The Holmes Family St. Augustine!

The Holmes Family! It's been nearly two and half years since our last session....here's the latest!

Enjoy!

Julie O'Dwyer Ashland!

A little teaser from our shoot earlier today. My good friend Julie, the interior designer! Check her work here!

Enjoy!

Jetti & River Jacksonville!

Another run with the Godwin kids!

Here's more from the past!

Click.

And click.

Enjoy!

Bostic-Jones Family Jacksonville!

My 200th blog post! Interesting fact - the Bostic-Jones' were the first photo related blog post that I had posted on the "Ezra Marcos blog." Here they are again...198 posts later!

Enjoy!

Mt. McLoughlin Conquered!

First...make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post...I have included a present!

Shortly after I moved to Oregon, I set 3 goals for the summer...climb Wagner Butte, Pilot Rock and ultimately Mt. McLoughlin. Below is Mt. McLoughlin, which I proudly completed this past Saturday with one of my hiking/dominoes partner Bobby !

Since college, I've never been too crazy about goals...I even admire Gary Fong (one of those ex-rockstar photogs making a living selling products) for not having any...but in the past 2-3 years, I have become a "Goal Person." It's not so much that the goal gives me direction (though it does), but a goal is like telling the universe, God, you, and me what's going to happen...I'm publicly telling the future!

With that said, not all of my goals get met...things happen...curve balls. But the key with setting goals is not to become dismantled when you don't achieve your goal. Everything happens for a reason...reset that goal and go after it again!

Here's Mt. McLoughlin below. 9,495 ft. It's a dormant volcano...thank God! We climbed up the right ridge...which is on the east side of the mountain.

The top left is a couple hiking with the peak in front of them.

The top middle is from the peak looking down upon the path (along the ridge).

The top right are some cool formations most likely left after it's last eruption.

Bottom left is Bobby showing us the path down!

Bottom right is one of next summer's goal - Thielsen - it's way in the back.

Here's a poorly shot collage a thousand or so feet below the peak...this side of the volcano appears to have collapsed! The peak is in middle of the other "peaks."

And here's a gift...click here...it's goal #3 for next summer! Feel free to use it as your desktop wallpaper...or print it...frame it!

Galnor Family Jacksonville!

Another awesome shoot with the Galnor's! Here's some from the past!

Enjoy!

Angel & Jerome's Engagement Jacksonville!

Here's a little preview of Angel & Jerome's Engagement session! The shoot was in Jacksonville, Florida....at Epping Forest! And for those who follow my blog...yup, that's Jerome...my old assistant from my days in Florida! He's a kick ass assistant...and now he assists his sweetheart Angel!

Enjoy...and stay posted...more pics to come of their wedding in November!

Nancy & Thomas' Jacksonville Wedding!

Here's a little glimpse into Nancy & Thomas' wedding. It was a sweet one! Plus, I got to go back to Florida and the wedding was sort of a reunion...a few of the guests I've worked with in the past...you can see them sprinkled throughout my portfolios...small world!

Catering & Venue by Casa Marina
Hair by Lindsey Varner at Nelson Crew Salon (904.554.7657)
Flowers & Shoes by the Bride (She's kick ass at DIY)!

Enjoy!

Sam Martin!

A few portraits of Sam Martin to compliment his realty biz!

If you're looking for a house, contact him!

541.301.0617

samjr@idealbrokersinc.com

3539 Heathrow Way Ste 200

Medford, OR 97504

Music Coop + Giseppi's in Ashland!

Fun shoot at the Music Coop and Giseppi's in Ashland! Click here to see more!

Models:

Bridget

Mackenzie

Carly

Veronica

Mitchell

Theo

Elijah

You all did a hell of a job!

Enjoy...or warning, this is pretty tacky!

Quick Glimpse...Ashland Envy!

Here's a quick little glimpse from my shoot with the wonderful Arianna. The shoot was for Ashland Envy...for a little advert!

Rachel & Drew's Ashland Wedding!

I present you Rachel & Drew's wedding! This is a special one for me...my first in Oregon!

