tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40619669566671339782024-02-08T12:20:40.706-05:00Spencer Gordon Content Producer of <br>
photography, video and website solutions.Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-4440154116758799122015-01-03T06:42:00.000-05:002015-05-28T14:43:53.826-04:00How to WIN a Photography Contest[caption id="attachment_3531" align="alignleft" width="400"]<a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Blow-Up-Hollywood-Steve-Messina.jpg"><img class="wp-image-3531 size-full" src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Blow-Up-Hollywood-Steve-Messina.jpg" alt="Blow Up Hollywood" width="400" height="600" /></a> Blow Up Hollywood[/caption]<br/><h2>How many times have you entered a photography contest and wondered why you did not win? Many… right.</h2><br/>Of course you worked hard on the image you created. From concept to pre-production from shoot day to post-production. Your friends and colleagues agree even complimented you on a successfully striking image. Perhaps even encouraged you to submit the photograph into a contest.<br/><br/>Photography contests let me just say there are many contests out there to enter. BE selective in the photography contests you submit your prize image to. "How do I know which contest is right for me?"<br/><br/><strong>Here are some photography contest tips:</strong><br/>1. Look at the judges for the contest. Are they professional and currently in the creative world.<br/>2. The company hosting the photography contest is a reputable one.<br/>3. Quality sponsors are affiliated with the contest.<br/>4. Obviously submit your image to it's appropriate category.<br/>5. Be aware of the contest's usage rights of your image.<br/><br/>Photography contests can be a great way to be recognized & acknowledged in the photography community.<br/><br/>The last thing I'd like to leave you with about photography contests. Once you submit an image let go of all expectations. Art is subjective BUT never let that stop you from creating and image you are proud to show the world.<br/><br/>Thank you <a href="http://www.duggal.com/contests/portrait-photo-contest-winners/" target="_blank">DUGGAL</a> for selecting my image for 1st place in the 2014 Portrait Photography Contest. This shot is of the lead singer Steve Messina of <a href="http://www.blowuphollywood.com/gallery/" target="_blank">Blow Up Hollywood</a>.<br/><br/>Finally I'd like to acknowledge and congratulate the five runner ups:<br/><ul><br/> <li><a href="http://www.andreidumanphotography.com/">Andrei Duman</a></li><br/> <li><a href="http://dakotaharper.com" target="_blank">Dakota Harper</a></li><br/> <li><a href="http://www.erinschlueterphoto.com/" target="_blank">Erin Schlueter</a></li><br/> <li><a href="http://www.stefanocavoretto.com/" target="_blank">Stefano Cavoretto</a></li><br/> <li><a href="http://www.ianspanier.com/Personal-Work/RIGHT-NEXT-DOOR/17/caption" target="_blank">Ian Spanier</a></li><br/></ul>Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-72494084908642855022014-09-22T11:25:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.810-04:00Secret Celebrity[gallery type="rectangular" ids="3860,3859,3858,3865,3857,3855,3856,3864"]<br/><br/>Ha!!! You may have thought this was a ploy to get you to click on this post about a celebrity. Nope. We just finished a clean sophisticated website for a Licensing / Trading company called Secret Celebrity. Take a look at <a href="http://www.secretcelebrity.net" target="_blank">Secret Celebrity's</a> website<br/><p style="padding-left: 30px;">Secret Celebrity Licensing develops, manufactures and sells home décor products in various categories such as lighting, scented candles, home accents as in decorative pillows, throws and storage, holiday decoration as in tree skirts, ornaments and stockings, and tabletop essentials that include runners, napkins, napkin rings and placemats. These categories are designed by leading design professionals bringing stylish, sophisticated and elegant collections to market via licensing agreements. Our existing portfolio includes the brands KIM SEYBERT Living and CELERIE by Celerie Kemble.</p><br/><p style="padding-left: 30px;">"Our products are created with a unique point of view. It is branded to offer value and sophistication that are tuned to the consumer mood. We aim to follow the behavior… lead the thinking with our designers… and ultimately capture the heart." - Secret Celebrity</p><br/>Listening to Secret Celebrities needs... a clean, sophisticated website focused on the products they manufacture is what we delivered. Yes, tooting our own website creating horn they love their new website! In addition because they were under a tight deadline we had the site up an running in 3 days. Fast right! Now that Secret Celebrity has worked with our team they are hiring us to do the professional photography for the next group of home goods.<br/><br/>Oh you didn't know my team creates websites too? We are visual solution specialists providing photography, video and website solutions.Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-30266473219538386252014-06-18T12:51:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.798-04:004 Minutes To Get The Shot<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/98582128?autoplay=1" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br/>When I got the call from <a href="http://musicalon.com" target="_blank">Alon Nechushtan</a> I knew it was gonna be another "gorilla style" photography challenge. Alon is a jazz pianist and this particular shoot he needed himself photographed with his quartet. However here's the parameters of the shoot.<br/><blockquote>1. Has to be done close to the Harmonie Club</blockquote><br/>See Alon wanted the photo to done outside. Why? Because the Harmonie Club was not going to allow him to take the photograph in the event space. Google Maps street view is great for location scouting. Alon suggested we could go to Central Park but we quickly ruled that out because of the time constraint. In Google Maps I look directly across the street from the Harmonie Club to notice this beautiful iron gate for the Metropolitan Club. Perfect it's not just some plain wall. The gate is ornate. Behind the gate is a large courtyard and the classic building architecture that will assist with the depth of the shot.<br/><blockquote>2. We only have 15 mins to take the picture.</blockquote><br/>The time was 5:15pm of course at the height of rush hour. The sidewalk is a river of pedestrians and the street is congested with cars and buses. All of which are honking their horn at some point, typical in New York. Most of the band had arrived early and were ready. We had congregated off to the side and not on the property of the Metropolitan Club. That still raised the suspicions of the guard / doorman who kept poking his head out of the other gated entrance to see what this collective of guys dressed in black were up to. Still waiting on the drummer who apparently was stuck in traffic just a couple of blocks away. He can't just get out of the cab and walk either he has his entire drum kit with him for the gig. So we wait.<br/><br/>The musicians reminisced about their busking days on the streets of New York. They laughed as they swapped their stories. It was intriguing listening to the saxophonist state that that's how he literally earned his rent money.<br/><br/>At 5:45 the musicians need to be inside the venue to set up for the event. Finally at 5:35 the drummer arrives. I quickly go over again with the quartet their positions. 5:36 places everybody!!!!<br/><br/>It's GO time. I begin to shoot between the commuters as they walk by I was actually impressed that some NY'ers actually walked around or even stopped to not interrupt our shoot. In addition the buses / traffic were almost grazing my back I could feel the intensity of rush hour. The width of the sidewalk was as far as I can get back from the jazz musicians. Even with my 24mm ƒ2.8 it felt tight to compose the shot to incorporate the detail of the iron gate. Using a Nikon SB900 flash a on light stand fired remotely with Pocket Wizards I banged out only 26 shots of the band members in various situations. There is no time to test lighting while the subjects are in place. The key is getting the correct lighting ratio between ambient and strobe. So just before I begin to shoot I take one ambient shot of the scene then adjust my strobe to be 1.3 stops less than my camera's ƒ stop. I want the shot to have a natural blend between artificial and daylight. After 4 minutes I knew I had the shot. The musicians pack up cross the street, they are on time to set up for the gig. Mission accomplished!