Memories... The importance if Pictures.

  Over my years in life, I've come to the realization that  memories are extremely important and the images saved are even more important as you can share them visually with others. Time goes by so fast and this can and will change when you least expect it. It can be haunting at times and heartfelt in others.
  A point in my life came to a close late last year for a second time (actually more) when a particular life source influenced me and my life 10 years ago... Katana, a loving Akita with a personality that would win me over with her puppy like behavior. She lived 13 years, which is a long time for a dog of her size. She continued to breath life into me as a human and a care giver as her health started to fail.

Katana 2000- Dec. 26, 2013

  Back to why this is so important to me. How do I explain these images within my head without images to share and solidify their importance and relevance? Handing down memories to my children and their children would become a challenge and possibly a waste of their time as they have nothing to connect it to.

  Families and their pets, experiences, travels, moments in time. Words will die with you and you alone. Sure, you may be able to pass the dialogue on to someone else. But how realistic will it remain and true to form without the image of that 'ever so fleeting' moment captured within an image?

  Make the images that tell a story or convey a personality so others can realize just what was truly going on. Time flies and if you are wasting time not paying attention.... Well, I think you know the answer to that.

Be good to yourself and others. We only have one shot at this life. Engulf it!

Cheers,

Michael van Gelder / Human

Rituals...

Rituals.... Hmm... In this day and age, things can get tough for everyone. But, why is everyone complaining about everyone else when it is us that need to make the change?
I get up every morning and try my best and to do the best at everything I am able to do. Sometimes it's the simple things like, French Pressing my favorite coffee or steeping my favorite tea.

Then even lifting some weights to do my best at staying in shape to stay as healthy as possible.

And after that is all said and done I cool off a bit, read up on the daily duties I need to get too for the day and plan out the rest of my week.

My travels:

Had to take a few trips lately for some personal time and some work also. :-) Which to me is both fantastic. Ended up in Pittsburgh, PA to hook up with the curator, H.P. Newquest and an opening of his National Guitar Museum and visit with Reb Beach, Guitarist of Winger and Whitesnake fame. both are just wonderful and entertaining people.

I actually was somehow tricked into doing a demonstration with flames and sound waves. Turned out to be a lot of fun and the crowd really enjoyed it.

 

3000 miles in 4 days.Ugh! Which included places such as Savannah, GA. and Washington, D.C. I'll be sure to post some images of those destinations as time permits.

So people, be good to yourself and to others...

Michael van Gelder

Photographer / Human

All images Copyright 2012 Michael van Gelder - All Rights Reserved

So glad I'm busy.. :-)

 Yeah, yeah, yeah... I know, It's been WAY too long since I have posted ANYTHING in my blog other than "Facebook"... What can I say? I've been busy. :-) I good thing, a very good thing.

 Well, where do I start?

                                                                                                

 I've had the pleasure to work with a few new record companies and some really great legendary musicians like The Pat Travers Band, Peter Frampton, Alice Cooper and his fabulous guitar player Orianthi, to name a few.

  I've also had a few gallery showings over the past year in Winter Garden, FL and Winter Park, FL with my work of "Entertainers" such as "Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley" of the legendary Rock Band "KISS" along with Tori Amos, Craig Chaquico and Brad Paisley.

Sandra Rodríguez García     

A student at Crealde School of Art's          

 Photography program  &                   

Up and Coming Photographer 

I've done so many projects with some great clients, friends and even starting teaching at a Non-Profit Arts School to give back to my community. The school is called "Crealde School of Art" it is in Winter Park, Florida. A fantastic school that brings the arts back into the system.

I started teaching there about a year ago or so from some lite begging from the school. I was a little reluctant to teach, but found it extremely rewarding watching other individuals creativity explode that they didn't even known existed within them.

                                                                                        

 Along these humbling accomplishments, I have also been doing some more wedding and event photography. Being around people for long periods of time, being the "fly on the wall" so to speak has been very rewarding. I've really enjoyed working with this style of photography and capturing their "special moments in time". 

