclusively Yours at the Sierra Vista Mall

in Clovis (next to Gottschalks).

There is still time to shop!

Titles:

Paul Newman

Juan Montoya

Red # 22

Photographic images can be the most

beautiful display of nature or events

recorded over time.

2006-12-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

How to make a white Christmas tree

into a green one.

a photoshop tutorial

Open image.

adjust brightness/contrast on both images

to + 11.

Click OK. Save as tree 1.

Adjust color balance to more green.
shadows +90, midtones +45
Brightness: -20, Contrast: +21
click OK.
Save as tree 2.

Make sure both images are open.

Move the green tree image over to the white tree image.

Change new layer blending mode to overlay.

Reduce opacity to +53.

Use history brush to paint over the window panes

and tree in background in the upper right-hand corner.

Flatten image. Save as mytree (jpeg format).

That's it.

Try this yourself with your Christmas tree.

You can make your own Christmas cards!

Enjoy.

2006-12-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

Guess who's driving in Nascar in 2007?

The man on the right (dressed in black) is

Juan Pablo Montoya. Yes, in Nascar!

The guy on the left is Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Juan drove in Formula 1 for a five and a half years.

He also won an Indy 500!

Get ready for next year!

Montoya during an interview for

the Toyota Grand Prix at

Laguna Seca Raceway.

2006-12-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

Having a creative Christmas!

The image shown above was shot on spec

for a possible assignment.

Nice to sit down after shopping and coffee and

kick out a few wild holiday images.

2006-12-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

Boilers at CSU Fresno

This was a shot I took for a presentation
involving media research.

2006-12-07T15:01:00.000-08:00

Best places to shop in Fresno:

1.) Macys. Always a good choice for clothes! They also have

items for the kitchen, home accesories, watches and gift cards.

665 E. Shaw, 4888 N. Fresno st. 228-3333

2.) Barnes & Noble. Books, music and more books!

7849 N. Blackstone 437-0484

3.) Best Buy. Electronics, laptops, cameras and cell phones!

7550 N. Blackstone 446-0195

4.) Cheesecake Factory. When you're tired of shopping and need a break to eat.

There cheesecake is the best! 639 E. Shaw 228-1400

Have a safe Christmas!

2006-11-04T20:39:00.000-08:00

A Tribute to the Best Energy Drink

in the World!

This little powerhouse drink now comes in

two sizes! You can now get a 12 ounce can

in case the smaller one isn't enough.

Cool.

The Red Bull in now my morning coffee!

Yes, Red Bull gives you wings!

www.redbull.com

2006-11-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

"We don't make photos with cameras.

We make them with our ideas, brains and hearts."

-Arnold Newman

2006-10-31T13:29:00.000-08:00

The 2006 greeting card collection!

What a cool thing the Adobe Bridge is! You can make a contact sheet from

a specified folder or open files.

Pictured above is the 2006 collection of

fine images and graphic art available at $3.95 each

or five at $15(must be of same image).

Images are printed on glossy cardstock

and include envelope. The name of the image

is on the back of each card.

For further info or to order,

e-mail James at: shutterbug043@yahoo.com.

2006-10-26T17:28:00.000-07:00

Governor Schwarzenegger visits CSUF campus

Schwarzenegger is greeted enthusiastically as he shakes

hands with Fritz Grupe.

___________________________________________________________

The Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley met at the satalite student union

today to discuss in detail a plan to improve our highways and schools in the

central valley. There was a surprise visit from Governor Arnold

Schwarzenegger. The governor started this partnership in June of 2005.

Sunne Wright-McPeak is the governors secretary for business, transportation and housing. She is also chair for the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley. In a short interview, she gave me an overview to get me up to speed. "First, he will be talking about general obligation bonds 1a through 1e. Second, why those bond measures are important to the valley, and third, he also has a plan for the San Joaquin Valley."

"No other government has put as much attention and care into the valley," adds Wright-McPeak.

