Santa Crawl Portraits at The North Pole

Attention Holiday Revilers!

I'm shooting FREE Santa Crawl portraits inside the North Pole at 100 N. Sierra. Doors open at 7 p.m. Photos start at 9 p.m. Costumes are a must. Elves and sexy elves are highly encouraged to stop by.

The North Pole is operated by the fine folks at Amendment 21 (http://www.theamendment21.com/). 100 N. Sierra is just across the street from Silver Peak inside the old antique mall. As you read this, Santa and his elves are setting up two, fully stocked bars. DJ E.J. Luera (http://www.myspace.com/ejinthemix) is providing the beats.

The person who registers the best photo will win a $100 bar tab to Amendment 21. And at 1 a.m., the 2nd annual Ms. Sexy Santa Contest begins. Winner gets a $1,000 grand prize.

To RSVP visit: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=203646192471&index=1

For more details about the North Pole visit: http://amendment21.blogspot.com/

For details about me: http://calvertphotography.com/

Special thanks to http://reno.metromix.com/ for making this event possible. You guys are going to get some sweet pictures.

Feliz Navidad!

Pour A Scotch, This Is Gonna Be A Long One.

Wednesday morning—last week—on the fourth floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union inside the "good" room, I poured my fourth cup of coffee, looked out the window and watched the snow fall in the parking lot across the lawn. I paused and for the first time that day enjoyed a brief moment of introspection.

Behind me, 18 of the smartest journalists, entrepreneurs and educators I know discussed the future of journalism, talked about the past and played with their iPhones. There were representatives from Gannett, the Online News Association, the American Press Institute, MSNBC.com, National Geographic, Greenspun Media, Innocentive, the Dallas Morning News, the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of South Carolina. And of course—of Newsosaur fame—Alan Mutter.

We participated in a think tank hosted by UNR's Reynolds School of Journalism. The two-day session was produced by a team of innovators and designers from IDEO (pronounced EYE-dee-oh), and focused on brainstorming radical solutions for a variety of problems facing media, journalists (and newspapers).

To me, the chance to play in the same room with these folks was a welcome distraction. For the past six months I've been busy focusing on the day-to-day stresses of running my photography business. The state of journalism—once a weekly talking point over midweek martinis—was something I purposefully ignored. I stopped reading Romenesko, I updated my e-mail newsletter subscriptions to reflect my new found interest in small business tax advice, I even let my SPJ membership expire. But for two days I was back...and I was going to help save journalism* one temporary news tattoo at a time.

That's right. News tattoos.

Other radical ideas included a projected partnership between Starbucks and The New York Times that capitalized on a community's shared affinity for caffeine and hyper-local content. And a customized delivery model based on the amount of time a user wanted to spend consuming news each day.

Writing this, I realize there are three ideas from the IDEO brainstorming process that really stuck. The first and my favorite: encourage wild ideas; the crazier the concept the more fun it is to toss about. The second: defer judgment; this is the only way to truly encourage new ideas. And lastly, go for quantity. I'm sure one of the IDEO'ers said it, but it's important to "fail often and to fail quickly."

Our two-day innovation exodus wasn't designed to fix journalism. Nor was it representative of what IDEO "does." But for me it was a hit of creative crack. As Post-it notes flew from the pad, two-inch sharpies ran dry and some of the industries most informed squished Play-Doh in their hands, I got a much needed J-fix. And for that I am grateful...and jonesing for more.

Special thanks to RSJ Professors Larry Dailey and Donica Mensing and Dean Jerry Ceppos.

...and of course—because this IS a photo blog and you DID read all that gray—two photos from the "good" room. I shot them with my P&S between brainstorming sessions.

...and below them you'll find a very special video from Tuesday night's keynote with Rob Curley courtesy of Casey Durkin and The Nevada Sagebrush. I love what the Sun is doing online with evergreen content and UNLV sports.

Jennifer Carroll presenting for our group.

A sampling of our Post-its.

Online video chat by Ustream

Rob Curley's inspiring presentation about the Las Vegas Sun.

*For the record, I don't actually think journalism needs saving; nor am I self-righteous enough to think I could do it. Journalism and the public's access to information is healthier than ever. It's the print-based business model that's failing. And yes, someone did suggest tattoos.