 Life is moving forward and in the right direction for me and my family. I'm blessed to do the things I truly enjoy doing and working at it hard enough to make it a exciting challenge. I just can not sit still waiting for things to happen. I need to keep climbing every mountain I can. As soon as I get to the top of one, I'm already looking at the one on the other side and wonder what it may have in store for me along the way.

 Be good to each other people. Don't let the petty stuff drag you down. Life is good! Taste it, Breathe it, Smell it. It's not a crime to enjoy yourself. Just don't hurt yourself or anyone else along the way.

Until next time... CHEERS!

Been a while... been busy... :-)

Well, it's been a while since I have posted any blog info due to my time constraints and a bunch of other unforeseen issues.
I've been blessed to have the opportunities to photograph some extremely talented musicians and cover some incredible events over the past few months.

Nonpoint at The Plaza Theater on October 6th, 2010

Photographing "Nonpoint" at "The Plaza Theater" was quite exciting as if anyone who was there would agree.

I also had the opportunity to photograph the very first concert at the "New" 'Amway Arena' in Orlando, Florida along with Chelsea Handler on October 22nd, 2010, being the first comedian to perform there.

Along the travels I covered the "Festival of Speed 2010" on the grounds of the fabulous Ritz Carlton Hotel in Orlando also. Some absolutely beautiful beasts of speed.

Audi R8

Bugatti

An old friend and a great band "Great White" performed for a full crowd at Route 46 on October 9th, 2010 A fantastic show and a great looking, much healthier Jani Lane from "Warrant" singing lead vocals. A real treat for me and the crowd. Truly amazing.

Until next time folks...
I wish everyone my bestest wishes, health and much success in anything and everything you want in life,

Michael van Gelder
Photographer / Human

Working with Professional Entertainers...

  Last month I get a request to photograph the living guitar legend, Pat Travers. He, his record and promotion company were in need of new, fresh, high res images for his new CD - "Fidelis" an AWESOME collection of great tunez! You can't help but crank up the volume when listening to this CD!

I've known Pat for years. We lived close to each other and would bump into each other in music stores and on the road along the way.  Hell, when I was younger I used to rent out his rehearsal studio, ARS (Artist Rehearsal Studios). Although we never really hung out, time would go by without seeing each other. But, I still consider him a fellow musician and just a real great guy.
  So a couple of weeks ago we got the paper work together and discussed what everyone was looking for in the pictures so that I could deliver exactly what everyone wanted. Not an easy task, but a fantastic challenge.
 We decided to do the pics at Pat's house. I felt that he would feel much more comfortable there. Pat agreed. Not to mention we would be doing a few wardrobe changes and his collection of fine PRS guitars where there. This way he would not have to drag anything around and we could get this done in a timely fashion.
  Once I arrived, everything went really smooth. Pat knew exactly what he wanted to do and how to do it.  A real professional. He even broke out a little portable amplifier and started playing while I photographed him. (For me, that was a treat!) That really brought out some good vibes and expressions for the images.
  Lots of jokes and goofing off made for a very relaxing photo shoot. And a small tour of his abode.
 After we looked at the proofs on the computer, he asked if I was going to the show in Clearwater, Florida. I had not known of the show and he invited my wife and I to attend. I figured while there we could get shots of the entire band.
 So we drove to Clearwater, Florida's "Ruth Eckerd Hall" and arrived in a torrential downpour of rain while trying to unload the photo gear.

 I love working with professionals. Once we got everything set up, it was like a well oiled machine. It's about business, promotion and getting things done in a timely fashion with the least amount of stress possible. 

 I can't explain to you how wonderful it was that every member of the band was so into what needed to be done. I thank them ALL for making it fun and easy. I was even able to throw in some family portraits of the band members and their loved ones. (My treat to them!)

 Once we were done with the photo session we enjoyed the show then packed everything up and relaxed before the ride home. We sat backstage and talked with the band and their family members about stuff other than music and had a great time with some really great people.

 I had a wonderful time photographing these guys. Their professionalism was top notch. No bullshit, no goofing around when work had to be done. It was a fantastic experience.
  Thank you, Pat, Kirk, Sean, and most of all, Rodney for all of his extra foot work.
I also have to give an extra special thanks to my wife, Angella, for being there to assist, support and just plain love me!

