Business Cards by greenerprinter!

A few months ago I was searching for a new company to print my cards...and I knew right away that I wanted cards that were eco-friendly...but I also wanted cards that were unique...visually unique. Well, after searching high & low, I found Greenerprinter!

My cards are made from recycled paper...and the facility where these cards are made in a manner that is very conscious of the environment...and that's important to me! Additionally, their customer service is excellent. Let me explain...on my second batch of cards that I ordered, there was a mistake on the cards...a smear mark...on every card...in the same spot. I figured it was the printing machine...but the culprit was me! A layer in photoshop didn't flatten so smoothly...and I didn't catch the error in the proof Greenerprinter sent me...so my bad. Well, Greenerprinter allowed me to reorder my cards (the corrected version) free of cost! That tells you about the company's character...but with that said, I wouldn't take advantage of their kindness...they could have charged me for MY carelessness.

I designed the cards myself, but was heavily inspired by these...and the look on my website. The cards are 16pt...that's pretty thick...and they are the same width as a regular business card...but they are about 1/3 less in height...it gives the card that narrow look. The pricing on the card...well go to their website...it'll take like 2 minutes...you can check the prices there...I don't like talking about money...but they are very affordable...the overhead won't be a killer...honest!

Info about the picture:

Shot in my backyard...with my 90mm macro...at f3.2...1/1600 of second on the shutter speed.

That's my son's cup...really, he uses it!

Motion...by Steven.

So I admit...as of late, I've been having some sort of infatuation with movement...with Running!

I can't help it...I tried it once...and it was cool...but now it's like I'm trying to outdo myself?

This shoot was inspired by the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" starring Will Smith. If you haven't seen it...go see it...but most of you have probably already seen it. It's based on a true story...but it's been Hollywooded?

Thanks Steven for putting up with my running shots...I realize that you probably ran a few miles today on my account...I apologize...your lady will appreciate it! hahaha!

By the way...to all...Steven is an actor...I've worked with him on a few occasions...he's good people! And a little hint, hint to the photogs reading my blog...actors are the best for Lifestyle shoots...because they can play the role perfectly...they're used to acting...pretending...well, almost pretending...

Enjoy!

Haitian Relief Fundraiser...We Gave!!!

Hey everyone...today was BIG! As a Social Worker, I've helped a lot of people in a lot of ways...but I was supposed to...I was paid to do it (but not much)....but today was different.

When I left my Social Work job, I promised to myself and my wife that I would still help others...it's something I can't help but do. With the situation in Haiti, I figured I'd donate a few bucks...but that just wasn't enough for me. So I decided to do photo shoots by donation...and with the help of my good friend Tan...my photography buddy, Jerome...LaTavia from Fabulous Faces...one of "my" past brides Emily...and her mom...Emily at Anomaly...and Matt at Burro Bags (who helped spread the word massive)...and Carmen at RAP (who also spread the word)...Heather Canada, who posted the fundraiser on her blog (which brought Jennifer from Orlando!)...and many others for sending out invitations via Facebook...and all my twitter followers for retweeting...we did an awesome job!!! At the end of the day, we raised $1300!!!

Again...thanks to all who helped and gave...and thanks to my friend Matt Simons for shooting some video...we'll have a video up soon!

Here's a few fotos from the day...enjoy...

Burro Bags Massive Slide...show...

I'm going to do something I haven't done before...and that's share a lot...like nearly 200 photos from my recent shoot with Burro Bags! Let me preface...yes, Burro Bags will receive all 199 photos...no, not all are "photographically valuable" to my eyes...but, since there were so many people involved in this shoot, I want to give them some shots that I think might have VALUE to them...shots of them laughing...even though they were supposed to be serious...or shots of Matt riding across the Main Street bridge...even though the building behind him is poking out of his head...or shots of them laying on the ground trying our FAUX Bruce Weber shot...despite the horrible lighting. Now if you are wondering, when I submit these photos to Matt at Burro Bags, I will separate the images that I think are website and promo worthy...the others will be in another file...called "just for fun"....or "please don't put these on Facebook...unless you plan on NOT giving me credit."