White House Photographer Eric Draper In Reno

Anyone who follows me on Twitter, Lightstalkers, SportsShooter or Facebook knows by now that Eric Draper, former White House Photographer and Special Assistant to President George W. Bush was in Reno last week for JWEEK. He spoke Friday morning inside the theater at the Joe Crowley Student Union.

Eric's work is powerful. If you aren't familiar with it, watch the video. His photos have depth and he does wonderful job illustrating relationships (i.e. President Bush & his father, Bush & Vice President Dick Cheney, even Bush & Barney!)

As a photographer, I wish I handled my wide angle lens as well as he does.

And his insight into the job of presidential photographer was fascinating. My favorite quote describing his position the last eight years, "A lot of times I felt like a professional stalker."

After the talk a few of us were lucky enough to spend sometime with Eric and he generously answered our questions.

Enjoy the video:

Live Streaming by Ustream.TV

Thanks again to Casey Durkin and The Nevada Sagebrush for streaming and archiving the presentation.

"Reality Is Merely An Illusion..."

Last week I spent a day at the Reno-Stead Airport shooting episodic photography for a new Spike TV reality series, "Jesse James Is A Dead Man." The show features Jesse James—of West Coast Chopper fame—doing "dangerous challenges" (like competing in the Baja 500, breaking 200 mph on a Nitro bike supercharged by an ultra-combustible nitro-methane fuel and flying a P-51 Mustang more than 350 mph through the Valley of Speed). I spent ten hours photographing the latter for Getty. The show debuts May 31 and the Reno-centric episode will air sometime in July.

Mr. Bullock.

The set.

Pylon-7 during a training run.

The training plane.

"Fly low, turn left, go fast."

The Ambassador Of Baseball

Just finished editing photos from Tuesday night's 25th Annual Bobby Dolan Diner. This year's keynote speaker was Dodger great, Tommy Lasorda. Growing up in the Bay Area, I have a few special memories of Lasorda so meeting him in person was a treat...photographing him, not as much.

Part of my job for the athletic department is to shoot grip and grins of the baseball players with the keynote speaker—I have about 10 minutes to photograph 50+ players and VIP's. In the past I've worked with Will Clark, Goose Gossage, John Miller and a few others and I've never had a problem. In order to maximize the speaker's time, I preset my lights. Immediately following the press conference the speaker poses for the photos and within twenty minutes they are downstairs in the ballroom eating their salad. Tommy didn't play so nice. The following conversation actually happened:

Me: "Mr Lasorda, it's a pleasure to meet you. We're gonna do a few photos with the players now."

Tommy: "Where are we doing this, we doing this here?"

Me: "I've got some lights set up just behind you {points to light stands, directly behind him}. Can I get you to step back two feet?"

Tommy: "Son, I'm in the Hall of Fame. Why don't you move your lights."

Me: {blank stare}

Aside from that interaction (yeah, I moved my lights), Lasorda was great. He had good stories and spent lots of time talking to kids and signing autographs. He really is an ambassador for the game. Unfortunately, he isn't too keen on photographers (more likely, just long-haired bearded ones). Anyway, here are a few of the non-grip and grins from the night:

You play for the name on the front of the jersey.

Doing a presser with Coach P.

I don't think he likes me...

I felt like I was channeling my inner Ozzie Sweet on this one. You know except without the hanging baseball bats and bright backgrounds...it's a depth of field thing.

Reno Ballpark update

Spent a few minutes inside the Reno Aces stadium yesterday morning. My first trip inside since since September. Devcon was installing the first seats and there was a brief photo opportunity for local media. I shot that, but then I broke off from the group and shot some frames for a panoramic. The field is starting to take shape, looking forward to seeing the scoreboard and grass soon. Just 64 days 'til opening day...

CS3 Photomerge, 15 images

White Out

I photographed the Nevada men's basketball game Saturday night against New Mexico State. It was the annual—and oh so gimmicky—"White Out" game. Everyone in attendance got a free t-shirt. Unfortunately, with that much white in the house, the nearly 5,000 empty blue seats really stand out. In a disappointing game, Nevada lost 62-60.

NMSU's Hamidu Rahman shoots over Nevada defender Dario Hunt.

