Making moves + Trip to San Francisco

It's been definitely a good week, ended up finishing my photography work from senior pictures, heading to San Francisco for a music video shoot, and doing an engagement photo-shoot.

First of all, all I could remember since I haven't wrote on here is my painful cut in my elbow!!!! 

The way this happen, I was running around the house and ended up running into this picture frame, hit the glass frame really hard with my elbow almost if I pushed it but with my elbow. The bleeding was like no other, usually don't hurt myself so you can say the blood was just coming out like water. Went outside to put water on it & ended up placing a bandaid I got from a MMA event, it sure came in handy when I least expected I needed a bandaid. 

I was really considered about the cut, it's not like I get cut every-time & just leave it alone to heal... I really wanted to take care of it so I took a trip to Walgreens right before I did a delivery for a Senior pictures that I've already finished and just needed to drop off. 

Senior pictures are always fun, almost the end of the year for the seniors in High school and they need their announcement photos to be attached when they sent their graduation invitations. The feeling of knowing someone that can take them for you personally is the advantage. I enjoy taking the students students personal photo sessions and usually I end up taking a old high school friends family member which I feel like its a good thing to reconnect with the people plus its more conformable. 

The next day, I ended up getting invited to a last minute video shoot.  Petee Gee & myself ended up going together for Music artist BABY BASH video shoot. I've heard the song already a few weeks before and thought the song was really good. It's called "Blow it on her face" it's actually a really good song! Before I even picked up Petee, I stopped at Walmart to get my renewal  on my eye contacts, had to  save my butt on the road if I was doing all that driving. Whats a good photographer without a good vision. I've been without eye contacts for a few months now, and took advanage of the moment to go get them to be safe. 

Had to get my #JT 20/20 vision straighten out before stepping the gas, the doctor asked me if I had any question after she did my eye exam. Told her I had a special request " May you take a picture, with my iPad mini? " she said sure.. She laughed about it. 

So much in my mind that I really needed to take this trip to San Francisco to relief the stress over all the projects in the white board. Took the time to take a few stops in the freeway to take pictures like the one you see above. Seen a bunch of cows in a field. Lots of yellow flowers blooming around them, I had to take their pictures. I even yelled "MOOOOON" not sure if I spelled that right but you get the point! -lol  

Soon as I cross the bridge its full of thrill of excitement, really felt like I was somewhere 

away from home. The rush of cars jamming cross the long bridge, felt like stopping in the side of the road just to set foot on there and look down in the ocean. 

Soon we arrive to the music video shoot which is being shot by DamonJamal of In Yo Face films

the place was full of photographers & videographers waiting to get their shot at these successful artist as they prepare themselfs for their scense. I was just there with my boy PeteeTV as he has a personal relationship with Baby Bash and his family. Bash & his cousin which is his manager always invite us to these events, which is good for networking & just being around. I personaly took the trip to get the stress out plus taking pictures surely does the job. Got the chance to say whats up to Bash & his people in the little time we're present.  

Soon as I go on set a cloud of smoke pushes me back, full of people it was very crowed!

As get more conformable  on set I start taking pictures of all the action that is going on around me.
Baby Bash comes up to me and say's "Crunch" take a picture of this! The Big nephew Bash just loves to smoke -lol

Out of no where another artist that is well known by the name of CELLY CELL stops by the video shoot to support Baby bash as he is in the making of his independent video featuring his own artist under his label "BashTown records"

Watching someone that is into the same craft as yourself is almost like homework, you learn a thing or two which is natural. Being around lights, cameras, and pretty much behind the scenes has always been a dream of mines to even be apart of.

Ran into a up and coming female artist, it is my 3rd time seeing her & meeting her in the industry. I must say she's really investing her time on her way up to the game. She has talent & has stage performance from what I've seen so far. Really attractive to people that are driven & determine, one of the big reasons why I was present at this music video shoot, "if your trying to be the best at what you do, you have to be around the best!"

Doing it for attention isn't quite my style, I believe if you do what you have to do and you do it the best, you will catch the people around you their eyes. Everything that is being expose to me is just steps to becoming who I am about to be tomorrow and the next. On this picture below this, I look outside from upstairs when everyone was taking a break. I see everyone just shining over everyone, trying to get their piece home.

Really wanted to explore the city before it got dark so I told Petee "let's roll out of here" so we can go eat at the pier by the ocean of San Francisco's amazing views.

