PA Wolf Sanctuary

I joined a group of photographers on a trip to the PA Wolf Sanctuary in Lititz, PA and photographed wolves in the wild. It was an amazing photo outing sponsored by Mike Hagan and the Delaware County Photography Group. If you like wolves, then please check out this santuary at the following: http://www.wolfsancpa.com/. Photos will be uploaded tonight.

Peace.

Ladies & Gentlemen...Clarence Clemons

Sometimes being at the right place at the right time pays off. Before the October Chester County Camera Club meeting, I went to have dinner at the Chester County Book & Music Company. As I approached the door, I noticed a flier advertising that Clarence Clemons, saxaphone player of the legendary Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, was to appear to sign copies of his new book, Big Man. I had offered my services to the CCB&M Co. before, so I decided to see if they could use me. I left my number and waited.

I received a call the next day explaining that the store manager would love for me to photograph the event, but had to check with Clarence's people. I told her to let them know that I would be more than willing to send Clarence the CD/DVD of the photos. Didn't hear anything...I decided to go to the signing anyway...What was the worse that could happen? I arrived to the store just as a black, stretch limo appeared in front of the store...I tried to peek, but didn't see Clarence. I found Thea, the store manager, and she told me to set up in the Media Area...As soon as I fired off some test shots, Clarence comes walking in.

The entire experience was quite remarkable. I have met some celebrities, and Clarence was so down to Earth, so laid back, and so genuine. He shook everyone's hand, had his photo taken many times with many people, and even took time out to gel with little children and babies. I spent a lot of time watching and, at times, even speaking with Clarence during the signing. At the end, Clarence made time for me. We spoke a little, posed for a picture or two with me, and shook my hand.

So...Bruce fans...dig this...I shook the hand that shakes the hand of Bruce Springsteen on a pretty regular basis...

Check out my website - http://www.cameraiphotostudio.com/ - for more photographs of the Clarence Clemons book signing. Should be updated by tomorrow night.

Remembering September 11, 2001

It was a day I will always remember...a day I will never forget. Please take a moment to remember those who died in the attack, and those fallen heroes who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan protecting us and the innocent people living in those two countries.

Give Peace A Chance.

Zoo Animal's Human Nature

Over the summer, I had the chance to take some students to the Philadelphia Zoo. I had not been there in years, and I believe I was just as excited as the students. It was a hot, humid July and most of the animals, as well as humans, were feeling it. I was beginning to feel disappointed until I got to the lions...I came upon this white lioness, sunning herself on a rock. She wasn't doing much, that is until a very gentle, cool breeze began to blow. Suddenly, she lifted her head, closed her eyes, and began to feel the cool air dance around her. For a moment, I honestly thought she was human. It is exactly what any one of us would had done if we had been in her place. It was a beautiful scene and I managed to capture 4-5 photographs of her. Check out other photos on my website - http://www.cameraiphotostudio.com/ - of animals and summer trips...Thanks.

Ansel Adams

When Ansel Adam's name is mentioned in photographers' circles, you either hear praise for this man's work or de-constructive criticism for his work. Personally, I think those who criticize genius are often jealous of their own inabilities to capture what they see through the viewfinder. Instead of studying, reading, speaking to other photographers, going out into the field and trying to "perfect" ones skills, they'd rather cut down those who have mastered photography through many years of studying, reading, etc...

I admire the work of Ansel Adams. I study and look at his B&W photographs and hope that in my lifetime I could achieve one print like his. I believe, though, that Ansel Adams was alive during a time when photography was desired...people wanted to own photographs and other works of art. This was something new for the masses to be a part of, join the collective, so to speak.

You know the question, "If you could go back in time, and speak to anyone, who would you speak to?" I would love to hang out with Ansel Adams for a month. The knowledge this man had would be worth more than gold.

I leave you with this quote to think about. It really made me think about my views on the world, as I see it, with and without the camera. For me, there is so much ugliness, bitterness, hatred, and cruelty. I want to forget that for awhile and concentrate on the beauty life/nature/people have to offer me and one another.

Peace...

Luis

"A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense and is a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety."

Ansel Adams

The Hickman Photo Exhibition

I can't believe two months have gone by without me writing/adding anything to my blog...Sorry. It has been very crazy lately. In April, I photographed Michael Smerconish at the Chester County Book & Music Company in West Chester. Then, I photographed, unofficially, my brother-in-laws wedding. Then in May, I gained access to the Willowdale Steeplechase. These events were very exciting, and I took a boatload of photographs.

On top of everything else, the Hickman Photography Exhibition will take place June 1, 2009. The Artist Meet and Greet will be held on June 5, 2009 from 6-8 pm. Admission is free and the show runs the entire month of June. I am planning on exhibiting 20 framed pieces and showing a portfolio with some matted and unmatted pieces. Everything will be for sale.

Recently, I received a press pass to the Devon Horse Show. I am excited about this, and now I need to decide when to go.

Below, Michael receives a cigar from his fans.

The Hickman, West Chester, PA in June

I received some very exciting news the other day. A very good friend of the family recommended me to The Hickman in West Chester for their June Exhibit. I received a call from my friend and she told me that she had indeed spoken to the gentleman in charge of the show, and that he was expecting a call from me. I managed to reach Anthony DeCarolis at The Hickman, and I sent him several low resolution photos of my work. He showed them to the committee, and they liked what they saw. I received an email yesterday inviting me to do a One Photographer Show in June! What a wonderful opportunity this is for me. I will be meeting with Anthony to discuss space and to bring him a couple of photos for the postcard and ads...

More later...Photos will be uploaded as well.

Peace.

Luis

Show Time

Well, it has been a busy week. All three shows where my photographs exhibited were very well attended. I thank all those who went to the Oxford Art Alliance Photography Exhibit, the Daylesford Abbey Fine Art Show, and the Eagle Gallery/Chester County Camera Club Photography Exhibit. I received news that my one photos, entitled "Dahila," an 11x17 framed piece, sold at the Daylesford Abbey Fine Arts Show, along with several of my matted portfolio pieces. Very excited about that.

Camera-i Photo Studio

Welcome to my blog. I'm new at this so be patient with me. On the left is a photograph I took while on a photgrapher's field trip with some good friends and excellent photographers from the Chester County Camera Club. I have been member for three years now and I have learned a lot from everyone.

I plan on posting some of my favorite photos and speaking very briefly about them. I will also inform you of upcoming photo shows where my photographs will be exhibited. Look below...

Upcoming/On going Shows

Oxford Arts Alliance - March 6-29

38 S. Third St.

Oxford, PA 19363

610-467-0301

Many members from the Chester County Camera Club and local photographers will be exhibiting their work. Please stop by and enjoy the beautiful works of art.

Daylesford Abby Art Show - March 8-22

220 South Valley Road

Paoli, PA 19301

(610) 647-2530

It looks like I will be the only photographer in the show! Please come by and take in all the beautiful work.

The Eagle Gallery - March 13-April 10

Route 100 & Park Road

Eagle, PA 19480

(610) 458-0406

Some members of the Chester County Camera Club will be feature in this exclusive CCCC photography exhibit. Come early...