It's All Related presents photographer Mark Estes May 9th.

Mark Estes; photographer and future chaplain will be sharing his journey on how his photography has enlightened his understanding of the spiritual world around him. Plus how he will use creativity as tool to help people get a better understanding of life events.

Date May 9th.
6:30-7:30
Apple Store, San Francisco
One Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA. 94108
Upstairs - This is a free event. Seating is first come first serve.



Mark approaches his art/photography with the same “Beginners Mind” that he applies to chaplaincy studies, infant bereavement photography, cycling and marriage to his wife, Susan. The gift of a plastic Thunderbird camera at age 7 led him to study art at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in his hometown of Houston, TX., and later earn a B.F.A. at the K. C. Art Institute. His creative inspiration comes from a love of illustration, music, Bizarro comics and artists Duane Michaels, Robert and Shauna Parke-Harrison, Jackson Pollack and Mark Rothko.

Mark attends seminary at The Chaplaincy Institute for Arts and Interfaith Ministries and will be ordained in March of 2013. In June he begins as a spiritual care intern at Kaiser Hospital and a 1-yr. residency in Sept. He is an active cyclist, Area Coordinator/photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, Pathways Hospice volunteer, has served as the SF APA Success Team Coach, Sec. of Graphic Artists Guild and photographer for The Forgotten International.

To view Mark's photography please visit http://www.estesphoto.com/

Jody's story on "Storytellers"

This story about "Intimacy and the iPhone" was posted yesterday on the iPhoneography blog iPhoneogenic. Thank you Edi Caves for giving me the opportunity to share Jody Frost's story.
Below is the transcript of it.

Intimacy and the iPhone

Photographs have always been a marker in time for me. I remember taking my first photo when I was five years old sitting on my father’s shoulders in Yosemite. Capturing what’s in front of me and recording my life with a camera is in my DNA. People who are close to me become a life long subject. Looking at these photos take me back to places in my memories of the moment. Using the iPhone to capture markers in time has become more convenient. The iPhone is always in my pocket. It’s unobtrusive. It’s ubiquitous. Because of that I can sometimes become more intimate with my subject. This small device is so accepted in our culture that most pretences fall by the wayside. People tend to be more themselves when the iPhone comes out of my pocket.

This brings me to my very dear friend Jody Frost. We became friends because of our mutual love for art, photography and images captured with the iPhone. Jody is very use to being in front of the camera. Being a beautiful woman she had been photographed all her life. With those experiences comes a certain preset list of expressions, poses, and self-awareness. The more I got to know her, the more I was able to capture authentic photos of her being. Soon an intimacy would come. A time of trusts and total acceptance. A photo capture at that time becomes an authentic moment. We were able to capture these genuine photos before she was diagnosed with cancer. With the onset of her fight we never discussed if I should document her journey. It just happens, because she is a part of my life and I take photographs. It’s just acceptance among friends.

Most of the photos are shot with a DSLR because of the fantastic technical capabilities of the Nikon d3s. This is important to know as how I roll. I love a good crafted piece of art. Be it photographs, painting. Architecture or music, I appreciate the skilled hand of the artist. I love results of a thoughtful and practiced hand. From this comes beauty. This goes for people as well. Jody represents beauty in its purest form. Her beauty goes way deeper than skin deep. It goes down to an understanding of life and appreciation of what is around her. Of course she has her demons and fears. This is what makes her human. What make our photos together so compelling is her trust in herself and in me. Because of that trust there can be an intimacy with the moment and captured with the camera.

While Jody was in the hospital coping with the heinous side effects of chemo and radiation I would shoot a few images from time to time with my iPhone. This was very challenging for me because I am in the trenches with her as well as trying to document her journey. It’s a hard place to straddle, emotionally and technically, but it’s also the most precious of places as for intimacy of the moment. Using the iPhone to capture the marker in time was the perfect tool at that moment.