*All Images Copyright 2004-2010 Michael van Gelder.*
*Property of Gelderland Productions, L.L.C.*
*All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.*

British automakers and nature

What do these have in common? Surprisingly enough to detour my love for automobiles and stroll with my lovely wife into the foliage at Mead Gardens in Winter Park, Florida.
Today there happened to be a British Car show of vintage fair. Everything from start up restorations to the predestine heirlooms from the past. All underneath a canopy of new greenery and life from the trees above streaking just enough light to illuminate these fine automobiles.
So, after a bit of open jaw drooling, we wondered off to the botanical area near the waters edge and gazed at the new life of turtles, fish and birds. Not to mention the beautiful lilac colored water orchids on the bank.
Granted this was all hat high noon. Not the best time to snap a picture of a frail specimen. But we were short on time and I decided to do a quick photo study of this flower that just happened to catch my eye.

I worked with my Canon EOS camera, my 70-200 f2.8L IS lens (IS on) and snapped the picture at f4.9 1/2000 sec @ ISO 200. After arriving home, I loaded it up in PS cs3 and worked with the levels and punched the contrast up a minute amount. Added a vignette and ended up going against the rule of thirds due to the background I just could not get around.

Enjoy!

All images Copyright 2010 Michael van Gelder - All Rights Reserved

A slight change...

  From time to time, we all feel the need to re-create ourselves or even re-invent ourselves. This is a sign of growing, actually developing yourself for the next level of your achievements.

  Last Monday my wonderful wife and I were strolling around Orlando, Florida enjoying our time together and I decided to get my hair cut. I typically get it cut once a year (whether it needs it or not...) and make sure they are able to use it for Locs of Love. I also make sure that it goes to the children cancer patients that are in need of wigs. Well, we all know how mean kids can be to others that are going through tough times. I try to do my part if I am able.
So off came a few "inches".  I do not think I have it this short since I was 11 years old.

New Client of Incredible Artisian Work.

  This company is remarkable to say the least. Kim LaFleur is the "Master Mind" of these incredible works of art and has been doing this for a number of years. His knowledge of the history and original creation of these iconic musical instruments is immense. This guy knows his stuff.
  With his team of stellar Artisans, true craftsman, they are able to completely "makeover" your Les Paul. Their attention to detail is second to none. Everything from color matching to the weathering and yes, even rust.
  Kip Elder of Starr Guitars, L.L.C., one of the Artisans and a Luthier in his own right, contacted me about this company, Historic Makeovers, and if I was interested in photographing these incredible master works. I grabbed the opportunity and when I started photographing, I didn't know where to stop! So many details that needed to be shown! I could have gone over this guitar with a microscope. It was amazing to say the least. It was a white glove photo shoot.
  If you have a Les Paul, do yourself a favor and check them out. You will not be disappointed. If you don't have a Les Paul, check them out anyway. If you have a friend that has a Les Paul, drag them to a computer and go to: www.historicmakeovers.com You will happy you did.

Enjoy the music and be glad to be alive.
Michael van Gelder
Photographer

Life...

  Well, I've been busy enough to keep me away from posting any blogs, Facebook posts or Myspace bulletins. Life sometimes gets in the way of things you wish you could have better control of at times. These past weeks I've experienced losses of people very dear to me and new additions to my family. It seems that G-d or Mother Nature (which ever you may believe) always finds a way to re-fill the holes left by the people who have left us.
  I gauge my day by, if I wake up, it's going to be a great day! No matter what life, nature or G-d might throw at me. Challenges are my drug of choice. I do not need anything to slow me down. I may need to put things to the side to conquer more important items or situations as they come along. But, those are the 'challenges' that make everything so interesting.
  Photography has been my life for years, and now a 24/7/365 situation. I try and capture moments, blips, blinks we miss when our eyes are shut. I "make" photographs. I do not "take" photographs. I think Ansel said that once or maybe even a million times. I know exactly what I'm going to do even before I pull my camera out of the bag. Everything from ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, Composition, White Balance..etc...
I study constantly, whether it is another photographer (Pro or Amateur), my own work and how I can make it better, different or more interesting.