<br/><br/><center>[gallery type="rectangular" ids="3760"]<br/><br/></center> Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-1736349940655396572014-04-25T11:30:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.769-04:00Official Music Video for Blow Up Hollywood - "Five"<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/f5iKXb3g1yc?rel=0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br/>Official music video for Blow Up Hollywood - "Five"<br/><a href="http://www.blowuphollywood.com" target="_blank">www.blowuphollywood.com</a><br/><br/>Film & Edit by Spencer Gordon<br/>www.spencergordon.com<br/>212-369-7154<br/><br/>This music video was 2 years in the making. Why so long? Blow Up Hollywood was in no rush and Steve Messina the lead singer was determined to have a video he loved. "Five" is part of their album called <a href="http://www.blowuphollywood.com/blue-sky-blond/" target="_blank">Blue Sky Blond</a> which is officially releasing in the next couple of weeks in 2014.<br/><br/>The imagery concept originated with a sweet little 5 yr old girl. We filmed a day and a life of this playful girl letting her be… her. As Steve and I worked through the editing process I asked him about the meaning of the lyrics. The song is about the reflections of an adult looking back at their life and remembering what it was like when they were 5 years old. That's when I pitched the idea of filmming <a href="http://milananaumenko.com/Personal" target="_blank">Milana Naumenko</a> as the adult version of the young child.<br/><br/>Using this new footage in the edit I overlapped these two lives to co-exist in a past and present concept. The great thing about working with Steve is he really let's you develop the imagery. I've always liked working in an abstract way. There are no restrictions. Many of times when shooting for corporate clients there is a script to follow and of course there is a purpose for that type of video. Working in a non-linear way pushes the creative side of my filmmaking process.<br/><h2>In need of a promotional video for your company or a music video for your band?</h2><br/><h2>Contact Spencer Gordon. Let's create.</h2>Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-87578894610891120592014-04-18T12:18:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.786-04:00FREE Friday Photography | VideoFREE Friday Photography | Video!!!!! You've read that right you don't need your eyes checked.<br/><br/><strong>What is it?</strong> Free Friday is once a month "give back day" by Spencer Gordon where he is waiving his photography or video fee to help out a creative project that needs professional quality imagery.<br/><br/><strong>Why are you doing this offer?</strong> Ultimately it's to help out those who need professional visual solutions but can't afford it. As a photographer - filmmaker Gordon hears disappointed stories all the time when someone uses a 'friend' or an 'aspiring photographer' to create their imagery. "Ugh it pains me! You have one chance to grab someone's attention and make an impression. Your imagery is that opportunity." says Spencer. In addition this is Spencer's way of giving back to the community.<br/><br/><strong>Where does the shoot take place?</strong> At Spencer's studio in the heart of DUMBO in Brooklyn, NY. Or on location depending on the production and concept of the shoot.<br/><br/><strong>How do I get my project selected?*</strong> Are you a small business, musician or creative? Here are the various categories that will be considered: conceptual, music video, promotional video, still-life, product shot, lifestyle portrait, food… and more. Contact Spencer via email <a href="mailto:spencer@spencergordon.com?Subject=FREE%20Friday" target="_top"><br/>spencer@spencergordon.com</a> briefly outlining your creative project / idea.<br/><h2>Samples of past projects:</h2><br/><em>Conceptual Photography:</em> This was shot for a scientist who was submitting a research study about "corn gas" as a source of fuel.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone wp-image-3612" src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/SDG0078.jpg" alt="Spencer Gordon - Corn Gas" width="600" height="399" /><br/><em>Promotional video:</em> A specialty store dealing in French vintage furniture wanted to create something fun to catch potential client's attention.<br/><br/><iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/22776051?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="600" height="337" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br/><br/><em>Fashion Photography:</em> Unique and one of kind tops created by a new designer's for their website.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone wp-image-455" src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/butterfly_front.jpg" alt="Spencer Gordon - Milana - Lucy Frend" width="400" height="473" /><br/><br/> <br/><br/><em>Still-life Photography: </em>A menswear accessory and home retail shop creating a Father's Day promo.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone wp-image-3617" src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/SDG_0589.jpg" alt="Spencer Gordon - Modern Anthology Still Life" width="600" height="400" /><br/><h2>Contact Spencer today. Come on let's create something!</h2><br/>*Projects are subject to limitations. Full details are available as per creative project that is presented.Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-923282363978219002014-03-26T13:29:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.713-04:00Mom & Pop Shop Series – Atomic Passion<center>[gallery type="rectangular" ids="2509,2513,2511,2508,2510,2512,2514"]<br/><br/></center><br/>Don't be scared of the squirrels guarding the entrance to this "Atomic" vintage store. Originally opening their doors selling furniture over 16 years ago then transforming into an eclectic vintage store filled with clothes, shoes, fashion accessories and unique chachkas.<br/><br/>Immediately upon walking down the few steps past the furry tailed sentries you step back in time. I defy you to look around and not come across something there that will spark a memory from your own life. From toys I played with as a kid to the style of clothes I wore in the 70's & 80's. There was familiarity with the objects and oddly I felt at home in the space.<br/><br/>Justin, one of the owners, who sits behind a centrally located desk in the store has a knack for discovering these pieces from your time capsule. Whether it's at a garage sale or vacationing, his eye is on the constant prowl for a new or old addition to his store.<br/><br/>"Vintage stores have come and gone here in the lower eastside over the years." Justin tells me. What makes this one special...... maybe it's the 8 horseshoes hung over the door. Well sadly apparently not... Atomic Passion is no longer in business. I photographed this store in March of 2008, not long ago I happened to be walking down the street and noticed the squirrel figurines. I hope that Justin has moved on to bigger and better things.<br/><br/>The purpose of this Mom & Pop series is to document these unique businesses and the owners. We are on a completely different business model path with online retailers. The brick and mortar franchises who are able to afford the exorbitant commercial rents, that's great for the landlord. However the overhead of commercial rent is financially strangling the individual business owner. As these Mom & Pop shops get pushed out of existence we become blind to the fact that we live and homogenized business model. The next time you go to a mall or a shopping area take a good look around. I think you'll notice the same shops over and over and over no matter where you are in America.<br/><h2>"Support your local businesses."</h2><br/>Stay tuned I have more of these Mom & Pop Shop stories on the way.Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-38142734199515692232014-03-11T02:46:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.689-04:00Studio LIghting Tutorial<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ubk9oY7Bzno" width="560" height="349" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br/>The above video is a studio photography lighting tutorial using 3 strobe heads.<br/><br/>This tutorial will demonstrate a lighting technique using a soft bank to light a model. 2 bare heads to light the seamless paper to obtain a clean white background.<br/><br/>A solid yet simple lighting set up that can be used to shoot portraits, corporate portraits, catalog style fashion shots and even product shots.<br/><br/>Quick tip: Lighting power outputs - the bare heads pointing to the background where splitting 1/2 power. The soft bank was at full power.<br/><br/>Sample shot from the shoot below.