___________________________________________________________________________

The Governor explains in detail the improvements that are going to

take place in the San Joaquin Valley.

______________________________________________________________________________

So The governor laid it out:

He has created 17,300 jobs.

Highway 99 is the only highway to get a billion dollars to be fixed.

There is 10.4 billion for schools. "That will enable tens

of thousands of new classrooms. We will also build

career education facilities," said Schwarzenegger.

"There is a 2.4 billion dollar package set aside

for affordable housing," he added.

There's a 4.1 billion dollar package to fix our levees.

"Our system is 100 years old," said Schwarzenegger.

"They are more vulnerable than the ones in New Orleans," he added.

Levees: 71 sites

Population: 37 million.

Of course it's a great idea. It's one that will work.

____________________________________________

Fresno Mayor Alan Autry

Acknowledging a moment of applause.

The Governor shaking hands with students on the campus.

2006-10-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

The Fine Arts show was a success! A large part of becoming, or

rebecoming well known is getting out there! The greeting cards were

well received. Thanks to all who showed up. I will hopefully soon

have images up for sale, so keep checking back.

2006-10-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Half Dome in Yosemite, a classic view.

A Visit to Yosemite Valley

and Mono Lake.

Mono Lake with tufa at the end of the day.

Travel notes:

The key idea was to look for something

different. There were a lot of familiar

sights, so shooting both was a good idea

since all I had in my collection were slides

and prints. The last time I was here was six years ago

I could spend a week here with all the places

to photograph. Off the beaten path is the way to go. Since

I only had one day, there was only so much you can do.

Ground cover plants can be interesting and cool when converted

to black and white. you always have room

in photoshop to improvise.

Always pack food when traveling long distances.

Mono Lake was cool. After the sun went down,

the light had changed and out came the camera

one more time. Dramatic!

Always pair up. It's more fun and good company.

I want to thank my chauffer(humor).

I definately want to go back to

yosemite in fall, and winter.

Music choices for the trip were Al DeMiola,

David Sandborn, Miles Davis, Lionel Hampton,

Craig Chacqiso, Spyrogyra, Santana

and Eric Clapton.

2006-10-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

Ambassador Joseph Wilson speaks

at the 2006 Roger Tatarian

Journalism Symposium.

Joseph Wilson, former U.S. Ambassador in Iraq spoke

to a large crowd Friday about his experiences in Iraq

and with the Bush Administration.

"In Bosnia, there was not one death of an american," states Wilson.

He adds:

"In Iraq, there was no system in place...We are involved

in somebody elses civil war."

The detail of his experiences are in the book: The Politics of Truth.

Carroll & Graf, New York(450 pages).

Individuals ask the ambassador questions

during the symposium.

2006-09-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Art show announcement.

ArtHop and Blue Moon Gallery will sponser

an outdoor show featuring several

different artists. (Yes, I will be there.)

This show will include paintings and photographs.

Location: North Point Center at

Palm & Herndon from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

October 21st

all are welcome!

2006-09-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

A self portrait of Annie Liebovitz on the

cover of Newsweek. (Oct. 2nd)

She's photographed celebrities and

famous people, even the president of

the United States. Her

new book is out:

A Photographer's Life: 1990-2005.

What was I doing all that time?

Honing my craft!

2006-09-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

Give me a hundred miles of flatland at 100 plus miles per hour!

I want freedom! Absolute freedom! That's it.

The other side of the coin?

Tied down to the negative and unable

or unwilling to get out of it.

Lazy.

Always look to the positive! There is always a way out of a problem.

Don't forget to strap in(safety issue) and put on your helmet!

2006-09-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

Tribute to September 11, 2001

Five years ago, I was in Oroville on a photoshoot. The weather
was warm and air quality fair due to wildfires nearby. I was in
the hotel lobby having coffee when some guy came in and said
that a plane flew into one of the towers in New York. I thought
he was drunk! So I walk back to my room and slightly curious...
turned on the news. He was right! And I was in shock! I stood
there 30 minutes watching as another plane flew into the other
tower. More shock! Prayers went out to the ones that died. At
work the radio and TVs were on all day. I can't believe I photo-
graphed 18 families that day. Take a moment to reflect...that we
are so blessed in life.