Which brings me to another thought...

  I've noticed a lot of wedding photographers struggling out there because of the price they charge for their talents. It boggles my mind how a couple can spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a wedding cake that will be their for a day that will typically taste nothing like a good ol' Costco cake and complain about the price of a "real" Professional Wedding Photographer, who will capture their day for a lifetime or even longer. I know they think, "Hell, my cousin just but an DSLR at (insert Electronics Store here) and it takes GREAT pictures." Well, that is the MOST common mistake people make. I advise people to look at their "cousins" picture and then go to ANY Professional Wedding Photographer's website and look at what they can do. Your "cousin" will "take" photographs, but the Professional Wedding Photographer will "MAKE' photographs that have substance, atmosphere, and emotion. If you can not tell the difference, by all means, hire your cousin.

  I know this sounds like a rant, but bare in mind that people are loosing their jobs / livelihoods because some people do not see the importance or even the benefits of professional services. Days or even years later they will wish they hired a professional.
  Case in point, some VERY good friends of mine, married a wonderful 10 years, needed to "re-do" their wedding pictures. They were either unable to hire a professional at the time of their actual wedding date or did not know the importance of the need for a professional. None the less, 10 years later, I get a call to capture some special moments. I was VERY happy to do so. It was a cold and windy afternoon and they still looked as young as they did when they first got married ten years ago. And they have 3 children! Beautiful children I might add. One of the happiest couples I have ever met in my life.

  So, for me? Life... respect, friendship, honesty, loyalty, and most importantly... Love. Some of the things I cherish every day. These are the pictures I capture in my mind, my memory, my heart.

Is it Friday already?!

Wow this week went fast!
 Last weekend I helped out a couple of bands with photos sessions at the "Hard Rock for Haiti Benefit" concert at the Orlando Hard Rock Live.
'Voodoo Hodown' and 'megaphone.' Both GREAT bands.
Being a VERY rainy day to start off with, people were unable to break through the traffic and make the show by 8pm. But they did finally arrive with food and donations.
America... what a GREAT place to live.

Other news is that I have been looking into a couple of new projects that seem to be moving forward quite quickly. I will be sure to keep everyone posted!

Hank Sanders & Whiskey Mountain

Yes, Hank Sanders - Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist... etc...
Well we had a wonderful, cold and windy, photo shoot downtown Orlando on Church Street at "The Train."

Hank was looking for a rustic style for his new album/CD coming out. Something with a bit of attitude and old time 'Tennessee'.
Creating a bit of storminess to the image was done by the wonderful and talented Arianne Archer.
Be sure to check them out as soon as they hit the road.

Grad pics and other ventures. :-)

I have to apologize for not being able to keep the 'Pic of the Day' going as I had wished. I guess that means that I'm staying a bit busier than I had expected. Good thing!

Last weekend I had a a graduation stetting that was a little on the more creative side coming from my subject. Megan, being an art student and aspiring photographer herself, wanted something a bit different. I welcomed the idea. It promised to be quite fun. Creating the creative link with Megan was a fun challenge for me as a photographer. She was a GREAT subject to photograph along with getting to know what she was looking for in her future.

At this location I had run into a few other photographers utilizing the same place. I only wished I had more time to catch up with them also.

I have some great news that will coming shortly after the ink is dry about a new venture with two other creative people that bring the old back to new with an old flair... Get it?

Just Married...

Weddings... I usually see the biggest smiles and the happiest body language just after the "I Do's"
Capturing the Bride and Groom walking down the isle and thanking there friends and family for being there to share their special day.

This is the first day of starting 'their' family.

Life is good...

Weddings... Yes, I also photograph Weddings.