I couldn't figure out how to pay the parking meters in downtown Frisco, so I ended up taking the risk for a few minutes without paying just to take this picture or else this picture would of cost me a whole lot =lol.. What I notice from taking these types of pictures is that you need a steady hand, only because its a still shot you'll need a tripod. I lost the last one I had, not even sure how, might of left it somewhere where I forgot it, typical me. It was getting dark, and wanted to stop to eat still.





















Parking on the main strip of San Francisco wasn't too hard, but sure was expensive. 3 dollars for every 20 minutes and you know I wasn't in no hurry. Originally I wanted Fish & chips, but ended up at Mc Donald's because I wanted to update my facebook with Wi-Fi!! -lol After eating the amazing spicy chicken which I didn't even know they made those instead of the regular mc chickens we went to the little shops around the strip. Seen a whole lot of stuff that I wanted, not really wanted but wanted. Tried my hardest not to spend my money on something I didn't really need, so instead I just took pictures of everything that I did want...that will last forever;)

Thought this was pretty neat, reminded me of a dinner plate.

Had to stop by the camera store, I remember coming in these stores as a kid and just thinking to myself how cool these cameras where & wondered on they felt in your grip of your figure tips. Really thankful of having to own one personally. Now that I'm a little older, I figured out that this store is expensive -lol  and by the way the camera on the right side reminds me of the mines=)

Never thought I'll be thinking about my own house one day, not sure if I'm just getting wiser. Soon as I walked in this furniture store my eyes widen all the way open. Tons of ideas from having props for photo-shoots ran into my head with all these amazing stuff that this store had.

Everything was Royalty gold, almost like the old days. How neat would this table look inside a house, I didn't even bother taking a look at the price tag. I wonder if you bought this, how they will take it out of there and how?!! -lol  Really like taking pictures like this, anything that interests me I pretty much take a picture of, it's something I could literary take & store.

One thing that I really wanted but didn't make it back in time before closing. Easter eggs, they were made out of marble, they were heavy, shiny and just perfect for Easter!! I regret not buying them for my upcoming easter pictures. So everything turned out good & smooth, ended up leaving the strip because everything was closing.

It was already sort of late, the drive back home was about a 3hr & 30min trip not to bad I must say. I needed to go Pee so I ended up stopping in the side of the road because I had been drinking REDBULLS like soda. Took this picture soon as I was walking back to the car, reminded me of Palms Springs when I go visit my family down there.


The trip out of town was something I needed to do, wasn't a objection but a choice. Had somewhere to go for which was my reason to even leave, getting invited by those that care & believe in my craft is something I really cherish!


-Ricardo Escalera 

I can feel it!

What a good weekend!! Got the chance to work with the City's urban talents ranging from Radio personalities to music artist that are HOT at the moment! Ended up covering the NCS Release mix-tape party at Ghables hookah lounge in Fresno,CA on 3/23/13 for Young California.com

But before the nightlife, I went with my mom to church were her friend's daughter was doing her conformation mass. So I knew it was going to a long day, we got there just in time. One thing about these ceremonies is that they take a very long time. As of the photographer I need to stay squatted down next to the person I'm taking pictures for to have a clear visual.

My feet were killing me, in my head I'm trying to ignore the fact, I have another conformation do cover in May 6th 2013 in Orange County so this duty was pretty much a practice refreshment to keep an eye on what I need to do, and see where to position myself when everything is in motion.

Being able to not just do this for money but for the passion is really rewarding for the most part, yes I do get finical income doing this. My way on pursing this dream is to reach not my average but my very best which will be my highest!
















Seen a whole lot of familiar faces, great for networking & catching up. In the picture above is Ed Delgado a independent film-maker/producer who was the first camera friend I've ever had and is still slicing jobs together as of now. You must surround yourself to the great to become the great together.

Here's a sneak peek on how it all went down on Saturday night. We had a background with the companies logo, 1) Young California & 2) Cen Cal everything. The crowd was diverse, everyone came out to support the local talents along with the up and comers. I was really surprised on how pack the place turned out like, there was even more people coming in soon as the doors were closing.

Video coverage shot by: Ed Delgado will be up on Friday March, 29th 2013

The next day on Sunday March 24th, 2013
I had a Easter photo-session with Brenda's 7month old niece, woke up in time and had everything
prepared for the day. Right after the Photo-shoot, there was a Baptism I had scheduled in Madera,CA about 20 miles away from my shoot.



