<br/><a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/butterfly_front.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-455" title="Butterfly Top" src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/butterfly_front-590x697.jpg" alt="" width="590" height="697" /></a>Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-16773439411491043102013-12-14T08:15:00.000-05:002015-05-28T14:43:53.758-04:00The Beauty Beyond Death<p style="text-align: left;">When we think of death it conjures up all kinds of emotions and feelings. The loss of a friend or family member even a beloved pet are the most common recollections obviously. Death is usually not associated with Beauty is it?</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/pigeon01.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-3336" alt="Dead Pigeon - ©Spencer Gordon" src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/pigeon01-950x709.jpg" width="570" height="425" /></a></p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">I was inspired to start this "Death " series after completing a job for Barefoot Wines in Asbury Park, NJ. You may be thinking what could have possibly happened on the job that was so morbid. In fact it was quite the opposite. The short story is I was documenting Barefoot Wine's beach clean up event. They organize a bunch of volunteers to help clean up the beaches and then afterwards Barefoot Wines puts on a concert for the volunteers. This concert had Gavin DeGraw, Joss Stone, The Cold War Kids and Mason Jennings….. shoot I said I'd kept this short. Anyway the night before the beach clean up was an intense hurricane. When the morning came I went out into the gray cold day to document the 'before' situation of the beach. Over by a jetty in the flat wet sand I noticed and unusual object. Obviously not a man made piece of trash as I'm hovering taking in this out of place creature. A lone pelican was partially embedded in the cold smooth salt soaked sand with it's wings spread out creating the shape of a "W". At first I was repulsed due to just thought of death. Then a saddened emotion came over me for the pelican because it must have struggled so hard to try to reach safety before exhaustion got the best of him finally succumbing to the hurricane's winds. I stood in silence just staring almost frozen in time until a gentle bit a of a wave washed over the Pelican snapping me out of my mesmerized state. Finally I noticed how beautiful the Pelican looked against the rich brown sand. The feathers of the bird were multiple hues of brown that complimented the Pelican's final resting spot in the saturated earth tone sand.</p><br/><br/><center>[gallery type="rectangular" ids="3335,3333,3338,3332,3336,3337,3334"]<br/><br/></center>Once back in NY I kept stumbling upon dead rats, pigeons and mice. When photographing each scene I generally do one shot directly above the subject. Sometimes the elements in the street adds to the graphic nature of the image. I do take photographs from various angles as well never manipulating the arrangement of the dead animal. Although others there before me may have laid a flower next to the deceased. One time walking down a busy street in New York I noticed someone had laid their parakeet on the step in front of their shop. The shop person even maid a little tomb stone with R.I.P. Larry. As if to let the neighborhood know of Larry's wake.<br/><br/>In addition I even take video. Why? Because there are usually flies and ants working diligently on the decomposing carcass. Or the wind is blowing the feathers ever so gently and that does not translate in still photographs.<br/><br/>I regretfully did not photograph two animals this year. One was a cat by the side of the road. I realized that as the animal gets closer to a familiarity it is harder to document the death. I can't imagine what I'll do when I find a dog. I'm such a huge dog lover. Saying that though my artist friend <a href="http://marroquinruben.tumblr.com" target="_blank">Ruben Marroquin</a> and I were talking about the cat situation and I told him I felt horrible. Ruben says to me… "Yes it is a sad situation. But taking the photo immortalizes the animal giving them an extended existence in the art." Which made me feel better and gave me a new purpose to photograph the dead animals. The second animal that I missed photographing was while I was in Denver, Co. We were traveling down the highway and traffic slowed to about 40 mph. In between two lanes almost as if he was taking a nap was a young black bear. He obviously had been struck by a vehicle which gashed his side and literally removed a vital organ as if it had been surgically removed. This pink bear part laid just a few feet away. I did not photograph the bear due to the dangerous situation. There was no place to pull off on the mountain road and if I had tried I may have ended up just like that bear. I just remember so well how shiny and luxurious the black bear's fur looked in the full sunlight. The hair shifted softly side to side with each passing car swerving to miss hitting the bear yet another time.<br/><br/>As I shoot the Death series the beauty stands out more and more. The detail in the feathers, the graphic contrast of the fresh meat against the dark pavement, the colors of the fur working with the elements of city street markings. The beauty is there in every photograph I see it now, I just had to look past the death.<br/><br/>```````````<br/><br/>Spencer Gordon has built quite a collection of the "Beauty Beyond Death" and is currently working on a gallery show to present this body of work.<br/><br/>Contact Spencer today if your gallery may be interested in exhibiting this artwork.Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-39216039702971434132013-09-24T09:53:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.747-04:00Desks For Rent In A Creative Loft | DUMBO NY<center>[gallery type="rectangular" ids="2557,2555,2556,2559,2558"]<br/><br/></center> <br/><p style="text-align: center;"> Click on an image to enlarge.</p><br/><br/><center>We're a group of creatives sharing a great 2500 sq. ft. loft in the heart of DUMBO.<br/>We have desks to rent.</center><br/><p style="text-align: center;"> Please contact</p><br/><br/><center>Friko at 917-373-4908 or email friko@chaco.cc<br/>Spencer at 212-369-7154 or email spencer@spencergordon.com<br/>for more information.</center><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>$450 per desk per month includes:</strong><br/>- hi-speed business class internet<br/>- electricity<br/>- heat / ac<br/>- weekly cleaning service<br/>- Poland Springs water service<br/>- shared conference room<br/>- use of client lounge area<br/>- 24 hr access</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>$950 for the private office.</strong><br/>Available starting Dec 1st<br/>- all the above plus<br/>- hard wire internet<br/>- private phone line available. *Phone service is not included<br/>- unfurnished<br/>- 1 to 3 persons in the private office<br/>- perfect edit suite / programers / designers ( no windows )</p><br/><br/><h2 style="text-align: center;">Contact us today!</h2><br/> <br/><p style="text-align: center;">Panoramic of loft area.</p><br/><br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2566" align="aligncenter" width="570"]<a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Lucky_Loft_Pano-1.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2566 " src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Lucky_Loft_Pano-1-950x343.jpg" alt="Desks to rent in DUMBO" width="570" height="206" /></a> Panoramic of office space with desks to rent.[/caption]<br/><br/>This loft is located at 68 Jay Street, Brooklyn NY. 11201<br/><br/>DUMBO is an ultra-hip neighborhood rooted in a historic past. DUMBO’s converted industrial warehouses and vintage loft spaces redefine the meaning of chic, and its inspiring Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline views remain unmatched. This neighborhood tempers its trendy shops and bars with manicured waterfront green spaces and historic enclaves—Vinegar Hill’s cobblestone streets return visitors to Brooklyn's days of yore.<br/><br/>The area has emerged as one of New York City's premier arts districts, with a cluster of for-profit art galleries such as the Klompching Gallery and such not-for-profit institutions as the St. Ann's Warehouse and the A.I.R. Gallery. Chef Jacques Torres opened a chocolate factory in Dumbo in December 2000.[5] Other culinary businesses in the area include Grimaldi's, the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, and the The River Café. All of these businesses cluster in Fulton Landing, which is also home to Bargemusic, a floating venue for classical music. The first public space in the neighborhood was Fulton Ferry, followed by Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park. Brooklyn Bridge Park, a joint state/city venture presently under development, was launched in 2006.Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-79869707969817915052013-06-10T03:32:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.735-04:002013 PDN The Look Photo Contest<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2650" alt="Still Life | Modern Anthology | Spencer Gordon" src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Screen-Shot-2013-06-07-at-11.21.46-PM.png" width="415" height="277" /><br/>I've entered a photo contest in PDN ( Photo District News ) called The Look. Looking to collect votes for the People's Choice Awards<br/><br/><strong><a href="http://2013pdnthelook.nielsencontests.com/bin/Rate?image_id=2011700311 " target="_blank">VOTE here</a></strong> for my shot in the People's Choice Awards.<br/><br/>This still life was a collaboration with <a href="http://www.modernanthology.com" target="_blank">Modern Anthology</a>. One night after the shop closed John and I cracked open a couple of beers and played with all the visual goodies to create this image. I love this store. I could move in. John and Becca do such a great job with the treatment of the store's branding. When you walk into the shop it's not an obvious mens lifestyle retail store. You feel like you've walked into someone's home.<br/><br/>The premise of the still life was to create a shot with a warm and inviting feeling. Showing off the merchandise of the store without it being blatantly in your face this is what we sell.<br/><div><br/><div><br/><blockquote><em>Modern Anthology's original DUMBO outpost offers a unique and curated selection of vintage furniture, home and personal accessories, and well-crafted clothing geared towards a masculine lifestyle. We like to view the shop as a retail experiment in progress. It's a space where we can showcase our particular brand of design aesthetics and ultimately use as a launching-pad for our ideas and the many products that we discover along the way.</em></blockquote><br/></div><br/><div><br/><blockquote><em>Our flagship shop also serves as a home-base for the architects, filmmakers, interior designers, graphic and product designers with a common passion for story-telling through experiential design that we collaborate with through Modern Anthology's creative studio.</em></blockquote><br/></div><br/></div><br/>For more information about the photo contest click on the link below.<br/><br/><a href="http://2013pdnthelook.nielsencontests.com/entries.shtml">2013 PDN The Look Photo Contest</a>.Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-84258774365028908662013-05-29T04:13:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.724-04:00Governor Christie Breaks Guinness World Record[photoshelter-img i_id="I0000bEVyWQY_NvY" buy="1" caption=" (Governor Christie holds the Guinness World Record Certificate)" width="600" height="418"]As the Guinness World Record official starts his GPS unit to measure the longest ribbon for a ceremonial ribbon cutting the weather is looming with threat of a down pour of rain. It's Memorial Day and despite the ominous weather outlook the holiday beach goers are out in full support of the opening of the New Jersey shore. Governor Chris Christie cut the Guinness World Record breaking 5.3 mile longest ribbon cutting signifying the start of a renewed summer season. [photoshelter-img i_id="I0000gI5ssVwgD34" buy="1" caption=" (Governor Christie cutting the worlds longest ribbon)" width="600" height="418"]<br/><br/>Seaside Heights was devastated by Hurricane Sandy and the community is working feverishly to reopen for the vitality of the New Jersey economy. The Jersey Shore generates approximately $40 billion dollars worth of revenue for the state. [photoshelter-img i_id="I0000tuWzPkoAb30" buy="1" caption=" (Funtown Pier in Seaside Heights washed away by Hurricane Sandy)" width="600" height="418"]<br/><br/>The Memorial Day festivities, despite the cold damp weather, drew 800 volunteers to hold the ribbon for the Today Show where Governor Christie cut the official Guinness World Record breaking longest ribbon. Follow up by a live performance from the band FUN. [photoshelter-img i_id="I0000IIJ1H8pbAlM" buy="1" caption=" (FUN performs on the Today Show. Nate Ruess & Jack Antonoff )" width="600" height="418"]<br/><br/>The slideshow below shows all 412 images from the event plus the Guinness World Records official inspecting the ribbon to verify it's integrity. Or go directly to the proof site by clicking on <a href="http://spencergordon.photoshelter.com/gallery/Seaside-Heights-Stronger-Than-The-Storm/G0000SNMoXwF0xTM " target="_blank">http://spencergordon.photoshelter.com/gallery/Seaside-Heights-Stronger-Than-The-Storm/G0000SNMoXwF0xTM </a><br/><br/>[photoshelter-gallery g_id="G0000SNMoXwF0xTM" g_name="Seaside-Heights-Stronger-Than-The-Storm" width="600" f_fullscreen="t" bgtrans="t" pho_credit="iptc" twoup="f" f_bbar="t" f_bbarbig="f" fsvis="f" f_show_caption="t" crop="f" f_enable_embed_btn="t" f_htmllinks="t" f_l="t" f_send_to_friend_btn="f" f_show_slidenum="t" f_topbar="f" f_show_watermark="t" img_title="casc" linkdest="c" trans="xfade" target="_self" tbs="5000" f_link="t" f_smooth="f" f_mtrx="t" f_ap="t" f_up="f" height="400" btype="old" bcolor="#CCCCCC" ]Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-54387134745145634942013-03-05T01:22:00.000-05:002015-05-28T14:43:53.701-04:00Emulsion Transfer Process - A Special Artist's Portfolio[gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" ids="2362,2359,2364,2363,2361,2360,2358"]<br/><br/>Once upon a time in a land before digital photography there was this material called polaroid. The perfect media to create emulsion transfers.<br/><br/>Just the other week I saw a post on Facebook by, Hannah Rosenberg, an artist I had worked with in the mid the 90's. She had found in storage a metal portfolio using emulsion transfers we had created. I photographed the wire metal sculpture chairs with a 4 x 5 Speed Graphic, which I still have and use. I shot using Type 59 polaroid, if my memory serves me correct. Then we took the 4 x 5 polaroids and transferred the polaroid emulsion onto metal sheets which then Hannah bound together to make a metal portfolio. The transfer process worked beautifully to highlight and emphasize these unique miniature chair sculptures. I'm amazed at how well the transfers have held up over the years.<br/><br/>Hannah Rosenberg is a highly multi talented artist. Hannah has always had a love of creating “something from nothing” and working with her hands. Her first love was creating artwork from a variety of media.<br/><br/>Click here for more info about <a href="http://hannahrosenberg.com/blog/category/sculpture/" target="_blank">sculptures by Hannah Rosenberg.</a><br/><br/>Here is a step-by-step tutorial video showing the emulsion transfer process. Quite easy to do. This video was created also in the mid 90's. It would have been cool if they placed a sound track from A-Ha in the background. Hope you enjoy and get inspired to create your own works of art.<br/><br/><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OqfxEJ85Ez4?rel=0" width="590" height="332" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-4571484934931435902013-02-18T10:42:00.000-05:002015-05-28T14:43:53.676-04:00Mom & Pop Shop Series - Albanese ButcherIf only I had written down the darn address of the butcher's store, I said to myself, instead I spent 30 minutes walking around in the cold, with my camera pack on my back, zig zagging the streets looking for the joint. I was starting to think, "Maybe the guy finally went out of business", and was almost ready to give up when I spotted the store front. Notice the patriotic banner over the front door, looks like it's been there since the Grand Opening!<br/><a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-001.jpg"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-001-590x392.jpg" alt="Albanese Butcher 001" width="590" height="392" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2221" /></a><br/><br/>Walking into the store is like being time warped back to the 50's. Except for the meat... I hope! Everything in the place is original. On the right side of the store are the scales to weigh the meat. There is a single refrigerator with no light when you open the door, probably because the bulb burned out 40 years ago, so you have no idea what anything is as it's so dark. <br/><a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-004.jpg"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-004-590x393.jpg" alt="Albanese Butcher 004" width="590" height="393" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2224" /></a><a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-002.jpg"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-002.jpg" alt="Albanese Butcher 002" width="275" height="414" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2222" /></a><br/><br/>The guys' mother ran the place until she was 97 years old. The shot to the left is a homemade poster of her when she was younger, it was used for decoration for her 90th birthday. Wonder if they had steaks for her birthday dinner?