tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13121316212627640442024-03-13T23:36:18.691-04:00Alex MenendezAlex Menendez is a professional videographer, still shooter and Final Cut Pro editor located in Orlando, Florida. He has over 18 years experience and has won many awards.AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-87238847204793705842015-04-27T15:27:00.000-04:002015-04-27T15:32:26.404-04:00Boxing-A Poor Mans Sport<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78fOTapA79M/VT6M4aDwb4I/AAAAAAAAAtE/Sc2Hks-Nlqc/s1600/TIME%2BMayweather.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78fOTapA79M/VT6M4aDwb4I/AAAAAAAAAtE/Sc2Hks-Nlqc/s1600/TIME%2BMayweather.png" height="337" width="640" /></a><br />
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Professional photographers have had a hard go of it in the past decade! Digital cameras and platforms have made it easier for anyone with a camera to take amazing pictures. The quality of images that are being snapped today<br />
is beyond compare to just a few short years back. I-phones are incredible at capturing publication worthy images, and with that, the demise of professional photographers is on the upswing, anything can get published these days if you find the right outlet or means.<br />
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Does that mean that anyone can take a good photograph? Of course not. Professionals look beyond the actual picture,<br />
they are trained to set the exposure for intended effect, blur out a background and let the light hit just right to capture the peak moment, to give the end viewer the whole story.....as if they themselves were actual present in the moment.<br />
Anyone can claim to be a photographer, but don't just claim it too loudly to those of us who are schooled in the art.<br />
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We are all MEDIA capable, but it takes many years to continuously make a living off of our craft.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spdZPZD8d_E/VT6NI9JVq4I/AAAAAAAAAtM/OZ9Yh7gvC94/s1600/Rolling%2BStone%2BKlitschko.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spdZPZD8d_E/VT6NI9JVq4I/AAAAAAAAAtM/OZ9Yh7gvC94/s1600/Rolling%2BStone%2BKlitschko.png" height="470" width="640" /></a></div>
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Boxers are the same way, just because you can throw a punch does NOT mean that you are a boxer. Professional boxers give and take punches on a daily basis, learning the proper techniques and avoidance measures...they react on instinct and thus, turn pro when/if they are good enough. I fought for a few years when I was younger, upon realizing that I would never make it as a pro, I changed careers at the right moment. I am forever grateful for what my coaches taught me, and I wont forget my skills, but with that, I do not call myself a professional boxer.<br />
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Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are fighting this weekend, you may have heard rumblings about it somewhere. I was at the Mayweather camp in Las Vegas last week for the open media day, with about 400 other media types. It was a madhouse, and looking back it was a somewhat unpleasant experience. The general rudeness amongst those covering the open workout was embarassing. There was fighting, pushing and general name calling over simple positioning by those trying to get their own angles. People were actually moving other outlets bags and markers when they simply stepped away for a drink of water. This is not the journalism I was taught, and looking back, I am happy to say that I did my best with what was allowed to me. Kelly Swanson and her crew, along with those that run the Mayweather Boxing Club were amazing, with their politeness and the way that they were so accomodating to fans and showbiz types alike, but for the reporters and some of the camera operators, OMG, how long do you think you will last in this business if you continue to behave like you did? Seriously!<br />
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If you know me, then you know I am not one to hold back, I will face a challenge head on and speak my mind to those that are not following the rules. I asked a few folks just what they were thinking, and they all told me that they had the right to do what it was they were doing. They had the obligatory wrist band wrapped around their arm, so thus, they were in their minds, LEGIT.<br />
I understand that with the limited time and deadlines, the pressure was on, but some of you "journalists" had better come to your senses. You represent not only yourself, but your media outlet as well as your mentors......this is a very small world and word travels fast in this industry.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aW4kgP_xbYQ/VT6NVIk4rBI/AAAAAAAAAtU/MF9OZaH9MXA/s1600/ESPN%2B%2BScorecard.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aW4kgP_xbYQ/VT6NVIk4rBI/AAAAAAAAAtU/MF9OZaH9MXA/s1600/ESPN%2B%2BScorecard.png" height="328" width="640" /></a></div>
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Regardless of the experience, I had a very good week leading up to the camp with a quick stop over in Miami with Wladimir Klitschko and then was fortunate enough to shoot the fight of my life at Turning Stone Casino between Lucas Matthysse and Ruslan Provodnikov. All in all, I was able to get almost 100 images published in just the past week. Rolling Stone, TIME magazine, SI, ESPN, TheRING Mag and over one dozen different countries picked up my photos. I did apply to cover the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight, but was turned down...there are simply not enough spots available I guess, or our seats were sold to boost numbers! Though I am not happy with being declined, I am trying to keep my head up and just move on, to get past it. There will be better fights in the future and hopefully I will be invited to shoot those! Just like boxing itself, if you get knocked down, tighten your gloves and stand right back up, eventually you will forget about getting knocked down and will one day be the best.<br />
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If you like the sport, check out coverage from Al Bello and Ed Mulholland this week, they are the top 2 shooters currently that shoot the sweet science.<br />
I tried to upload a PDF of last weeks tearsheets but the file was too large, check some shots here:<br />
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http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com/#!/index/G0000lyzBgEalMdk<br />
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AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-73116455248288980872014-05-21T10:39:00.000-04:002014-05-21T10:39:50.939-04:00Boxing Projects<div class="MsoNormal">
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When I was 19 years old, I started the sport of Boxing.
There was no real reason for it, I had been in a few fistfights growing up but
nothing that lived inside me that had a penchant for blood and fists. I simply
thought the sport was cool. Keep in mind, this was the time of Mike Tyson and
Sugar Ray Leonard…..it was popular and I just wanted to do it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I fought for almost 5 years before “retiring”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hurt.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VLMpykh49w/U3y4Q4yTUSI/AAAAAAAAAsU/gB-8dPk2hVo/s1600/Showtime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VLMpykh49w/U3y4Q4yTUSI/AAAAAAAAAsU/gB-8dPk2hVo/s1600/Showtime.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ronald Gavril fights at Turning Stone on the Mayweather Promotions card.</td></tr>
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Fast forward twenty some odd years and here I am again in
the sport, only this time I am outside of the ropes. I’ve become a sports
photographer and I have had the opportunity to shoot quite a few fights in the
past year. I’ve flown numerous times to The Turning Stone Resort in Upstate New
York and shot televised events under the ShowTime, HBO and ESPN broadcast
banners. I’ve also filmed in Kissimmee, Florida, Orlando and Las Vegas, and I’m
hopefully just getting started.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V4alEYnF64/U3y4NDTBZ_I/AAAAAAAAAr0/GOILzMnFKTQ/s1600/Cruz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V4alEYnF64/U3y4NDTBZ_I/AAAAAAAAAr0/GOILzMnFKTQ/s1600/Cruz.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orlando Cruz (right) told folks he was gay, a first for the sport of Pro Boxing, and then whipped his opponent during an AllStar Promoted card in Kissimee, Florida.</td></tr>
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The interest started back when there was commotion of the
first pro fighter coming out, as they say. Puerto Rican superstar Orlando Cruz
had just announced that he was gay, a first in the sport, and the media buzz
was incredible! I shot his fight in the packed stadium and listened as the
catcalls and boo’s quickly turned into chants of joy, and encouragement and
National Pride. Cruz had turned a majority of the crowd into passionate fans
who got to see his pugilistic prowess first hand. He easily won the fight, and
that feeling I had upon seeing my images on the back of my camera that night
were set in stone, boxing and the surrounding atmosphere would become my new
passion.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tysSD7c4cN0/U3y4LCCREAI/AAAAAAAAArk/Z6TZrh--3bo/s1600/Boxcino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tysSD7c4cN0/U3y4LCCREAI/AAAAAAAAArk/Z6TZrh--3bo/s1600/Boxcino.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon Adams (left) fights during the ESPN Boxcino Tournament at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY.</td></tr>
