$174 for a piece of glass?!!

My buddy and fellow photographer Toby Caughron was the only one who correctly guessed #8, the image chosen for the show.  Toby's a fantastic photographer and his website can be viewed at  www.tobycphoto.com.

The final stage in the creation of an image is very fulfilling.  To see a moment in time that you alone captured, finally framed is the culmination of a long journey.  But it's EXPENSIVE! Darker images are particularly difficult to see if there's any glare off of the glass. The show required acrylic so my options ultimately ended at Optium, the only non-glare acrylic that doesn't unacceptably blur the image, at $174 for a 24'' by 30'' piece.  I won't even start with the frame.  Suffice to say, I'm in the wrong business.  After I stopped the hemorrhaging of my wallet, I assembled the image and upon turning it in was informed that my piece was the last to be delivered.  Considering this was a group of artists, makes that even MORE impressive! Procrastinators UNITE!........tomorrow.

If you're interested in the show, it's on display from July 29th until Sept. 13th at the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park, San Diego.  Southern California is a hot bed for many super talented nature photographers so I'm sure it'll be impressive.  

ISO 100, f8, 17 minute exposure in almost total darkness.  I tried to focus during a couple strikes, but that didn't work.  In the end I just went to infinity, backed it up a bit and I think I said a prayer.

Footlong! Who ordered the footlong?!

A friend of ours wanted some portraits of her dog.  When I heard Buffy was a dachshund, I knew exactly where I wanted to go!

I had this idea in mind during the shoot so we shot for it, clipped Buffy out, removed her owners hand from underneath her and then found a map I liked for the background.  It wasn't until I had it printed I noticed the map said 'Parsot of Bark Shire' at the top.  It was easy enough to swap the name to make it Buffy of Bark Shire!

The 'hotdog man' peeking over the top of the menu makes this photo! 

Fun with blogs

The Ordover gallery recently had a call for entries; those chosen would be displayed in the 'Best of Nature' show in the Natural History Museum at Balboa Park, San Diego.  They received 2000 plus images and chose 70 for the show.  I submitted the ten images below and had one of them chosen.  If you'd like to guess the one you think it was, feel free to post your choice as a comment or email me.  I think you need a google or blogger account to comment, but that’s easy enough to get.  I'll send the winner an 8x10 or 8x12 print of their choice.  If there's more than one correct guess, I’ll employ highly scientific methods to randomly select one, or maybe just close my eyes and point.  I'll announce the winner in two weeks.

1 (top), 2 (bottom)

3 (t), 4 (b)

5 (l), 6 (r)

7 (t), 8 (b)

9 (t), 10 (b)

Expert photo taking

Roland recently sent me to New York to photograph a gentleman named Joey Raia.  He’s a remixing and sound design guru.  A little bit of work and a little bit of play, in a very short time frame.  As a photographer, or anyone I’d imagine, having so little free time in New York is a bit like that game show where they give you ten seconds to grab as much money floating around as you can, but then place you ten seconds away from the box! 

Notice the LaGuardia arrival and JFK departure?  Good, 'cause I DIDN'T!

Chrysler building reflection.  In camera capture, black and white conversion and 'real' side (left side) darkened in photoshop.

This photo is just begging for a caption!  When I saw this, I immediately felt better about all of my advertising efforts.  I’ve created a couple snazzy promos in my seven years at this, but in 51 years, this is the best they could come up with?!  Then I got to thinking, 51 years is a long time!  They must be doing something right.  After several minutes, I concluded this sign is absolute genius and if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.  And so....

it is with very high hopes, I present to you the new Maciariello Photography ad campaign! 

Comp. of one of the resulting Raia ads.

Whenever I remember, I try and take a picture of my feet that includes something of my surroundings when I travel.  I’m not sure when I started doing this, but I know it’s been awhile.  It may make an interesting compilation someday.  

I know, it's only rock 'n roll, but I like it

Working for high profile music corporations has granted me up-close access to many talented musicians, both one-on-one and live.  I decided I ought to start putting some of the live photos together for another portfolio.  I thoroughly enjoy creating portraits of talented artists, whether they be actors, models or musicians, in their element.  The creative fusion always yields something special.