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Inspired by Iceland

June 3, 2010
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I’ve been craving to get out of this place for a long time, and I think I’ve just found where I want to go.

Not quite the most realistic choice, though. Why not back to the bay? Why not Portland? Or, NYC?

Well, because that’s all just too easy. I want to go where people have pride for where they are. Iceland has a population of around 320,000 proud people and lately, they’ve been stepping up the invite list for people to come check it out. The economy in Iceland has seen better times (haven’t we all), so tourism is a great import for them.

Let’s think about why Iceland is one of the most gorgeous countries on earth

-Pretty, happy people with rad sweaters year round

-The colors of green against black volcanic rock, snow, and über-blue water is unreal

-The outdoor light for photography is unreal

-The language is tricky, yet nifty

-The music is somber, yet gorgeous

-John Lennon’s got a memorial in Reykjavik

-80% of Iceland’s energy is renewable from geothermal and hydro power sources on the island

-Freedom of religion by constitution

-A fisherman’s dreamboat

-Not as cold as you’d think for being so close to the Arctic Circle

-Oh, and a giant, active, spewing volcano that caused some travel drama, but honestly look how beautiful it looks (see below)

I love Iceland. I haven’t even been there yet, but I know I love it.

She’s a hot mess of a little rock full of happy people, great art, film, music, lore, horsies, and rivers.

Someone send me there with tons of lenses and a jacket…stat.

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Blazing Savage by Christi Johnson

May 25, 2010

I had the pleasure of shooting my friend Christi Johnson’s newest collection this past weekend.

They are sold exclusively on her etsy.

Photography: Justin Kane

Model/Design: Christi Johnson

Art Direction/Styling: Faye McAuliffe

One of a kind garments plundered from vintage castoffs.

www.christijay.etsy.com

www.sleepydarlings.blogspot.com

Crooked Cowboy – Bed Bugs

May 25, 2010
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I think it’s almost time for this man to give us a physical piece of his noise to play at home.

I love seeing Crooked Cowboy live, but I need some at home too.

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Salazar Demo Reel 2010

May 6, 2010
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The work of Salazar is a massive inspiration for me and my aspirations in cinematography.

Last year I posted the Lifetime Collective SS10 video and I’ve kept my eye on them since.

Salazar is a collective of artists and filmmakers out of Vancouver. They specialize in music video and narrative media.

There are some truly astonishing projects in this year’s reel.

Salazar

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Loyalty

April 13, 2010

I’m from the Bay Area, and this weekend the Giants are coming to play that team that everyone in LA has to like just because.

Well, I’m not really a big sports guy, but I do stay loyal to two clubs that I grew up with from my homeland:

the San Jose Sharks and the San Francisco Giants.

I’ll be wearing the home game hat this weekend while Lincecum shuts down the Dodgers.

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Brooke Shaden is Searching Rooms

April 13, 2010
A lot of the photographers that I follow on Flickr seem to have similar tastes in the simple realism of a snapshot. I haven’t quite delved into the fantasy world of illustrative photography enough, but while scratching the surface, it is hard to overlook the bold, beautiful, and disturbing work of Brooke Shaden. Mrs. Shaden, 23, is a local Angelino photographer – still considered “new” to the craft after only having a few years to her portfolio.
This is an example of an artist that simply gets it. She captures photographs of herself and others, then “paints” a story on top. Brooke is influenced by various works of gothic art, fables, poetry, and tends to recreate a chosen moment from the tale of her liking.
The photograph above is her illustration of Pans Labyrinth. Take a gander at her blog for more information on her work and how she dreams up these surreal devices from the imagination onto digital canvas.
Brooke Shaden
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Roman & Williams

April 1, 2010

“It’s a shame to only have dreams at night. You should have a few opportunities during the day.”

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This wistful quote from Stephen Alesch speaks volumes about the spaces he and Robin Standefer create as architects and designers. Their firm Roman & Williams, is named for their grandparents, paying homage to another era. Together, they draw on the evocative moods, textures, and meaningful objects that linger somewhere between past and present. Their work is infused with memory and allows participants to connect with a more romantic and important time.

Alesch still renders all of their presentations by hand, a skill he has preserved and honed from an early age. Standefer evolved her skills as a painter into creating sets for the likes of Scorsese. As a team they have developed an approach to creating buildings and interiors that reveres craft and tradition, combined with a contemporary viewpoint. This unique vision has lead to a number of important public and private projects including the Ace Hotel, The Standard Hotel, and 211 Elizabeth.

via The Scout

Distance Montage

March 16, 2010
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I forgot to put this up a couple days ago. Nothing special, just some darkness.