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<br />It was shortly after that when I began work on a documentary
film centered around Canastota, New York, the home of the International Boxing
Hall of Fame, and the town I grew up in. Interviews with Tony Graziano, Ray Rinaldi,
Billy Backus and Ed Brophy give this project in depth insight into the history
of the sport and how it should be covered and hopefully remembered. This project
has continued for almost 3 years, and I am getting closer to finishing up the
project with the help of a talented producer and writer, Linnea Edmeier and the
locals who have extensive knowledge of boxing and its roots. The folks I have
met, and my surrounding team are the best at what they do, and this keeps
drawing me back, month after month. I am off once again for my fourth
consecutive Hall of Fame inductions in a few weeks, to not only cover the event
for the Associated Press wire, but to reach out to make more industry
connections. I truly want to be a “go to shooter” in the minds of the promotion
companies and their fighters.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poJH1FMo7Mw/U3y4LkqbKPI/AAAAAAAAArs/pwbNNTShbf0/s1600/Cotto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poJH1FMo7Mw/U3y4LkqbKPI/AAAAAAAAArs/pwbNNTShbf0/s1600/Cotto.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miguel Cotto knocks out Delvin Rodriguez in the 3rd round at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The crowd was over 16,000 and this image made the ESPN Photo of the Week.</td></tr>
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Near the end of 2013, another Puerto Rican superstar, Miguel
Cotto was bringing his contest to the Amway Arena, with his trainer Freddie
Roach. These two have hooked up and are both at the top of their games. The sellout
crowd was just under 17,000 and was byfar the biggest fight ever in the Orlando
market. Cotto won by beating Delvin Rodriguez by knockout in the 3<sup>rd</sup>
round. My images were distributed all over the Associated Press wire service,
and I ended up having a “Photo of the week” image run on the ESPN photo gallery
page. Big time fights make for damn good images!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv5_Rit-o7Y/U3y4O12O4LI/AAAAAAAAAsE/tqTYjye4Ork/s1600/MayWeigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv5_Rit-o7Y/U3y4O12O4LI/AAAAAAAAAsE/tqTYjye4Ork/s1600/MayWeigh.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floyd Mayweather Jr., now 46-0, weighs in prior to his fight against Marcos Maidana.</td></tr>
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A few more trips back to Turning Stone saw some amazing
fights on the ESPN Boxcino tournament. I was able to capture some more
thrilling images including a TKO from Floridian Nate Heaven, in the heavyweight
division. Power punches galore.</div>
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The highlight of my boxing photography happened a few short
weeks ago at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Floyd Mayweather and crew had
promoted a show at the Turning Stone Events Center, and it was here I met with
the media and promotions manager Nicole Craig. She is an extremely busy person,
but actually took the time to speak briefly with me. It was her help that
enabled me to shoot a few days in Las Vegas.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htQP6NUi_bo/U3y4QB7frwI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/TMjVqn2Blc4/s1600/Mayweahter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htQP6NUi_bo/U3y4QB7frwI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/TMjVqn2Blc4/s1600/Mayweahter1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floyd Mayweather Jr punches Marcos Maidana on his way to a 12 round win.</td></tr>
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There is way too much to talk about on this trip, the fans,
the promoters, the weigh in, the fight and just that Fight Freak atmosphere….but
all in all the experience was incredible. Though I was not really set up to the
media access I was normally accustomed to, I was able to pull off a few cool
images from my seat up high. I truly hope to one day be a main apron shooter at
fights of this magnitude! I am working on my boxing styles every chance I get,
and will part of the young guard coming up the ranks…. I want to acknowledge
the promoters and media contacts that have helped to get me this far. You will
be seeing a lot of my images in publications in the coming years……this I
guarantee!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOpb6kMbBZ4/U3y4O_cnx6I/AAAAAAAAAsA/1EU989mE9yI/s1600/MayTall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOpb6kMbBZ4/U3y4O_cnx6I/AAAAAAAAAsA/1EU989mE9yI/s1600/MayTall.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-85987079118682569772013-12-13T11:02:00.001-05:002014-05-21T10:43:49.644-04:00My Viral Image!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3C5y3tbcKCE/UqsurQuPOCI/AAAAAAAAAqY/5okPwcWvUXw/s1600/ESPN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3C5y3tbcKCE/UqsurQuPOCI/AAAAAAAAAqY/5okPwcWvUXw/s1600/ESPN.jpg" height="401" width="640" /></a></div>
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Every photographer that has ever uploaded their image to the
internet to share it with friends, family or clients, has at one time or
another had their images stolen (whether they know it or not). Its not a very
good feeling when you realize that after you took the time to prepare, arrive, properly
capture the shot, edit it, watermark it and then upload it, that an unknown
thief grabs it and claims it as their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trying to pursue them can be very challenging and makes most individuals
gnash their teeth and curse the invention of the web for image sharing in the
first place! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some victims have been
known to morph themselves into the NSA, looking for and tracking any leads on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bing</i> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Google</i> that pop up….. it quickly turns into a lesson in futility. Trust
me I know , but I digress…………….moving on to my story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the past few years, every time the U.S. National soccer
team comes to Florida, I am always the first to sign up to shoot them, no
matter if it’s the Men’s or the Women’s team….they both ROCK and the games are
always action packed with tons of screaming fans in attendance and top quality
play! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It truly is one of the highlights
of my photo career to capture these athletes on the field and to experience the
actions of the game on the pitch. I’ve had a few images featured on both the
ESPN and the Sports Illustrated websites after International friendlies and the
CONCACAF qualifying games……and its just awesome to be able to share these scenes
with the world, when its on my terms!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jrt3rvCPbpY/UqsuuIqL4CI/AAAAAAAAAqk/o9Bz1rK1TiY/s1600/ESPNWide.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jrt3rvCPbpY/UqsuuIqL4CI/AAAAAAAAAqk/o9Bz1rK1TiY/s320/ESPNWide.png" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first weekend this past November, the U.S. Women arrived
in Orlando to take on their futbol nemesis, the Brazil National team. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just to be clear, there is no love lost
between these teams and the players know each other as well as one can know a
rival. Though it was an international “friendly”, no one on earth expected the
game to be played with kid gloves, this was serious business with bragging
rights and National pride on the line.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(Side note)- Local media picked up on a story a few days
prior to the match where the U.S. team bus broke down after a scheduled
practice session and the players actually caught rides back to their hotel with
their fans. The Twitter and Facebook worlds were all abuzz and other social
media platforms stressing just how relaxed the U.S. girls seemed to be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smiles and happy spirits seemed to be
everywhere if you could believe what you read…but that changed come game time.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HX1xVvKgFR0/Uqsuu6fLR7I/AAAAAAAAAqs/MubVP89IEMI/s1600/PicofWeek.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HX1xVvKgFR0/Uqsuu6fLR7I/AAAAAAAAAqs/MubVP89IEMI/s320/PicofWeek.png" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Florida Citrus Bowl was packed with about 30,000
spectators and the decibel level of the screaming fans was actually quite high.
Though fireworks and flares were not allowed, the U.S. faithful seemed to have
a pretty good time as they were videotaped live for the NBC television network,
performing the wave, chanting and beating on small drums and tossing rolls of
colored toilet paper onto the grass.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As for the media, all of the wire services and broadcast
teams were in attendance and the assigned photo areas were pretty packed at the
beginning of the game. It was about 10 minutes into the match that I decided to
pack up my gear and change my camera angle….I caught a quick golf cart ride to
the other side of the playing field and set up shop behind the endzone boards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within minutes of arriving, I was connected wirelessly
to the internet with my MacAir. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Game
on!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It couldn’t have been 3 minutes later that Sydney Leroux
scored her first of two goals on the day, and the crowd went absolutely nuts!
