Los Angeles: Part 2
Santa Monica, The Revenant, and Lana.
Week 2
January 9 - January 15
This past week's adventures included a little more (okay, a lot more) of the beach. On Saturday morning I drove to Santa Monica. I even drove on the 405 (fun fact: in California, they call highways "the-405" rather than "I-77") with 6 lanes of cars and enjoyed it, I'd like to think Pittsburgh traffic prepared me for such nonsense. I walked from where I parked all the way to the pier and I passed the time with some touristy shopping for postcards and keychains until all the shops and vendors started opening around 11:00 AM. The pier is filled with rides and a ferris wheel, musicians and an arcade, and even restaurants. The pier is a fun atmosphere and the view at the end is just incredible, the ocean always amazes me.
Saturday night I couldn't help myself, I needed to watch The Revenant and I am so happy I did. Such a beautifully done film and that goes to credit the acting, cinematography, music, and story. A must watch especially for photographers and artists, especially.
Sunday morning I went with a neighbor to a church service held at El Segundo High School, which is actually used a lot in movies and TV shows including Superbad, The Hot Chick, Joe Dirt, 90210, and others.
In the midst of these fun outings, I was kicked with some type of cough/sickness. But what better way to forget about a runny nose when you can walk along the beach and see the mountains!
Here are a few of the outings Lana and I took this week around town.
Shot of the week. We had just went outside and walked a little down the street. Good little Lana waved to every person she saw, and some trees and inanimate objects thrown in there too. She was a little bummed when they didn't wave back. It's so easy to just settle for iPhone photos, but I'm hoping to bring my camera with me more often.
Live by faith & share through fotos.
On Veterans Day
Final images from my shoot inspired by Call of Duty, with behind the scenes and before and after images.
Final image from Collin's shoot used for my print portfolio.
My inspiration for this shoot originally came from Call of Duty. My brothers used to be in love with the game, and gosh darn it, their promo photos are so good. Google Image search "Call of Duty" and you will agree completely. Plus, my friend Collin has been wanting to do a shoot for quite some time using all of his airsoft gear. We did the shoot in two sessions, one at sunrise and one at sunset, which makes for a pretty long day, but the crew had a nice long break for naps between. The team included Collin Galbraith as the model, Chelsea Black and my brother Jonathan Schonauer as assistants.
Although this was a personal project inspired by a video game, on a serious note, I'd like to dedicate these images to all the Veterans that have served our country. I take every thing I have for granted on a daily basis, forgetting the freedoms that I have, thanks to the brave American troops this country has, and our Awesome God. I debated sharing these images on Veterans Day because I didn't want them to be "offensive" in any way to make military or war look "easy" or "pretty" with all the Photoshop and setting up this shoot took. And I hope that that message doesn't get passed on through the images. I want these photos to represent the soldiers as individual people and be a reminder of the incredible sacrifice they have made. It's not much, but I just want these images to say "Thank you!".
Below is a before and after, showing the extensive work in Photoshop to make the atmosphere eerie and intriguing in this specific photo.
Behind the Scenes
Live by faith & share through fotos.
YPA Gallery in NYC
A look into the YPA Boundaries gallery hosted at The Art Directors Club in New York City on February 24, 2015.
Surreal doesn't come close to the feelings and thoughts I experienced while walking into The Art Directors Club in New York City for the Young Photographer's Alliance (YPA) "Boundaries" gallery. Seeing my work hanging along other photographers' work from around the world is indescribable.
Early on the morning of February 24, I traveled with my mom and sister from Pittsburgh to New York on a bus to celebrate my sister's birthday, and to see my work completed through the Mentorship Program in Pittsburgh from this past summer, sponsored by the YPA. As a conclusion to the Mentorship Program, following our required PR event, as we chose to hold a gallery at Studio 3702 in Lawrenceville of Pittsburgh, this event was quite an honor. The gallery was held by The Art Directors Club, which is a huge space and perfect for the event.
Before the doors opened for the event, this is the large space our work was displayed in. The room was entirely filled with other artists and guests by the end of the night. (photo by Amy Schonauer)
Being completely exhausted from the long bus trip, bearing the negative temperatures, and navigating New York, it added to the shock factor of everything to take in, as I walked through the doors. Mentors, mentees, Art Directors, and New Yorkers walked through the space the entire evening while reading and viewing everyone's projects. There are a few things that I learned, or rather were reinforced when at the gallery.
1. Be a part of the photographic community. Whether it be brainstorming with others, asking what their opinion is about a body of work, talking about business, or complimenting their work, be active and be in it. Go to events and exhibitions, and learn what is happening in the art world, what is trending, and where our inspiration comes from.
2. Take the time to look into other's work. Don't hide behind your artwork and wait for professionals to come to you. Seek out other's work that inspires or challenges you, and know why it does so. Study those that came before you and what led to the photographic industry now.
3. Network always. A simple concept, but one of the greatest pieces of advice. Make connections, not just for your benefit, but to help each other grow and spread ideas.
4. Get out there! Become known to those in your community and your audience. YOU have to make the first step and take initiative to show your work.
Standing with YPA Mentees and Mentors from across the U.S., Canada, and England that were able to be at the New York gallery. (Photo from Young Photographers Alliance Facebook page, photo by Lawrence Lucier)
Thank you to the volunteers and leaders of YPA for putting this program together. Thank you to those a part of The Art Directors Club for letting us display our work. Thank you to my Pittsburgh mentors Jon Lisbon, Brian Kaldorf, Laura Petrilla, and Jenn Saffron, and my fellow Pittsburgh mentees Allaire Bartel and Mariah Wild for pushing every one of us through the program. Thank you to my mom for getting me to New York to experience the show. And thank you to everyone who served and attended the Young Photographers Alliance "Boundaries" Gallery in New York City.
Live by faith & share through fotos.