2006-09-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

These are some of the great books I've read over

the summer. The easiest one is

"How To Wow" which gets you familiar

with Photoshop CS2. "Speed Clinic" helps

you streamline your digital workflow.

"Photoshop Lab Color" is for the really

serious and advanced photoshop professionals!

It is very technical and shows you things you can't

normally do in RGB or CMYK.

Of course, there are more books to

choose from...go to your local bookstore.

You can even look for the magazine

PhotoshopUser!

This years conference was great!

More On The Photoshop Conference & Expo!

2006-09-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

Question and answer time with

the model after a lighting demonstration.

Photographers ask an instructor questions

after a session.

2006-09-06T07:26:00.002-07:00

Viva Las Vegas!

Photoshop World Conference & Expo

Sept. 6-9, 2006

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

Las Vegas, NV

The 2006 conference is here!

There are over 60 seminars that range from

what's new in Photoshop to shooting in camera raw.

Also offered: improving your digital workflow, shooting

in black & white, photoshop & illustrator together

as well as retouching images, camera raw and the Adobe bridge.

It is a wealth of information with some of the

top professionals in the country!

Join us! For more info, go to:

www.photoshopworld.com

Mandalay Bay Resort

2006-08-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

On Creating Graphic Art...Part 2

A short time ago i saw a student culmination

at a local university

involving words, color and typestyle. These

creations had 9 squares and ideas and

statements, catchphrases actually, that

tied everything together. They were really

cool! My favorite one had used black and gray

as the background color. Pictured above

is my attempt at capturing this on a simpler scale.

The theme is evident. If it makes you hungry...

that's the power of advertising!

2006-08-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

guru at work!
Ken McCoy of the Ken McCoy Entertainment Report multitasking...
E-mailing photos to London, England!

0730061809.jpg

2006-08-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

Originally uploaded by shutterbug043.

Bbq fun!

Chicken and Pinapple!

James Ranells

2006-08-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

A Music project I was working on.

A long planned idea involving a variety of musical instruments

being photographed was finally completed.

This is a great creative effort that could be used for

education, advertisiing or stock.

there's a lot to be said about the lines, shape

form and color of an instrument. Visualization to completion

is a satisfying feeling. So if you're reading this and

you have your own project...(could be animals or

old barns), you want to shoot, plan it out, keep

it simple and execute!

For Film lovers: Try Fujichrome Provia slide film!

For Digital Enthusiasts: Shoot in Jpeg quality: high or

camera raw(a whole nother thing)!

Save in Adobe Photoshop.

Thanks to Patricks Music for access.

Patricks Music is located at: 769 E. Barstow

in Fresno.

Buy an instrument!

Lessons available!

2006-08-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Scott Gorczyca, Realtor for the Daniel Company

for being the latest client of Captured Image Photography.

Check out Scott's new website: www.scottgorczyca.com.

The Daniel Company is located at 1186 W. Shaw,ste. 103, Fresno.

Ph. #: 228-1628. Call if you have any questions!

2006-08-14T09:09:00.001-07:00

Looking Cool!

Gottschalks Fashion Show

Benefiting Valley Childrens Hospital

It was a success and a lot of fun!

2006-08-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

ESPN's Dan Patrick at the First Annual

Espy's awards in Fresno on July 29th.

2006-07-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

On Global Warming

The above illustration represents the global

warming controversy and was essentially

created before I saw the movie "An Inconvenient Truth."

Movies aren't just for entertainment...They're

for learning as well. Former Vice-President Al Gore gives

us a presentation of what's to come if we don't

take care of our planet.

Our resources are dwindling and we have a bigger

population than twenty years ago. Changes have to be made.

Gore presents a lot of statistics. He's done his research!

