David Manning Photographers Bloggin bio picture

Welcome to dmp bloggin!

I'm a big believer in living life to it's fullest and for the most part, you'll find a smile on my face!  That's the short story about me.  The long story includes a passion for photography, playing my guitar, surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, hockey, mountain biking, skydiving and more!

I like good coffee in the morning, and good wine at night.  Cooking combines three of my favorite things, creativity, food, and friends. So you can often times find me in the kitchen making an Italian family recipe.  You're welcome at my house anytime!  Just bring a smile, an appetite, and if you want to score big points, a bottle of red wine!  (Oh, and don't be afraid to have your picture taken.  If you're here, it's bound to happen!)

All of these activities are amazing, but they would not be nearly as fun or possible at all if it weren't for God, my family, and my friends.  These three are the most important to me, and I cannot thank them enough for supporting me on this amazing journey!

FLASH BACK WITH FRANCEY :: PUERTO RICO PART 2

Here’s Part 2 of Flash Back with Francey in the incredible Puerto Rico!  If you didn’t see Part 1, definitely go check that out first!

The day after their beautiful island wedding, Sara and I took the couple shooting around the aged streets of Old San Juan.  The blue green cobblestones and colorful buildings made for the perfect backdrop on a warm summer day.  Props to the couple for rocking out the suit and dress once again.  It wasn’t so much the heat of the sun that was beating down on us, but rather the intense humidity that you felt heavy on your skin.  A lot of water and the knowledge that we were ending the evening at the local Ben and Jerry’s kept us all going strong!

The streets of Old San Juan are one of those places that you dream to shoot.  Every block awaits new and interesting buildings, colors, and landmarks that Sara and I were giddy over!


We ended the shoot, as the sun began to set, at Fort San Cristobal.  The fort’s incredible stone walls, lush green hills and breathtaking overlooks were all that Sara and I dreamt about since our first day scouting trip.  We knew this would be where we would capture out money shots!


Puerto Rico has been one of the most incredible weddings that I’ve ever shot and another huge thanks goes out to Sara France for taking me along!  You’re a rockstar Sara Francey ;)

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February 24, 2010 - 8:13 pm Noel Del Pilar - Hello again! Thank you for been here! I hope to say hello to you at WPPI 2010.

February 24, 2010 - 2:33 pm Delmy - David, The scenery is breath taking. WoW!!!!

February 24, 2010 - 12:47 pm Katie Neal Photo - OMG. that's all i can say. stunning.

VENDOR PROFILE :: LVL WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Today, I’m taking a break between the two part Puerto Rico posts to slide in Vendor Profile!  Nearing the launch of our new website we debated about putting in a “Recommended Vendors” section and listing all the vendors that we love to work with.  The problem we saw with that idea though, was that we couldn’t tell you much about them in the provided space.  We don’t just want to give you a list of names and numbers, we want you to know who these people are!  That way, you can make one or two phone calls to the right person, instead of trudging though many that don’t fit your style.  So today, we’re kicking off our Vendor Profile section with Lindsay Val Longacre, an amazing coordinator.  When it comes to connections, Lindsay is your lady!

LVL Weddings & Events | www.lvlevents.com | blog.lvlevents.com | 714.718.3122

Lindsay Val Longacre of LVL Weddings & Events is based out of Orange County and serves all of Southern California.  When I first met her, I knew right away that we would be working together soon!  Lindsay is a grounded midwest girl, full of life, focused, organized, and most importantly, all about the details!  So much so, “it’s all about the details” is even written on the back of her business cards!  We met up in La Jolla for a coffee and a chat a couple weeks ago. I brought some of the most important questions I could think to ask a coordinator and Lindsay opened the book on herself and on LVL Weddings & Events.  Here’s my sit down with her:

How did you enter the wedding planning industry?

I got into wedding planning after working on corporate events and also planning fundraisers while volunteering for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  I was living in Chicago and decided I wanted to tap into social event planning.  I called every wedding planner in Chicago and got really lucky because it’s pretty hard to come by.  I worked under a consultant for a couple of years out there.  Then I remembered first wedding I was the lead coordinator on and it was one of the best feelings.  I knew right then this is what I want to do!