Catering was provided my Winchester Inn (Drew's parents own the place)!

Hair by Erin Freeburg at Renu

Officiant John Weisinger (Weisinger's of Ashland Winery)

Residence (venue) provided by Chuck & Linda Butler (Butler Automotive)

Click here to see more!

Enjoy!

Sanchez Family!

Portland Timbers!

Last weekend I went up to shoot the Portland Timbers game for Caminos...let me tell you something - No other professional sports team in the USA has such loyal and rambunctious fans! Rambunctious here is a good thing! The Timbers Army is non-stop...they sing, they chant, they wave flags, they shuffle...they do everything...and they never stop doing it! As a matter of fact, they'll make most universities students sections look anemic!

If you're in Portland, get tickets...and check it out for yourself!

Here's a few pics from the match...enjoy!

La Academia!

Last week I was teaching at La Academia. La Academia is a summer program created for 7th-9th graders...they spend a whole week in college (Southern Oregon University). It's a pretty progressive program that opens the doors for Latino students to step on campus and experience a little college life!

I was teaching my Take A Shot course...I had 2 classes...1.5 hours each class...4 days...or in other words 6 hours to get these kids shooting manually, editing, and resizing their images for print...and they did it!

Click here to view their gallery!

Enjoy!

Mackenzie!

I'm coming out with a magazine...not really...just having some fun! Click the image below...or click here!

Enjoy!

Clouds...

I like clouds...I hope you do too.

The KAPSO...

The Kick Ass Photographer of Southern Oregon.

They Got Money!

Here's a few of the college bound students that will receive a monetary award from SOLSF! The award will help them pay for college. A few of the students mentioned to me that they will be attending University of Portland, RCC, SOU, & University of Oregon. Some of the students will be studying Nursing, Psychology, Criminal Justice, & Video Production!

Battle of the Beans event helped raise money for these students!

Enjoy!

Crissy!

A few of Crissy!

I've been teaching basic photography to the instructors at Southern Oregon Art Academy. The instructors will then teach their students...and then the students will be able to shoot a few quick portraits of their subject ...and paint off of the print. The alternative is having their subject sit for hours while the students paint...which isn't always realistic.

So, for our session today, Crissy sat in as our AWESOME model!

Here's a few pics...enjoy!

Wagner Butte!

As you know...I've been on a mission to climb a few mountains this summer...it's what happens when you live in "Flat Florida" for 26 years!

This past weekend, with the help of Kevin Bendaw, Bobby Arellano, and Hector 'Revista Caminos' Flores I conquered another mount on my list to climb...now all I have is Mt. McLoughlin to conquer! The pic below is Wagner Butte (7,200 ft). Below that pic is Kevin (my hiking partner)...and to the right of that pic is the rest of the crew. The bottom pic is Mt. Ashland in the foreground...and then Mt. Shasta in a distance. Enjoy!

For all my Florida Friends...these mountains are literally in "my backyard." Just a few minutes drive to the trailheads...I'm living in a fantasy world that's REAL!

Vinyl...

A little teaser from today's Kick Ass shoot! More to come soon!

Pilot Rock!

Where do I start? Well, I have a few goals for this summer...it all revolves around my fear of heights...and the excitement of being on top of a mountain!

Goals:

1) Climb Wagner Butte

2) Climb Pilot Rock

3) the ultimate goal - Climb Mt. McLoughlin.

I can scratch off Pilot Rock! I had some serious fears thinking about this one. Several people told me Pilot Rock is the scariest of the 3...and it is scary! The top right picture shows the rock we had to scale to get to the top (with no special gear...just my hands...gym shoes...and Kevin). Thank you Kevin for showing me the path...that was incredible!

This was a major feat for me...especially because you had climb a pretty steep rock...steep enough that if you messed up, you weren't coming off the mountain conscious or alive!

For all my Florida friends, click this to see Pilot Rock from afar!

Enjoy!

Fam Jam #4 - Culture Works

Another Fam Jam...more money raised...this time for Lotus Rising Project...here's a few of my favorites from the night...enjoy!