In the near future, I'll post the strongest 20 or so on facebook...until then, enjoy...and yes, this is music from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack...K-Jee by MFBS (Mother Father Brother Sister). And one more thing, for a more important blog post, please scroll down and read the one below...thanks!

Flash Required to view this area.

Give!

Make-up Artist will be present! Come out everyone!

The latter part of last week I've been thinking how I can give to the people of Haiti...and I was really stumped. I personally don't have enough funds to make a significant impact...so I just kept thinking of what I could do...and a light bulb went off Friday night...and then I slept on it to make sure this was the right thing to do...and Saturday morning I woke-up knowing I had to do this.

So this is the deal. From 10am until it gets too dark, on Sunday, January the 24th, I'm booking 15 minute photo sessions in front of Anomaly (1021 Park Street - 5 Points). No appointment needed...I'm taking walk-ins! All you have to do is write a check to the Yele Foundation or UNICEF (any amount...just give!)...I'll have stamped envelopes already addressed to Yele or UNICEF...we'll put the check in the envelopes...and then give you the envelope...yes, we're using the honor system...you'll be responsible for mailing the check! During that process, we'll get your contact info so that we can deliver your images!

Pets are welcomed!

Please spread the word to everyone you know...tweet this, facebook it...e-mail it to all your friends...thanks!

Thanks Emily at Anomaly and Matt at Burro Bags!

Burro Bags LifeSteelo!

I can write a book about today's shoot...but since my last few posts have been kind of novel-some, I'll make this short. Check out Burro Bags...these guys make bags out of the vinyl from old billboards...and that's nice & green...thanks Matt, Chris, & company...that was fun...and kind of crazy!

And a little shout-out to Shantytown Pub located at 22 W. 6th Street...or 6th and Main St...thanks for letting us borrow your patio in the back...hmmm...I owe you Ian...

The Wedding Party's 1980s New Year Party!

So if you weren't at the Jacksonville Golf & Country Club hanging-out with the folks from the Wedding Party last night...then you were missing out!

Let me give you a brief synopsis of how things went down...

First, Jacksonville Golf & Country Club set things up real nice...and the food was wild...in a good way. It was fun food...food that was it's own smoke machine...food that was eaten out of egg shells...apples wrapped in bacon...asparagus that was fried in batter. Now, my vegan palate didn't permit me to partake...but it appeared everyone was enjoying the food...enjoying the taste...and enjoying the manner in which it was consumed!

And then we had some fun with this crazy backdrop...Karate Kid...and Mike D from the Beastie Boys showed up. Everyone was digging the props...especially those SUNGLASSES...and Heather Canada was sharing some love!

And then things got Real Hot! Jeff from Deland Entertainment taught everyone a few moves...and then he decided to entertain us...and some were entertained...I think that's someone holding up dollar bills? Shortly after, I caught some of the Wedding Party crew bustin' a move on the dance floor! Go Heather, Go Heather!

Here's a extra little treat...hope everyone enjoyed...and thank you to the The Wedding Party crew for letting me hang-out with you all!

Going Manual!

All Spaces Filled!

So I'm doing something crazy...or at least some may think. I'm going to give back...give freely...give b/c I love giving!

You ever wonder why your pictures just don't have that certain look...they never look like those pictures you see on those super-awesome photographer blogs? Well, there could be a number of reasons why your pictures don't have that pop...and one of those reasons may be that you are not in control of your camera.

So I'm offering a free something that I can't even give a title. Basically, I'm inviting 12 up & comers or hobbyists to hang-out with me on January 23rd. During this time I'll be guiding you on how to shoot manually...how to take control of your camera. We will be learning about aperture, ISO, shutter speed...and even color balance. I'll provide a person for us to be our guinea pig...woohoo!

After the little mini-session, where we will practice messing with our camera controls, we can go hang-out at Three Layers...ask any questions...or just chill!

To reserve your spot and get more info, contact me at ezra@ezramarcos.com

All Spaces Filled!

Me+Our Labor of Love=Goodness!

Last year...that sounds like a long time ago! Anyway...last year in November 2009...like 2 months ago, I got to help out Our Labor of Love.