Did you start LVL Weddings & Events in Chicago?

Technically it started up when I moved out here.  I had been doing it on the side, but it didn’t have a name yet. So it officially started two years ago after moving to Southern California.

Who is your ideal client?  Or who are those perfect clients that you meet and are just completely stoked on?

I think for me, it’s all about chemistry.  I don’t really have an ideal client.  I would rather have chemistry with them where they don’t even have to speak and I already know what they’re going to say.  I just look for that connection.

Alright, what are your three favorite things about a wedding day?

#1. The details!  Every time I blog about my clients wedding, I write what I loved the most and it’s always details.  Like a guitar the bride brought in to surprise the groom because he loves music; which turns out to be the guest book.  I actually just blogged about a wedding today that is a perfect example.  Both of the bride’s parents had passed away and her dad made this wagon when she was a little girl.  The groom refurbished it and they pulled it down the aisle.  It had her name on it and was really special.  Those kind of things are hands down my favorite!

#2.  I love standing next to the bride right before she walks down the aisle.  I feel like it’s definitely a moment I’m always honored to be apart of.  I’m the one standing next to the bride right before she takes such a big step in her life.

#3. The moment when the bride and groom see each for the first time.  When he first looks into her eyes is such a great moment.

Do you like when your clients do a first look?

I do for logistics purposes and because the photographer is able to get a more up close personal look.  Many times due to church rules you can not get an up close first glance. The only disadvantage is it takes away the tradition.  What I tell couples is when you do the first look it is such an intimate moment and you get to share it just between the two of you and not in front of all your guests.

Alright, you’re going to love this question!  What are the major benefits of hiring a coordinator?

My top three are very simple reasons;  alleviate stress, save time and money time and guide the bride through the planning process. Those are the three biggest things.  I really stress the money saving aspect.  Wedding planners are looked at as a luxury item and I don’t think that’s the case.  Based on my relationships with wedding vendors and also my experience, I can get my client the best value at the best price.  There’s so many vendors out there, it makes it hard to find who is good and reliable professionals without a knowledgeable coordinator.  When you’re investing all this hard earned money in a wedding, you want to enjoy yourself and have fun.  The small investment of what a planner would cost is well worth it!

This is tough question for any company.  What is your company’s style?

That’s tough because what I strive for is to be a chameleon for my clients.  Every client is different, they all have different personalities, they all have a different relationship with each other and different styles and that’s what makes the wedding special.  I just try to bring it out of them.  So I would say my style is a very grounded and a down to earth planner.  I want my client to feel comfortable being themselves then I can pull their personalities out and give them great advice.  My expertise is in client relationships and coordination.

Awesome!  Is there anything else you would like people to know about LVL Events?

If it was me, I want whoever I hire to go above and beyond and that’s what I do for every client.


I love these totes that Lindsay had made for LVL!  They’re the perfect carry all for a bride as she’s planning her day and especially on her day!  If you’re looking for an incredible coordinator to work with, I would recommend Lindsay to anyone!  She is so down to earth, fun to be around, and is amazing at figuring out a couple’s personality to create their perfect wedding day!  A huge thank you for taking the time to sit down with me goes out to Lindsay!  I hope you all know her a little more now!

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February 23, 2010 - 8:15 am Jackie McNamara - Lindsay has done an AWESOME job coordinating my wedding that's in Mexico in November 2010. I had an idea of what I wanted, but she did exactly what she says she does- help me with the details to make it the perfect day!!! I can't wait for the big day and it has been easy planning with Lindsay's help.

FLASH BACK WITH FRANCEY :: PUERTO RICO PART 1

If you remember back to this past summer, I had the amazing opportunity to second shoot for my good friend Sara France in Puerto Rico (I still like to call her Sara Francey.  Inside joke ;)!  You can click here to see a bunch of our adventures!  There’s a Part 1 and Part 2 to our shenanigans!  Well I was talking to her the other day and I asked if I could post up some of the images from the wedding since it had been so long.  She agreed and I’m super stoked that she did, because c’mon, who doesn’t want to see images from a wedding in Puerto Rico?!  First off though, you should click here to see what Sara has been up to lately.  She is an incredible photographer, has her own CF Card holder company called GO|BEE Bags with Lauren Hillary, is one of Apple’s featured photographers for anything wedding, has been all over the launch of Aperture 3, and has a sweet project under the wraps that I’ve been able to take part in!  Sara is wonderful and I’m so thankful that I was able to go on this trip with her!

