No Time

As many of you know (all two of my blog followers), I work full time as a designer and full time as a photographer along with having a family. So, I don't have much time for anything else. I am hereby referring you to my facebook business page, as that is much easier for me to manage than this blog. Go to facebook and type in " Rich Vintage Photo Inc." in the search, and let the magic happen. I may post something here, just there more often. You can see much more of my work there.

New Website Live

Ok, I finally got my new website up and full of goody goodness. I just recently took a trip with models to Moab and Monument Valley, and my boys to Fort Collins, CO for a WWII Bomber shoot. Some of that work is featured on my site. Now I just have to finish my post-processing. . . I need a photo assistant. . .

www.richvintagephoto.net

Bandits and Balloons

This past weekend I decided to shoot some vintage Bandits in Springville, Utah with my lens baby. I continue to try to master that thing, as it is a tricky bugger. Here is what I came out with. I also tried a remake of American Gothic.

Spring Portraits

I had a special request for a shoot with this Latina model this past week. Something warm and sunny, colorful. I tried to explain to them that in Utah, foliage is still dead. But I tried to make it work anyway with just shooting toward the sky. And it was freezing cold. Anyway this is round one of round two, which will be next week when it is warmer. The wind was uncooperative and instead of trying to tame it, I got the model to move with it to control the hair. I am pleased with the outcome. Spring, please come. This cold blows. :)

Lindgren Wedding

I was a little anxious for my first temple wedding as I have mostly just done my own concepts and small groups. Ali asked me if I'd be up to it, and I said I would. It snowed for a half hour during the ceremony and I waited and grew more anxious. By some miracle or luck, the snow let up and Ali and Kavin came out. I must say I picked a über beautiful couple to start with. These images were taken at the Salt Lake Temple.

Like my name, I shoot vintage and try to capture that one timeless moment. Here are a few that I have processed so far. I may be up to doing more weddings, ahem, this sports guy—maybe. What a beautiful day for an eternal memory. Thanks Ali and Kavin for letting me be a part of it with you. Okay, back to SportsCenter. . .

Will It Blend?

This next issue of the BYU Magazine is a fun one, and I was lucky enough to get to design this feature article about Tom Dickson, founder of Blendtec. You may have seen his viral videos "Will It Blend?" on You Tube. If you haven't, I would advise you do so. In one of his videos, he blends 6 Bic lighters. And they explode. That is where I came up with the idea of this photoshoot. Brad Slade took these photos.

Mr. Dickson as also blended EZ Cheese, CZs (street term for fake diamonds also known as cubic zirconia), and Chuck Norris' foes. Anyway, this is one of the funner spreads I have ever been a part of. Coming in the Spring 2009 BYU Magazine.

Engagement Photos

I have been doing lots of engagement photos as of late. So far, it has been word of mouth that has brought many by, and that I am thankful for. I have had fun trying out new lenses and scouting new locations. Here is a couple I shot in downtown Provo and up behind the Utah State Hospital.

Old-timey Photography

I have started this new idea of photographing (eventually all) the LDS Temples in an old fashioned style. I finally have a full frame sensor, so this allows me to create the blurring action with a special lens. So far, I have taken 3 temples and I only have 120+ to go! I hope to create that "dreamy" feel as if you were back when photography was invented in the 1800s. This weekend we are going down to Manti to shoot the temple there. So far, I have the Salt Lake, Timpanogos and St. George Temples. Any feedback is appreciated. (Images may not be used without permission to all you blog hoppers and image stealers).

Flesh Mashers

Before winter set in, I wanted to get one more superhero shoot finished. I now introduce you to the "Flesh Mashers." Don't Mess. Make me a PB&J sandwich or else!

NObama

During a photoshoot last week, I captured a unique image of rural America. Boy, exactly how I feel. No to Obama, or Nobama. Don't Do it. I hope it goes viral.

A Disciple's Journey

This is my second of two features for the BYU Summer Magazine. It is the first religious/spiritual article I have done, and I had the go to commission some art for it. I was able to use Alex Nabaum and we developed some fantastic imagery of the fight between light and dark, good and evil.