Location: Culture Works

Musicians/Bands below:

Phoenix Sigalove

Apple Siders

The Illies

Battle of the Beans!

My favorites from the Battle of the Beans! The event raised over $20,000. The funds will be given to several college bound Latino students in the Rogue Valley!

Enjoy!

Patina Soul & Be Cherished!

Fun shoot earlier this week...collaboration shoot with Be Cherished & Patina Soul!

Make-up & Hair by Be Cherished

Clothing & Styling by Patina Soul (342 Lithia Way, Ashland 541.482.1035)

Models:

Arianna

Amanda

Darci

Emily

Emma

Enjoy!

Rachel & Drew's Engagement Session!

Had a really fun engagement shoot this past Sunday. Rachel+Drew+Wine=Good Time! We rocked it out at Trium Winery. Here's a few images from the day...looking forward to their garden wedding this August in Ashland!

Enjoy!

Buying a Camera...because I'm going Pro!

Not too long ago I wrote a couple of blogs on buying cameras...inexpensive cameras to entry level DSLRs. Well, this post is about buying a pro camera because you want to go PRO.

Let me preface. If you want to go PRO...you shouldn't be using an entry level DSLR or those shotty kit lenses. Those things can sort of get the job done...sort of (not really)...but when you're charging people for your services, you need to be rocking some quality gear.

Let me pre-preface. Don't become a PRO. Don't become a PRO especially if you are married. Don't become a PRO if you are married with children. Don't become a PRO if you are the only breadwinner in the family (like me). Oh...and most importantly, don't become a PRO if your picture making skills are kind of weak (sorry to be so blunt). If your work is weak...make it strong and then open shop....only if you're not married with children...and are not the only breadwinner. (For all you photogs who have a spouse that make good money...or for that single dude living in some $300 studio apartment consuming PB&J, Ramen, & PBR...consider yourself blessed).

Now about cameras...you need something good...and the lenses need to be good too...or else you nullify your camera.

If you are shooting consumer work (weddings, families, seniors, etc...) then I think you can get away with a D90 and higher. If you're making some good money, then I say jump to a D700. It's full frame...the ISO is pretty kick ass. Now if you're not rocking big $, then a D90 is suffice...the ISO performance is legit. I prefer a D300s because all the "buttons" are right at your finger tips. My good friend, Jerome, would say the D7000 is better than the D300s...and he might be right...but having the ability to change your ISO, White Balance, etc... at your finger tips is crucial...especially when your shooting events, weddings, and candid family images.

Now if you are shooting commercial work, then you need to be shooting a D700 or higher. Yes, I'm a hypocrite for saying this...I don't use a D700 or higher...but I am that guy that is married with 3 children...and I'm the only breadwinner in the family. Additionally, I make the most of my equipment...and ultimately, for my style of shooting, my models (subjects) make the photo...they bring the energy to the image. Your ability to establish rapport with your model can make a mediocre camera make super awesome images! But use a really good camera regardless. The really good camera can help you through some really adverse situations. Trust me...you want to make your job easier...efficient...and professional...and so does your client!

If you're taking money from people to shoot, then you need to be spending about $1600 or more on your camera...and you better be rocking at least 2 cameras! If you're are shooting commercial work, expect to pay over $5000 for a pair. And don't forget to get good lenses...nothing cheapy...and 95% of the time, I'd stay with Nikon lenses.

[Segue] If you're a Canon shooter...then I'd think a 5D or higher should be suffice. For commercial work, I'd go 5DMII or higher. Sorry that I don't have much more info...but I'm a Nikon shooter.....

If your shooting anything else...you are on your own! I hear Sony makes a pretty good product...and if you are using a Hassleblad, then I'm wondering why you are reading my blog...hmmm?

Oh..read this.

Oh...read this too: In no way am I saying you can't start a business while you are married and have kids...and are the only breadwinner. I'm just saying that it's much easier to start a business when your single...or have a spouse that's making a routine pay check. Starting a business takes a lot of time and money...and when you're married and have children, that time gets compromised...and money (that's another story)...