I've said this before...and I'll say it again...I highly recommend 2nd or 3rd shooting every once in a while...yes, even if you are an established photographer. You can never learn enough. Every time I assist someone, I take something with me to one of my gigs...and it also teaches humility...so if you ever get kind of big headed and start treating your assistant/2nd shooter like a second class citizen...reflect on your time assisting...remember how well that person treated you...or how awful they treated you.

In my case, Jesse and Whit treated me very nicely. They let me do my thing...they didn't require that I shoot only at f5.6...or not to surpass 1000 ISO...or shoot with only one kind of lens. They were also courteous and prepared to offer me their memory cards (this makes getting images to the person you are assisting much easier). They even had enough Pocket Wizards to loan me one for the night...which was nice, b/c I don't use PWs. They were well prepared!

Thank you Jesse and Whit...I had a lot of fun hanging out with you two!

Brianna & Matt's Wedding at the Ribault Club. Enjoy!

This is the effect of Whit's lighting capabilities...it causes sporadic moments of light worshipping among the lady guests!

Is it effect or affect?

Being legit...in 2010!

If I ever shoot your wedding, I warn you...I may walk out if you play MC Hammer (joke)...but he was right...you have to be legit...2 legit.

So if you're an up & comer in the photography business, here's a little help making you legit.

Now I preface this article warning you that I'm not the expert in this field...but after much investigation and plenty of calls with the "tax people", this is what was suggested to me. Oh...this is for Florida folks...and more specifically, Jacksonville area up & comers...if you're reading this from a different state...different states have different laws...

I don't have a particular order of doing this...I'm sure there can be one...but I did it as I became informed.

Now with that said, you should probably do this first - register your fictitious name. That is register that sweet and sappy photography business name...(I don't recommend this from a business stand point...I say use the Mary Kay and Louis Vuitton approach...brand yourself with your own name!). But if you must use a fictitious name, it cost around $50 dollars...and it's a must. Technically, you must at least advertise once a year in a newspaper or something similar...so trade with someone...I suggest. If you don't register your fictitious name, you could receive a misdemeanor! If you are using your first and last name, then you don't have to register your fictitious name because it's not fictitious...and because it's not fictitious, you can save some money! In any case, here's where you register your Fictitious Name.

Now that you have done that, you need to get an Occupational License...which just recently changed it's title to Business Tax Receipt. Now to do this one, you need to put gas in your car and go to 231 E. Forsyth St. Rm 130 Jacksonville, FL...it's in downtown.

When you go there, bring your Fictitious Name Registration, a picture ID, and your SS#. This one will cost between $40-$50...if I remember correctly. If you don't start your business until after April...or something like that, they pro-rate it...or cut the price in half. Double check on this money info...but I do know for sure that you need this Business Tax Receipt!

So you took care of that...now go fill out the application to collect taxes...so you can pay your taxes. In my case, my taxes are paid quarterly...they use some kind of method to determine your pay schedule...it might have to do with the type of business you're running...or how much you'll be making...shoot, I'm not sure...but they will let you know when you have to pay. This is one I'm 95% certain that it is FREE! Go here. Fill out this form...make sure to follow the directions. The tax form I have to use 4 times a year is the DR-15. Note: What I have been told by the "tax people"...and what I have read on these official websites, is that us photographers cannot charge taxes on our services. But you can charge taxes on products like discs, albums, prints, etc...and I highly suggest that you do charge those taxes or else it's coming out of your pocket...which I say by experience...urgghhh...

This is also neat guide.

Lastly, get camera insurance. There's plenty of companies out there...but have fun finding them...really...I had the hardest time. But here's who I use - Safeco. It cost about $500 dollars a year...now that's based on the cost of my equipment. They break the payments down monthly...so it's $40 and some per month. It covers all of my stuff in just about any tragic event, minus my foolishness...so if you're camera tossing...and you happen to catch a bad case of butter fingers, that's on you! Hence, don't camera toss...I won't say it's worth it! This insurance also covers me in case I overheat my flash and burn down the venue where you're getting married (which I think might be impossible?). It covers me in case someone trips over my lightstand and breaks their hip...my insurance will cover a few $100,000 for their medical. It covers my stuff in an event of a fire in my house...or some ass breaks into my house and steals my stuff. Now with that said, it doesn't cover your stuff when that ass breaks into your car and steals your stuff...unless, you tell you car insurance that you are using your vehicle for business purposes...and then they will most likely increase your rates...in my case they didn't...Geico...hint, hint...