I kind of took it a different direction and feel of much of my work, mixing some new space age and grunge feel. I guess you could say it is like dipping a twinkie in your Sprite (Wow!). I love the final piece and colors that Alex chose. If you have a chance to pick up the next BYU Magazine, this article from Elder Bruce Hafen is a MUST read. Very insightful and inspiring. I hope I did his message justice with mine.

The Guru of Green

This issue of BYU Magazine, I had the charge and opportunity to design two features of different feels, and this one I had too much fun, as you can see. This feature was supposed to come out last issue, but was pushed back for an editorial reason. I started the design several months ago, and during that time, I had some slow time at work (really! slow time, that is impossible! and unbelievable! [right now I am slammed and have been for weeks]) and I got a little carried away, drawing this flower with type. It took me several hours, but in the end, I am muey pleased. Brad did a great job on typography. Shhh. This is posted before the magazine comes out. Likey?

10, 9, 8, 7 . . . .

I had the opportunity to take three fantastic models to the salt flats this past weekend to try some of my crazy concepts. We luckily made it out there on the last semi-cool day (80 degrees at 7 p.m., the next day it hit 95F) and got some killer skies and captures. My favorite is the "Launch Your Business" concept. I had to call several places to locate smoke bombs, which are not sold until late June. The light was fantastic. I can't wait to make it out there again. Click here to see the rest of the location photos.

Florida

I have never really been to the beach before, once in California when I was young, and last year in Corpus Christi, Texas, but both of those didn't compare to Clearwater Beach, Florida. We just got back from a family vacation where I was able to get some photography in. Absolutely beautiful lighting. Here are some shots from the super-wide angle lens.

Skateboard Portraits

I had a shoot yesterday with a new model to test out a new super-wide angle lens, and reintroduce myself with an old love (the Lens Baby). Great model and great location under the freeway in Lehi. We had to dodge pigeon poop and feathers galore. I am dabbling my hand in more fashionistic kind of photos. Love the Lens Baby.

Fenway No No

This past Monday, one of my dreams of attending Fenway Park in Boston was realized as we hit a game after the HOW Conference let out for the day. I dragged my two reluctant fellow designers from BYU along. They wanted the Royals to win. They complained about the tinyness of the seats and other things. I enjoyed being at the park and witnessing the nostalgia. After the sixth inning, I noticed that Lester had a no-hitter going. Holy Fetch, cool, but too early to get excited, could easily be broken up. And I didn't want to jinx it. Lester then retired the Royals in the seventh, and the crowd started to buzz. I decided to text everyone that would be interested that Lester had a no-no through 7.

By now, the crowd was standing and chanting "Let's Go Lester!" It was amazing. He proceeded to make history and completed the no-hitter and the crowd erupted. I was so excited and couldn't believe that I made it to this history, as only 232 no-hitters have been thrown in the history of pro baseball. Amazing. A good thing to happen to this pitcher, Jon Lester. Oh, and my bum friends thanked me for dragging them along.

May Goal

I have decided to go bonkers this summer with photoshoots, to build my portfolio and increase my downloads on iStock. I currently stand a little over 70,000 downloads, and I hope to hit 100,000 by end of November. I am going crazy with ideas, and I need to get them done! I hope the wife supports me on this goal. As everyone knows me, when I get something in my brain, I am usually fixed on it like peanut butter on a twix bar. Yum.

Sometimes We Flew!

Here is one of my latest Magazine spreads for McKay Today Alumni Magazine. I commissioned the famous Chris Buzelli, and we developed this flying fish with kids on its back. The arts helped these kids in a less privileged elementary soar in academics. I wanted color and fun!

One on One

From our recent shoot at the Great Salt Lake, I designed this feature article. The photography turned out great (thanks Brad) and I wanted to focus on the color of the shots. Look for it in the Spring 08 issue of BYU Magazine.

