My last visit with mom.

My mother had moved to southern California to an assisted living facility and be nearer my sister. I remember having a gut feeling that I should go down and visit her. There were no apparent health concerns that prompted my visit, just a deep gut feeling that I should spend some time with her.

Her room was adorned with my photography. From personal family photos to my fine art prints. These photographs have always made up the fabric of a Peacock family household. My mother was suffering from dementia. She was in good spirit and disposition but her memory was rapidly fading away. During my visit we had a lovely time together, but she was having difficulty remembering which son I was, but in her heart she knew I was someone who meant very much to her. Her mind may not recall but she can feel, for it’s in her heart and that muscle of love and acceptance that still beats and works.

During my visit I pulled out my camera and started taking some photos of my mother. There were no words exchanged, just that special communication between mother and son - artist and subject. She then spoke up and mentioned how she loved all the pretty photos on the wall. How they gave her pleasure.

I said “Thank you and it has been my pleasure to take them and share them with you.”

Then my mom replied. “Oh? Did you take these photos?

I was stunned. It was at this moment that I realize how far lost she had come with her dementia. She could not remember that I was her son who she witnessed take his first photo when he was five years old or watch his life unfold with photography being the only constant through his years. After I got over the shock of realizing my mother’s advanced condition, I discovered I did what I was meant to do. I gave her joy and happiness though my photography. It didn’t matter that she remembers who I was. All that matter is that she had a warm feeling of love and appreciation.

This photo of her was the last time I saw her conscious. Her health declined rapidly after my visit. She was happy, content and very appreciative of the chocolate brownie I brought along at the insistence of my sister.

Marylou Peacock - Birthday is April 12th.

Marylou Peacock with a few of her paintings behind her.

Recent UCSF Campaign

The current UCSF Medical Center ad campaign is up and running all around the Bay Area. Again I was called upon by The Hive Advertising agency to capture the pioneering spirit of its top doctors and patients who have benefited from their care. I always feel very honored to participate in these types of projects where I get to meet so many fascinating people.

Back stage photos from a fun shoot.

I don't post to many behind the scene photos, but this project produced some fun opportunities.

Everyone lends a hand when fitting talent in storm trooper body armor

I like that Danny O'Neill is demonstrating Kimono wrapping.

Producer Connie Conway holding her own while Drew Sherman snaps all the back stage photos.

Veronica Sjoen comforts the talent as the snooty photographer peers on.

APA SF Something Personal included photograph

Last year I was in New York City during Hurricane Sandy. I braved the storm and took some shots below 39th Street on Madison and Park Avenue South. All the power was out except for those that had generators. I was almost knocked over a couple of times during the big gusts of wind. The sound it made as it whipped around the empty streets was harrowing. This image was selected by the judges for this year's APA SF Something Personal exhibition. I'm glad to see some of my personal experiences be shared with others.

National Geographic did a nice job with my photos

I was directed today to National Geographic's website that sells folk art from around the world. Last year they asked if they could use my photography to help set up a page to help sell Ehadji Koumama's Tuareg silver jewelry. I liked how they took the words and images from my video to incorporate it into a simple three page slide show. Please on the link and see the nice job they did.

http://blog.store.nationalgeographic.com/tuareg-silver/

Elhadji with calfskin bellows heating up the fire in his portable brazier.

Using a screw driver Elhadji etches the marks into the pendent. 

Jesus and his mother

I first met Jesus back in 2004 for an HIV AIDS medication advertising campaign. Since then we have done a number of photo shoots together and have kept in touch through the years. He recently became very ill and was hospitalized for fourteen days. When he was discharged he contacted a number of people whom he wanted to spend some time with. I felt very honored to be on that list. I finally got to meet his mother who flew up from Mexico to be with her son during his time in the hospital. Jesus is one of the strongest and most resilient people I have ever met. He is a thirty plus year survivor with HIV and has learn to live life as it is a gift and should always be cherished.

Jesus and his mom in his San Francisco apartment. 

Some new work

Fresh out of the oven. Having fun with some of my favorite friends, Sarah and Tiana.

Again I am working within the vintage feel. 

Tiana and Muffin on the sofa. 

Sarah on the sofa

A favorite door

I chanced upon one of my favorite doors the other day while scouting locations. It's like an old friend who doesn't change much over the years. 

Letting off a little creative steam

I work on many commercial assignments where I am not allowed to exhibit my photography. So last weekend the beautiful Sarah, Veronica Sjoen, Kathy Kato, Jody Frost and I all collaborated to produce some really fun photos together. We basically let off some creative steam. There will be more photos to come, but I wanted to post these two right away.

Upcoming Presentation - Jody's Cancer Journey

Photographers Christian Peacock and Jody Frost combined their vision of a transformative life experience to create a beautiful and inspirational story about the nature of serious illness and healing through the collaborative spirit. Two artist with distinctive personal visions combine to create a third voice. This voice illustrates a story of life's challenges and the result of coming through the other side. Using a multi media presentation they will show how creativity and spirit emerges and can help in the healing process.
 
Please come hear their inspirational and life affirming story on one woman’s journey through serious illness. Witness what connects us all as patients, caregivers and family.

Tuesday, May 7th. 2013
6:30-7:30
George Mark Children’s House
2121 George Mark Lane
San Leandro CA. 94578
Click here for Directions

Transformation

My First Surgery

While working on the current UCSF Medical Center ad campaign, I got an early morning call from Dr. Peter Carroll’s office. They asked if I would be interested in photographing an actual live surgery that day. The surgery was going to be performed with the latest in robotic technology “The da Vinci” surgical system.