Okay, onto the wedding!  The ceremony and reception took place in El Convento Hotel in Old San Juan and was magnificent!  I know I know, magnificent is a pretty over the top word, but that’s the only word that does justice to an event like this; so magnificent it is.  Just walking to the event down the cobblestone streets was so exciting because you could feel the history of the place!  It was a hot, humid, and tropical day and everyone felt it.  Sara and I tucked folded paper towels in our bags to dab the couple as we went along.  In the brides room though, it was perfect.  A cool onshore breeze blew in through the wood shuttered windows as the bride slipped into her gorgeous white dress with a bit of blue peeking out the bottom.  With matching hand fan, she looked amazing in the vintage room.

This next image is one of my favorites from the day!

The groom and groomsmen rocked some sweet suits and matching pirate Circa skate shoes!  So perfectly dressed for the Caribbean!

Loved the pirate Circas against the cobblestoned streets!

The details were incredible and there could be an entire post dedicated to them!  The reception was in a ballroom with amazingly high ceilings, a beautiful old checkered floor and was decorated to match the Puerto Rican vintage style.

One of the coolest family shots ever!


This was adorable!  ”Today, I marry my best friend…” was completely true with these two!  You could tell they were much more than two people in love, but rather two best friends that had found love in each other.

We were told that about half way through the reception there was going to be a carnival style surprise.  What came was a complete surprise though!  Trumpets, trombones, drummers, singers, and finally these two guys on stilts!  They were like the ultimate party starters and what began as a relaxing evening reception suddenly morphed into a Rio de Janeiro style Carnival!  It was hilarious, loud, and set the vibe for the rest of the evening!


I couldn’t help, but join in a few times.  The excitement was just too much for me to resist!

Another one of my favorite poses to capture at a wedding!  You think, “Huh? What are they… Ohhhhhh, it’s their ring finger!”  Hehehe… Yep, I think I’m funny ;)

Stay tuned for Part 2!  Sara and I were able to take them on a fashion shoot the following day in the streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico!  It was like a whole day of “money shots”!

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February 18, 2010 - 1:41 pm Katie Neal Photo - omg this is amazing! especially the fake flipping the camera off shot! you look so young in that photo of yourself!!!

February 24, 2010 - 12:34 pm FLASH BACK WITH FRANCEY :: PUERTO RICO PART 2 » David Manning Photographers Bloggin - [...] Here’s Part 2 of Flash Back with Francey in the incredible Puerto Rico!  If you didn’t see Part 1, definitely go check that out first! [...]

VALENTINES DAY :: WE LOVE LOVE

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!  Today is a holiday all about love, people, and relationships (not just eating excessive amounts of chocolate!).  Well, we love love and we love you!  We love all of our past, present, and future clients who fill our lives with laughter, memories, and happiness!  Thank you so much and Happy Vallentine’s Day!

In love right now?  Popping the question today?  Well, being the holiday all about love, we wanted to offer a little special something for all you love birds out there!

If you get engaged on Valentine’s day, we want to offer you a FREE engagement session! (a $375 value)

No strings attached, no need to book us for your wedding.  We just want to share in your love and create some stunning images for you two to cherish!  Why?  Because… (reference large sign below for the rest of that sentence ;)

We also wanted to offer a special deal for you couples out there that are already married, maybe have a couple kiddos!

Valentine’s day portrait sessions (book within one week of today):  Normally $375, NOW ONLY $275

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February 16, 2010 - 6:12 pm Katie Neal Photo - Danget, I'm already married. What if he reproposes for a renewal of vows?! ;)

OH LOOK, FOOD! :: PENNE ALLA PUTTANESCA + SHRIMP

Okay, so Tasty Tuesdays didn’t work out.  As much as I love to cook, shooting, cooking, and posting the blog is quite the task!  One a week, and especially on a certain day of the week, not working out!  So as to not set expectations for a weekly food blog post, the name has received a well deserved change!  I put it out there to the Twitter world, and I appreciate all the suggestions!  ”Oh look, FOOD!” is the winner and will be the new name of my food posts.  Enjoy!

