Do Denim was born in 2004; It is currently sold around the US at better stores. Int’l Distribution was started in 2007 in several countries around the World. Do Denim is a lifestyle apparel concept that brings together global fashion trends and product value, without compromising top quality, materials and finishes. Unlike most market participants, Do Denim introduces a wide assortment of styles in its Tops and Jeans throughout the year. Do Denim retailers can refresh their stocks frequently, thus showing new fashion looks to their consumers on a consistent basis. It is our pledge to supply the marketplace with trendy garments that have top quality and unsurpasses value.

Taneka Jo is unexplainable. At times serious and moments later, playful. Focused and yet somehow constantly distracted. One thing is for certain, Taneka enjoys being photographed (and it shows). There are a few more samples from our recent shoot in the Models gallery. We’ve collectively over 50 more photos to share and will post them soon! Feel free to bug her for more of her photos on Twitter =)

I was surprised to receive this last minute call on a Sunday night. I was even more surprised when I took the gig. Well, it was Sunday afterall and I do have a nine-to-five. Plus, these club “headliners” or, stars rarely ever show up. No worries, I’m in.

I headed directly from a wedding reception in San Jose CA to Club Mist in San Francisco CA to meet with the folks at Bay Area Boss Entertainment. I arrived at 9:30pm. 10pm comes and goes and 11 o’clock was fast approaching when I realized the Club was still rather empty. Little had I known ALL the sidewalks surrounding the club entrance were packed with people spilling out into the streets. Donald Harper (my boss for the event) had promised a sell-out show and sold out it was! The club, the people, the entire atmosphere wreaked of fun and excitement. Having Trey Songz actually show up and share his liquor was just icing on the cake.

Thumbs up to Club Mist and Bay Area Boss Entertainment for inviting me to take these pics.

You’ll see plenty of photos from this years Halloween shenanigans.  Children running about dressed as their favorite mythical creatures and murderers… There’s even the occasional big kid buzzing about in a very cool but equally creepy Ernie costume, but this Halloween lacked the luster of yesteryear.

This weekend I traveled from Sacramento California to Los Banos. From Los Banos to San Jose and from San Jose to San Francisco and back again. I noticed small communities and large cities alike displayed very little interest in this years festivities. Homes that used to be spackled with orange and black decor we’re few and far between. I won’t say that I didn’t enjoy myself this holiday but there was without a doubt a drop in cooperation. However, my daughters elementary school festivities (pics below) never seems to fall flat during this fizzling tradition.  There was also plenty of extra candy to go around, so I won’t complain.

Animal Kingdom - Tin Man
A few days ago I had an epiphany. It had dawned on me after about 20,000 RAW files that, well… that’s a lot of data. Since I’m not always shooting in RAW I also know that I’ve actually taken well over 50,000 or so pictures. More importantly, I’m living out one of my life long passions… and if you’re thinking “photography” then you’re absolutely right. I’ll admit, the never ending pursuit of happiness continues =p I’m always looking for that perfect shot, the perfect ray of light or that gust of wind that comes along at just the right moment. It all keeps me on edge. Anticipating the sound of the shutter and guessing what light the next sunrise or sunset will bring. Yes, this is happiness.

Taking on the task of being the “guy with the camera” hasn’t been an easy one. Sure I love to take pictures! I get to spend more time outdoors and on the road meeting new people, friends and even fans! With my camera in hand I’m able to capture those quickly fleeting moments for everyone to reflect on for a lifetime. Just realize when I go from outdoors to indoors it takes a moment to prep my Canon. It is not a point-and-shoot ya know. There’s also the curse. The one where anyone who’s ever known you automatically pencils you in as the guy that’s going to take all of their photos, forever, for free.  There’s also the hours spent back inside and at my desk processing what I hope will eventually be considered art. And even with all of this I’ve found that as long as I have my camera I’m able to tolerate most anything.

Before photography there was music. I lived a life dedicated to making music and being able to share it with others. I spent countless days inside hot smokey studios and countless nights in dark and sticky dive bars recording and performing. The entire time I was involved in music I found myself searching for something. Friends and fans alike seemed to be very responsive to nearly every song I’d made, nearly =p Even singing and sometimes yelling my lyrics back at me while I stumbled around stage half drunk with my eyes shut tightly. Swaying, then steady. Slowly opening my eyes and staring out past the spotlight blindly into the crowd, searching.

I can say that I’m very happy with the transition from musician to photographer. I’ve traveled more in the last few years than I’ve done in all my years before. I do work very hard daily but all the while enjoying myself. That is the American Dream, isn’t it? And yet, after visiting new lands, meeting new people and 20,000 digital negatives later, I’ve come to the startling realization that there is STILL something missing.

Albert Einstein was struck as a young child by being given a compass, and realizing that some unseen force in space was making it move. He had the sudden realization or comprehension of the (larger) essence or meaning of something. And I should know. A song, a photo or even a pat on the back. Any of these things could lead to an epiphany. I can tell you it wasn’t the song I chose for this post nor the picture at the top that gave me that brief but euphoric sensation of “I got it…”. Once I realized I “had it” the work began, and continues…

I’ll admit. It was disappointing to find out Jamie Foxx wouldn’t be appearing at the Motif Lounge (afterall). AND, finding out 15 minutes before closing time didn’t help. BUT, I got some cool pics and met some awesome people =)

SD Cards, Check. Batteries, Check. Flash… Check.
Trust me, it’s always good to make a list when you’re getting ready for a big event like this one. The last thing you’ll want to do is show up somewhere excited only to learn you’ve forgotten that ONE single “bit” that makes ALL the difference (again). I’m a HUGE fan of Jamie Foxx (check out the song I made under the flyer) and am looking forward to the chance to photograph both him and his fans at the Motif Lounge this Saturday.

I’ll consider the opportunity my birthday gift =) Which btw will be on October 7th. Also, a quick thanks to Christina for the recommendation and free tix. I love free