Now rewinding to all the tax stuff...I file my taxes as a Sole Proprietor...so every few months I have to pay my sales taxes...and then in April, I file my taxes just like everyone else.

Now, this isn't the only way to do this...there's LLC and S-Corp...and perhaps others. S-Corp is rather complicated...and I think you need board members...but don't quote me on that. LLC is cool...but it cost a couple hundred dollars or so. But the cool thing with LLC is that if you get sued, they can only go after your business assets. In my case, because I'm Sole Proprietor, they could go after everything I have...but I'm not overly concerned with someone suing me...knock on wood!

I hope this helps...because when I got started, I really had no one to guide me with this stuff...it took a course of a few months to put all the puzzle pieces together...but for you, I offer this blog post...

Note: I'm no expert on this tax/business stuff...the information above was given with good intent...and if I accidentally have given the wrong info or am missing something, it's bad on you for not double checking...but it's also bad on the persons who gave me this information...who get paid to give this information! So double check everything I said here...call...read...and ask other photographers.

Again, I hope this is helpful and points you in the right direction so that you can be legit in 2010! Happy New Years...and here's a picture to make a long post even longer!

Latino Project #5: Mabel Nunez - Realtor

Participant #5 = Mabel Nunez. She works for Exit Realty. We shot this session in Springfield. The house is an historical house...very BIG...nice kitchen...has an awesome porch...and if you like living near downtown, you could probably walk there from this house! Anyway, this project is not about the house, but if you like it, contact Mabel...the link is above.

Today this project is about Mabel. Mabel is Cuban...born in Cuba. In 1980, her family fled Cuba during the Mariel Boat Lift . They moved to Lake Worth, FL. Mabel now lives here in Jacksonville...helping you find your dream home!

Enjoy!

Segue from my last post...

Mentioned in my last post was a segment about mistakes...that we all make them...and we just have to figure a way to fix them...

Here's a video of Chase Jarvis' work...it's 2000 frames...over 5 days...a few personal projects of his. He intentionally created this video so we can all see that not all of his shots are perfect...he has to work...manipulate...and be persistent to get the right shot...

He says only 6-10 of these images are worthy of usage...wow!

Check out this one too!

Note: I'm not too crazy with the theme of the first shoot in this video...I wouldn't watch it around my kids...it has guns in it...

Tips...encouragement for photographers...

I borrowed the below content from Nick Onken's blog who apparently borrowed it from Leslie Burns' blog who is the author of what is written below...and by the way, I highly recommend visiting these two blogs on a regular basis. This information is quite old (in the blog world) - it's from July 2008...but the info stands the test of time. With that said, I think this is good stuff for us photographers to keep in mind...and if you're not a photographer, I am certain you can apply this in your life in some way!

Enjoy!

"1. Understand and accept that you will make mistakes. You are going to forget a battery or mess up a setting or forget to double-dog confirm that one stylist or something. None of this is terminal. You’re a creative problem-solver–you’ll find a way through it.

2. You are not your images. If you show your book to someone and they don’t like it, don’t take it personally. Art is subjective. Just because your work isn’t right for them doesn’t mean you suck.

3. No matter how much you know, someone else will always know more. Always be learning and be willing to learn. Take classes. Listen to clients. Be open to other ideas.

4. Don’t get stuck on the final. You may know exactly what image you want to make, but if you stop there or hyper-focus on making only that image, you may miss out on an even better image. Play.

5. Treat people who know less than you with respect, deference, and patience. Bob Smith, corporate “suit” client, may offer up the lamest idea in the universe on a shoot. Be kind to him–he is trying. Be kind to your assistants and other crew too while you are at it. You are not a god (read #1 again) but another human being like those around you (you just have talent in an area they don’t). Don’t be an egotistical jerk.

6. The only constant in the world is change. ”While we’re here, can we just shoot…” and (on-set) “I just found out we need the model to be blonde” and the like are opportunities, not difficulties–if you choose to look at them that way. Same for market changes and technology changes. Be open to change.