All time leading scorer and recently married team Captain Abby Wambach raced
over and jumped onto Leroux’s back as she stretched her arms out in
celebration, facing the crowd and the national TV audience. The moment was
fleeting and I happened to be in precisely the exact spot to see it, 8 shutter clicks
later I had captured what I had come for, the perfect emotional frame. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly pulled the card from my camera,
inserted it into the card reader and grabbed the one frame that I wanted to
transmit. I really didn’t do much in the way of image manipulation, just a simple
tone, crop and added the caption/metadeta. Less that 2 minutes after the goal
was scored, the image was already visible on the AP Images website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as quickly as I had settled in, Abby was
tripped in the goaltenders box and a penalty kick was assessed, she scored
easily on the shot and the score was now 2-0, in a matter of minutes. Brazil
kicked it into overdrive and the elbows started to fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By halftime I was walking back to the media
room, having already uploaded 10 images….<o:p></o:p></div>
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The game ended 4-1 with the U.S. winning and everyone was
happy. Days later I was thrilled to see that my first image had been selected
as one of the ESPN “Images of the week”!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was on a different job a few days later that my world
came tumbling down. I searched “Alex Menendez” and “U.S. soccer” on the search
engine and low and behold, my image was EVERYWHERE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There it was, on hundreds of tumblr sites, with full credit given <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“COPYRIGHT AP IMAGES ALEX MENENDEZ”, but interestingly
enough, more than half of the shots still had the AP watermark placed right
across the shot that was there to prevent illegal use. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were stolen…..plain and simple.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0R_dsj8A2RY/UqsuvqRJLBI/AAAAAAAAAq0/_-ctDJX2xwI/s1600/TUMBLRstolen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0R_dsj8A2RY/UqsuvqRJLBI/AAAAAAAAAq0/_-ctDJX2xwI/s320/TUMBLRstolen1.jpg" height="284" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you want to do a frame grab or a screen grab its quite
simple, you just find the shot you want online and grab it. Once its on your
computer screen, you can pretty much manipulate it any way that you want to,
and this is just one of the things I saw being done to my soccer photo. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This image had been cropped, toned, over
saturated, brightened, sharpened or simply turned to black and white. Somebody
else had actually grabbed the un-watermarked version (most likely the large
file from ESPN’s site) and created an Iphone screen saver and was passing it
out like candy at Halloween to any of his followers that wanted it. I was less
than thrilled at this discovery and the feeling one gets once they’ve realized
that they’ve been violated sunk in….I was way more than mad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Immediately I sent a quick list of sites to my editor who
didn’t know what to say…..what could he say? <o:p></o:p></div>
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One by one I started following the long rabbit hole, down
this way, right, left and back right again, only to discover 50 more
violations. The few main sites I had discovered were being followed by hundreds
of people, who in turn were being followed by hundreds more, and then more
behind them…..all of them sharing or linking my photo, I was at a loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to the fact that I was on assignment in
California, and using the incredibly slow hotel internet connection, I felt
handcuffed as to how much trolling I could actually get done before my daily shoot
was scheduled. I managed to contact the first 30 sites and sent a take down
notice, but only 4 of them agreed to take the shots down with a written
apology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My next move was to contact
Tumblr directly…..but that proved to be a joke.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Od00wbKX3hQ/UqsuwaclKQI/AAAAAAAAAq4/LhlwNOAkURY/s1600/TUMBLRstolen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Od00wbKX3hQ/UqsuwaclKQI/AAAAAAAAAq4/LhlwNOAkURY/s320/TUMBLRstolen2.jpg" height="320" width="189" /></a></div>
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Here is the response I received:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“If you are the
copyright holder for the content that you are reporting, </i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">or their authorized
representative, please complete the following </i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">DMCA notification form.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<td style="border: none; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 837.6pt;" valign="top" width="838"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">(form here)</span> Once we receive your completed request we
can proceed</i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with removing </i><i style="line-height: 17pt;">the material you’ve reported.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">abuse@tumblr</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
The problem with doing as they command in their<br />
policy, is that you <span style="line-height: 17pt;">need to fill out the entire form </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">for EACH OCCURRENCE with the listed</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">website users web
address. In essence, I would </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">have to </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">fill out over 1000 DMCA forms and </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">include </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">every
single link, </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">and a copy of the </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">pilfered image </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">with the link. </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">It would take weeks </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">to </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">complete this </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">method.</span><span style="line-height: 17pt;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">They seem to trust their </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">own </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">users more </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">than they would trust me, the </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">original owner
of </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">the shot, </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">whose name by the </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">way appeared </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">under </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">most of the images stolen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Most of you who are professionals know about<br />
copyright registration, <span style="line-height: 17pt;">but to those that may not, </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">let </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">me kinda, sorta fill you in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Once you snap the shutter button and the image is<br />
captured, you own that <span style="line-height: 17pt;">image, you </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">are the </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">copyright </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">holder. It belongs to you and you
can </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">call it yours.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">There are certain restrictions </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">on what you may or </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">not </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">use the image for, </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">whether
you can sell it </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">or not, </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">based on its contents and </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">the location of </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">the shot, </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">and who the people are that
appear in </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">the shot. I won’t </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">get into this as this </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">is a whole </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">other can of worms and </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">we could talk for
weeks </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">about responsibility </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">and usage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
What I want to talk about is the fact that the <span style="line-height: 17pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">Associated </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">Press watermarked </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">this image with </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">an </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">AP Images logo </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">so that people who wanted </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">to use it
in their </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">editorial content could license </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">or “rent” </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">the image
for </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">presentation or publication</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">without the logo covering </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">the scene. I
captured </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">the </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">image, and then via my </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">contract, </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">provided the </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">shot
to the AP site for licensing, </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">for a set fee.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
ESPN, among other publications, paid for this<br />
image
on a <span style="line-height: 17pt;">rental basis and then </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">uploaded it to </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">their </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">websites for </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">worldwide use. </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">They did </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">nothing wrong </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">in this </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">instance, in
fact, it was </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">done </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">by the book.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
The theft began when a fan, (I can assume)<br />
grabbed <span style="line-height: 17pt;">the </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">image from both the ESPN </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">site and </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">the </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">AP Images </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">viewer site, and downloaded a </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">lower
resolution image to </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">embed on their personal </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">pages.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
They attempted to give me credit under the image.<br />
I
am <span style="line-height: 17pt;">not sure if they thought </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">that </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">this would </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">free them from </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">paying for it or what, but it means </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">nothing in a </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">court of </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">law if you’ve stolen the </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">image </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">in the first place.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Keep in mind that once I register this set of<br />
images via <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.copyright.gov/" style="line-height: 17pt;">http://www.copyright.gov/</a><span style="line-height: 17pt;">, </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">and I </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">receive </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">my registration </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">receipt number in the mail, I am
bonafide. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">I can prove that my image is registered and </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">then </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">if I send </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">an invoice to the guilty </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">party for
stealing </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">my image, and </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">they refuse to pay, I can then </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">take </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">them to
court </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">for copyright violation. This is the </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">norm and I am having </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">to do this </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">for a lot of images </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">that I have recently
discovered. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">Its not fun, nor is it how I </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">would like to be </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">compensated for </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">my hard work, but realize this, </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">every assignment </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">that I go on, I have to travel there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
My costs include gas, perhaps airfare and hotel,<br />
and food.<br />
My gear is worth tens <span style="line-height: 17pt;">of thousands of </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">dollars and it too </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">needs repair at times. I could
go on, but won’t…….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wsQOMHNynes/UqsuxhMZxZI/AAAAAAAAArA/X7MlkU86VKE/s1600/TUMBLRstolen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wsQOMHNynes/UqsuxhMZxZI/AAAAAAAAArA/X7MlkU86VKE/s320/TUMBLRstolen3.jpg" height="280" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Every image that I upload, there is a chance that
it could get<br />
stolen, I know this <span style="line-height: 17pt;">and it seems </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">to be the norm these days. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">Once upon a time, a
sportsshooter would </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">walk into a flea market </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">or a </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">shopping mall and see illegal prints of theirs for
sale </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">to general public, nowadays, when a stolen </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">image goes viral, </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">there is no way to </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">stop it.</span><span style="line-height: 17pt;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">This once profitable industry has </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">changed,
there are </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">still ways to make </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">money at it, but you </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">have to
outsmart the trolls…..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Let me know your ideas or thoughts on this if you
have any,<br />
but when you <span style="line-height: 17pt;">contact me, </span><span style="line-height: 17pt;">don’t try to do it through Tumblr, </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17pt;">I wont be there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Alex@InstinctFilms.com<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Follow me on Twitter: @InstinctFilms<br />
<br />
Blog Copyright Alex Menendez</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
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AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-1010363887026214192013-11-24T14:53:00.002-05:002013-11-24T14:53:55.992-05:00Scouting at the Zoo<div class="MsoNormal">
Last evening both boys had the opportunity to attend the
“Wild Night” boy scouts campout event at the Sanford Zoo. Both dens attended
and the turnout was pretty good considering this would be a fairly short event.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scouts and their families were to arrive at 4:00 on Saturday
night, setup tents and the campground, then be prepared to meet our Zoo tour-guides
at 7pm. Since the daylight savings time clock change happened a few weeks ago,
it was fairly dark by 6:00, but that did not deter the 7 footballs that were
flying between the trees and bouncing off the tents. These boys were non-stop
and all roaring to go, especially since none of them has to return to school
for at least another week……at this point, I was beginning to prepare for a long
night!</div>
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Our guides arrived at 6:45 and gave instructions on what to
do, and what NOT to do. We would be split up into 5 individual groups, and
would be getting a 90-minute tour of the actual zoo. Everyone that carried a
flashlight had to have a red colored gel affixed to their lights, as to not
disturb or blind the wildlife. These gels were doled out and tested by our
guides….then we were off in search of wild beasts and hissing insects.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Each group stopped at predetermined check points and saw
such critters as scorpions, owls, Madagascar hissing roaches, alligators,
porcupines, cougars and a fully loaded bat house. The time passed fairly
quickly, and then it was back to camp.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We met up under the fan covered meeting spot which featured
at least a dozen picnic tables, a few of which were strewn with old and
tattered US flags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tonights
lesson/activity would be to teach the boys (and a few visiting girls), how to
properly retire a worn or tattered US flag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The process begins with cutting out the blue patch with the stars, and
then meticulously cutting the red and white stripes into individual ribbons or
strips. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Fireside, a few small words were spoken by the parents and
scouts, and the flag segments were placed into the fire, in order. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, the flames grew taller than
most of the kids that were surrounding it, and the heat radiated at least 30
feet from its popping and cracking center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In a matter of minutes, the fire was back down to its normal size with
no trace of the flags, and the group was off for banana pudding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The clouds slowly moved in and at 11pm and there were still
youngsters running through camp, screaming and giggling as little boys do…..!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Blaze, my 10 year old, decided that we should shoot some
long exposure images before the clouds totally blocked out the stars that we
could still see. We filmed for about 30 minutes and he lightpainted the bottom
of both palm and oak trees…..nothing too spectacular came to us, but just being
out there with him made the entire trip worthwhile! <o:p></o:p></div>
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View more of my work at www.AlexMenendez.com</div>
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Twitter: @instinctfilms</div>
AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-19739185142250644492013-11-19T14:09:00.000-05:002013-11-19T14:09:57.046-05:00James Risen: Prosecuting the Press event<div class="MsoNormal">
A few weeks back I was invited to shoot an event at the
University of California Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. The event was
titled “Prosecuting the Press” and featured the world famous investigative
reporter Lowell Bergman, a true badass and currently producer/correspondent for
the PBS documentary series FRONTLINE.<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span>Bergman is so tough and experienced that actor Al Pacino played him in
the feature film “The Insider”, needless to say, he is the real deal! <span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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His guest for this lecture was the currently embattled
Pulitzer Prize winning American journalist and New York Times reporter, James
Risen. Risen is also as tough as nails and has been challenged by the courts to
reveal the name of his source for a chapter in his book <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">State of War: The Secret History
of the CIA</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and the</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bush
Administration</i>.</b> Chapter 9 in his book talks about a secret mission
called Operation MERLIN that the CIA totally screwed up. Risen caught wind of
this mishap and wrote about it years later, unfortunately, both the Bush
administration and the Obama administration are still trying to punish him for
bringing the said incident to light. He is currently challenging the ruling of
the court system who looks to send him to jail if he won’t divulge his source
of the leak, by taking his case to the Supreme Court. This is currently scheduled
to happen in a few months, and that is also why I chose to accept this
assignment, the verdict in this case will have HUGE implications on the way the
Media/Press deal with acquiring and writing their stories in the near future.