Distance Montage is a collection of shots thrown together to portray a sense of unbalance, difference, and contrast.

I swear it’s not more camera testing… 😉

Camera: Canon 7D

Lens: Canon 28-135mm 3.5/5.6

Music: “Ballad of Differences” – Stars of The Lid

Shot at 1080p24

Converted to ProRes422 for edit

Compressed to H.264 720p24 for Vimeo

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I’m a Murderer

March 9, 2010

We’ve had a bit of trouble with mice this month.

At first, I tried to free one that I found in the dog food bag.

Well, he came back.

Then I purchased ultrasonic repellers.

Didn’t work.

We then came to the decision that the little friend had to meet his maker.

Purchased 2 “hygienic, fast, humane” traps.

Turns out we have more than one friend.

Caught two…STILL ALIVE and badly wounded.

This was very unsettling.

Exchanged the ultrasonic repellers for an electronic shock trap.

So far have found 2 dead. Quickly. Efficiently.

But I still hate every bit of this horrible situation.

Please, mice, if you’re listening…

Run away and live!

I have no control over the juicebox.

I’m going to hell

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The Third + The Seventh

March 8, 2010


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A FULL-CG animated piece that tries to illustrate architecture art across a photographic point of view where main subjects are already-built spaces.
Sometimes in an abstract way. Sometimes surreal.
Credits:
CG|Modelling – Texturing – Illumination – Rendering| Alex Roman
POST|Postproduction & Editing| Alex Roman
MUSIC| Sequenced, Orchestrated & Mixed by Alex Roman (Sonar & EWQLSO Gold Pro XP) Sound Design by Alex Roman Based on original scores by: Michael Laurence Edward Nyman. (The Departure).Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns. (Le Carnaval des animaux)
Directed by Alex Roman
Done with 3dsmax, Vray, AfterEffects and Premiere.
http://www.thirdseventh.com/
-This makes me want to go to school and learn how to make pictures all over again-
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Paper Boat

March 1, 2010

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We made a paper boat and sailed into the night.

Faye and I made good use of a rainy day this weekend. She constructed the little boat and I shot the piece at dusk with the 7D.

I think this is predicting a recurring event that shall take place: weekly vignettes by justin+faye?

Music by Sam Cooke.

Oh No Ono: Swim

March 1, 2010
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This is one of the most brilliant, yet disturbing music videos I’ve seen in a long time.

That’s what makes it awesome.

Many thanks to the ever so clever Patrick Strange of Strange Last Name for originally posting this.

Please visit Patrick’s site for some amazing information on the Danish music scene and many more great audible tidbits.

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Organic Montage

February 11, 2010

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Thinking about organics around the home today.

A little quick mix shot on Canon EOS 7D with a 50mm 1.8.

Interior night (graded) // Exterior day (raw)

Original compressed h.264 .mov files (sorry no prores this time)… hence the noise.

Music: Bell Orchestre, “The Bells Play The Band”.

The Macallan 57 | The Ultimate Scotch

February 6, 2010

Just a few months ago, The Macallan released a very special gift for those that can get their hands on it:

A supremely aged 57 year old bottle of their finest from the original cask.

The Macallan is by far my top choice for scotch (more please), but I usually tend to stick with the more affordable 10 or 12 year varieties.

Yes, that’s right…the 57 year Macallan cradles itself in only 400 of these luxurious decanters by French crystal house Lalique at $15,000 each.

Only 72 have been shipped stateside. Who’s got one? I just want one sip and I’ll never ask again…I swear.

via Definitive Touch and The Dieline

(Check out how Gregory Han of TypeFiend caught the chance.)

Nuit Blanche

February 3, 2010


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Nuit Blanche explores a fleeting moment between two strangers, revealing their brief connection in a hyper real fantasy.

Directed by: Arev Manoukian

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The making of the award winning “Nuit Blanche”

Directed by: Arev Manoukian Produced by: Stephanie Swedlove & Arev Manoukian VFX by: Marc-Andre Gray Music by: Samuel Bisson Starring: Michael Coughlan & Megan Lindley Cinematographer: Arev ManoukianCasting: Jeff Marshall Assistant Director: Andrew Cividino Production Designer: Arev Manoukian & Marc-Andre Gray Art Director / Costumes – Dan Levy Camera Operator: Jay Pavao Camera Assistant: Max Armstrong Gaffer: Alan Poon Editor: Arev Manoukian Compositor / Animator: Marc-Andre Gray Effects Supervisors: Marc-Andre Gray & Arev Manoukian Additional Compositing: Arev Manoukian Matte Painter: Pat Lau Colourist: Andre Chlebak

http://www.spyfilms.com