As for post-production on these types of photos I take, I tend to do minimal processing of the image. That is because these photos I shoot with my eye and heart are the evidence of how I felt at that moment of capture. Sometimes these photos may not be pretty, but there are always truthful to how I see things.

This single photo of Jody was shot during one of her most trying of times with pain. She tries to cope with meditation and relaxation, along with some very powerful pain medications pumped into her body. What moves me the most about this photo is that there is still evidence of an inner strength and magnificence in her soul, even in the midst of so much abuse on her body, there is grace and beauty.

The US Census Aims for Accuracy - Enlists Christian Peacock to reach the “Hard-to-Reach”

This was a press packet that went out a while ago about my Census 2010 project. This was one of the largest projects I have worked on. You will learn what it takes to produce a large scale multi-language photo shoot

Even for a photographer who specializes in photographing “real people,” Christian Peacock was given a very unusual assignment: find the “Hard-to Reach”


The client, The U.S, Census Bureau, was determined to reach out to groups that have been under-represented in past census counts. This could result in a disproportionate loss of Federal funding.

DraftFCB, the advertising agency of record, was responsible for the broad base awareness campaign and assigned IW Group of Los Angeles the Asian language advertising segment. Christian Peacock Photography was awarded the job of creating the photography because of his expertise photographing “real people talent” that had been central to campaigns for Lilly, Genentech and PG&E.

As a Pacific Rim nation there are many diverse Asian populations. The campaign focused on twelve different groups: Asian Indian, Bengladeshi, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Hmong, Lao, Pakistani, Thai and Vietnamese.


Over 2,300 people auditioned for 360 roles. It tool several months traveling throughout So. California for Peacock and his crew to find a cast of photogenic people that would represent a cross-section of society – infants, grandparents, young lovers, blue collar workers, and business professionals.

Traditional methods for casting do not work when your talent can’t read English nor use a computer. Emails were replaced by outreach to religious organizations, cultural event planners, and community centers. To reach the Hmong and Lao the casting net was thrown out as far as Fresno California where these cultures had immigrated when fleeing their homelands back in the 1970’s.

Christian recalls how some groups were not as responsive as others. “We were not getting the numbers needed for the Pakistani population until Cathy Eng, the casting agent, found out about a Pakistani pop concert. We set up at the concert and did the casting call right there.”


Finding the people is stage one. The next step is directing this diverse cast and getting the shots. Christian Peacock and his producer Connie Conway know how to run a smooth shoot even when twelve different languages are being spoken. The stringent requirements of government approved layouts also had to be accounted for to the degree that one day the creative director, John Lee Wong, was in Washington DC presenting final ads to a Congressional sub-committee rather than on set.

This was a large-scale production and almost the entire 360 member cast had never been at commercial shoot. The goal is to make everybody feel comfortable and relaxed.

Christian needed them to trust him and not get distracted by the crew of assistants, stylists, translators, pet handlers, digital techs, producers, site reps, police and fire marshals. On the census shoots there was always additional family members accompanying the selected talent making for a family reunion mood in the backstage area.


IW Group had created a multi-tiered campaign with the message that completing the census form was a way to help their communities. It was Christian Peacock’s job to take this message and put it into photographic form by having his cast convey pride in participation in the census.

A long shot list was repeated twelve times, switching out for each language group. One layout called for twenty people in one shot. They would be standing by a mailbox proudly holding up a census envelop while Christian made sure that everyone’s face could be seen clearly. There were babies, dogs, children and seniors. Christian juggled all these components and had all twenty people cheering toward the camera.

Getting the talent involved is one reason why Christian is successful with real people.

He encourages curiosity about the process whether it’s a technical question or a young girl’s fascination with the make-up stylist.

When discussing the project Peacock says “I am moved by the basic humanity that gets expressed without language. I saw strangers become family in front of my camera.” The final photos were used all across the USA in Asian communities. For the first time many of these people will feel a part of their new homeland. The census has been done, now is the time for tabulations. These diverse groups will be recognized and weaved into the American fabric.