Photography for me has been a journey that has ventured into areas that I never thought of even trying. It has taught me to grow, seek, and visualize life as it happens.
I was asked a quite a few years ago to photograph a wedding and was a bit nervous about it. Since my main influence had been Entertainment Photography. (Which I still love to do.) To my surprise, I loved it! I really and truly enjoyed the family aspect of the event. The love of the people sharing this event. It was awesome to say the least.
I have a portfolio of some of the images on my website.

If you are interested in my photographic services, please contact me at:
407-810-3772 or mvg@gelderlandproductions.com

Live, Love & Laugh often...

2010 'Pic of the Day' "Hoppy Toad"

Yes, "Hoppy Toad." That is what my daughter used to call any frog or toad she may have come across.
She had a passion for these incredible creatures when she was younger. Collecting stuffed dolls of frogs, stickers, blankets... anything.
My wife actually photographed this cute little guy on my car one early morning. About the size of a quarter. It had left its 'footy' prints all over the roof of the car. She grabbed my camera and shot away.
Enjoy!

Disturbed - Amway Arena

I have to admit that I am blessed to be able to photograph some of the best entertainers out there. Some for private and others for publications. Everyone from AC/DC to ZZ-Top. All at some of the best venues in America.
I also get to share the pit with some really talented photographers. Guaranteed to be fun every time.

  I still find it amazing that nature ALWAYS finds a way to break through any obstacle. Walking on the sidewalk in Annapolis, Maryland you find these beautiful looking plants. They may be weeds for all I know. But with the age of the building against the solid concrete sidewalk, no matter how crusty, rusted, or even paint faded the backdrop may be, the flowers do bring a sense of simpleness and beauty to the scene... just walking down the sidewalk.

Contrasting Colors...

  Again Strolling through the ever so 'German' style historical district in Annapolis, Maryland, a young man parked his scooter on the sidewalk next to this colorful pot of plants.
  I liked the contrast of the blue on the scooter and earthy colored cars along with the brick buildings. The bricks in the road and on the sidewalk have a difference in tone also.
  When I arrived home and looked at the image... I realized there was not a soul in sight... No people...No movement...
   Well, f4.5 @ 1/125, ISO 100 did it again!

Annapolis, Maryland...

While strolling through Annapolis with my wife, window shopping and enjoying the cooler weather, I stumbled upon this quaint flower shop in the historic district.

It gave me a 'postcard' kind of vibe. I didn't want it to be too perfect. Just a bit different. An older, generational feel. So, I knelt down on the sidewalk and took two rapid fire shots, hand held, and blended them together in Photoshop.

Be sure to look around while being out... you never know what you might stumble upon.

ciao,
Michael

Pics of the Day and Social Networking.

Yesterday I had a photo shoot with the band, Hank Sanders & Whiskey Mountain. A very windy day and a bit on the warm side. A great bunch of guys. Once the pics are approved, I'll post a couple.

I have posted yet another pic of the day on my "Fan Page" on facebook. Cars seem to be a creative vehicle for photographic expression. Much like bits and pieces of nature or any fleeting moment that might pass you by.

I have created a number of Social Networking avenues to express my creativity and draw in clients. It seems the best way to do this is go where the people are and not wait for the people to come to you.
The list of networks I'm currently running are listed on my Google Profile. There you can find a place or network you may already be using and connecting with others.

So today? Everything is well. Looking towards the next mountain to climb and the next branch to duck under or jump over so not to fall.

Enjoy the day people.

More and more I feel like I need to show others what I am doing and what catches my eye as I maneuver on this gigantic blue planet.
On my Facebook Fan Page I have been posting "Pics of the Day" for others to(hopefully) enjoy. I will do my best to not offend or bore you and hopefully bring a bit of beauty & happiness to your day.
Unfortunately I have had to turn to embedding a watermark on all of my images to keep others from "borrowing" my images. I know my rights and the rights of others when it comes to Intellectual Property and Copyright Laws.
People need to realize that, just because you see it on the internet, does not mean you have the right or rights to use it without a licensing agreement from the owner.
But enough of the jibber-jabber. Life is good. I am happy to wake up, alive, and be able to do the things I love in life. I do my best NOT to waste time or even a moment that be used to better myself as a person, a husband, a father, a friend, a musician, a photographer...etc...