7. The only true authority stems from knowledge, not from position. You can’t force a client to respect you, but you can earn that respect by demonstrating your professionalism compassionately and openly at every opportunity.

8. Advocate for what you believe, but gracefully accept defeat. They client may say they want your look, but sometimes the boss of the client’s boss’ boss wants is how s/he wants it and that is just that. Pitch your ideas, advocate for them passionately, then let go when it won’t change a thing and cash the check in peace.

9. Reach out. You can’t expect people to know about you and your work just because you have a website and even if you send promos. You need to get out there and meet people. The more you put yourself out there to the world, the greater the chance you’ll connect with someone.

10. It’s art–not a tumor. If your work is serious work, like drudgery, then you might want to think about another career. You need to love what it is you are doing–making images needs to be a joy, a release, a passion–it needs to be the fun part. If you don’t absolutely love it, you need to try to re-find that fun/passion/joy. Otherwise, you might as well do something that has a regular paycheck and health insurance."

Giety, Tim, & baby Shireen!

Greetings everyone! Meet Giety, Tim, and Shireen! Once again, Anna Marie (Jacksonville Magazine) got a gift...this time it was for her other son, Tim...and his family! If you scroll down a couple of posts, you can view Tim's brother's shoot (Kelly & Chris).

Giety & Tim are very laid back...perhaps down to earth is a better description...they're aren't so laid back that you'd wonder if they had a heart beat...but they are so laid back that a sense of peace emanates from their family...

I met them at Anna Marie's house (which is super cool...I love the wood floors...and her father's photos). We hung-out...and waited patiently to capture some sweet moments.

I'm going to try something new, because I realize a few photogs visit my blog...so I want to offer more than just fotos.

So here's a little info:

I shot primarily with my 50mm & a 35mm lens that Michelle loaned to me ...thank you! All the shots here, except for the one where the family is laying down and Giety is resting with Shireen, are shot with the 50mm. I borrowed the 35mm b/c I knew I'd have some tight spaces...I chose the 35mm over my 17-50mm because I don't like the distortion from the 17-50mm...and because it's widest aperture is only 2.8...the 35mm opens up to 1.8...hence, I get more light...more ambient light...less artificial light needed. But with that said, only one of these pictures was shot with natural light, exclusively. Can you figure out which one?

What I learned today?

With all sessions with babies or kids...I learned to be patient...to wait...if the baby cries, take a break...don't try to force anything. We have to accept, as photographers, that we aren't always in charge of our shoots...as a matter of fact, the more space and less direction I give, the better the results!

Give me feedback on my info...let me know if it helps any...

Enjoy!

Belated Merry Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, & Solstice!

Hopefully I covered them all...oh, Festivus too! I tried to stay away from twitter, facebook, and my blog the last couple of days...hence, why the belated Happy Holiday message!

I hope everyone had a good time with family and friends...and that you ate to your heart's content!

Here's a little video I found on Chase Jarvis' blog!

I thought everyone would enjoy this...it's a lot fun! This video is pretty neat...one, because it was done by high school students while in school! Nice to know some schools are keeping this really important art form in the curriculum! Two, it's a "one take" music video...which means this was shot continuously off of one camera...without stopping. There were no other cameras to cut to...they didn't stop the recording to catch a different angle. Instead, it was done in one take! This takes a lot of coordinating...and probably multiple failed attempts...I know...I tried one of these...but failed miserably...hopefully the professor has burned that video!

Enjoy...and Happy Holidays again!

Kelly & Chris!

Meet Kelly & Chris! Enough said...look at them! These two are SUPER awesome to "work" with! Kelly & Chris live in the Dallas area...they came down for a bit to visit with his mother - Anna Marie...(she works with Jacksonville Magazine)! This was her gift to them...super cool!

Thank you Kelly & Chris...I had a blast...and thank you Anna Marie...see you this weekend!

Helping out...

Last weekend I had the opportunity to help out Corinna Hoffman with Mindy & Josh's wedding. The wedding took place in Palatka...at Rodeheaver Boys' Ranch...the reception was at the Woman's Club of Palatka. The weather was near perfect, despite everywhere else in NE Florida was a experiencing a minor monsoon!

