2012 Is Upon Us!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
A few days late is better than not at all. I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season (which seemed to start after Columbus Day). Personally I’m glad all the hype is over. Especially the e-mail, sale after sale after sale.
Now, on to business…
I think I told a few people that I’d be making some changes about how I get down with my photography. If you didn’t know, now you’ll now.
Going forward, I plan to primarily focus on “event” photography, and taking photos in a crowded nightclub/lounge still…won’t…happen (no exceptions). I am talking about Weddings, Sweet 16′s, Baby Showers, Birthday parties; etc. - in a private setting. Businesses that may require shoots for their product(s), are okay.
So what does this mean exactly?
It means that there will be much less to no shooting in my living room that I convert to a studio when shoots need to be done. My 12′x20′ living room has served me well over the years, on many occasions with seamless paper backdrops, monolights, models, music, jokes & entertainment (MelMarNYC, Fashion Hurtz, Neveah Jeans, Phever, Eflat, Team 440, Boomn Productions to name a few). I may decide to set a up shoots in the future, maybe, but it will be done selectively.
With that said, I ask and urge that if you are going to refer someone to me for photography needs, it CANNOT be for: “my friend is interested in a shoot” / “I need a photo for my FB profile pic” / ”a birthday flyer that a friend is putting together for this party I’m having” / “head-shots” / “family portraits” / “I’m pursuing modeling” / “just because…I want to” etcetera etcetera.
Events and business-related only (might be a grey area there, but I’ll be the judge).
Is that my final answer? Yes, that is my final answer.
To all those that I have done shoots with, I appreciate you, and I thank you for your support. I wouldn’t be called the “Black Peter Parker” or Michael Parks (as in Gordon Parks), without you. 
Regards,
Cinema EOS…Wow!
#MoreCanonDroolFactor 
. Canon debuted the C300 yesterday, and it’s a beauty!
PetaPixel, “Mobius”: A Short Film Shot with Canon’s New C300 Cinema Camera, 11/4/2011
I’m Still Here!
It was a busy summer to say the least. We all know how it goes…always plenty to do, but never enough time. Let’s see, there was a wedding in June (the 10th), followed by another, exactly one month later in July, during which I was still in search of a new day-job. Then I got a call, had an interview, was offered the job, gave my two weeks notice and started a new gig on August 1. Yay Me! . There was also Hurricane Irene, and two weddings that I attended. Congratulations again to Trevor & Kira (9/4/11), andddddddd Curtis & Linda (9/10/11)!
So that’s what I’ve been up to, and look it’s already October. People have asked if I’ve quit photography. Answer: Quit? Me? Parting with photography? Never! I have photos posted of my own work at my desk, and a picture of a 5DMkII <— because I want one and will have one in 2012. It’s a visual motivator while I’m at the day job, plus I’m always checking out my photography info via my Google Reader subscriptions. There’s still so much I want to learn about photography, just not enough time in the day for it all. It’s already bad enough that I only sleep for 4-6 hours. (Partial blame goes to the Xbox).
Lastly, I have an upcoming wedding that I’ve been commissioned for…another one in Long Island, about one week away, so I’m already preparing, mentally, and checking all the camera gear and such. I’m really looking forward to being in photographer-mode again. So look out for those photos, but while you’re waiting, which I know you are, take a trip on over to www.michaelgabraham.com, check out my photos, and tell a friend. That’s all for now folks!
Mike
My Daughter (Random)
Random shot taken today as we were walking back from the park. Just observing her as she walked while I held her scooter and helmet.
How times flies! It’s unbelievable…
Andddddd we’re back!
Well I’m back.
What turned into a huge project [and headache] in my lil’ apartment for two weeks ended on Saturday Feb 5, and I’ve been cleaning up since! Talk about dust…it is [still] everywhere. I’ll be back mentally in March to continue shoots and all things photography!!
Time To Get Fresh!
This is the guy who’s been cutting my hair since I was 14 years old. This is the guy who has given me all sorts of haircuts and even chopped off my flat top as that era ended and I matured! And this guy’s name is Ronnie.
Why I Was Almost Late For The 9-5
Usually, I am out of my house before 8:00, but as I was getting ready this morning I heard something about photography, then I heard stay tuned for it in the 8 o’clock hour, so I HAD TO see what this is about. As 8:00am came, the segment began with the Today Show hosts asking “How does Ann (Curry) find balance in her hectic schedule?” I was glued to the tube for the next 10 minutes for obvious reasons.
Balance is not between work & family apparently (mental note definitely taken). Now I am compelled to find time to walk around New York City with my DSLR as her description of photography is right on the money, and it’s exactly how I feel. Plus, check out her camera!
Watch the video clip [click on the screen capture below]. Enjoy!
(Oh, by the way, I made it to work at 9:02)
Ann Curry reveals how her passion for photography helps her manage a work-life balance.
En Route To Work…
I could not resist taking this picture with my iPhone. I saw her sparkling down the stairs at the West 4th Street station running for the local F/V train. Then blinded me as she sat across from the way with her reflective crystal ball “leggings“? Seriously though, what makes a person wear something like this? Oh, don’t forget that Louis bag to complete the look! Lol!