Well guess what happen on this photo-session, from the look of the adorable baby's expression you can already feel what I'm about to admit.... I forgot my battery for my camera, the way I felt..Horrible, unprofessional, etc!!!. Haven't had that happen to me..but there's always the first time....had to tell the parents that I will be back. OMG, couldn't believe it, would have to be the fastest I've ever drove back home & back to a photo-shoot. Great thing about it all is that the people is that they were really cool about it, I was lucky they didn't give me a hard time. Lesson learned to double check my equipment, not that I always forget something I'll just be more careful next time. Anyways, got the pictures done & rushed to Madera,CA about 20minutes away from my town.

Like I was mentioning earlier the fastest I've ever drove. Really don't like speeding because I know there's tickets to be earned by doing so. I'm the type of person that doesn't like to be late, and will do my ALL to get the job done & if its speeding for once.. well so be it =)

It almost feels like I end up at a church at every photography job, it must be a sign ;)  Here's Lorenzo he's a one year old boy. Son of my friend Louis Rico a long time friend from the neighborhood. I've taken his Wedding pictures and now have a following with their child. I must say it's a blessing to be apart of someones life, not only is it a job but a real connection that reflects in the images taken.

Hardest thing about photography is directing not only one person but a entire family, not everyone has the same attitudes and patiences. As a photo person I try to make it quick but still get my clear, sharp picture. This will be a photograph that will be forever remembered that will never be a rewind button.  This picture right here will have to be my favorite picture after the church ceremony.



So much is going on in my life right now....scheduling & organizing my day to day life is truly unpredictable! Doing my best to stay focus on getting things completed & delivered. Being able to write this down is almost like my homework which I will continue to do, even if I miss two or three days I will keep them coming;)

-Ricardo Escalera 

Time flys

How about it!A day passes by, and I miss the first blog. I feel very....ahh I can't find the word! The good thing about it all is that I've experience so much in so little time. First of all, I ended up going to Bakersfield,California with a buddy of mines. He's a Professor, teaches at a few colleges in the Central California area which includes Bakersfield which is about 2hours away from home. The drive was a stress relief, honestly since I've been traveling out of my town it still hasn't hit me that I'm far away from home. One day I'll like to travel very far away to I can have the scenes of feeling of being far away then I'll know everything is becoming real! Reason why I went for the ride with Professor Hernandez is because I'm working on a project with him and his college community club called WECOMM . Arrange by a few students in Willow international in Clovis,CA. I ended up going to class with Hernandez and sat down just like every college student. The feeling in that seat felt like when I was in class in high school. Never had the experience of being in college, deja vu hit me.

Inside class I watch as Professor H did his thing, the man is a humble individual that is thirsty to be successful. One of my dreams growing up as to have a friend that was a teacher or even better a professor. Things happen for many reasons & I've seen that things work out in mysterious ways. As Professor H finishes up his session in class we drive 30 minutes up north to Delano,CA for his last class. 

Delano,CA really felt very home welcoming, a small town with 99% hispanics. I get greeted soon as I'm walking in the class room. Being inside the class just felt like I was apart of the school, really inspired me to even write this. 

Being a special guest at a college and especially in a welcome environment made me come back home energize & motivated. Being looked up to from the success I've earned from just being someone with a dream & bringing it to reality has gotten me to a spot light level. Not being comfortable in this position will only bring more to the table by seeking MORE.

After I was done with the mini tour of the colleges I ended up coming back to my city just in time for a night club promotional party for a college fraternity. I was hired to take their pictures of the night. 

I haven't been to Aldos night club in Fresno for almost about a year. Many things has changed since I went, for one I really didn't see familiar faces but did see one or two. Really like how they had more lights added inside the club which made it glow even more. I personally like how the club is set up, its how a club should look like. The only thing is the location where it is, sort of ruins it but either way its good.

Had a blast at the club, did my thing & seen a few friends there. I got hired by Latinos Stand Upp promotions. They always take care of me, there was also a LIVE Banda that was performing live. One thing about a live made is that they make EVERYONE dance!!! (Banda makes her dance) -lol 

Hardly take a drink at the club, just feel that it's not the right thing to do especially in my position. I take my job duty very serious, don't have a boss to look over my shoulder but I look at it like its a slobby thing to do. What if someone in the crowd wants to hire me in the future for their family event, they'll remember me from being the drunk photographer at the clubs. Not only am I worried about what they'll think but that isn't ME. Not saying I'm an angel -lol I've drank before when I first started doing the clubs.

What a long two days, the next day I ended up linking up with the Professor for a activity that his college club was involved in. They volunteered to help out at the homeless shelter in Fresno,CA. I went with them to take pictures of them in action as they served plates to the home-less people. 