He does not rant and rave with empty jargon, he makes

a powerful point in a calm manner.

Ask yourself: What happens when a large chunk (about

one-third) of the artic circle melts into the sea?

The oceans water level raises ten to twenty feet!

what happens to the cities and people living

on the coast? You know the answer. They get flooded.

we are already seeing signs of erratic behavior

of the weather. Hurricanes. Floods. Drought.

My recommendation: Go see the movie.

Then be prepared to make a difference!

2006-06-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

Photoshop Project: On using photomerge

A Tutorial

How do you get two halves of a house to

fit in one picture?

right side

Left side

Got to File/automate/photomerge.

This is what you get:

Click on right half of photo...a red border appears.

Click on perspective box (in settings), the image

adjusts itself to parallel the perspective.

Almost done. There is still one one more thing

to do. Go to free transform:perspective and bring

the right corner down till the perspective is visually correct.

Click the move tool to apply transformation.

Great photo! for fun, you can use the paint bucket tool

with the color of your choice and fill in the blank space.

2006-06-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

Mario Andretti

Mr. Andretti made a special appearance in Clovis on

Monday, June 12th in support of Good Guys Tires and Firestone.

The legendary Mario has won the Indy 500

in 1969 and a Formula One championship

as well.

2006-06-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

The artist by one of his favorites...

Part of a group scrutinizing the collection.

A successful show opening!

"James' show is inspiring!" said attendants who

viewed the collection of photographs on the

2nd floor of Fresno City Hall.

The show is in three parts: scenery,

photographic illustration and

Champ Car racing drivers. It's

a must see! The show will be on

display until June 30th.

2006-05-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

Ongoing show for June!

2006-05-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

May 20, 2006

Ron & Rene

Happy Trails!

2006-05-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

In Honor of Senator Poochigian

Senator Chuck Poochigian(center) recievcing

the Lincoln award at a banquet .

2006-05-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

There are 25 days left for the classic and phenomenal photographic

art show by featured artist James Ranells. the show will be

on the second floor of Fresno City Hall located

at 2600 Fresno St. in Fresno.

Mark your calanders

for June 1st!

2006-04-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

The other day(Easter Sunday), the family got together to celebrate and
look through a suitcase full of pictures from the past(from the fifties!)
We traded old war stories as we we're growing up and drank french
champagne. Phenomenal!!! Of course, I found the coffee and had that
as well.

There's an art to old black and white photographs that carry memories
from the past. You can actually work a minimum degree of restoration
to make them presentable. The photos shown are from

the late forties, early fifties when playing big band

music was a real celebration!

If you want to work on your own project in photoshop, a simple process is to

adjust the levels so that the photois not too dark or light, and you can use the

desaturation key if you want a black and white photo.

in order to get the sepia tone look, click adjustment/mode/grayscale. Then

go back to adjustment/mode/duotone, and choose a color(light yellow or orange)

and click OK. the other color is black. Black is necessary or you will have a real

orange or yellow picture! Experimenting is recommended.

the guru

2006-04-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

Keep an eye out for June 1st as there will be a phenomenal Photographic art show
at Fresno City Hall! Yes, Fresno City Hall. You will see a large degree of creativity....

J

2006-04-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

Fwd: HOW TO GET YOUR NEW BUSINESS OFF THE GROUND!

Sounds good...You gotta have a game plan! You should have a negotiating segment,
a networking segment, a business plan, a mission statement, a backup plan, a financial plan...
and that's just to get started!
A book I recommend is The Magic of Thinking Big! by David Schwartz.
And for the photographer/artists of the world...Creativity!

2006-03-13T17:34:00.000-08:00

Criterion!

In Tower District

___________________________________

2006-03-13T17:27:00.000-08:00

At the finish line.

Gordon is the one on the far right!

The guy celebrating thought he had it, but ended up in third place.

Amazing.

2006-03-13T17:24:00.000-08:00

On the turn...tremendous concentration!