A Short One
Can you believe it’s March 1st already?? Weren’t we just ringing in the new year? Geez. Times flies nor does it wait for anyone.
So I’ve been a bit busy, unfortunately it hasn’t been photography-related. Just busy with work, errands and life in general. But the good news is that I have some shoots lined up this month, so expect to see some things soon! (as long as people don’t postpone/cancel). ‘Cuz Mike doesn’t like that!
Must…Find…Time…To…Shoot!
DAMN LIFE IS HECTIC! CAN I GET A MINUTE TO BREATHE?!?!?!?!
(The painting above is called "The Scream" by Edvard Munch)
Okay, that’s all…lol
We’ll Be At It Again
BOWLING!!!
….with Nevaeh Jeans Company, Fashion Hurtz, Boomn Productionz, Phever, and many other friends and associates @ Bowlmor Lanes, NYC tonight at 9pm. Unlimited bowling, $24 until 1am, ages 18+. Come on out if you’re not doing anything.
Also follow several of us on Twitter: @nevaehjeansco, @fashionhurtz, @boomn, @bkphever, @agmny_photo, @owwcharlie, @Lhollywood82, @ReedBoyEnt82
Handling Her Business!
You all know me, and I like to give folks credit where credit is due, so here’s to friend and colleague Melinda Martinez!
PEACE!
Doing her thing for Garnier at the Lucky Shops Event 2009!! (I wasn't there, but she shared this with me).
Are you ready for some football?!?!
YEAH! I’m drugged and (almost) ready to enjoy this Superbowl. Unfortunately drugs and liquor/beer don’t mix, so I’ll stick to juice/water/soda. I’m in favor of the Colts, but I respect the Saints, so if either team wins, I’ll be happy. Who Dat?!?
P.S. I would still kill to be on the field wearing the red Canon vest indicating that I’m one of many photographers!
Blackberry Down?
Seems to be a problem with Blackberry devices today. BBM (Blackberry Messenger) isn’t working for folks and I think they’re losing their minds from device withdrawal. It’s crazy!
Sorry folks, I’ve had an iPhone since July, and my Blackberry (for work), sits quietly on my desk. I’M GOOD!
My Old 8320 Curve, shot February 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Eat, eat some more, drink, and be merry!
Be thankful for things and people you have in your life, and stop worrying about the things/people you don’t have in life.
Just some photography stuff…
It’s Friday afternoon at the day job, and doing my usual perusal of Flickr photo posts, and photographers websites. Today, I visited George Weir’s site, looked through his photos and “borrowed” some of the photo captions…
“A good photograph is knowing where to stand.” -Ansel Adams, and with lots of practice and experience one knows where to stand.
“A real photographer sees light, and knows when to shoot, quietly and without becoming a distraction.”
“What type of cameras do you use?” It simply doesn’t matter what type or brand, what matters is the ability and skill of the person using it.
A great photographer knows and understands not only light and cameras but also people!
“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” -Ansel Adams.
See, not everyone is or can be a photographer. I have my supporters who say I’m a great photographer and that’s great, thanks! However, I’m a good photographer, aspiring to be great! Practice, practice, practice…
MysTerri, Welcome
I’d like to welcome my friend MysTerri to the blogging world. I look forward to reading her posts.
Sneaker Heaven for Sneaker Geeks!!
As we all were roaming the streets of SOHO, we passed this store which had a ton of classic Nike Air Jordans, and Air Max’s in the display window. We decided to go in…and I swear as we opened the door, we heard (or maybe just me), heavenly music playing, with harps and all! I’m sure sneaker heads know about Global Sports US, but I’m not a sneaker head, friends like Fashion Hurtz, and DJ Skinny are sneaker heads, so this place is for them! But I surely was in awe (Air Jordan IV’s and others), and wished my pockets had paper instead of change…lol.
Location: 129 GRAND STREET, NEW YORK, NY, right next door to the Laicale Salon.
It Rains, It Pours
Another rainy day.
(photo below was taken a few weeks ago at the Newkirk Avenue train station for the B/Q lines).
Happy Birthday – The MAN – Curtis aka FRESH
HAPPY 28th HOMIE!!!
Have fun in Vegas! No Hangover Pt.2′s Please!
Photo by: AGM|newyork
Graphic Design by: Fashion Hurtz
Broke Dads Association
So my boy Boomer Neal and I always joke about being broke dads, so we went to our friend and favorite graphic designer Curtis aka Fresh aka 3 Stacks, and asked him to come up with a logo for “The Broke Dads Association” and I must say it was another job well done!!
I even made it a background image on my iPhone!
“All you need to have is a child, preferrably your own, and an empty wallet for proof and group/lifetime membership.” LOL!!!
A Big @$$ Ship!
So as the boss and I were hacking away at some things, when he got up, looked out and up the river, and saw….The Carnival Triumph Cruise Ship…meeting distraction…YAY! Lol
This should be a postcard lol
Shout Out To Me!!!
As they celebrate June as being Men’s Month, the ladies of Struggles Corp have recognized me as one of the black father’s doing their thang! Click on the pic below for a link to the blog post.
Thanks STRUGGLES!! The recognition is greatly appreciated. I STRONGLY believe that a man should and must take care of his child(ren) regardless of what the situation may be, the responsibility is simple.