Capturing a Moment

Every now and then, you witness something special. I had an article to design and art direct for the upcoming BYU magazine about mentoring others, and one of the essays takes place in the northwest arm of the GSL (the saltiest part of the lake). Anyway, we shot the article (of students taking microbe samples in the lake), and this was the sunset we happened to witness. Now I have witnessed some great nature in my life, but this was special. We were literally in the middle of nowhere, and heard maybe one bird the whole time (it was so quiet!). This color and experience spoke loudly to our souls. How can people question the actuality of a greater being? I was able to take this picture. One of the most barren places in the world can be the most beautiful.

Finally! A hew home?!?

We signed on with Richmond American to build us a new home on Feb. 2, 2007. It has almost been one year and we might get our house completed by then! Honestly, we have had the worst homebuying experience imaginable, as they have missed every promise, dropped every ball, and disappointed in every way. If they don't have a perfect home for us on the 2nd of Feb. (which is, ironically, Ground Hog day) then will we file a lawsuit. I don't recommend this home builder.

Business Superhero

New series up on iStock. Logan was kind enough to humor me in the cold wind, and modeled for this series, which can be seen in this lightbox. I plan on doing more, as soon as weather permits.

Questions and Answer Session

I was interviewed by a fellow inspector at iStock, and here is the interview. (click on the title of this entry. Or, if you are lazy click here.)

I Rank #81

This past year has been amazing for me on iStockphoto. Just recently, I passed into the top 100 photographers on iStock, and I am now at 81. Not bad for a part-time gig. There are over 40,000 contributors from around the globe, so this is a nice number.

Here is the list if you would like to see. I am RichVintage. Click on his blog tab, then "more" and you can scroll down the list to see me.

Happy Holidays

I hope my viewer has a happy holiday. I have just finished my Christmas themed photos for iStockphoto, and hopefully they will bring others joy, happiness, and lots of presents. So, Merry Christmas!

Richian Proverbs and Insight

Okay, I was just thinking of adding some of my philosophies of design, thoughts if you will, to others in the blogosphere. I like making up my own words (lived in Texas for a bit).

Talent and Hard Work

The real issue is not talent as an independent element, but talent in relationship to will, desire, and persistence. Talent without these elements goes dormant. Even modest talent with hard work and these characteristics will grow.

Richian Proverb #1

Computers are to design as microwaves are to cooking.

Recent Work

Here at BYU, I have the great opportunity (and budget) to work with some of the best illustrators in the world. This is a spread for the magazine I art direct, BYU McKay Today, and it is about Karl Maeser, one of the primary founders of BYU. In this historical article, I tried to create a sense of timelessness and nostalgia. I commission Mark Summers to do this exquisite scratchboard art for Maeser. I purchased several old style typefaces to create this feature spread. I am pleased with it.

Back Into Editorial Design

I am the new Assistant Art Director for BYU Magazine, and I am very happy about that. This is the first feature I have designed titled "How to Build a Solid Financial Future" and I commissioned Joseph Daniel Fiedler to illustrate. I wanted to use building block type and worker guys. This will be coming out in the Fall of 2007.

LensBaby Action

Last month I was able to attend my first iStockalypse in Austin, Texas, and I had a fantastic time. We witnessed a Harley Davidson biker rally, and that was a spectacle for a Mormon kid from the desert. I visited my first tatoo parlor (don't worry, I didn't get one), and ate some immaculate BBQ at Ironworks.

The opportunity to learn some techniques in photography were abound, and I took it on myself to experiment with my new lensbaby lens. It adds a vintage and nostalgic feel to photos, and I ate it up. We went to the Enchanted Springs Ranch where I took several images. The one above titled "Chief Long Horn" was the best one, and I was lucky enough to be honored with Best of Show at the end of the event. Now I just need to save up my money to go to the next iStockalypse in Europe, 2008.

New Website Coming Soon

I have cranked away and am pleased to announce my website is going to be built soon. I will be offering my Vintage Photography in the area. I just decided to get one up and see where it takes me. Stay tuned.