Not exactly the Cameron Crazies...

Nevada's leading scorer, Armon Johnson.

I know, not the first time I've shot this photo but look at all that blue.

Deflated.

Nevada's Luke Babbit with a chance to tie the game as time expires.

Getting In The ZONA

The big game is moments away and I'm firmly hitched to the Cardinals bandwagon. But don't call me a fair weather fan. I have Arizona connections: In 2006, I was a Pulliam Fellow at The Arizona Republic.

Near the end of the internship—after three blistering months in the Valley of the Sun—I was given a reprieve: the chance to cover Cardinals camp in Flagstaff. With the exception of covering Bron Bron and D-Wade in Vegas, Cardinals camp was my favorite assignment*.

I got to photograph Kurt Warner and his sexy beard stubble, Edge and his grill and former coach Dennis Green. In honor of the big game, here are some of my selects from that week:

Real Cardinals fans.

Edge.

Did you know he used to bag groceries?

Lawrence.

Matt Leinert?

Poor Dennis.

I bet these guys had to buy new jerseys.

Go Cardinals! Eat wings, drink beer and enjoy the game.I sure will.

*Did I mention it was 30 degrees cooler in Flagstaff than it was in Phoenix.

I'm on Twitter...

...follow my tweets: @calvertphoto

Mr. President, My Day Of Service...

Last Friday, the Reynolds School of Journalism SPJ chapter hosted its annual high school journalism day. More than 160 students from nine area high schools—and about a dozen kids from Swope Middle School: Panther Pride!—participated in the event. I volunteered some time.

As an SPJ Vice President Emeritus, I've organized at least four of these and as a "pompous know-it-all" have been asked to teach a photojournalism class each of the last three years. This year I spoke to more than 60 students—standing room only—inside RSJ 200-something.

I like teaching. Teachers are important. Aside from my parents, television, Google and some overbearing junior varsity baseball coaches, teachers taught me everything I know. High school journalism is especially important to me. My advisor at Reno High School—Dan Halcomb—nurtured me, invested in me and spent hours talking Wolf Pack basketball with me. To this day, there isn't an assignment that goes by where I don't think about him (and miss him). And that's why, every year, as long as they'll have me I'll continue to volunteer at High School Journalism Day.

This year, to help with my session, I created a Web page with some handouts, links and even my high school portfolio. If you see anything you like on the page, use it, click on it and yes, you can even watch it.

Bugsy

Last week I photographed the Reno Aces "Meet The Manager Banquet" for the team. This was the first chance for more than 400 Reno baseball junkies to greet skipper Brett Butler* in person. The charismatic Bulter had a 17-year Major League playing career, amassing 2,375 hits, 558 stolen bases and a .290 career batting average. Most Aces fans will remember Bugsy's time with the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers but he also played for the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians and New York Mets.

In 1996, while playing for the Dodgers, Butler was diagnosed with throat cancer. After surgery and intensive treatment, he returned to the Los Angeles line-up in September—the very same season. Butler is an experienced baseball mind and a genuine person. I'm thrilled with the hire.

At the banquet, Butler was joined by Pacific Coast League President Branch B. Rickey and Aces General Manager Rick Parr.

Lensbaby.

Aces GM Rick Parr and PCL Presidend Branch B. Rickey.

I was jazzed to hear Branch. In my mind, his grandpa was the most influential baseball executive ever. Of Rickey, sportswriter Jim Murray once wrote, “He could recognize a great player from the window of a moving train.” If you don't know who Branch Rickey is, read the last line on his HOF plaque. It says: "...brought Jackie Robinson to Brooklyn..."

Bugsy.

From left: Rickey, Butler & Parr. Butler is going to wear No. 2.

Butler's first Reno presser.

Thanks go out to Aces staffers Brett McGinness and TJ Lasita. Great event guys.

*not to be confused with this Brett Butler.

No. 44

Like most of you, I'm sitting in front of a television* right now watching this morning's inauguration ceremony. For those of you who know me and have followed this blog you know I've had the opportunity to document this historic election as each campaign made its way through Reno. Here's a photo from President Obama's second visit to the University of Nevada, Reno courtesy of Marilyn Newton, Staff Photographer at the Reno Gazette-Journal.