<br/><br/>The left side of the store is an office and what appears to be storage for the years of memorabilia. When I enter the store the owner is sitting with his feet up on some boxes in his makeshift office, which consists of a chair, a few boxes, and mountainous stacks of papers. He doesn't even look up, engrossed in how many pork chops he's sold that week perhaps. Anyway I break the ice by saying "I love your store, how long have you been in business?". He says, "Over 50 years", without looking up from his carcass stat sheet.<br/><a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-003.jpg"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-003.jpg" alt="Albanese Butcher 003" width="590" height="392" class="alignleft size-large wp-image-2223" /></a><br/>Part of me senses this guy just doesn't want to be bothered, but I press on by telling him about the project, and all the while he is flipping through his stack of papers. At the end of my pitch I asked if it would be alright if I take some pictures. </br>Finally he looks over at me, his face is lifeless, I mean, no expression at all, and says "Sure." <br/>Then he goes right back to his paperwork.<br/><a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-006.jpg"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-006.jpg" alt="Albanese Butcher 006" width="590" height="392" class="alignleft size-large wp-image-2226" /></a><br/>The place has an eerie charm. The nostalgia of the old equipment... strange though to see on the wall a saw you could cut down a good size tree with or amputate a leg in hurry.<br/><a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-007.jpg"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-007.jpg" alt="Albanese Butcher 007" width="275" height="414" class="alignleft size-large wp-image-2227" /></a><br/><br/> <br/> As I'm unpacking my camera I notice some pictures of an actor I knew, named Vinny Vella, taped to a cabinet. When I was an assistant photographer working on fashion jobs, Vinny drove the location van we hired. Vinny, is your typical New York maffioso type character. He told these great stories that always had me laughing. Anyway, as I wanted the butcher to warm up to me so he'd let me take his picture, I say to him, "Wow you know Vinny!" After a second or two the butcher just says "Yep." So I go on and say, "I used to work with him when he drove location vans for Star Truckers", trying to let him know that we have a mutual friend and get some interest from him. No response from the butcher.<br/><br/>So, I finish shooting. I'm all packed up and just about to get my back pack strapped on, when the butcher asks me in his deadpan expressionless voice "So is this going to be in a movie?". <br/><a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-008.jpg"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Albanese-Butcher-008.jpg" alt="Albanese Butcher 008" width="590" height="392" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2228" /></a><br/><br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/>This Mom & Pop Shop photography / writing series is a project I've been working on for some time. My guidelines for the series is the shop must not be a franchise, in business for 25 plus years, family owned and operated.<br/><br/>Stay tuned I have several more to share from the series.Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-76875568674254106142013-02-12T04:32:00.000-05:002015-05-28T14:43:53.663-04:00How To Create A Simple Music Video.<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vlxyNr21HR8?rel=0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br/><br/>There are times when even simplicity can be stripped down to a simpler form. Is that too simple?<br/><br/>I work with many independent musicians to create music videos. Some want to create a linear storyline while others want an abstract visual. I enjoy both challenges however to create a music video down to it's most basic form, well let's just say this there is one question I always ask myself. "What can be taken out?" See most people want to keep adding on and adding on to try to make something better. In fact it works just the opposite. We've all heard the expression "Less is more.". The hardest thing is to create a simple yet strong visual solution.<br/><br/>Steve Messina of <a href="http://www.blowuphollywood.com" target="_blank">Blow Up Hollywood</a> and I have been working together since the inception of his band close to 10 years now. Over that time I've learned about the kind of visuals he prefers. When Steve contacted me about creating a video of just him performing in his apartment my mind started solving all the obstacles. The apartment environment how to stage it so it is visually appealing, lighting, am I gonna need multiple cameras and sound quality. These are concerns to tackle and the best solution is to simplify.<br/><br/>Here's how I created the music video of Steve covering The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony".<br/><br/><strong>Lighting</strong><br/>A single Lowell Pro-light 250 watt<br/>Placed up high to the right of the subject. The key is to feather the light off the of the subject's face towards the floor. Reason, I did not want to see the couch and to make the video have a darker vibe.<br/><br/><strong>Camera</strong><br/>The Nikon P7000. That's right a point and shoot digital camera. Why did I use this camera when I could have used my broadcast quality Nikon D800 instead? The first thing the Nikon P7000 is light making it highly mobile. Two I like the subtle exposure adjustments that automatically are created by the camera itself.<br/><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1320" src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/photo.jpg" alt="J Rig - Nikon P7000 - Hero HD - Bogen Magic Arm - Adorama Flash Bracket" width="250" height="250" /><br/><br/><strong>J Rig</strong><br/>This is an articulated arm to use as a steadicam. When you hold the camera directly you get more shake. The J Rig actually helps to reduce shake by steadying the camera because your hands are not holding the camera directly. This example shows a Go Pro on the J Rig with Nikon P7000. I did not use the Go Pro for this video. However if you want to see what a music video looks like with the full J Rig in action go to this video I made for <a title="Risa Binder “You Made It Rain.” – Paper Heart Album" href="http://www.spencergordon.com/2012/02/13/risa-binder-you-made-it-rain-paper-heart-album/" target="_blank">Risa Binder</a>.<br/><br/><strong>Sound</strong><br/>Of course having quality sound for a musician is super important. The microphone in the shot was just not there for visual purposes but fully functional. <a href="http://www.gordon-davies.com/live/" target="_blank">Gordon Davies</a> is an excellent audio engineer. Davies mixed the track after the session and provided me with the audio that I synced to the video using Final Cut Pro X Synchronizing Clip feature.<br/><br/> <br/><h2>Want to do a music video?<br/>Let's create.<br/>Contact me.</h2><br/> <br/><br/> Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-56949555426701015282013-01-21T09:29:00.000-05:002015-05-28T14:43:53.652-04:00Invictus Wordpress Template - How to Add a Photo<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BT0n5f5QQ9I?rel=0" width="480" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br/><br/>This is a quick tutorial for Invictus Wordpress template to show how to add a photo.<br/><br/>Spencer Gordon provides not only photography and video services he also creates websites using Wordpress. Part of the website service is also training the user to manage and maintain their own website. Spencer gives clear and easy to follow tutorials. Contact Spencer for more details about creating your website today.Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-38561694796946228852013-01-16T05:04:00.000-05:002015-05-28T14:43:53.640-04:00Creating Stop Motion Animation Video with ApertureCreating stop motion animation video with Aperture is fun and easy. "But Aperture is a digital asset management program not a video editing program." you might say. Well you're right however the slideshow feature in Aperture is a simple yet powerful tool that I used to create a stop motion animation music video. How do like them apples?