Risens’ challenge is one of the bravest things for a journalist to attempt, and
I fully support his rights and ideals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With the amount of hype that Julian Assange (Wikileaks), Eric Snowden
and Chelsea Manning have received in the past few years for their specific
leaks, the Risen case may seem miniscule in comparison. However, it must be
noted that he was not the “leaker”, he merely wrote about the events the occurred,
as told to him, by a trusted source…….but he is also a journalist, and is
protected by the laws of the land…..right? One would think, but the rules have
changed rapidly since 9/11, and the U.S. government is trying to set him up as
an example….don’t burn us or we will burn you seems to be the statement they
are screaming!<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The basic issue is, can we continue as journalists to
protect and offer the confidentiality to someone who knows something going on
in the government but doesn’t want to go public?”, asked Risen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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His question and answer event was scheduled at the Berdahl
Auditorium on campus and was held in front of 300 invited guests. Among those
in attendance was Whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, one of the first ever to leak
secrets, most famously the “Pentagon Papers” that he copied and delivered to
The New York Times in 1971. His leak changed the way the Vietnam war debacle
played out, and his decision and bravery no doubt helped save the lives of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>many U.S. soldiers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was fortunate enough to film all of these men and listen
to their stories as well….a bonus if you will. I had read the book ahead of
time to judge for myself if the leak was really worth going to jail over…..I
don’t think it gave away anything that would have jeopardized or hurt America…..unless
showing how reckless and childish the whole CIA plan actually was…! I truly
believe that the people trying to punish Risen are embarrassed by what he
revealed, and the simple fact that they got caught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The Berkeley professors, Dean Wasserman and the students/staff
who helped and attended this event should be proud of the program that they put
together this night and I am glad that I could attend and do my part in
capturing this small segment of history….James Risen is a true leader, and will
be seen as one by years end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When asked
about his own future and why he published his book, Risen responded to the
crowd, “I thought, I either publish these stories or I’m getting out of
journalism. The default position for a reporter should be to publish.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The entire event was videotaped and will hopefully be around
for many decades to teach other journalism students the ethics and
responsibility of being<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>professional
writers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In other happenings, I was invited to put together a small
workshop on the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism campus and it
couldn’t have gone any better! I was to discuss being a “Pool photographer” as
well as how uploading images to the Associated Press wire service happens. I
had about a dozen excited and curious students in attendance in the library,
and we spoke for over 2 hours. We talked ethics, responsibility, PhotoMechanic,
editing, cropping, metadata, code replacements, Photoshop actions and FTP
servers……and then went through my traveling camera case. Students set up my
cameras with Pocket Wizard remotes and tried my selection of different lenses
and bodies……Hands on was the motto of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to personally thank everyone at Berkeley, and I truly hope to
return there one day for a longer workshop to train these excited students.
This was one of the best teaching experiences ever. Go Bears!!!<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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For more photos of this event click here: <a href="http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com/#!/index/G0000FU69V3m5Np4">http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com/#!/index/G0000FU69V3m5Np4</a></div>
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AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-68895593733335079712013-11-03T21:16:00.004-05:002013-11-04T07:37:11.989-05:00Dia De Los Muertos<h2>
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"DAY OF THE DEAD".....what a title for a Holiday!<br />
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I had heard about this for years, but didn't know if it was the title of a movie or the name of a song, or both.....but it stuck...until a few months back....<br />
<br />
A friend mentioned it to me and explained the concept and origins...and I have been waiting impatiently for these few days to begin ever since.<br />
For those of you that aren't quite up to date, or just simply lost like I was....lets take a look at Wikipedia's definition of this worldly ritual:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where the day is a bank holiday. The celebration takes place on October 31, November 1 and November 2, in connection with the Christian triduum of Hallowmas: All Hallows' Eve, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.[1][2] Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars called ofrendas honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. They also leave possessions of the deceased.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl. The holiday has spread throughout the world: In Brazil Dia de Finados is a public holiday that many Brazilians celebrate by visiting cemeteries and churches. In Spain there are festivals and parades, and, at the end of the day, people gather at cemeteries and pray for their dead loved ones. Similar observances occur elsewhere in Europe, and similarly themed celebrations appear in many Asian and African cultures.</b></span></span><br />
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Get it? Well, let me take it from what I experienced at the Mexican Consulate event in Orlando, Florida this past weekend.<br />
<br />
I saw Skeletons, flowers, food, cigarettes, cerveza, face paint, honest feelings, sad faces and a huge sense of pride. Friendly folks tried in vain to explain the purpose to me, while speaking in Spanish and feeding me and my son Blaze the best Beef and Sausage tacos I have ever eaten..... in short, I was very welcomed, accepted and taken in.<br />
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I first made the connection to photograph this event on Friday afternoon after searching endlessly on the internet for "Dia De Los Muertos" festivals in the area. The closest was in Fort Lauderdale........a bit too far to travel for me......but with some persistence and tracking down and translating the El Sentinel newspaper, I came across a very small article about the Mexican Consulate public event. I knew this was my only chance to capture this festival, so I cleared my cards and charged my batteries. My son Blaze also wanted to shoot, so he agreed to tag along with his DSLR.<br />
<br />
<br />
Saturday arrived with the cold front, and all of the ofretas that had been arranged outside were packed up, and moved indoors. The first heavy rainfall in weeks arrived to try and ruin the event, but it was not to be.....nothing was going to supress this day.<br />
<br />
The event went off without a hitch and the Consulate was packed to capacity. The altars were stacked with candles, old photos, Catrinas, sombreros, paper figures and sugar skulls......It was colorful and GRAND!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NbpAiy22esw/UncIhjoaBDI/AAAAAAAAAn4/dw9aD8KaXkk/s1600/Menendez4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NbpAiy22esw/UncIhjoaBDI/AAAAAAAAAn4/dw9aD8KaXkk/s400/Menendez4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Blaze and I took many photos of the surroundings and the parade of worshippers......it was a fantastic experience and we hope to film it again next year. Thanks to everyone who granted us permission to photograph.<br />
<br />
<br />
Please see photos here:</div>
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<a href="http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com/#!/index/G0000kZvwSdxZ_I0">http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com/#!/index/G0000kZvwSdxZ_I0</a><br />
<br />
All Images on this blog property of Alex Menendez. Don't steal em.<br />
Dictionary text credit: Wikipedia<br />
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AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-87172847019364400522013-10-04T17:13:00.000-04:002013-10-04T17:13:42.048-04:00Cotto- Rodriguez Boxing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tomorrow night is the first ever Boxing event at the Amway Arena and features a heck of a bout with 3 time Champion Miguel Cotto from Puerto Rico taking on Dominican challenger Delvin Rodriguez.<br />
These two are evenly matched and this promises to be an incredible bout.<br />
Cotto represented Puerto Rico in the Olympics and has gone on to be the best fighter to come off the island. He has previous bouts with Manny Pacquiao, Shane Mosley, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Zab Judah and Antonio Margarito. He has gone on to start his own promotion company and I had the pleasure of shooting one of his first promotions at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, NY. They put on a heck of as show and this HBO fight will surely gain him more credability in the boxing promo game.<br />
Add that Miguel is bringing in Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and this has all the makings of a brighter future for Cotto.<br />
<br />
Delvin Rodriguez is stepping up to the HBO fight after a series of ESPN Friday Night Fights features. He is of Dominican descent and fights out of Danbury Connecticuit and has appeared on live television 11 times.<br />
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Both fighters made weight and are confident they will be victorious.<br />
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Check back tomorrow for results and more pics.<br />
<br />AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-51862074530359965322013-08-09T20:48:00.000-04:002013-08-09T21:21:24.594-04:00Ninja at home<div class="MsoNormal">
So, my boys decided to create “Sugar Glass”, you know, the material
that is used on movie sets to crash over the actors heads, or in the old cowboy Western’s, the window that was broken as the villain get kicked out of the saloon. This
is all the rage apparently with 8 and 10 year old boys….as this is all they
spoke about for a week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, if you don’t know my boys, they are actual Ninjas….honest
to God, actual living and breathing NINJAS! The actual spinning, flying,
grunting and cussin little buggers who are 2 stripe tests away from earning
their brown belts…(one belt away from BLACK)……so you can probably see where this
little story is headed.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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I digress….....so anyways, they mixed the concoction up in the
bowl and then cooked it in a 9x9 cake tin. It turned into a rather large Ricola
cough drop looking thingy, about half an inch thick and sticky as hell….but it was transparent