Some of everything

Sometimes you never know where your images will show up. SuperStock used this photo of mine for an email campaign. Cool!

Mack(enzie)!

Just a little fun with Mack!

Patina Soul!

The ladies from Patina Soul! That was FUN! Make sure to visit!

342 Lithia Way Ashland, OR

(541) 482-1035

Charros!

Editorial piece for Revista Caminos. Check out the gallery below! Enjoy!

Fam Jam...#3

Another awesome Rogue Fam Jam...my 3rd! They raised $1000 for White Oak Farm & Education Center. Now more kids can go to camp and learn about organic farming!

And for you attendees of the Fam Jam...you can check out the pics from all 3 Fam Jams here! The pictures are in order of the most recent Fam Jam...and I'll keep uploading new pics from future Fam Jams!

Also, here's a little teaser below...enjoy!

Caminos Shoot Tease...

Science of Wine Day 3

Science of Wine Day 2

Science of Wine Day 1

Buying a Camera ($200-$300 budget)

You're looking to buy a camera but your budget is $200-$300. Apparently you are looking to test the waters and see if photography is for you. You want to buy a camera that you can learn with...but if you find out that photography isn't your thing, you didn't break the bank. Or...you're looking for a pretty decent Point & Shoot. Or...you only have $200-$300 dollars.

If you're looking to buy a DSLR in this price range, then you will be buying an older model...used DSLR. Your best bet is to check out B&H or Adorama. Currently, I think Adorama has more selection.

I recommend the D70, D70s, D100, or D50. These cameras were the thing back in there day. They're going to do the trick. You're going to have full control as you would most DSLRs. If I'm correct, the D70 & D70s do not offer the ability to control the Kelvin temperature (we're talking white balance)..you'll have presets. Also, the D70 & D70s can act temperamental with the memory cards of this day and age. I experienced this recently (we're using these cameras to teach high school students). The camera would not read the new memory card. I reformatted the new card...and that failed...so then I grabbed every card I own and threw it in the D70s until it worked. And guess what? One of the cards worked...and then I grabbed the new card...and it worked! The other D70s has had no problems. So this is something to consider. I have had no problems with the pair of D100's. The ISO factor won't be so pretty...it won't take much before the images get really noisy...but these cameras are for learning...and b/c the ISO range is so poor...you'll be forced to learn strobes or speedlights...and even slow shutter speeds!

You might find a D40 or D60 in this price range...but I warn...you'll have to use those AF-S lenses...and they cost more than the AF lenses. Additionally, if you ever decide to get a Nikon film camera, those AF lenses will work just fine. The AF-S lenses...well, you'll have to do some manual focusing.

Note: When you're buying these used cameras, make sure to check their condition rating.

Now, if you just want one badass Point & Shoot, then check this post by Nick Onken.

Photos from 4 years ago that I took using a D40, the kit lens, & a crippled tripod (but thank you Mike for letting me borrow it)...a testament that good photos can be made with entry level equipment...and good friends!

Revista Caminos May Cover!

May Cover...and some more here.

Buying a Camera & lenses ($700-$800 budget)

As of late, I've been asked several times, "What camera should I buy?" So I figured I should write a series of blog posts on "What camera you should buy?" Let me preface...I use Nikon's and will recommend them in this post because I feel they are much more user friendly than the other major brand. I have no scientific data to show that Nikons are more user friendly...perhaps it's just the way my brain is wired...and if you like me or you are like me, then your brain is probably wired similarly.

So...you have $700-$800 to use on a camera (& lenses)...I'm assuming you are a somewhat serious hobbyist and you already know how to shoot a camera...or you're going to learn how to shoot manually. If that's you, check out the Nikon D3100. I checked out some specs...lower noise at high ISO settings...big preview screen...14.2 megapixels...11 focal points...video...autofocus video! Some of the specs on this camera are better than the semi-pro D300! If you're shooting HDR...there's no auto bracketing...and if you don't know what HDR is...then who cares! You'll have to use those AF-S lenses, which cost a bit more than the standard AF lenses. If you have older AF lenses, then you might want to look at another camera.