<br/><blockquote><em>"The slideshow feature is key."</em></blockquote><br/>See… the slideshow feature of Aperture allows you to adjust individual images for almost any specific time you set to show a frame or group of frames. This is perfect for timing the frames of the video so the stop motion animation will move with the beat of the music. Transitions can also be used between frames which will give a different feel and effect to your video.<br/><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2031" src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20130120-155323.jpg" alt="20130120-155323.jpg" width="272" height="360" /><br/><blockquote><em>"Make some popcorn and check out the presentation."</em></blockquote><br/>Wanna learn the details...? Watch the Keynote presentation below.<br/><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/58058271" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br/><br/><a href="http://vimeo.com/58058271">Stop Motion Animation Music Video Using Aperture Presentation</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/spencergordon">Spencer Gordon</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.<br/><br/>Or watch the actual presentation from the New York Apple SOHO Theatre it's in two parts. Yea YouTube only let's me upload 15mins at a time.<br/><br/>Part 1<br/><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vlgV-wJAeog?rel=0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br/><br/>Part 2<br/><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CqVaxGCpdHg?rel=0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br/><br/><strong>Contact Spencer for any of your photography or video needs. </strong><br/><br/>He's a visual solutions specialist.Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-79103761067367353072012-12-14T08:57:00.000-05:002015-05-28T14:43:53.629-04:00Spencer Gordon Shares Expert Aperture Tips at the Apple SOHO Store<a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Apple-SOHO-Presentation-Promo-e1355509843638.jpg"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Apple-SOHO-Presentation-Promo-e1355509843638.jpg" alt="Spencer Gordon Gives Expert Tip Using Aperture" title="Apple-SOHO-Presentation-Spencer-Gordon" width="640" height="622" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1872" /></a><br/> <br/>Spencer Gordon will be sharing his expert tips using Aperture to create stop motion animation video.<br/><br/><strong>Come to the Apple SOHO Store in New York on December 17th at 6pm.</strong><br/>103 Prince Street between Mercer St & Greene St in Manhattan<br/><a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Screen-Shot-2012-12-14-at-1.38.39-PM.png"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Screen-Shot-2012-12-14-at-1.38.39-PM.png" alt="Apple SOHO Store" title="Apple SOHO Store" width="350" height="227" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1883" /></a><br/><br/>Spencer will share how he created the "What is Christmas?" music video, a single by Nadia Ackerman and Harvey Jones. You'll meet a professor from M.I.T. Bring your handkerchief you may even shed a tear.<br/><br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1IHK505OXYY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br/>What Is Christmas? Written By Nadia Ackerman and Harvey Jones<br/>Original drawings by Nadia Ackerman http://www.nadiaackerman.com<br/>Stop animation music video by Spencer Gordon<br/><br/>See you on December 17th at 6pm!!!!<br/><br/>More info about the Apple SOHO Store event.<br/><p><a href='http://www.apple.com/retail/soho/'>Apple Retail Store - SoHo</a>.</p>Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-24072343306470147022012-12-10T12:48:00.000-05:002015-05-28T14:43:53.618-04:00Creating Stop Motion Animation Video with Aperture | Apple SOHO Store
Dec. 17th at 6pm<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1IHK505OXYY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br/><br/>Creating Stop Motion Animation with Aperture<br/><br/>Apple SOHO Store<br/>December 17, 6:00pm<br/><br/>Come see how Spencer Gordon created a stop motion animation music video by Nadia Ackerman using Aperture in less than 19 days.<br/><br/>This presentation promises to be informative, pull on your heartstrings and provide a few chuckles.<br/><br/>More info:<br/><p><a href='http://www.spencergordon.com/what-is-christmas-nadia-ackerman/'>What Is Christmas? - Nadia Ackerman | Spencer Gordon Stop Animation Video</a>.</p>Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-77251350831678558922012-11-28T17:00:00.000-05:002015-05-28T14:43:53.606-04:00Risa Binder covers Taylor Swift's "RED"<object id="flashObj" width="600" height="338" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=1980485259001&playerID=1550751595001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAEMcC3Y~,NII8yi9nN4xFUhUPk5r3WZIA8yah4MXI&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=1980485259001&playerID=1550751595001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAEMcC3Y~,NII8yi9nN4xFUhUPk5r3WZIA8yah4MXI&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="600" height="338" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><br/><br/>When Risa Binder contacted Spencer to shoot Taylor Swift's single "RED" their goal was to make the music video fun. That's what they did alright. From pillow fights to the elevator schtick behind the couch. "Risa has a bright playful quality making it great to work together. Even the guitarist Oscar Bautista got into the fun with his on camera humor. " says Spencer. <br/><br/>Why did Binder want to cover Taylor Swift's "RED"? Risa states "I wanted to cover her song 'Red' because I've been on the same love roller coaster ride, feeling all the colors she's talking about...especially Red."<br/><br/>Spencer and Risa have worked together before. Making a perfect collaborative team between taking direction and giving direction from both sides of the camera. "I like working with Risa she has creative ideas and is open to taking professional suggestions as well. I am an image solutions specialist taking my client's ideas and bringing it to visual fruition. Many times when Risa and I work on a project I can expand and strengthen her creative idea in a way she did not even imagine." comments Spencer.<br/><br/>The location of the shoot took place at <a href="http://www.145antiques.com" target="_blank">145 Antiques</a> in Long Island City. A long time client of Gordon's they too have collaborated on many videos. "Jerry and Jim the owners of 145 Antiques have an extensive inventory of exquisite vintage furniture and props. They were so accommodating for Risa's shoot, being conscientious that we were actually recording sound live." Spencer claims.<br/><br/><p>Binder released her debut album, "Paper Heart," on Warehouse Records in February. The Brooklyn-based musician recorded the set in Nashville with producer Marshall Altman (Ingrid Michaelson, Natasha Bedingfield).</p><p>via <a href='http://www.billboard.com/column/viralvideos/risa-binder-covers-taylor-swift-s-red-video-1008024772.story#/column/viralvideos/risa-binder-covers-taylor-swift-s-red-video-1008024772.story'>Risa Binder Covers Taylor Swift's 'Red': Video Premiere - Viral Videos | Billboard</a>.</p>Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-59485781514061738172012-10-29T12:41:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.593-04:00On My Block Films - Screening Event<a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/OMB_EVENT-SLIDER-1.jpg"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/OMB_EVENT-SLIDER-1-590x260.jpg" alt="" title="OMB_EVENT SLIDER 1" width="590" height="260" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1813" /></a><br/>Even though we live in a city of over 8 million people, a lot of us don’t even know our neighbors. When you’re not connected to the people living on the other side of the wall, it’s hard to have any sense of belonging within a community. “On My Block” creates an opportunity for neighbors to introduce themselves, work together and create trusting relationships through the collaborative filmmaking process. The films created live on past the festival window as a source for community pride, and as a living map of the world’s most creative city.<br/><br/>OMB encourages novice as well as professional filmmakers to participate. Our goal is to capture a wide spectrum of blocks throughout the five boroughs including those whose residents live in religious centers, senior centers, homeless shelters, coops and even prisons.<br/><br/><strong>Don't miss the OMB Screening on Wednesday, November 14th @ 7PM is at White Wave's John Ryan Theater on 25 Jay Street (entrance on John St.) in DUMBO Brooklyn.