Michael Levin a Master of the Black and White

I scour the internet on an almost daily basis searching for tidbits of learning and inspiration.  Sometimes I wish I could have those moments of my life back and other times I come across something so profound to me that I am called to a higher energy in my thinking where my minds eye opens to new possibilities.  I refer to this as a sort of high where the brain chemistry is just firing away churning out new ideas and renewed vigor for discovery and experimenting in my photography.  This is the way I felt after watching this video and seeing the work of Michael Levin.  I am just in awe of the simplicity of his photographs and the technical excellence which they clutch to themselves.  This is in stark contrast to the many photographers that shoot and shoot but never attain their form to this level of the art.  I hope to keep my eyes set on the teaching learned in this video in all forms of my work.  The videography is also exceptional and really matches the body of work Michael creates.  Enjoy.


KI: Michael Levin from Brad Kremer on Vimeo.

Michael Justus Class of 2011

I had the pleasure of meeting a very squared away young man through his incredible mother Julie.  Michael knows the world is his oyster and he is ready to jump both feet into the life he has ahead.  Michael has a distinct vision of where he desires to be and is looking forward to a prosperous future in mechanical engineering.  Well Michael my hat is off to you as you look into the future.  Had an incredible shoot with Michael doing some softer shots for Mom then on to the edge to capture some images of who Michael is.  Thanks for the awesome shoot Michael this slideshow is for you, enjoy.

The Battle at F-Stop Ridge

This was just way to funny not to post on the blog.  The Camera Store created this promo video in which a war rages on using cameras instead of guns.  Don't fire till you see the whites of their eyes.

Film what is that?

In the world we live in today as photographers the pace is mind numbing and maybe even creatively numbing.  I was just having the conversation with my mother that when weddings were shot using film solely 300 to 400 shots were common for an average wedding.  Today in the land of digital people treat a camera as if it is the latest 3000 round per minute military submachine gun and blast away at the client generating thousands of files which are either fundamentally the same or just creatively junk.  I myself have been guilty of just this turning out so many photos to be viewed and culled that it can take a considerable amount of time.  This all leads to the video below where we find a well respected photographer who is traveling the world to photograph the most influential people of the second which is just about the amount of time we have to spend on any one thing before moving on the the next.  Does this gentleman annihilate his subjects in a hail of frames to only hope that one or two might be pretty good.  No, he tests the light and manipulates the light, uses the light he is given then adds his on light.  He tests then tests again then retests to make sure the exposure is just right.  He uses Polaroids to get a glimpse of what will expose on that piece of celluloid in the end.  Then he loads his Mamiya 7II with medium format film and begins to create art not hammer away hoping for at least a good shot out of a thousand.  Each press of the shutter on a film camera represents an investment in time, money, skill, experience and creativity.  This investment means the mind stays conscious of the fact and concentrates because each actuation of the shutter counts.  Enjoy the video and take care of your personal composition.  Try to think of the shot before you actuate high speed drive and take the shutter into warp speed.  Peace!

Shana and Matt

How would I describe this wedding fun fun fun and what a beautiful day.  When you get married in San Diego you are almost guaranteed an awesome day and this one did not disappoint.  I was the second shoot to a good friend of mine Pete Larson of San Diego Wedding Pics.  Pete is a phenomenal photographer and you should look at his work.  Thanks Pete!  Now Matt and Shana were an awesome couple and obviously just a perfect for each other.  The picked a beautiful venue for the wedding, the Bahia Hotel, right on the San Diego Bay.  The ceremony took place at a beautiful secluded garden at the hotel with a quaint pond in the background.  Then when the ceremony was over and formals were done we all boarded an antique paddle wheel boat and headed out into the bay for an incredible cruise.  The atmosphere was spectacular with a massive stained glass roof over the dining area and then it was down to the lower floor for the party and a party it was.  Words can not describe the incredible ambiance of this paddle wheeler.   To cap off the evening the paddle wheeler maneuvers into position to see the fireworks display from Sea World.  Congratulations Shana and Matt you both were incredible and thanks Pete for the opportunity to shoot with you.

The Poetry of Photography

A fabulous piece of surf photography poetry by Mickey Smith.  Just relish in the truth of his words and be amazed by the cinematography.  Enjoy.

Pocket Wizard Love

Hey all, just wanted to do a little intro to my latest acquisitions the newly released Pocket Wizard Mini TT1 , the Flex TT5 and the AC3 zone controller for Nikon.  I am super excited to be able to finally get these gems in my hot little hands.  Ever since the Canon version came out I have been anxiously awaiting for Pocket Wizard to finally produce the Nikon version since that is my camera system of choice.  Well, just got them all out of the boxes and did a few test shots and the one awesome thing I can tell you right up front is I am getting spot on TTL exposures using Hyper Synch capabilities at 1/400th of a second yes you read that right 1/400th of a second.  Can you say awesome exposures in bright sunlight.  This is not the magical High Speed Synch which reduces your flash power this is a straight up regular exposure using TTL.  So am I happy oh yea I am.  The capabilities of these units is incredible and I can not wait to get out in some crappy midday light to give them a try.  We currently have rain and a nice blanket of clouds so that will have to wait.  As far as range, I had my son watching the flash connected to the TT5 as I walked around my 3400 square foot home trying to put as many walls and obstacles between me and the flashes as possible and not one did the Pocket Wizards not fire.  Awesome.  My first real test of the system will come next week when I do an engagement shoot on location.  We are going to be doing a little hiking to a location so the portability of my system will be paramount.  I will let you know how it goes and post up some pics after the shoot.  Well that's it for now be well and stay sexy!!!!!