The D3100 doesn't seem to be sold as body only. If you can find it as body only...I suggest purchasing it like so...and then getting your own lenses. Traditionally, this camera comes with the 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 zoom lens and the 55-200mm 3.5-5.6 lens...both are Vibration Reduction...meaning your pictures will be a bit less blurry when you're shooting at slower shutter speeds (it'll help reduce your hand shakiness...or just lay off the coffee)! I don't care for these 2 lenses because of multiple reasons. One main reason is because of the confusion it can create for those who are just learning about aperture. You may be puzzled when you set your aperture at 3.5...and then when you zoom in, it's at 5.6...and you can't bring it back down to 3.5...and so you're forced to change your shutter speed or ISO...or shoot super wide. There's an explanation for this...it can be confusing to explain...but it has to do with zooming in...losing light...and so therefore it's acting like it's at 5.6 rather than 3.5. These are not a pro lenses...or even semi pro...and that's why these lenses are rather inexpensive...and not always convenient.

I suggest purchasing the rumored 50mm 1.8 AF-S lens (if it actually comes out)...or it's more expensive brother, 50mm 1.4 AF-S. I also dig the 35mm 1.8 AF-S. If you need something wide...or a wide zoom that will keep it's aperture in place (a pro lens), then you'll need to save some $...or save a little bit of money and purchase a Sigma or Tamron. I prefer to buy Nikon lenses simply b/c they are more consistent in production. Some Sigma & Tamron lenses are awesome...but you are more likely to buy a lemon...I know from experience!

Also, check out the D5000, a used D80, or a used D200. The D80 & D200 will be in the same price range...and you'll be able to use those AF lenses. Issue is you will be buying a used camera...you won't have video...and your ISO performance will be compromised! (The D200 will be have some settings that are much easier to access!)

If you don't know what ISO is...it's a setting that makes your camera sensor more or less sensitive to light. Hence, if you are shooting at ISO 200, you're probably shooting outside in daylight. If you are shooting ISO 2000, then I hope you are inside...or it's dark outside! The drawback to higher ISO ratings is that your images may have more noise. The D80 & D200 will get more noisy quicker than the D3100...if that makes sense...?

Update: My good friend & trusty assistant back in Florida reminded me of the mighty D90! If you have an extra couple hundred dollars to spare (purchase used), I'd jump on this fine camera-ware. It's ISO capabilities are similar to it's older brother, the D300...but unlike the D300, it has video! It's body is similar to the D80, so the D200 (& D300) have some easy access buttons. But for the price and performance, this is one tough camera!

Hope that helps...next "What camera should I buy?" will be for those on a much stricter budget...here's a pic to hold you through...enjoy!

Bybee's Historic Inn!

Last week I got to hang-out with Tina & Vikki! I was shooting the interior for their inn... Bybee's Historic Inn...located in Jacksonville, Oregon... you need to visit...if you haven't already...it's a really cool place!

Enjoy!

Fun Stuff!

Here's a few pics I did for a local high school. The pics were made into posters to promote their prom...some of the text has been removed...but this was the general idea.

Thank you to Tease (Julie-O!) for letting us borrow the space! And thank you to Marie & Jorge for jumping...and jumping!

Enjoy!

Another Fam Jam!

Fam Jam+Tease=$ for Winter Spring Center! Don't miss the next one...it's every last Monday of the month!

These shots are little different than my usual. When I photograph an event, I shoot with a high ISO (the shots of the musicians playing at the bottom)...or I try to use off-camera lighting...which isn't always possible b/c 1) the event is in multiple rooms or 2) there's no aesthetically good place to put my light stands. So then what typically happens I put a flash on the hot shoe of the camera...and bounce. In this case, I decided to go old school...flash on hot shoe...no bounce...just direct hard light...nasty shadows! My wife is not too crazy about it...but I like to experiment every once in a while. What do you think or feel? Never do it again...or keep mixing it up? You won't offend either of us.

Be careful...

Watch out where you park...your car might get locked in!