for the most part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left it in the
fridge overnight to harden….as the boys went to bed for the night, smiling and planning on
the next days adventures, and how to break the glass.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday morning was like Christmas to them as I apparently
overslept for the grand breaking ceremony. I was pulled from my somewhat comfy
bed with the demands of Blaze to "grab my camera and shoot this thing"…………Y A W N!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I told him to go to the garage and retrieve the
black backdrop, stands, beauty dish and a kicker light for the background. We
took a 4x8 foamcore sheet and tried our best to block the sun streaming through
the front door, as total darkness what my ultimate goal. This didn’t really work out as planned, but I proceeded to attempt the shot anyway.<o:p></o:p><br />
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We took a simple tripod and Blaze gaff taped a normal spring
clamp to it, to hold the glass in place. This stuff was as sticky as molasses I
tell ya.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was very important for the two<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
of us to get our timing down, we only had
the one chance to nail the shot and I was already up……..I counted him down at
least 10 times until I felt we were in sync. When he finally got consistent in his throwing of the punches and his
screams were at the optimal NINJA volume, we decided to go for it!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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One more test of the flash was necessary to make sure the
lights were firing…they didn’t?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
cable release had fallen out,….phew….quick fix.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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3………..2………..1………POP!!!!!!.......then a second later the
shattering echoed throughout the living room……….it was over….DONE!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7yiIBjqdjzo/UgWM7Nn7_wI/AAAAAAAAAlA/VXNleONJY0Q/s1600/BlazeGlass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7yiIBjqdjzo/UgWM7Nn7_wI/AAAAAAAAAlA/VXNleONJY0Q/s320/BlazeGlass.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48Kgp1T68TQ/UgWVJU3q-GI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/2vjkrvtvDbQ/s1600/Glass+shards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48Kgp1T68TQ/UgWVJU3q-GI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/2vjkrvtvDbQ/s320/Glass+shards.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHdBeJe5I10/UgWVO78l7nI/AAAAAAAAAlY/xL_NhNZDqP8/s1600/Zane+Glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHdBeJe5I10/UgWVO78l7nI/AAAAAAAAAlY/xL_NhNZDqP8/s320/Zane+Glass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Chimping on the back of the camera was almost as glorious as
seeing my Space Shuttle remotes for the first time….we had done it….Perfection
on one take.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He laughed as we ate the glass that was still stuck to the
tripod………….not a bad days work.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Check the new website at www.AlexMenendez.com</div>
AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-37215478939929006692013-05-29T17:00:00.003-04:002013-05-29T17:23:06.904-04:00Bay Bridge San Francisco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu1Uk1G2nbs/UaZrwRl8w7I/AAAAAAAAAks/tW6RXWl5O4w/s1600/Bay+Bridge+welding.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu1Uk1G2nbs/UaZrwRl8w7I/AAAAAAAAAks/tW6RXWl5O4w/s320/Bay+Bridge+welding.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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I recently traveled to California for the assignment of
filming the new construction of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The new
east span is the largest suspension bridge in the world as was built on the
premise of public safety in the event of an earth shattering earthquake
occurring again. The current (Original) bridge buckled and a section collapsed
after the last major earthquake struck years ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This new structure is built of hollowed out steel sections
that are joined together, almost like a large train, but with the girth of an
aircraft carrier….a total of 5 lanes wide with a bike path and hi-tech LED
lighting fixtures.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This particular assignment was for me to capture the build and
archive the way the structure is connected, both above and below the bridge.
Entering through the roadway was almost like climbing down into a manhole in a
major city street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The backpack and the
two cameras I carried over my shoulder made the entry very difficult, with a
very narrow steel ladder to climb down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once in the structure, I quickly noticed that each section
was lit by the orange halogen bulbs, and the air was thick with various gasses
and welders smoke. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hollowness of the
steel made the construction work above sound like I was in a motorized subway, hum
after hum followed by the never ending buzz of electric lines over my head. To
describe it would be like the sound of a stirred up bees nest in your attic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The steel walkway that went down the center of the aisle was
still cluttered with nuts, bolts and boxes of steel connectors. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rr3EjIT4hW8/UaZruW7cDyI/AAAAAAAAAkY/W-jfoXzRJuw/s1600/Bay+Bridge+Hollow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rr3EjIT4hW8/UaZruW7cDyI/AAAAAAAAAkY/W-jfoXzRJuw/s320/Bay+Bridge+Hollow.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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After assessing the scene, and with no tripod for long
exposure shots, I decided that an onboard flash would be the only lighting I
could use. I snapped shots, then moved on down the walkway, capturing images as
we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hard helmet I was required
to wear was surely needed, as hidden steel rods and corners protruded every 20
yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole setup reminded me of
setting strobes in the rafters at an arena, above an NBA basketball game, only
much darker and confined.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pj3BJ7af9lA/UaZruOCbCMI/AAAAAAAAAkU/uGE-6xitNa4/s1600/Bay+Bridge+Splay.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pj3BJ7af9lA/UaZruOCbCMI/AAAAAAAAAkU/uGE-6xitNa4/s320/Bay+Bridge+Splay.png" width="320" /></a>The highlight of this adventure was gaining access to the
never before filmed “Splay Chamber”. This is where all the cables that support
the bridge meet, and connect, to hold the bridge up over the bay. I was allowed
about 5 minutes to spray this area and boy did I. These photos will one day be
worth their weight in gold, and I was so lucky and thankful for the opportunity
as this area has now been deemed off limits. (Due to the construction controversy
of bad steel rods and the recent discovery of cracked bolts installed in
various locations on the new structure). <o:p></o:p></div>
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After a hot hour exploring underground…..it was time to go back
up to the main deck.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The workers in their orange vests were scurrying around
pretty quickly and the guys on the wires, high above, were doing their jobs as
if they still had their boots on the ground. They were all tethered in, with a
giant crane dropping materials, and these were some of my favorite images to
capture. The workers blasting with the blowtorches made for some very artsy
looks as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dvnnE0R8vk/UaZrv9IYNrI/AAAAAAAAAkk/vLVykI2oGw4/s1600/Bay+Bridge+Workers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dvnnE0R8vk/UaZrv9IYNrI/AAAAAAAAAkk/vLVykI2oGw4/s320/Bay+Bridge+Workers.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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Once done on the bridge itself, we were brought to the
marina area and boarded a boat to float on and shoot under the new span of the
bridge. The weather was less than ideal with a grey and white sky, which caused
my photos to look as if they were shot in black and white, but the experience
was so surreal, and authentic, and we all know that you cant change the
weather! .We floated the entire length of the new span, both under and around
the new structure. The Bridge Media Liason, Andrew, was a true professional and
was one of the most patient and accommodating media reps I have ever dealt
with, a true professional who knows how to get play for his project. My
producer on the job was local, Linnea Edmeier, and many thanks to my Editor
Doug Benc at Associated Press.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Currently there are over 300 images posted on the Associated
Press Website as well as my Photoshelter site, found here: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-21834268029133876082013-05-16T22:20:00.002-04:002013-05-16T22:20:17.528-04:00Altas V Launch with my sons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I missed the remote control camera setup on Tuesday<br />
for the Atlas V rocket launch, but couldn't get the thought of missing this opportunity to film at Cape Canaveral out of my mind. When a rocket blasts off and you are within sight and close enough to taste the smoke, there is no better feeling. To describe it would not do it justice.....AWESOMENESS exploded!!!!<br />
<br />
So I decided that with perfect blue skies, I would go for the 5:38 launch on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Keeping in mind that both of my sons have a science fair at school this Monday, and both of them are featuring rockets and launchers....I decided to pluck them from school, grab our swimming trunks and 4 Canon cameras.....and off we were...they were thrilled!<br />
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We of course had to stop at the Twistee Treat ice cream stand on the way, (Don Montague, you know what Im talking about).....with our bellies full we set out towards Playalinda Beach.<br />
<br />
The crowds at the park were pretty fierce and we had to drive a bit to park in a secondary parking lot. After loading up, we crossed the boardwalk over the dunes to see 4 foot waves and about 1000 spectators who had the same plans we did.<br />
<br />
After setting up a pocket wizard remote to the 70-200, the boys jumped into the Florida surf. You could barely hear their screams of joy over the hovering helicopters flying overhead, but the smiles on their faces told the whole story.<br />
<br />
Twenty minutes later, we were lined up in the waves, firing 4 cameras as the rocket lifted off towards space....<br />
<br />
The launch actually went on time without a hitch and it was back into the water until the rangers ordered us to leave...<br />
<br />
We had to stop on the way out to let a 5 foot long alligator cross right in front of my truck......thats when I heard the words I love to hear....."This is the best day ever Dad!"<br />
<br />
I hope this wont be our last launch......<br />
<br />
<a href="http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com/gallery/Atlas-V-rocket-2013-5/G0000sSaeetOE_DI/">More pics here</a>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-12687189345694022492013-05-02T19:46:00.002-04:002013-05-02T19:46:54.465-04:00Bill Clinton UCFHad another opportunity to film former US President Bill Clinton today.<br />
