Wednesday, January 19, 2011

I just can't get enough.. thanks DIY

http://www.diyphotography.net/the-10-diy-foamcore-softbox

Yet another interesting idea

http://www.diyphotography.net/the-real-story-behind-starbucks-getting-the-perfect-white-balance

Just found this and can't wait to make my own!

http://www.diyphotography.net/from-paper-to-ringflash-in-few-easy-steps

TCB

Time to get down & dirty. Need to get back in the school mode. So much work to be done and no room for procrastination or laziness! Still to come: photos from the Fitz and the Tantrums show that the Cosmopolitan and then the Weezer show this Friday. I hope to get some good pics of Rivers and crew.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Just a little rant

Been a bit since I last wrote. Winter classes, work and overall stress kept me at bay. Here's the rundown starting with school. I am terribly frustrated with Adobe Flash, excited and nervous about Digital Editing, I know what to expect from Intermediate Photo, and super happy about Advanced Lighting. Work has been so slow and I keep getting placed at the really bad spots. So very little money is being made. I am trying to get some side work, or look for another job. Some days I don't know how I'm going to make it, and others I don't even give it a thought. Love life is practically non existent. But I keep myself distracted not to think about it. There is much to look forward to this year. I am keeping course and staying positive.. well as positive as one can be expected to be. Every day I enjoy living alone more and more, although still get pretty lonely. This city has given me many challenges. And I refuse to let it defeat me. So much to look forward to...

Saturday, January 1, 2011

2010 My Year Through Music


As I look back at 2010 and read Nicole Alvarez's (from KROQ) top 30 songs of the year, I realize it wasn't all that bad. This past year had it's share of ups and downs, but most years are. Yes it was a tough year full of some extreme downs. Sitting here writing this though I have to say it really wasn't all that bad. After 9 months in Las Vegas, I'm still here... still standing. I haven't run back home and I have my own place for the first time in my life. Overall this year brought many surprises and many lessons I hope to learn from. My fondest memories of this year came in the way of the amazing music I discovered and helped get me through some of the darkest moments of my life. So here is my tribute to 2010 and the music that made it awesome and bearable.

10. Phoenix- Wolfang Amadeus Phoenix
I was a bit reluctant to give this band a nod. They closed out night two of KORQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas, had massive airplay and Nicole put them in the top spot on her list.. but where they that great? Well yeah these Frenchies do know how to rock it I must say.
9. The Dead Weather- Sea of Cowards
Damn does everything Jack White touch turn to gold?? Not enough to have one amazing band, he has to have like 10. Well keep up all the hard work Jack, you are a true rock GOD!
8. Gorillaz- Plastic Beach
Their Letterman performance was epic! Enough said.
7. Florence and the Machine- Lungs
They blew everyone away at Acoustic Christmas. The album does Florence's vocal talents no justice and I am in love with her lyrics.
6. Vampire Weekend- Contra
Another band I was lucky enough to see at Acoustic. I had a blast dancing to their set. Anytime I needed to just be silly and dance, I looked to these guys.
5. Atmosphere- To All My Friends, Blood Makes The Blade Holy: The Atmosphere EP's
I had to pay the guy at the door of the House of Blues $40 to get in to their sold out show.. and it was worth it in so many ways. Whoever said hip hop is dead has never experienced the power of Atmosphere. The room was explosive in the HOB.
4. Fitz and the Tantrums- Pickin' Up the Pieces
Thanks to Kat Corbett (also of KROQ) and her Locals Only show for turning me on to this band. Looking forward to seeing this Indie, Soul band when they come through the new Cosmopolitan in January.
3. Deftones- Diamond Eyes
I fell in love with this band back in my high school days with White Pony. More than 10 years after my first experience with them at then Universal Ampitheater, I got to fall in love with them all over again at KROQ's Weenie Roast.
2. Silversun Pickups- Swoon
This band rocked the socks off of The Joint in the Hard Rock back in July. As corny and sentimental as this may sound, this band truly got me through the darkest times I had this year. And they were right.. "the change is coming soon."
1. The Black Keys- Brothers
I had so much fun this year rocking out to "Sexy Time" with Kat and my fellow ustreamers. They blew me away at ACX and I am counting the days till I get to see them at Cosmo in Feb.