Today’s Oh look, FOOD! post is a delicious penne alla puttanesca + shrimp.  There are a few notables about this dish.  First, the “+” is because the shrimp can be added or left out.  So for you vegetarians out there, this dish is for you too!  If you have a vegetarian coming to dinner, simply serve out their portion of sauce before adding the shrimp.  Everyone is happy!  The second notable about this dish is the name.  ”Penne alla puttanesca” translated to Italian, means “whore’s pasta”.  It’s origins are traced back to Sicily or the Bay of Naples.  Either way, that’s a funny name!  Said to be named because they were all ingredients that a prostitute could have on hand and easily whip up between clients.  Bit of history with your dinner!  Alright, let’s get cooking.  Unfortunately, if you don’t have all these ingredients in your cupboard, much like it’s name, this is an expensive, but easy dish ;)  (I really couldn’t help it!)

Ingredients:

  • 2  Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil (also ironic considering the name)
  • 4  large cloves garlic, diced
  • 1  medium yellow onion, finely chopped (I had a large onion, so I only used about 3/4)
  • 3  tsp. finely grated orange zest (about 1 orange)
  • 1  tsp. dried oregano
  • 1  tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2  cup dry white wine (I went for a sauvignon blanc)
  • 1  28oz. can diced tomatoes and juices
  • 1/3  cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • 2  Tbs. capers, rinsed
  • 1  pound penne pasta
  • 1/3  cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 12  oz. frozen medium cooked shrimp
  • Sea salt and pepper

Get all your ingredients together and prepared.  This dish is easy, but a lot goes into it, so you’ll need to be on top of your ingredients.

STEP 1)  Add the 2 Tbs. of olive oil and bring to medium heat.  Add the 4 cloves of diced garlic and cook until tender (about 2-3 minutes).

While your garlic is cooking, go ahead and zest your orange and chop your onion.  I like a little extra, but it’s cooking, so add what tastes good to you!

STEP 2)  Add 1 chopped onion, 3 Tbs. orange zest, 1 tsp. oregano, and 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes and cook until the onion is tender (about 5-6 minutes).

STEP 3)  Add the 1/2 cup dry white wine and simmer until the wine has reduced by half.

STEP 4)  Stir in 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes with juices, 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, and 2 Tbs. capers.

STEP 5)  Use a masher and mash the tomatoes.  This will squeeze out a lot of the juices from the tomatoes, so when you simmer your sauce down, the water evaporates, and leaves you with a rich tomato taste.  At this point, add salt and pepper to taste.

***If you do have a vegetarian coming for dinner, transfer 1/4 of the sauce to smaller sauce pan now.***

STEP 6)  Stir in 12 oz. frozen cooked shrimp.  I like to use frozen shrimp, because they’re already prepared and cooked, so I don’t have to hassle with them.  They’re also great at absorbing any flavor that you put them into.  With a dish like this, they come out tender, juicy, and full of flavor!

STEP 7)  Cook your pound of penne to a nice al dente pasta (slightly firm to the bite).  While cooking your pasta, keep your sauce at a medium heat.

STEP 8)  Strain the pasta and transfer the whole pound to the pan.  Stir the pasta in carefully.

STEP 9)  You’ll notice that you still have a lot of thin juices in your pan.  Cook down for 10 minutes until your sauce is nice and thick.  This also gives the pasta time to absorb some of those amazing juices!

STEP 10)  Serve and sprinkle with chopped flat-leaf parsley and Romano cheese.

There’s only one logical ending for a dish as delicious as this.  Yep, an empty plate!

Just typing up this post has made me ridiculously hungry!  I’m off to have some leftovers from this dish!  Enjoy!

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February 10, 2010 - 1:28 am Megan - David, Please fedex leftovers. Thanks. Yours truly, Megan Allihavetoeatiscrackers Bibbo

February 9, 2010 - 9:44 pm Harmony Loves - OMGeee! Looks so good. You just made my stomach growl!