<br/></strong><br/>White Wave is located right along the water in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Attendees can take the F Train to the York Street Stop and walk West 3 blocks to John Street where the entrance is. <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&q=white+wave+dance+studio&fb=1&gl=us&hq=white+wave+dance+studio&hnear=0x89c24fa5d33f083b:0xc80b8f06e177fe62,New+York,+NY&cid=0,0,245290549120368423&ei=ofSJUIzOEIW00QH2lYGoAg&ved=0CIIBEPwSMAA" target="_blank">Click here for a map.</a><br/><br/>White Wave's beautiful hardwood dance studio will be serving as our cozy venue. Beer and Wine will be available by donation and movie concessions (Milk Duds, Goobers, Popcorn, etc...) will also be available for purchase. Dress is casual.<br/><br/>7:00-7:45 Cocktail Hour<br/>7:45-10:00 Screening and Awards Presentation<br/><br/>So mark your calendars and start inviting your neighbors, friends and colleagues for what is sure to be an inspirational and entertaining evening. For more information on White Wave's John Ryan Theater, visit www.whitewavedance.com/category/john-ryan-theater/<br/><br/><h5><strong>Tickets are available now.</strong></h5><br/><a href="https://www.artful.ly/store/events/521" target="_blank"><img class="size-full wp-image-1206 alignleft" title="blue-buy-now-button" src="http://onmyblockfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/blue-buy-now-button.png" alt="" width="175" height="85" /><br/><br/><br/><br/><h5>Interested in sponsoring the screening to show your community support?</h5><br/><h5>Amazing! Simply contact mary@onmyblockfilms.com</h5><br/><br/><a href="http://onmyblockfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/White-Wave-Studio-15-photo.jpg"><img src="http://onmyblockfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/White-Wave-Studio-15-photo-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="White Wave Studio 15 photo" width="300" height="225" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1264" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://onmyblockfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/The-space.2.jpg"><img src="http://onmyblockfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/The-space.2-300x200.jpg" alt="" title="The space.2" width="300" height="200" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1265" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://onmyblockfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/theater1.jpeg"><img src="http://onmyblockfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/theater1-220x300.jpeg" alt="" title="theater1" width="220" height="300" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1269" /></a>Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-18905143974409572342012-09-24T01:43:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.528-04:00"My Ship" - Nadia Ackerman | Music Video<iframe width="590" height="332" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JoKisn9kq9Y?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br/>Nadia Ackerman's song "My Ship" was inspired by a young boy looking out to sea, when asked by his mother "What are looking for?" the young boy commented "I'm waiting for my ship to come in."<br/><br/>We shot this video one rainy afternoon while on tour in Australia. It's amazing how many things lined up perfectly for this video happen.<br/><br/>Here let me list them for you... ready.<br/>1. <strong>The weather.</strong> <br/>It was June, Australia's winter and usually it's rainy season. But this particular June was one to go on record as one of the highest rainfalls ever! It was drizzling during our shoot, the rain had slowed down just enough to make it tolerable for the boys to stand outside. You'll also notice that the sea was placid barely a ripple in the water. A calmness that gave a sombre feeling to the video. Perfect visually for creating that infinity horizon especially with the bit of fog to help mask the industrial cargo ships not far off shore. By the way Harvey Jones, the synthensizer mastermind in Nadia's band, and I went on a bike ride down to the same area the next day. The sea was raging! 4 foot swells and gail force winds. You would not have believed it was the same beach.<br/><br/>2. <strong>The costumes.</strong><br/>Nadia was the artistic director of this video and wanted the boys to wear pirates costumes. We were in Melbourne for only a few days. Doing radio interviews and a gig at <a href="http://www.thetoffintown.com/contact/" target="_blank">The Toff</a> our time was precious. Fortunately the pirate threads arrived on our second to last day.<br/><br/>3. <strong>The actors.</strong><br/>Jack and Sam were amazing! You just never know with kids. With Nadia's direction they adhered to her every command. They did manage to give the camera a "rude" finger or two during the playful running around scenes. We all got a good chuckle.<br/><br/>Jack and Sam are brothers very close. Jack, the older brother, has aspergers and the expressions he gave are so genuine we were besides ourselves. While Sam the younger one, who may be the next dance sensation, was an excellent supporting role.<br/><br/>4. <strong>The edit.</strong><br/>Due to the weather and the boys attention span we managed to shoot for barely 35mins. Not nearly enough film I thought at the time. I did my best to get as much cut away footage as I could. We got a couple of takes out of the boys for each scene. Nadia who loves to edit did an amazing job piecing the story together. I really wish we had had better weather conditions to get more B footage. Seriously I thought by the time we were done shooting my Nikon P7000 was going to short circuit it was so wet. Regardless Nadia managed to edit what we had to a solid music video.<br/><br/>In hind sight I really would not change a thing about the shoot for this music video. I've learned over the years you can plan and plan and plan a shoot. I was traveling with limited gear for the tour and no assistant. However sometimes you just have to go for it. As I state in my quote at the bottom of my website "Imagine NO excuses... All that is left is the space to create."<br/><br/>More info about<br/><a href="http://www.nadiaackerman.com" target="_blank">Nadia Ackerman</a><br/><a href="http://www.harvjones.com/" target="_blank">Harvey Jones</a>Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-19947647589731329062012-09-04T14:13:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.579-04:00Airline Travel Needs To Change<a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/20120904-183151.jpg"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/20120904-183151.jpg" alt="20120904-183151.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a>Traveling by air is usually divided into 3 parts. <strong>Waiting, waiting aaaanndd... waiting.</strong><br/><br/>Today I'm traveling to Copenhagen. So about 5 hours before I needed to be at the airport I checked in online with my airline. Cool the flight status is on time.<br/><br/>So now we wait to be picked up to go to the airport. Well low and behold the shuttle van is on time! However there is an hours worth of driving around picking up more passengers so I have to wait some more.<br/><br/>Once at the airport you wait in line to check in, but I just did that online why should I wait to check in? No matter upon checking in the ticket agent informs me that the flight is delayed by an hour. Which equals waiting some more.<br/><br/><br/>Next the security line where you have to wait for your ticket to be checked, wait for more bins to put your stuff in, wait to be told which TSA device they want you to go through. "WAIT sir. Hold your arms out please." A pat down prolongs the waiting I'm about to do in the terminal.<br/><br/>Finally you get to the waiting area at least we know what happens here. Yep. I heard you say it.<br/><br/>Board the plane we wait til we get to our destination. Disembark the plane then we wait for our baggage. Uuuugh.<br/><br/>OHHH wait a second wait in line for a taxi. Get in the taxi and zoom off to your final destination. Damn it!!!! Traffic so we have to wait some more.<br/><br/>As I was standing in line waiting in this whole process a woman said to me "Wouldn't it be great to just wiggle your nose and be where you are going?". "HELL yes!" I said.Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-42973657333070850442012-08-07T01:27:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.568-04:00Abkraken - A Film Made by Neighbors<a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/abkraken-6362.png"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/abkraken-6362-590x331.png" alt="" title="abkraken 636" width="590" height="331" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1732" /></a><br/>Phew!!! We did it! What fun.