He was the featured speaker at the University of Central Florida for their commencement day graduations. Listening to him speak, whether scripted or off the cuff, is always a treat, and today was no exception.....<br />
<br />
Some of my favorite quotes follow....<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292727; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"We need each other. We need to grow together. We need to learn together."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #292727; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Too many of us still believe our differences are more important than our common humanity,"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292727; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292727; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Most of the people who have ever lived on planet Earth never had the choices your degrees and your mortarboards give you. Most people didn't choose what they do for a living, but even in a tough economy, you have been given that."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292727; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292727; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"My advice — do what makes you happy," he said. "I hope you will do well. I hope you will do good. I hope you will have a good time doing it."</span><br />
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All Photos Copyright Alex Menendez/2013 </div>
<br />AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-79786848647045402872013-04-06T21:35:00.000-04:002013-04-06T21:35:44.342-04:00Snap Orlando Workshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I had the opportunity to fulfill a dream that I have had for many years.<br />
My photography has taken me around the world to various locations and into some really wild adventures, and all these hidden stories have been buried in the back of my brain....until today!<br />
SNAP ORLANDO, the only real art event featuring still photography in the Central Florida area, invited me to speak at one of their smaller events.<br />
<br />
Founders Patrick and Holly got to talking with me a few weeks back and the idea of my speaking at a workshop at Downtown Credo in College Park came up. After some hesitation and a slight bit of prodding by Patrick, my lack of speaking experience and fear of saying yes disappeared. I committed and then let the lump in my throat get the best of me...... I was booked.<br />
<br />
I had three weeks to assemble a talk on how best to capture "motion"! Keep in mind that I have almost 50 Lacie harddrives dating back some 10 years, chock full of crazy images and some never before seen photos as well. My goal was to resurrect some of these for the workshop, and boy let me tell you, was it ever a challenging process.<br />
<br />
I was to travel for 13 straight days to San Francisco, San Diego and then to Washington D.C, with about 5 days left before this talk to assemble and color correct the 130 images I finally ended up choosing to feature. I culled these down from about 350 original selects. With a little guidance from top notch producers and editors that I regularly work with, I selected some that weren't particularly my favorites, but the ones that told the story at hand.<br />
<br />
Scripting my talk was even harder. How long to talk? What to discuss? Who is the audience? Not doing this on a recurring basis, heck, having never really spoken publicly about my work was hard enough, but to outline it and assemble it into some type of order was a nightmare. This process took me up until midnight every night this week. <br />
In the end, I stuck to about 70 percent of what I had originally planned, swaying off topic every now and then, but for almost 2 hours straight, I think I did a decent job of storytelling, explaining and answering questions for the guests that attended.<br />
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Someday I would really like to teach a class for aspiring photographers and today kickstarted me in ways I couldn't imagine! I am both blessed and humbled.<br />
<br />
I want to thank EVERYONE at SnapOrlando, Downtown Credo, Conduit and to my friends and all the photographers who showed up for my workshop today. There were so many of you also behind the scenes that encouraged me and gave me guidance, who will never even be recognized, and I thank you most of all!<br />
<br />
I will sleep well tonite.<br />
<br />
Black and White photos by Romeo Guzman, thanks man.....<br />
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AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-48081163388223488882013-03-29T17:03:00.000-04:002013-03-29T17:51:01.244-04:00Proposition 8 Supreme Court<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a week, Spring Break and the kids in Washington, D.C.! The Smithsonian, Capitol Building, Lincoln Monument, Natural History Museum , Metro trains and taxis........oh yeah, and a little Supreme Court action thrown in for fun!!<br />
<br />
Vacationing in the Nation's Capitol was quite an adventure I must admit. My 8 year old, Zane was captivated by the Washington monument, so tall and grand, and older bro Blaze was digging all the snow, the Spy Museum and the MTA subway trips......me, well, lets just say I have a small issue with wanting to film everywhere I go. The plan was to leave the big guns at home, as well as the Apple laptop.....I resolved myself to bringing just the Ipad and the Canon G12, point and shoot....<br />
<br />
.......................my bad!<br />
<br />
Had I done a little more research, I would have known that the Supreme Court would be settling down this week for a challenge of California's proposition 8 bill that basically, in short terms, discriminated against gay couples who want to get married and the benefits that come with......<br />
<br />
On my second day of the trip, we ran across the demonstrators lining up to sleep overnight on the steps of the Supreme Court building. It was in the low 30's, the rain was falling, melting the snow on the sidewalk that had accumulated the night prior. I knew at that point I was in trouble, my trigger finger was twitching uncontrollably, I caught myself already scouting shooting positions and angles for the next day........."sorry boys", was on my mind already. After a few snaps on the Iphone and an upload to Linnea at KGO Radio in San Francisco for a sound clip, we were back on our way.<br />
<br />
The next day was gorgeous out, the air was extremely crisp, and the chants and cheers could be heard the minute I stepped up from the bowels of the MTA station....."GAME ON!!!"..... I only had one quick chance to capture what I could. The boys were headed to the restroom, just steps away in the Library of Congress.......I bolted for the event and shot for exactly 14 minutes, and only got screamed at 3 times by DC's finest......<br />
<br />
Those damn Westboro idiots yelled at me every time I stuck the lens in their red, childish looking faces, I gave them the dirty look as I mashed the shutter button with all the FLASH I had in that little camera.......<br />
<br />
Most couples holding signs were laughing and having a grand old time, and the person dressed in the devil outfit was spinning in circles, dancing and rubbing up on anyone within his grasp.......it was almost as if I had entered a rumbling, synchronized carnival full of laughter....<br />
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I was gone as quickly as I had arrived, and uploaded a few dozen frames to the Associated Press. Shooting events like this always gets my spirits up and my instincts on edge. I can't wait to go back in June when the final verdict is due....I sure hope they win! <br />
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More images here: http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com/gallery/Supreme-Court-Gay-Marriage/G0000ZxkEvja3wPM/<br />
<br />AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-4450703581948166132013-03-05T10:02:00.000-05:002013-03-05T10:10:39.124-05:00NASCAR Kyle Larson AutoracingNASCAR Drive4COPD Crash<br />
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Rookie NASCAR Nationwide driver Kyle Larson was having one heckuva week at his first ever Daytona International Speedway Speedweeks. He took second place in the ARCA race on the track and captured first place in the special night race that the track held for drivers. He never imagined however how his week would end, with him being the centerpiece of one of the most spectacular crashes the track had ever featured. It was the final lap of the Nationwide Series opener, the Drive4COPD event, that was being broadcast live across the world.<br />
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Larson was in the top 10 coming out of turn 4 and in racing for a top 5 spot, he got tangled up with a few other cars as they raced near 200 mph down the front stretch. As race winner Tony Stewart was crossing the finish line with almost every camera focused on him with the checkered flag a wavin......a mere 300 yards behind him, all HELL was breaking loose!<br />
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Larsons car got tangled with a few others and the newly designed "Generation 6" car flew like a kite up against the catch/safety fence, spitting fire like an angry dragon. His racecar slapped right up in to the safety barrier about 15 feet in the air, with parts flying off like it was a lego toy. The madness only took about 3 seconds before the sound diminished into screaming fans, blood and utter chaos. As the race winner was being announced over the P.A. system and lightbulbs were flashing, the smoke started to settle, and cries for help could be heard coming from a few of the lower sections of seating.<br />
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Larsons car came to a rest on the infield, with the entire front half of the vehicle missing....he had left the entire front portion of the car, engine included, in the front sections of the grandstands. An entire wheel, not just the rubber, but the rims and axles, as well as his entire engine had appeared to fly through the fencing and was burning at the feet of the security personnel standing in the front row. Shards of metal, plasting and glass had sprayed the crowd like fireworks that had been lit on the pavement. Chaos ensued and the medics were scrambling like pissed off fire ants to the scene. The burning engine block was quickly extinguished as the smoke began to rise into the already heated stands, and the television folks began to scan the victims with their broadcast cameras.<br />
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To say the tone was quickly turned down is an understatement, even Tony "Smoke" Stewart, the race winner, didnt celebrate like he should have, he said thanks and wished the best for the injured fans. The next day he would visit those same gearheads in the local hospital.<br />
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I was filming from the roof and after 15 races, can honestly say Ive only captured the race winner 1 time, when I could see that there would be no crash on that final lap, this time I felt it and decided to hold off on the winner once again. The following frames are the exact reason why I held off......<span id="goog_454413735"></span><span id="goog_454413736"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>..pure Instinct. <br />
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I am so glad that no one was seriously injured in this crash, and glad the race organizers were smart enough to place this catch fence when they did. Many worse things could have happened here, and Larson was the luckiest of all....<br />