GETTIN' FASHIONABLE :: MEGAN PART 4

If you liked Megan Part 3, then you’re going to love Part 4!  If it weren’t for my love of chronological order, I would have split this post up, because it’s stacked with my favorite shots!  Once again, I just have to say that Megan was incredible for this shoot and rocked it!  I can’t wait to shoot with her again!  Enjoy!  (Yes, I realize that all of those sentences ended with exclamation marks.  It’s not bad grammar, it’s just enthusiasm!)









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February 8, 2010 - 11:30 pm Marissa Rodriguez - I love your exclamation marks! These are awesome!

February 8, 2010 - 9:54 pm David Manning - Thanks Christy! It's not a soft box, just off camera flash with a diffuser run through Pocket Wizards. I'm totally with you on the fifth image down! That image is my favorite from the whole shoot!

February 8, 2010 - 9:48 pm Christy Thomas - Wow, Megan looks beautiful! I think the fifth one down and the one wiht the fence are my favorites. Great lighting, is that a softbox?

GETTIN' FASHIONABLE :: MEGAN PART 3

This is Part 3 of what looks to be a four part post.  If you scroll back a bit in the blog, you can find Part 1 and 2.  If you don’t know, this is Megan, and she ROCKS at modeling!  All images in this post were shot in Little Italy, San Diego and were so fun because I LOVE off-camera lighting!  I’m a big fan of the idea that as photographers we don’t just “capture” what’s put in front of us, but rather we “create” our images.  When you dial in some off camera lighting, you find this to be more and more true!  Enjoy and stay tuned for Part 4!  I saved it for last because it’s my favorite! (look for that on Monday)








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February 7, 2010 - 8:05 pm Megan - If YOU weren't a stickler for chronological order?...I'm so glad my OCD is rubbing off on you. In fact, my goal in life is to make the world a more meticulous place... one blog at a time.

February 6, 2010 - 5:02 pm David Manning - Wait till Monday's post! If I wasn't such a stickler for chronological order I would split up the last post, because it's stacked with "Money Shots"! How awesome is Megan?! She ROCKED this shoot!

February 6, 2010 - 4:55 pm Katie Neal Photo - I tried picking a fave, it was difficult. But, I think the last one is my favorite!!!! You rock!

HOW I SEE IT :: APPLE'S iPAD

Alright, I had to put my two cents in on the iPad.  Since the announcement, it has received some scathing commentaries from some very short sighted people with a complete lack of creativity.  I won’t take long.  Just a few paragraphs to explain the device and how I see it.

The rumors and hype were huge!  What is Apple going to come up with to enter the tablet market?  We know they’ve played with the idea in the past (evidence of prototypes has even been found), but had abandoned the idea because they didn’t believe it was a real “game changer”.  Many of us that regard Steve Jobs as “Uncle Steve” prayed that he would reconsider.  Then, last year, the hype started again and the rumor mills were aflutter.  Every Apple yielding, gadget loving person in America had heard that Apple was going to release a new “game changing” tablet.  I knew a couple of very important factors in the product though, that allowed for the product to meet the level of my expectations.

Traditionally, the first generation of any new Apple device is “less than” what people thought it might be.  Of course though, naturally humans are very creative and came up with a million an one things that we thought the iPad “could” or “should do”.  Don’t get me wrong, the first gen iPod, the first gen PowerBook, and the first gen iPhone were all incredible devices!  Critics were harsh with short sighted reviews that slammed the products for what they lacked though.  This is to be expected, and you can bet that nobody at Apple is losing sleep over a few bloggers that feel better about themselves when they can critique instead of praise.  All of those devices have gone on to record sales and I’m not sure I know many people that have never owned an iPod.  So what is the iPad and how will it be used?

Steve Jobs and the team that developed the iPad were not short sighted and neither am I.  This device is going to revolutionize your life, whether you like it or not.  You will end up buying one.  Maybe not this year, as the “early adopter” crew will sweep them up and begin their integration into mainstream.  You will see someone using one in line at Starbucks, look over their shoulder and wonder.  Maybe not even next year, when most books, newspapers, and magazines will have a version of their publication in iPad ready format and we will be seeing the release of the 2nd Generation iPad.  By then your neighbor will most likely have one though, and you will wonder.  I will guarantee that within three years though, you will have an iPad, and so will many of the people you know.