<br/><br/>Just the other day I blogged about a neighborhood film challenge with <a href="http://onmyblockfilms.com/" target="_blank">On My Block Films</a>. It's been edited and submitted to the filmmaking challenge website and is now live on the <a href="http://vimeo.com/onmyblock" target="_blank">On My BLock Vimeo Channel</a>. <br/><br/>Even though I recently blogged about On My Block we had been planning our film for weeks. We had 6 people total involved, 1 dog and 2 businesses. Not quite the level of a Hollywood film production. <a href="http://www.lucyfrend.com" target="_blank">Lucy Frend</a> who is a unique clothing designer was the "Block Team Leader". She came up the abstract and creative storyline. Watch the film below.<br/><br/><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/46597684" width="590" height="331" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/46597684">"Abkraken" - Park Avenue / 97th-98th Street</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/onmyblock">On My Block Films</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br/><br/>My role was Director of Photography. I tackled all the filming technical issues. Like types of cameras we used how to get the look with various lenses and so on. To get the "point of view" look I opted for the Hero Camera. Lucy wore the head strap with the camera mount. I directed her on how to move with the camera on her head to give the best footage. We only used one other camera that was the new Nikon D800. An incredible camera the quality is by far astounding to the other DSLR's I've used for other films.<br/><br/>The editing process I was also involved in giving a tutorial in iMovie. Impressively Lucy was quite inventive using a scrubbing brush on a wood chair to give the sweeping sound of the guy sweeping the sidewalk. He's actually the owner of Guthrie's Inn.<br/><br/>The beauty of this project is NOT having to be a pro filmmaker. It's all about community... getting to know your neighbors. Through this film Lucy meet Kathy who is also from England. I got to be in front of the camera for once I was the bartender. As well as I got to pass on my expertise in filmmaking. We got to know the business owners. Myung of 97th Street Cleaner is an avid dog lover. So am I!!! It's amazing what we find out about one another through a fun project such as making a film.<br/><br/>Are you interested in making a film and getting to know your neighbors? Yea.... go on then. <br/>Register to make a film with On My Block Films just <a href="http://onmyblockfilms.com/signup/make-a-film/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>.<br/><br/>For more information:<br/><p><a href='http://onmyblockfilms.com/2012/07/27/on-my-block-films/'>On My Block Films Presents - A NEIGHBORHOOD FILMMAKING CHALLENGE</a>.</p>Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-84740352237765991082012-08-05T02:31:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.555-04:00Calling all non-filmmakers & filmmakers - On My Block Films<a href="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/911_Photography_Project-005.jpg"><img src="http://www.spencergordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/911_Photography_Project-005-590x442.jpg" alt="911 Photography Project | Spencer Gordon | Photographer | Filmmaker" title="911 Photography Project Brooklyn Promenade" width="590" height="442" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-870" /></a><br/>Although we live in a city of over 8 million people, a lot of us don’t even know our neighbors. When you’re not connected to the people living on the other side of the wall, it’s hard to have any sense of belonging within a community. “On My Block Films” ( OMB ) creates an opportunity for neighbors to introduce themselves, work together, and create trusting relationships through the collaborative filmmaking process. The films created will live on past the festival window as a source for community pride and as a living map of the world’s most creative city.<br/><br/>OMB encourages novice as well as professional filmmakers to participate. Our goal is to capture a wide spectrum of blocks throughout the five boroughs.<br/>Beginning August 1, all eligible films will be posted and screened online from the time they are finished until November 1, 2012. The public will be able to vote on a film by liking it on <a href="https://vimeo.com/onmyblock" target="_blank">Vimeo</a>. The 30 films with the most Vimeo likes will move on to be judged by the Judging Panel the first week of November. The top-scoring 15 films will be screened at a physical outdoor festival in November. Awards will be presented to Best Narrative Film, Best Documentary Film and Best In Show. <br/><br/>I plan on doing a film something abstract and fun. Next door is my Tailor and I know the Bar owner. That's two people right there. Maybe I'll use my Hero camera... yea that sounds good. My creative ideas are flowing. Now I just have to get out there an meet my neighbors. Yea a bit unnerving but hey it will be fun. That's the whole point of the project, have fun and get to know your neighbors. What do have I to lose? Space on my external hard drive that's about it. <br/><br/>Lights, camera, action!!!<br/><br/>How about you? Interested? Of course you are... check out <a href="http://onmyblockfilms.com/" target="_blank">On My Block Films</a> for more details.<br/><br/><strong>Here's the OMB schedule:<br/></strong><br/>Dates: August 1 – OMB will kick off.<br/><br/>August 1 through October 31 – Films will be shot, edited, uploaded to Vimeo.<br/><br/>August 1 through October 31 – Public Voting will be open.<br/><br/>November 6 – Judges Panel will vote.<br/><br/>November 17 – Top 15 films will be screened at On My Block Film Festival.<br/><br/>For more information <p><a href='http://onmyblockfilms.com/2012/07/27/on-my-block-films/'>On My Block Films Presents - A NEIGHBORHOOD FILMMAKING CHALLENGE</a>.</p>Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061966956667133978.post-34168561388462128192012-07-03T08:51:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:43:53.541-04:00Circle In The Sand - A documentary film about love, hope and
forgiveness.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ONmCO9eWA_0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br/><br/>For the month of June I travelled with <a href="http://www.nadiaackerman.com/" target="_blank">Nadia Ackerman</a>, singer / songwriter, and a simplified version of her band ( <a href="http://www.harvjones.com/" target="_blank">Harvey Jones</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/davidmarkpatterson" target="_blank">David M Patterson</a> ) on a music tour across Australia. Starting in Sydney Nadia had to overcome many obstacles along the way. Not only was she the tour manager, the marketing coordinator, social media promoter, webmaster, the performer, the songwriter, the financial backer... Nadia was also confronting a 20 year old wound, the loss of her father.<br/><br/>The documentary film Nadia and I are creating is going to cover what it is like for independent music artists to make it in the music industry. As well as bring a personal side of the story about family, relationships, and dealing with the death of a parent.<br/><br/>What we've noticed through the process of making the film that timing is everything. We had some absolutely magical occurrences happen during the course of the trip across Australia. Things we can't explain unless we put a visual to the story.<br/><br/>This documentary film can use your support. I have set up a KickStarter project: Under Going to help fund the film. Yes... this post is quite late in the game. With only 57 hours, just over two days left to reach the funding goal your pledge is imperative to creating this film. July 5th is the deadline to reach the goal. But we are committed to making this film happen. So if you are out at the beach celebrating 4th of July I completely understand, don't forget to apply your sunblock.<br/><br/><h2>Here is the link to support the <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spencergordon/under-going-a-healing-process-to-release-the-past " target="_blank">KickStarter project - Under Going</a>:</h2><br/><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spencergordon/under-going-a-healing-process-to-release-the-past " title="Under Going - Click Here" target="_blank">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spencergordon/under-going-a-healing-process-to-release-the-past<br/></a>Spencer Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829289008320048527noreply@blogger.com0