The Curse of the Fleshy Tomatoes

It seems I have a curse. I love tomatoes on my sandwiches and burgers. However, as of lately it seems whenever I go to Wendy's or a sandwich place, I get the green, fleshy butt end of the tomato. It ruins the whole meal in my opinion. That is just like when people (my Mother) add nuts to everything. I hate nuts. And what is up with celery in potato salad? If I would have known there was more celery in the potato salad, I would have named it "Celery Salad." Morons.

Flexing Muscles

It has been a couple of weeks at the new job here at BYU, and I like. The quality of work here and the purpose is fantastic. I am working on a great feature article for BYU magazine, and it is nice to be doing publications again.

The iStock thing is going well as well, I am in training to be an inspector, and should be free of training soon. I just purchased a lensbaby today for my camera, and I am excited to get it before I go to Austin for the iStockalypse there at the end of the month. I need to fly away now

Seventh time is a Charm.

Well, some of you (Shane, my only viewer) know my history with BYU. Thrice denied into their Graphic Design program. After graduating with a BA instead of a BFA, I have applied for positions at BYU's Award winning University Design Dept. four times. Finally, I am thrilled to say, I was offered a position with them as a Designer. For all you kids out there, never give up, never surrender (from one of my favorite movies, Galaxy Quest.)

Inspector Rich

I just landed a part-time gig as an inspector for iStockphoto. There are only about 60 inspectors world wide, so it is an honor. Now I have to go through a vigorous training, learning about every digital camera on the planet, and sort the bad stuff from the good. In a year, I hope to possibly quit my day job. Well, maybe not, I enjoy graphic design so much.

I was awarded with Two ADDYs

This past Saturday, we went to the ADDY awards banquet in Salt Lake (Utah Advertising Federation) and I was awarded two silver ADDYs for two spreads I did for LDS Living. I was able to take my picture with two spaghetti strapped models. The wife didn't like that part. When I get the pic, I will post.

My Minute of Fame

It will only last a week (through Jan 27th), but I am happy to say I have received "Image of the Week" from iStockphoto. I actually took this series in late September of 2006, and the above photo was just granted the award. Who would have thought (not me) that I would come to this point in my photography? There are over 25,000 photographers that submit to iStock, and I am honored to have this recognition. Now I just need that dang snow to melt, and for it to come above freezing for the first time in three weeks.

New Years Goals

I see it has been a while since I last posted something on this wonderful blog of mine, so I thought I would give an update. I am hoping to have my new photography website up and active within the next three months, so I may start my side business. I will specialize in children's photography that is themed and conceptual. So I will be even busier come the springtime. (I have to bring in the funds for my new Toyota Matrix.) I would like to thank the Academy for all the support and help it has given me. Now back to watching the Discovery Channel.

Found a Job

I am the new Creative Lead for Focus Design in Provo. We mainly do websites, but I am going to beef up the print realm. I am also going to begin teaching Intermediate Typography and Layout at UVSC this next semester. I will post more when more happens. Goodbye.

Graphic Designer Looking for Job

Yep, that'd be me. After two and a half creative and concept-boggling years at Stephen Hales Creative, I was a casualty in a downsize. Me and Fernando. Well, kind of a surprise, but I think I knew it was coming in an ethereal way. It was kind of funny, when the two owners told me, I told them that it couldn't have happened at a better time for me because I am at the top of my game. Kind of hotdogish, but I really feel that way. I think I get the visual conceptualizing thing. Well, wish me luck as I search for a job in this area. I can also be contracted for photography.

Latest Spread

For a feature article for LDS Living. Out of all of the Christmas season holidays, I chose New Year's Day to highlight on the front spread of this article. Mainly, because I like to blow things up. When I was a kid in St. George, we used to go over to a friend's house (I won't name names, for your sake, Eric) and alter flowers (a type of lame, legal firework in Utah) into explosives. We would rug waterproof fuses to them, light, and sink into the golf course pond. A low submerged "boom" would occur, and we would go for more. Also, when I was on Church service in Denmark, the place was rockin' with flying explosives during New Year's 1996. One large rocket landed in our backyard and almost blew out the window I was trying to sleep next to. BLAM! Ahhh. The good ol' days. Anyway, that inspired this spread.