How many times have you read the news on the computer, printed out a recipe to cook in the kitchen, finished a book on a flight and wished the thing wasn’t so large that you could have packed two?  Well how about reading that same news on the couch, pulling up the VIDEO of the recipe to watch while making in the kitchen, and books?  Well how about storing thousands for you to take along with you anywhere you are?

For you photographers out there:  How about taking out your iPad for someone you’ve just  met and showing them a video slideshow of your work?  How about getting a new clients email, inputting their info into your ShootQ, and having a proposal sent to them before you even leave the coffee shop you just met them at?

Yes, there will be next generations.  It is almost guaranteed that the second generation iPad will have a front-facing video camera and probably a USB port for more generalized accessories.  So you can wait for the 2nd Generation iPad and be one of the masses that picks one up.  Or you can be an early adopter, pave the way, and have this device incorporated into your business and life well ahead of the curve.  Which is a place that I like to be!

My point is this:  The iPad is a new multi-tool.  Be creative, think outside of the box, and imagine what you can do with this tool!  You don’t have to get one right away, you can just come hang out with me and play with mine.  Yep, DMP will for sure be sporting an iPad!

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February 17, 2010 - 3:35 pm Peter Benjamin - The way I see it is that Apple has to compete with PC in the category of "notebooks". It is, I believe, intended for the apple audience that cannot afford a fully capable Apple Macbook ($999).

February 12, 2010 - 2:50 pm Leeann Marie - I like your idea of using the iPad for your client meetings and sending off a proposal, via ShootQ, to them before they even get home. Sometimes when I meet with clients who seem really really excited, I do just that! Although, I take my laptop with me to my meetings for a slideshow in LR. But I think the iPad could do the same thing - just more portable! - Leeann

February 6, 2010 - 2:27 pm Jeff Jochum - Game changer. Hands down. Regardless of what it will eventually do - which I expect will be more than enugh - everyone "on the street" in May that you see using one will evoke a reaction. Love it. Hate it. Turn your nose up at or lean into it... they all mean huge success now that brands represent who we "are" more than they represent the product or manufacturer. $500 to quietly announce to everyone in eyeball distance that I'm an early-adopter of technology; can afford to spend my hard-earned dollars on such things; and that I am simply cooler than y'all? Cheap. iPhone syndrome, all over again. Oh yeah, and it does some pretty cool imagery stuff, as well. Truly, the Visual Web is upon us, IMHO. jeff

February 6, 2010 - 1:26 pm David Manning - Agreed on all points Tim. Except for the one about waiting of course! Those points are all the downsides of picking up a first generation Apple product. I'm sure that the second generation iPad will have larger memory, a camera, multiple apps, and more. I gotta say though, I loved my first generation iPhone, and I'm my second generation, and my third generation ;) Soooooo, I guess I'm "that guy". No bother though. I'll call you up when I'm in your area and you can mess around with mine!

February 6, 2010 - 9:08 am Gabriel Gonzalez - Couldn't agree more! The first thing that came to my mind was: "how would a client or a vendor react when they see you pull this out to show them your work?" If an iPhone is a decent way to show your work, how will this enhance the possibilities. For sure I'll get one for my business, but the $499, and wait for future generations to get a 3G one with more capacity.

February 6, 2010 - 4:10 am Tim Halberg - call me short sighted... but I can already do those things with my laptop... and my iphone is more portable and holds as much or more than 2/3 of the iPad sizes available... no doubt in my mind that within a year to a year and a half I'll have one, but honestly, apple hears what people are saying/expecting/wanting in a tablet (or any new device they release) and it's sad how much they always hold back on their first releases just so they can quickly have a second release to sell more... (look at the release of the iphone and the quick release of the second version - they were offering refunds to people who'd just bought the first version) not saying apple isn't brilliant and they won't make a ton of money and they won't change the market/create a new one, but they really could do so much better. they deserve the criticism. they are too big for their own britches at most times (mind you I absolutely adore their britches, but still...) glad you are looking at the positive of it, but they still need to be called out and pushed to do better. can't wait to have one of these in my hands to play with! ;-)