Days Like This - Jody Frost Big Shave

Jody Frost is fighting colon cancer with chemo & radiation treatments. When her hair started to fall out she decided to be proactive and just shave it all off. She wanted to be surrounded by people who love and support her and to give her comfort and joy. It helped her in the transition from full head of hair to beautiful bald woman.

This slide show on Vimeo is about the testament of the human spirit and facing head on the challenges before us with a life-affirming attitude. Please take a moment to watch, I think it will lift your spirits.

https://vimeo.com/37039942

Come Hear Jen Bianco Speak

If you love to travel and embrace mobile technology please come join Jen Bianco and me, as we talk about mobile travel at the San Francisco Downtown Apple Store on Feb 22nd. We will talk about the effect social media has on the travel industry and how you can make it work best for you.

This is part of my new interview series titled "It's All Related" To learn more about it please visit my new blog.

Here's a typical photo of Jen with yours truly embracing a mobile device in a restaurant. Okay how many of you photograph your dinner plate and post it on Yelp?

iPhone Photo by Jody Frost

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
6:30-7:30
Downtown Apple Store (Upstairs) - San Francisco
One Stockton Street

My Friend Jody

My dear friend Jody is in the middle of chemo and radiation therapy, yet stills finds the strength and love to care for others around her. She won't let her illness define her. She will come though this chapter and the world will be a better place because of it.

I posted this photo because this is the truest testament to who I am as a photographer. No matter what the circumstances are, it is possible to make people feel comfortable being themselves and capturing an authentic moment.

This is a photo of Jody comforting her nephew. He has to make some very serious life decisions and he needed some time to think things through. This was just a moment of love and support he needed.

"It's All Related" a new venture from me.

I have been closely involved with the San Francisco flagship Apple store in producing creative speaker events in partnership with the APA photography organization.

I have had a successful career as an advertising photographer. Working on major marketing campaigns for multi-national corporations. The common thread with all my work has been my humanity and ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera. The people at Apple have recognized this ability and have asked me to conduct one-on-one interview series for their stadium stores. So instead of a camera to record the event, I will use a microphone.

To learn more about this new venture please visit my new blog "It's All Related" and find out who will be my upcoming guest. I am very excited about this new opportunity to explore the world around us.

christianpeacockitsallrelated.blogspot.com

A photo of me and Executive Print & Art Producer Jacqueline Fodor at the Apple Store

Photo credit: Rob Prideaux


Mixing and Matching

I was doing some inspirational research about classic painting techniques, then I recalled some photos I did a while ago for a client. The shots never ran. I decided to play around with them and see what I can come up with running them through my iPhone.

Jody at the SFMOMA

Jody and I did a day at the museum. We went to see the Francisca Woodman exhibit. A very thought provoking exhibition of self portraits by a young woman exploring and questioning her identity. How can one not be moved and inspired by what is hanging on the walls.










Jody Frost as The Black Widow

Jody and I spent an afternoon in Oakland's historic Mountain View cemetery. We were experimenting with some ideas for my 1960's film icon project. It just stopped raining and the sun came shinning through the dark clouds. That always makes for excellent lighting conditions.






Friendship and Cindy Merrill

One of the benefits of living a full and rich life is having long time friends. Cindy and I haven’t seen one another in about ten years. To reconnect a friendship is a treasure that only comes with folks who have lived a life. It was a real treat to met up again. We collaborated on a number of very memorable photo shoots in the past when Cindy was a hair & makeup artist. Now she has started a new business venture called Cindy O’Brien Aesthetics a full service skin care studio in Napa. Plus a new product line of anti aging serum called “The Bomb” She is still very much involve in helping woman achieve their own beauty.

http://www.cindyobrienaesthetics.com/

Here are some photos of Cindy just the other day. The biggest difference this time is she is now in front of the camera as oppose to standing behind it. It's really wonderful to see her in all her glory as a beautiful woman. We met up at a fund raiser for the Napa Valley Symphony. There was a fashion show in which Cindy was a model for. Here is a shot of Cindy standing on the runway just about to do her strut. It was so much fun to she her work it.