That's me, long hair, bottom right.

*It's actually two TVs and a live feed on my lap top. NBC on the main one, CNN on the 13-inch, Fox on the MacBook.

The Tadd

Here's an oldie-but-a-goodie...

This weekend, 18-year-old professional golfer Tadd Fujikawa rocked the Big Island's Sony Open. Fujikawa didn't win, but for a brief time Saturday, shared the lead. He finished the tournament 5-under, tied for 32, ten shots off winner Zach Johnson. But the highlight of the weekend was Fujikawa's moving day 62. He shot a freaking 62! His final scorecard looked something like this:

71 69 62 73 — 275 (-5)

For the record, I'm a huge Tadd fan. I had the chance to photograph his professional debut two years ago at the Reno-Tahoe Open and have followed his career ever since. ESPN.com's Jason Sobel dedicated the lead story in his Weekly 18 golf column to the 5'1'' phenom. It's an interesting read about an interesting kid. Did I mention he shot a, tournament low 62. A freaking 62! Anyway, here's a photo of Fujikawa teeing off on the 11th hole at Montreaux Golf & Country Club. I hope to see him this year at the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open.

LEEDing The Way

I just saw January's issue of Modern Materials Handling. I'm sure you've got a copy on your coffee table already but if you don't, well...I photographed Dave Abeloe for the zine's cover. Abeloe is the director of Patagonia's 342,000-square foot distribution center in Reno, Nev. The story, written by MMH Editor at Large Bob Trebilcock, talked about Patagonia's environmentally conscious business practices. You can read about it here or for those of you with the attention span of say, me, then there's a YouTube video explaining it all. Patagonia is a cool company. Their warehouse is LEED certified, they've got an outlet store with sweet deals, and there's some pretty good fishing holes slash hiking trails on the Truckee River just a stone's throw from the parking lot.

Thanks to Amy Beck, my assistant on this shoot and my editors and Getty. Here's a copy of the cover and some outtakes:

A screen grab of the January digital Issue of MMH, left, and the original frame, right.

Dave Abeloe next to the tilt-tray sorter.

"Wanna Buy Five Copies For My Mother..."

"We take all kind of pills to give us all kind of thrills, but the thrill I've never known
is the thrill that'll get you when you get your picture on the cover of the..."

So the Winter edition of Nevada Silver & Blue came out last week. Here it is with one of my pictures from the 2008 commencement ceremony at Lawlor Events Center on the cover. Again, thanks go out to art director Patrick McFarland. It was great working with him.

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas to you and yours.

If you're in Reno, dig your copy of the RGJ out from under the snow on your driveway and take a look at the sports section. If you're not, visit the Web site. My photo of Nevada football coach Chris Ault is the featured CP.

Sunnyside Up

I'm not much for pretty sunrise slash sunset photos but this one was to good to pass up. I left Half Moon Bay early this morning and on my way over Highway 92, pulled over at Skyline and snapped a few pictures.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus...

...but seriously, he's my step-dad. That's right, I've got the Big Guy on speed dial. You want an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!? Well I can put in a good word for you. Surprised? I bet you'll be nicer to me next year...

Anyway, last night I joined my mom and Santa for the annual Miramar Beach Restaraunt Christmas party. Russ (Mr. Claus) and Mom (Mrs. Claus) looked great. And the party was fun. For my part, I photographed the annual Santa portraits. Take a look:

Baby doesn't like Santa...

...but the ladies do.

Mr. & Mrs. Claus.

Lighting Set-up. That's a Calumet Travelite 750 with a softbox on the left for fill and an SB-80 on the right. Everything fired with PW's.

Me & the Mom.

Pomp and Circumference

I photographed the University of Nevada, Reno Winter Commencement this morning at Lawlor Events Center. I was working with art director Patrick McFarland over at Silver & Blue magazine on the Winter '09 cover. Keep an eye on the news stands.

Class of '08.

It's 8 a.m....Happy Grad? Too much coffee?

10.5

President Milt.

Si Se Puede.

Urban Studio

I've been working with the Ferraro Group on a couple of projects recently. I just finished shooting some new head shots—Urban Studio style—for their Web site. Not to brag, but I'd say this is a pretty clear example of my photographic skill(z)...