One thing I never got to growing up was do fun activities that I'm currently doing with my photography & video services. Never had said I'm BLESSED because I always thought that blessed was a religious word which I am not against in anyway.  I've always went to church growing up with my family by the way. 

Having the opportunity to go inside the Poverello house where they feed the homeless people was a good experience, I remember when I was in the 6th grade my class took a field trip there. Everything just seemed very large when you are younger and when you grow up it almost feels small...I must say it is true when they say this world is truly small. 

After finishing taking pictures of the WECOMM CLUB we gathered together to take a picture outside, I must say that these individuals are truly amazing, everyones different in every good intension.

Leaving the home-less shelter I ended up getting hungry, been craving Panda Express all week so finally I ended up going, one thing I really like about Panda is their Orange Chicken, can't never go wrong with it and almost forgot the fortune cookie!!

Ending the night, I ended up going to my partners house to help him out with a Wedding video project. He was having trouble making the entire video into a movie file so I ended up taking my computer over there to give him a hand. One thing about me is that "if I can help, I'll do my best" exactly how I expect or even close because I know the feeling of being hopeless and just by someone going off their way to make something happen is truly something we need! So I ended up making a DVD menu & DVD label sticker design.

Took a while just to burn on DVD but the wait is worth it because when the couple watch those memories that they will treasure.

2:30 a.m. and I'm finally done with everything for the day. Now time to recharge the batteries & make it happen again tomorrow morning. I'm going to try not to wake up to late, because when I don't have a morning it feels like the day goes by even quick-ER! 

Day #3 Determine to make it happen

Day #3
Almost forgot to write
on here.

It's always late night when I get the chance to finally relax
and have time to myself. Everyone is asleep, so I don't get any
distractions from either in person or on the phone.

I ended up going home from the 559mm production studio
around 4:00 a.m. took a nap at home and went back around
7:00 a.m. I was exhausted from that nap. Car was on empty so
I stop at the nearest gas station to pump gas & grabbed a RedBull
(Why are they so expensive??!) well I guess its like cigarettes.

The guys are 559mm production are very generous when I need
something. In this business you have to take care of each other because
everyone has their own speciality to offer when its needed. Almost like
family, when your car needs to get fixed you go the family mechanic.
Same thing applies to given the stuff that I'm involved with.


I did this poster design for 559mm productions for their hip hop group name
" iMakENT" which are a rap group of a few local talents that are booming
in the radio air waves. They are the second local acts that have ever made it on
Radio, the group has a hit single called "BOOTY' a party single that caters to
teenagers & hip hop heads. Here is the poster design that I made for them, the feeling
of actually holding something you've created is an unbelievable feeling.

One thing that I've came in conclusion is to not have anyone wait
on me. I'll rather wait on them instead of someone waiting on a response
from ME.


**NOTE FOR THE READER**
you might notice I get a little jumpy on my stuff
I really don't got back & correct grammar & all because this
is something I'm writing off the top of my head.


It's late night right now & I'm almost done burning this Quinceanera
project. All it is in the post production world is a bunch of waiting around
until it gets completed. Almost like downloading a movie online, takes a long time
but when I actually edit & cut the footage of a project it's fun to play back & see
it in real time.

The way it looks on my computer, a bunch of confusing numbers & images right?
Sure did take me a while to get use to this screen. Usually when I'm done making a video
I drop it on this program called "Adobe Encore" I have total control on how I want something
to look like. For example I have a main menu, you'll have to press play, then it goes to the movie
and soon as the video is done it goes straight back to the main menu. PLUS I add a music track in the menu so it can add some flavor to it.

Almost done with this,
Good thing is that I'm already making
copies of the Quinceanera video. I usually burn
the families about 4 copies, only because it's a one-of-a-life-time
experience that they will forever remember. In that manner
they'll have enough copies to give to their family members & friends


I'm on my last DVD copie, but not done YET.
Still have to design a CD label for its cover, I wouldn't dare
give my clinet a blank cover front to them.


I'll post the rest of the process on the next blog.

Thanks for reading my blog, and
will like to hear from you.

-Ricardo Escalera


www.RicardoEscalera.com

LATE NIGHT SHIFT in the Studio

Day 2: 

DO IT AS QUICK as you can, without distraction or wondering around.

I'm over at a studio, a video I recorded wasn't showing up my computer so I came
to my video buddys studio in Fresno,CA to give it chance to open on theirs.

 I promised a family to have it done that following Morning.
Now stuck on the computer until the process is completed.

LATE NIGHT BUT WE DON'T sleep until WE GET IT DONE!