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<a href="http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com/gallery/NASCAR-Nationwide-Larson-Wreck/G0000ffLXeaVoxTo/">Larson Wreck</a>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-13707060073447447382013-01-13T20:54:00.002-05:002013-01-13T20:58:04.733-05:00Color Run OrlandoFirst I must start off with an apology to the half dozen followers that still stop by this blog from time to time, I haven't been here in months and I am sorry....<br />
Cool? K, lets move along.........<br />
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So with that, I will start 2013 anew with a shoot I filmed this morning, the Color Run of Orlando. This is another 5K type event but since it was competing head to head with the Disney marathon, I chose to cover this instead. The concept is pretty cool, show up wearing bright white and run 3 miles while volunteers pelt you with various colors of a corn starch like powder.....to say this was a visible shoot is an understatement!<br />
My mother in law gave me the heads up about the event, and since it is only 3 miles from my house, I figured I'd give it a shot........so GLAD I did.<br />
I wish I was running in this one lemme tell ya........nothing but smiles all the way around.<br />
I sent a quick email to the event organizers and was invited to shoot away....so once I arrived there I made my way to the volunteer tent, secured an orange t-shirt and got to filming.<br />
A word of warning to any future photogs wanting to cover this event...bring your oldest camera and lens....the powder (dust) gets everywhere and does not come out easily. I grabbed my oldest Canon 5D MKII and MKIIN, with old plastic style kit lenses.....I did miss my pro glass and wide angle lenses..but the risk was not worth the loss if I ruined one....<br />
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The event featured about 10,000 runners/walkers and the weather could not have been much better! I look forward to shooting this next time it comes to Florida, if I'm not running in it myself.<br />
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More images here, and thanks for stopping by.<br />
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/<a href="http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com/gallery/Color-Run-Orlando/G0000VY4w9XDpEJg/">http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com/gallery/Color-Run-Orlando/G0000VY4w9XDpEJg/</a>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-13884020183208959122012-08-11T18:05:00.004-04:002012-08-11T18:13:17.858-04:00Dwight Howard has left the building!<br />
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After the past year of will he stay or will he go, Dwight Howard has officially left the building....while most are glad to see him leave, I am not.<br />
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Dwight brought credibility to the "City Beautiful", and with his loss, the entire city is back to being tagged as a non sports town. Sure we have the Orlando City soccer team (minor league), and the Solar Bears Ice Hockey team starting up, but what else is there? The Predators indoor football.....puhleeze....? (You can surely hear my bellowing as I laugh so hard I almost pass out)...</div>
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Sure, a lot of prominent athletes come from here, but the tiny city of Clermont has more pro athletes training there (NTC) than in all of Orange county now. </div>
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I am not afraid to say that the same owner that built up the Magic has on the surface, successfully torn it apart. Sure, you own the team and can do as you wish, but for the love of God, think about others and how they have supported you and backed you for so long.......selfishness is an ugly beast....and you will see when you realize that the ticket sales are slipping and that new arena you built is only going to survive on concerts that tour the area.</div>
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To let Dwight go is like giving up on the dream you have been holding onto of for so long....this was handled in as bad a way as could have been handled.......the MAGIC did not try......if I worked for you I would quit as well....hell, I couldn't leave soon enough, no matter how much green was thrown my way....</div>
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I first realized there was an issue when I was invited by Dwights team to go and tour Haiti after the enormous earthquake that rocked that poor island. The entire trip was to be taken by myself, Dwight, Shiyana, Adonal Foyle, Rodney the bodyguard and Kevin, Dwights manager.... This trip was NOT supported in any way by the NBA or the Magic themselves...in fact, I believe that they were actually against it.....this may not be true, but my gut tells me so, and I believe myself over ANYONE else!</div>
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Regardless, Dwight went to Haiti and witnessed the devastation first hand, even into Cite Solei, one of the 5 most dangerous places in the world...and what did he do you ask....well, he smiled and hugged every kid and played ball for 3 hours at a time...on top of donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to the school for salaries, backpacks, food and shelter..... but you never even heard a peep about this trip did you? Nope, nobody knew.......guess what, when we tried to leave the island, American Airlines cancelled our flight, so we spent the entire night in the airport, with the rats....Dwight bought thousands of dollars worth of food for everyone that was stuck, the volunteers and mission workers included, and he even signed autographs and posed for photos...all evening....</div>
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Its the little things that go unnoticed or unreported that makes a man who he is...and Dwight has far surpassed these measures...........dont think the city and the little ones that he has helped support all these years won't miss him........I just hope the Magic will fill the gaps that these large footprints have left....?</div>
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Good luck Dwight, you held on as long as you could here, and nobody blames you for going to L.A......at least they shouldn't if they one day think honestly about the situation..</div>
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I'm proud to know you!</div>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-75234469999474913902012-05-27T08:31:00.004-04:002012-05-27T08:52:52.139-04:00USA-Scotland Soccer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am a HUGE soccer fan and even played goalkeeper in high school. The sport is no doubt one of the hardest games to try to photograph, and I have been extremely lucky to have had access over the years to film some of the best teams in the world. Last night was another example when the Scotland international team visited Jacksonville, Florida to take on the US mens team. This was the largest crowd ever to witness a soccer match in the State of Florida with over 44,000 in attendance, almost more than the NFL Jaguars get in their own stadium....<br />
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No doubt, Landon Donovan is the best player the U.S. has ever had on its team, and boy did he show up last night, he scored a hat trick (3 goals) as well as 1 assist in the 5-1 trouncing of the "Tartan Army", and the crowd really let him have it after the game with a rowdy standing ovation that seemed like it was fit for a king......he deserved every clap and chant he heard....</div>
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I met some really cool people and need to thank photographer Gray Quetti for his Southern hospitality once again, he saved me a seat in the photo work room, hooked me up with a computer lock and even told me how to get to the top of the stadium for the massive view of the crowd! I will be editing these images later today before the tropical storm rolls in.......</div>
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But........I really have to say I was blown away before leaving the stadium when I checked online to read the story of the game.......I was very blessed to have the lead images on both ESPN and Sports Illustrated....at the same time, just after the victory........(funny though, SI credited me as Alan Menendez/Getty Images?)!</div>
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Never in a million years, NO, make that a trillion years, did I think something like this would occur, EVAH, its funny what happens when you put your head down and just do your job isn't it? </div>
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anywho.....Have a safe Memorial Day ya'll, and thanks for reading. Up Next- The Boxing Hall of Fame ceremony in Canasota, New York.......fun times ahead!</div>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-71604576788069173482012-02-04T16:25:00.003-05:002012-02-04T16:30:38.579-05:00Time Magazine<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sBgUwroWvI/Ty2jdwwAdNI/AAAAAAAAAdU/5WrbzlliNNQ/s1600/Time.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sBgUwroWvI/Ty2jdwwAdNI/AAAAAAAAAdU/5WrbzlliNNQ/s400/Time.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705396034646078674" /></a><br />A few weeks back I was suppose to film a Delta rocket launching from Cape Canaveral but due to scheduling issues, I was unable to attend. So whats a photographer to do?<div>Well, just shoot it from the front yard as it will surely be bright enough to see from 45 miles away. These rockets are usually pretty cool to watch during the daytime when the smoke trail rises and spreads across the sky, but I wasn't quite sure what to expect after sunset. </div><div>I grabbed my son Blaze, age 8, who is a master at the Canon 30D. He set up shop under our palm tree by the streetlight. Using a remote trigger, we set the camera up on the bulb setting and I instructed him to use the trigger when the ship was aloft.</div><div>Here is the result of one of his grabs.......not too shabby.</div><div>Unfortunately, he can't get access to the launch pad until he turns 18.....!</div>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-12368649935786243252012-01-30T22:35:00.004-05:002012-01-30T22:47:46.675-05:00Ryon McKenzie 10-0<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iv6UVRuGZGk/TydkVMzlxnI/AAAAAAAAAdI/NrkkkUr8aDA/s1600/Ryon5.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iv6UVRuGZGk/TydkVMzlxnI/AAAAAAAAAdI/NrkkkUr8aDA/s400/Ryon5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703637768465663602" /></a><br />I have been working on a documentary that has to do with the sport of boxing. I won't get into the details here because I don't want anyone to steal the idea, you'll just have to wait until August.<div>However, I just returned from a photo shoot with one of the principal fighters to be featured in the film. His name is Ryon McKenzie and he is from the Caribbean. This young man is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, unless you are across the ring from him and planning to scrap....</div><div>He won his 10th fight in a row this past Saturday in New York, his 9th knockout in his young pro career. </div><div>Memorize his name, he will be a force in the 175 weight class.....and remember you saw him here first!</div>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-92010782084640203812011-12-14T09:56:00.006-05:002011-12-14T10:35:38.222-05:00Dwight Howard media day<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_LvyffInK0/TujCPh3FJYI/AAAAAAAAAcY/k42gPYUQlNE/s1600/DwightCopyright.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_LvyffInK0/TujCPh3FJYI/AAAAAAAAAcY/k42gPYUQlNE/s400/DwightCopyright.