February 6, 2010 - 12:42 am Jeff - I'm RIGHT there with you :) We'll be grabbing on the day they come out. The possibilities for it's use are endless, but the things you mention here (especially the ideas that apply to photographers) are spot on and invaluable. This could be one of the best presentation tools ever developed :)

FINE ART :: SCRIPPS PIER

Fine art is one of my favorite genres of photography to shoot in.  It’s completely open to expression and vision.  Everyone sees the world a little differently, which is the beauty of it all.  The same subject through another photographers lens will appear a little different.  The shot below is one that I’ve seen many times, but never created myself.  Meeting with Lindsay Val Longacre the other day reminded me of the image in Peter Lik’s gallery called “Scripps”.  I love the shot and always thought about creating it myself.  Well Lindsay inspired me to do it and here is what I created.  It’s a perspective image, so you can wall around the room and view your screen from any angle, and it will still appear that you’re looking straight down the pier.  Sort of like Mona Lisa’s eyes following you!  A computer screen can’t do this image justice, but once I have it on my wall, come on by for a drink and we can hang out and talk life!  Enjoy! (and photogs, grab your camera and go create this shot!)

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February 6, 2010 - 2:40 pm Katie Neal Photo - LOVE it! Can't believe I'm so behind on my commenting!

February 5, 2010 - 2:57 pm Lindsay - Hey David, What a great shot! I am so happy I was able to be your source of inspiration!! It was great working with you the other day. Can't wait to see how the pictures turned out.

February 4, 2010 - 9:10 pm Kathy - Love it how big can you print it. Great gift for your parents!!!!!!!!!

EMPTY WALL NO MORE :: ITALIAN PAINTING

For the years that I have lived in my townhouse in Rancho Bernardo, there has been an un-fillable void on one of my walls.  With vaulted ceilings in my family room, there above my TV, stood a giant empty space.  I never knew what to do with it, but I knew something had to go there.  But what?  What could fill such a huge space?  Then I found it.  An original, one-of-a-kind, painting by an Italian artist that was large enough (102″x48″) and my favorite color, deep red!  Putting it up in four sections was a total pain in the butt to get them all perfectly level, but after an hour or so, it was done.  I stood back and reveled at how it fit the space, was a great conversation starter, and could take up a countless amount of time just staring at all the unique strokes.

Okay, okay, so it wasn’t done by some famous Italian artist, I painted it myself.  While I’m not famous, I am Italian!  So it’s fun to tell people that ask about it, “Oh yeah, that’s a one of a kind painting by an Italian artist!”  Hahaha!!!  Everything else in that first paragraph is true though.  I was baffled at what to put in that space!  Then one day, I got an idea to create a giant slit-painting on wood.  I went to Home Depot that same day, picked up all the supplies and started working on the piece.  Three weeks later and a ton of late night hours in the garage, and this is the result.  I used a ton of paint, many many layers, and not a single paint brush!  Instead, I used things like putty knives, old rags, scrap wood, and sandpaper.  Thought I would share it with you all.  Enjoy!





Imagine that space totally EMPTY!  It haunted my dreams, and bugged the heck out of my days!

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February 28, 2010 - 10:09 am scott anderson - Beautiful work...Diggin' it!

February 6, 2010 - 4:14 am Tim Halberg - love it!! wish I had that sorta skill and patience. saw some amazing art in Vancouver and Whistler that was fairly similar and VERY red... would have bought every piece I saw if I'd of had the extra $10k plus in "pocket change" sitting around ;-) great conversation piece for sure!

February 5, 2010 - 12:29 am Kristin Menath - This is great. I may ask you for some tips - too many bare walls in my house.

February 4, 2010 - 6:08 pm Katie Neal Photo - ooooh very cool David! with that signature, i think i see painting in your future. :)

February 2, 2010 - 7:28 pm Marissa Rodriguez - AWESOME painting! I really need to get back to drawing/painting, I have some walls that could use some decor! Thanks for sharing!