Here is one of our more memorable photos that she helped me on back when she was doing hair and makeup. Even back then Cindy had a touch of grace and elegance that help each photo transcend the accustomed.

A very nice shot of the two of us. Good friends.



Nothing Beats the Real Thing


Last week I was in New York City for the national APA board meeting. One of the main reasons for flying out to the East coast is so everybody gets to meet one another in person. What a difference in relationships it makes when you actually meet a person in the flesh. You can experience their mannerisms, charm and other natural charter traits, that one cannot sense over the telephone of keyboard.

This morning I saw a video that had a short interview with Carlein van der Beek. What a revelation to see her speak and gesture. She became a real person to me at that moment. Something more than a fellow artist who works in the same medium. I knew her work. I have read her text, but all that added up to an impression that has been crafted for me by Carlein. Seeing her live, gave me the opportunity, to experience her in a more organic form. Yes it was a video interview, not as good as being there in person, but a step in the right direction, which made Carlein more real to me.

The attached photo is an excellent example of that great energy that happens when people get together. This was an unplanned event. Eight APA board members jammed into a small elevator. Theresa Raffetto took a fast grab shot with her camera. That one shot captured the spirit and comradeship of people being together. Nothing beats the real thing.

I needed to produce something beautiful

I needed to produce something beautiful. Life was getting a little too intense with all the upsetting news. Images of dead dictators, angry protestors on both sides. murdered zoo animals and a terrible economy, I needed to go back into my files and pull out some beauty from within me.

Last year I photographed the lovely and talented ballet dancer Sarah Bukowski dancing with a torch. The shoot was part of my match light series. During the shoot I experimented a little with motion and flame. Here is a two-minute clip with a few stills added. Something I put together last night, to help take the edge off.

Click in this link to view the movie in Vimeo.
http://vimeo.com/30880692

Click on screen grab to view
the movie in Vimeo

The Spirit of Anouk Aimée


Suzan Mikiel and I spent a day in the Hollywood hills capturing the spirit of the French film actress Anouk Aimée. With the wonderful help of makeup artist Astra Ramyead we were able to go back in time create a mood of the 1960’s .

Back Stage with Saraghina



Capturing the spirit of Fellini was a team effort, which started with a suggestion from Martha Blanchfield of RenegadePR. From there I have shot a number of 1960’s inspired film icons. One of the first projects was a tribute to Federico Fellini characters and vision. Instead of a single image I shot a series of images to tell stories. Here is the oldest story of all – love. How men are fools when in the company of a woman that is more than he can handle. Click on any of the images, and they will take you to my webpage that displays the stories.

I could not have done this project without the fantastic help and contributions of some truly talented and amazing people. There is no one more perfectly cast as the role of Saraghina than Jane Schafgans. Her fabulous hair and outgoing personality was a match made in heaven. My good friend David Weiner as the clown. A role he was destining to play.

Veronica Sjoen from Artist Untied did such an inspired makeup job with her clown face and Saraghina radiance of hair and face. While Heather Sansky, also with Artist Untied, styled the talent with spot on wardrobe and meticulous details. A big thank you has to go to Jon Lucca at Artist Untied for his support and encouragement throughout this project.

http://www.artistuntied.com/

And my very good friend Jody Frost for capturing the spirit of the shoot.

Tuareg Jeweler


For some crazy reason I did not have a direct posting to my documentary of Elhadji Koumama. Elhadji is the man who inspires me to be true to myself. He often says "For which we do" meaning his tribe of silver artisans who have been making silver jewelry for over a thousand years.

So here is an easy link to the video. Click on the image to view the video.

Thanks,
Christian