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686008101598471554" /></a><br />It annoys me when I show up for a shoot and one critical piece of gear is missing or broken....well, it happened to me this past Monday. The Orlando Magic were holding their annual "Media Day" event and the only story in town was that Superstar Dwight Howard had requested a trade from the team! Every sports station, radio, tv , newspaper and magazine was there to see what he had to say. Me, I just needed archive images for Orlando Sports Magazine, if Dwight was actually on his way out of town. (Thanks to Melanie and Joel once again for the access).<div>So the first thing I did was find my spot on the gym floor to set up, making sure that there was power and plenty of room for those that did not bring their portable lights. Most folks there will hover around the tv guys with their on-board lights and snap stills over their shoulder, unbeknowst to the videographers. Well, as tradition, they have a tendancy to hover around me until the player poses and then multiple flashbulbs blind the athlete until he can no longer see, paparazzi to the fullest...</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, I opened and set my backdrop, set stands and lights and found the necessary power supplies....formatted cards, set camera to Raw/Jpeg and then went to grab the sync cord........um,....the sync cord. Dang, "Now where did I put that?"....I always carry 2 cords just in case one fails.......hmmm.........oh yeah, I was checking lights with my 8 year old a few days back, and we decided to put them back into the Pelican case, not the ThinkTank bag...NOT GOOD! I had the ThinkTank with me now..</div><div><br /></div><div>Pocket Wizard time, but I only carry one set of these as I hardly ever use them....time to make my own magic.....I was able to put the transmitter on the camera and the only other receiver on my main light....I would just have to let the first light trigger the second light.....with absolutely no back light now......bummed to say the least!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>The original plan was to set two lights at 90 degrees (aiming directly into the subjects ears) and then front light them with a ring flash much as I did last year. But now that my hotshoe was being used by the PocketWizard, that option was off the table....</div><div><br /></div><div>My lack of properly preparing my gear came back to bite me in the butt.....</div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless, you can only do what you can do so I simply pressed on. All of the players themselves were in a good mood it seemed, but the atmosphere was beginning to get tense an hour in, Dwight had not been seen or heard from by anyone. </div><div>Then suddenly, like someone had yelled "Fire", everyone moved to the center of the gym and surrounded the basketball logo on the floor. It looked like a giant donut, 5 people deep, with cameras, lights and mic boom poles everywhere. Dwight entered the gym much like Muhammed Ali would have back in the 70's, and after stopping for a brief moment to talk to a coach, he slowly glided across the floor to the buzzing entourage of English/Spanish/Italian? voices all clamoring to ask him about his future.....</div><div><br /></div><div>......meanwhile, still photographers Fernando, Gary, John and myself all hung WAAAYYYY back and watched as the madness unfolded....scary and funny at the same time.....It sounded like honeybees surrounding the Queen..........had it been me, I probably would have run away!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then it ended.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dwight was gone just as quickly as he had arrived, and after about 30 minutes, the gym had a calm, eerie feeling to it. Of the 150 media members that had been in attendance, about 25 remained, not waiting for one-on ones with anyone else....They came, they conquered.......they bolted.</div><div><br /></div><div>Three hours later the only ones in the gym were us photographers, CEO Alex Martins, and various communications people from the Magic. Almost all were on the phones speaking, texting or twittering.... then out of nowhere, Dwight came in again... He was ALL smiles, jumpy and very much alive...a few hellos to everyone and then it was GAME TIME!!! When he finally made it over to the last station, (mine), he smiled that pearly white smile, gave me a high five and a hug and we talked about our Haiti adventure together....I had seen him a few times over the summer but not as happy or as loose as today......I grabbed some hilarious frames of him acting like a kid, a happy kid, and then he was on his way, one last interview before heading home...</div><div><br /></div><div>I packed up as quickly as I could, minus sync cord, and was out the back door. </div><div><br /></div><div>No matter his choice, I sure hope Dwight decides to finish out his career here in Orlando, he is so much more than "just a baskeball player"! He actually gives back through his various charities and events, even those many of us have never heard about.......</div><div><br /></div><div>More Images to view here: </div><div>http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com/gallery/Orlando-Magic-Media-2011/G0000HD4QUs7TteU/</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>(Hey Dwight....I would take the elephant over the pint!)......better choice</div>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-76507700985023164092011-11-23T14:46:00.004-05:002011-11-23T14:53:17.744-05:00Miguel Cotto Boxing Media Day<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OZNaJOR2J-4/Ts1PH90UxFI/AAAAAAAAAcM/uuLXvJn6CDU/s1600/CottoQR.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OZNaJOR2J-4/Ts1PH90UxFI/AAAAAAAAAcM/uuLXvJn6CDU/s400/CottoQR.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678281703455769682" /></a><br />Had the unique opportunity to film three time World Champion Miguel Cotto at the KG Boxing Gym in Orlando the other day. The workout was pretty intense for the media event and I was very surprised at the turnout...about 250 folks showed up...<div>Top Rank Boxing promoter Bob Arum was also in attendance for the display and there was plenty of nervousness surrounding the fact the the December 3 fight against Antonio Margarito may not even happen due to NY State Laws.</div><div>It turns out the event is now "ON", can't wait to see how this bout turns out....these two fighters despise each other......</div><div><br /></div><div>More images here: http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com</div>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-28833560492379102312011-11-10T05:08:00.005-05:002011-11-10T05:18:02.910-05:00Fall Colors on the interstate<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQCen0c67PE/Trukw4N3ZBI/AAAAAAAAAb8/3zOh8y_nKTs/s1600/AlexColors.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQCen0c67PE/Trukw4N3ZBI/AAAAAAAAAb8/3zOh8y_nKTs/s400/AlexColors.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673309315234489362" /></a><br />Driving up to Baltimore this week has been an adventure for sure....<div><br /><div>My Chevy work van exploded when the oil filter that I had replaced 3 days prior simply "fell off" on I-95 and spewed 6 quarts of smoking oil all over the roadway and every window of the vehicle.....can't wait to go see the QuikLube manager next week!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then the next morning I was lucky enough to drive 4 hours in the fog...not just your everyday morning fog either, nope, this was MEGA-FOG, the kind you see in haunted movies on TV.....yup, made for some interesting ideas on using a fog filter on some upcoming gigs...</div><div><br /></div><div>......then, well, then things started to turn for the better...the sky opened up and the leaves on the trees came into focus....the roadway looked like a rustling rainbow! It brought back memories of me growing up on the farm in Upstate New York and the good times I shared with my little brother Dion, the same one who was stuck there on the roadway waiting for the tow truck driver with me....</div><div><br /></div><div>Yup, things are looking up......</div></div>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-13828793280455273242011-11-07T17:06:00.004-05:002011-11-07T17:11:09.793-05:00Mr. Cooper<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbIo2k6DalE/TrhXEFzoESI/AAAAAAAAAbw/bgNqLnxfDu8/s1600/Cooper.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbIo2k6DalE/TrhXEFzoESI/AAAAAAAAAbw/bgNqLnxfDu8/s400/Cooper.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672379458462945570" /></a><br />Ran across this image today. Anderson Cooper is the man on CNN who is constantly trekking the world in search of the Breaking News stories. He does a fairly great job in my opinion and he is both fun to watch and not afraid to ask the tough questions....<div>Just wish he would return to Haiti to see how those folks are doing today..........</div><div><br /></div><div>......yes, I stopped so he could have his pic taken with me! :-)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-42582677099299958152011-11-05T20:02:00.002-04:002011-11-05T20:04:46.985-04:00NCAA photos of the Week<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdP0TRpJYSg/TrXPF7MZweI/AAAAAAAAAbg/_zrpHiYJmzA/s1600/NCAA%2Bbest%2B2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdP0TRpJYSg/TrXPF7MZweI/AAAAAAAAAbg/_zrpHiYJmzA/s400/NCAA%2Bbest%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671667006439014882" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--DwIib9GZNU/TrXPFqph-WI/AAAAAAAAAbY/A64fTgiZXic/s1600/NCAA%2BBest1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--DwIib9GZNU/TrXPFqph-WI/AAAAAAAAAbY/A64fTgiZXic/s400/NCAA%2BBest1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671667001997785442" /></a><br />Did a quick google search for some images of mine tonite and discovered that I had two images featured in this weeks NCAA Football Photos of the Week for Oct. 29, 2011. <div>Nothing to fancy, but different none the less.....Check back for more.</div>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312131621262764044.post-52831043762938789172011-10-27T14:09:00.004-04:002011-10-27T14:18:30.200-04:00San Francisco<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5m0oF-qNeE/Tqmf9BMdqvI/AAAAAAAAAa8/icBhIylUq3w/s1600/GG.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5m0oF-qNeE/Tqmf9BMdqvI/AAAAAAAAAa8/icBhIylUq3w/s400/GG.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668237476664027890" /></a><br />There is a song by the band "TRAIN" called<i> Save Me San Francisco </i>that I have been listening to an awful lot lately, and it seems quite fitting because I have visited that city a few times in the past months. I am absolutely in LOVE with that town now...not sure if its the water, buildings, atmosphere, mountains, the cool weather or just the people, but I can't seem to get enough.....but i digress!<div>When I had the opportunity to break away from my video work this past week, I scampered back up to the Marin Headlands to try and shoot the Golden Gate bridge and the city once again....unfortunately, the sun had already sunk beneath the clouds and the wind was kicking at about 50 mph..no lie! I figured, something has to eventually come of this and waiting until the sun was gone....as luck would have it, the fog started to fill in and the lights reflected some pretty cool things....</div><div>This was shot in the pure dark, only illumination is from the boats and the bridge lights...</div><div>I will post more when I get the chance.<br /><div> </div></div>AlexMenendezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948260405919766511noreply@blogger.com1