It's really cool to help out with weddings...I stated this before...but it's nice going into a wedding knowing that all the pressure is on someone else (Corinna!)...this really let's you just focus on shooting...capturing really good moments...and not worrying about timelines or those certain must get shots...I need to approach my weddings this way...I wonder who I can put all the pressure on...Jerome, you out there!

Here's a few shots from Mindy's & Josh's awesome wedding...note the formal shot...I think this is the 1st time I posted a formal shot...it's just proof for you all out there that I do them...and that I can do them pretty well...

Skyler...

This past weekend I was unable to participate in the Help Portrait movement due to reasons that were out of my control...so I had to make up for this missed opportunity to give back...and Skyler was my lucky victim...

If you follow me on twitter or if you're my friend on Facebook, then you might know that I occasionally play basketball with a particular 19 year old...and yes, I tweet about my victories...well, this is that particular 19 year old - Skyler!

Skyler is my neighbor...I've known him since 6th grade or so...but now he's a man! He loves sports...so today's shoot revolved around sports...Skyler occasionally hits the weights with me as well!

Enjoy!

Things I am Thankful For...

While I was growing-up, birthdays and Christmas weren't these big Present days...my parents never bought me anything super big or extravagant. In fact, I never got Transformers...instead I got the generics...you remember - Gobots!!! Ahhhh...nooo....

I remember once they got me a rubber Buccaneers junior football.....hmmm....when the Bucs were wearing the Creamsicle Uniforms! And by the time I had a regular Nintendo, I think the N64 came out...I was the last person on earth to beat Super Mario 3...honest.

Regardless, I am thankful that my parents got me more important gifts. For Thanksgiving we went to Mexico...we visited Chichen Itza...I later learned that a great grandfather on my bio-father's side help establish those pyramids as a "educational-tourist" attraction. We visited Puerto Rico a few times...I got to follow a stream up the mountains...I felt we were explorers...little did I know "Christopher Columbus" was waiting for that water to come down so he could wash his new Toyota Celica...literally!

Let's see...and then for Christmas and New Year's, we went to my Step-Father's country...Ecuador...that was incredible! We drove through the Andes...better yet, we climbed the Andes...I played basketball 9,000 feet above sea level...and won...and then got really sick! We climbed to the base of Cotopaxi...which is 16,000 feet above sea level...the volcano reaches nearly 20,000 feet!

We also visited Costa Rica...where I got to witness an active volcano - Arenal...and then I swam on the most beautiful beach I have ever seen...super crystal clear water...palms trees everywhere...including iguanas! I also saw monkeys in the wild...and a sloth!

And one of my favorites was our annual summer trip to the Smokey's! Yes...at first I didn't want to go...I was real young...and thought wildlife...out in the country stuff wasn't cool...I wanted to go to Chicago...but when we got to the Smokey's, it was awesome! I love the place...those mountains...the serenity...it's peaceful up there...especially if you can get away from the crowds.

Unfortunately, as an adult, I haven't been given the luxury to travel as much as I did as a youth...9 years working as a Social Worker is not a good plan to get you and your family abroad...sorry life savers. Fortunately, the past 2 years, God has been nice and we've been able to do a little traveling....nothing out of the country...no volcanoes...no iguanas...but Oregon, Colorado, Chicago, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico are suffice. These trips reminded me of the excitement of travel. The unexpected. The surprises. The new landscape...the new scenery. I got to see my daughter's excitement when we saw snow in Oregon...yes, she did a snow angel. I witnessed my wife's amazement as we walked through the Redwoods in Northern California. And I got to touch the sky once again as we drove through the Rocky Mountains National Park. Even Chicago was a treat...3 visits in 4 months! I got to reconnect with my father's side of the family...and spend some good times with my old roommate from college! These trips were a blessing...a breath of fresh air...and I pray that God has more plans for us to travel!

Sorry for this long post, but I want to say that I am thankful that my parents decided to spend their hard earned $$$ on airplane tickets and hotels, rather than on video games, transformers, or leather footballs...they taught me more important things via our travels...they taught me real things!

Here's a few pics from our travels the past 2 years...visit here to view more...and even purchase if you so desire.