 This would be my first experience to be present during a live surgery. I got all the proper training, such as how to faint and not to step onto the blue circle on the floor of the OR. It was great to witness the teamwork and efficiency of the surgical team. I always remember the expression of “The Healing Touch” “small soft surgical hands”, but with the use of this robot, the surgeon is actually off in the corner of the room performing the very important procedure. The surgeon never touches the patient, yet it is still very evident of his skill and intellect as to how he performs the surgery.

 This photo shows Dr Carroll turning around to communicate with his team as they view a high-resolution monitor of the anatomy being treated.

​I finally got to play a doctor.

Old School Photo

I came across a selenium toned print of my daughter Natalie, this was shot in her kindergarten classroom. Lit with an Elinchrom Octa bank, hand held ​Hasselblad and hand printed with love and care. This sucker is going to last forever.

Miss Lesley's Kindergarten class, Beach School, Piedmont CA.​

APA SF Creative Speaker series resumes with Christian Peacock & Jody Frost.

Last Thursday evening my friend Jody Frost and I presented “The Collaborative Spirit” at the Apple Store San Francisco. Together we talked about the invention of the creative muse “Isabella” and the transformative nature of serious illness. The well-attended event was the first of the year at the newly design Apple Store in downtown San Francisco. The audience of this well attended event where able to hear how two different creative voices can come together to express a new vision without any predetermined agenda. How Italy, illness, friendship and trust help ferment the muse.

It was an honor to have Jody by my side as she expressed herself in an elegant manner on such a personal subject as her fight with cancer and the changes that happen because of it. I also want to thank Jennifer Fox for capturing the event with her untiring eye for the moment. Also all our friends and family who came out to give us support.

A new posting

A new posting by me to see if this works.

This is a test to see how to design my blog postings.

Photographing Miraculous Children

Metastatic nearoblastoma, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, acute myelogenous leukemia, twin to twin transfusion syndrome, lymphocytic leukemia, pulmonary hypertension, scoliosis, these are very big words associated with these very small children. Words a parent should never have to hear.

Another difficult set of words to hear is:

“You must get to the hospital right away.”

These are all words that entered the lives of these families who needed pioneering care for kids at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. The Hive Advertising of San Francisco called upon me to photograph a number of children and their families for this heartfelt marketing campaign. All these children are miraculous survivors because of some very amazing medical treatments and care from the people at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Meeting these children, one would not expect they have hada life with so much hardship at such an early age, but that is what makes these photos so special to me -- they look like typical ordinary children.

I guess that is what they wanted from me, simple, honest photos that get to the heart of the matter.

A Prom for Everyone

 
Here is a letter I wrote to the George Mark Children's House.

Dear George Mark Children's House,

I want to thank you so much for thinking of me as your photographer for the GMCH Prom portraits. It was truly a remarkable experience and privilege to photograph the attendees of the prom.

The opportunity you offer these young people is a blessing and a gift to live life experiences that other children may have. I had a gut feeling something special would occur that night, because I see with my soul and capture with my heart. The uninitiated may not understand the full meaning of these photographs, but the parents and children themselves understand that they live in a different world – a world with limits and physical boundaries, but not a world without love and compassion.

Here are just a few of the shots I captured that evening. I feel there is a nice collection of photos that should serve as a poignant reminder of the grace and beauty that is possessed in everybody.

Sincerely,

Christian Peacock

 

Forbes Magazine Cover Shoot

I was fortunate to be asked by Forbes magazine to shoot the August cover story on Kevin Systrom, founder of Instagram. This was a particularly fun assignment because I was able to use the Hasselblad h4d with an Imacon back that produces 180mb files when processed, plus my trusty Nikon d3s and my iPhone. Getting to use what is the appropriate camera system for the shot is something I have championed for some time.

Kevin helped me app some of the Instagram photos. Who else would know how the final look would be on a shot but the man who wrote the code. The most important thing I came away with from this shoot was hearing Kevin say that Instagram was designed to be a social networking tool and that the photography aspect came afterwards and all the filters are a byproduct of something he love to do. He loves that old fashion retro look that one can get from toy cameras. He basically designed something he liked and everybody followed suit.

 Inside spread working the Instagram thang.

 Kevin Systrom, me and cofounder Mike Krieger posing for an Instagram shot

A nice write up

My friend Connie Wood wrote up a nice piece on the SFMOMA Artist Gallery Opening "Sin and Redemption" on her blog. check, double check.
check, double check
 Here is a color photo that Connie took of me at the opening.

SFMOMA Artist Gallery exhibition with my photography

SFMOMA Artist Gallery recently selected eight of my photographs for consignment. My print titled “Berkeley City Club Moving Waters.” has been specially selected to be included in their upcoming group exhibition “Sin and Redemption”. Please visit the gallery at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Viewing my photo will be a good way to redeem yourself.

To learn more about the show please visit their blog.

 http://sfmomaag.blogspot.com/2012/06/sin-and-redemption.html

July 14^th- August 23, 2012 

Opening reception July 14^th. 1:00-3:00

Fort Mason, San Francisco

Here's a shot of mua when I was delivering the prints.

My photographs on display at SFMOMA

SFMOMA Artist Gallery selected eight of my photographs for consignment. They represent northern California artist. One can rent the art with the intent to purchase. Please drop by their gallery at Fort Mason in San Francisco to view some wonderful art.

This series of photography represents my black & white city scape work. It mostly consist of architectural elements with strong line and form.