Let's keep smiling people!

Google.... profile

Well, a couple of days ago I created a "Profile" on Google.

www.google.com/profiles/gelderlandproductions

It helps with searching for people, businesses and just about anything else you wish to 'broadcast.'

It's a simple page with the ability to post your photo stream from Flickr and list your websites, blogs and other ways of contacts such as Facebook.

I'll see how it goes. More exposure can't hurt.

Enjoy the day,
Michael

2010 'Pic of the Day' "Annapolis Alley"

This picture was taking in August of 2006 while in Annapolis, Maryland while walking through the shopping & historical district heading towards the bay area.

When I past by this little 'nook of solitude', I imagined myself enjoying my favorite coffee chatting with my wife on a cool morning, enjoying the time and the silence we were experiencing at that moment.

Copyright 2005-2010 Michael van Gelder - All Rights Reserved.

I'm still here... alive and kicking!

Well, my last blog was posted in March of 2009...
Where have I been? What have I been doing?
Such a whirlwind of stuff going on with some great weddings of some really wonderful families. I really enjoy those events. Long days, but sooo worth it. I enjoy spending time with people who REALLY enjoy life and happiness.
Other news...
The photo shoot for Starr Guitars went very well. Tara Lightfoot, model and spokesperson for Starr Guitars, L.L.C. is fantastic to work with. Her energy level exhausts me with pleasure.
My wife, Angella and her got together with wardrobe and came up with a "little bit of Country & a little bit of Rock-n-Roll".
The campaign has already hit a couple of publications such as 'The Connections' monthly magazine here in Orlando, Florida. The pictures shown are only the raw pics. The graphics guy added text and design for the campaign and will be using even more from the photo shoot that day.
The studio of choice was from the very kind people at Shivver Studios in Longwood, Florida. Ken Hountz, our host and co-owner of Starr Guitars runs an incredible studio. Everything from a live sound stage with millions upon millions of sound crushing wattage with a complete lighting system that dwarfs most of the night clubs in Orlando. It also houses a gallery for showcasing the guitars for high end collectors and seasoned musicians to come play, listen and discuss their first or even their next custom built Starr Guitar.

In other news...
Axis Magazine asked me to help cover the 2009 Florida Music Festival for the 4 days it was held in Downtown Orlando, Florida. Everything from the Corporate parties to the head lining acts at the Main stage on Wall Street. The issue is out and my images are in there. I also had some images published in the May issue of Axis Magazine from the 2008 Florida music Festival.

Megaphone, a band that I have been photographing since early 2006 is releasing a new CD next month sometime asked for a photo shoot for their insert of the CD. There were a ton of ideas floating around with this creative rock band of 4. They know what they want and know how to get it. So we spent a few hours at a local club downtown on a Friday afternoon shooting some pics using the everything from couches to booths and a simple white backdrop. Not sure if anything will make the cut for the CD. Although we got some good images for future campaigns.

Starr Guitars - Photo Shoot

This Saturday we are starting a new campaign for Starr guitars, L.L.C.
Starr guitars owner, Kip Elder has chosen the wonderful, Tara Lightfoot, as the face (& body) for the line of Boutique custom guitars.
These will be used for all aspects of marketing.
Tara Lightfoot has a VAST portfolio and is extremely versatile as a model / spokesperson.
Starr Guitars used her in an advertisement and center fold for Music Entertainment Magazine in 2008.
We are looking forward to working with Tara and Starr Guitars again this coming Saturday.
I will keep you all posted on the images that have been chosen and keep an eye on Tara Lightfoot's happenings.

Another contest for aspiring models...

Brought to you by "High Profile Events"
This is the contest that started it all from creators "Nightlife Promotions" and "Cormedia Marketing"
If you have aspirations for becoming a model, this is your chance to show your stuff and win some fabulous prizes. One of them being a photo shoot from Gelderland Productions, L.L.C.

To find out more, go to this link.

Good luck to everyone!

Michael van Gelder
Photographer

UjENA Swim Suit Competition!

I wanted to let everyone know about a call I recieved from Ken Cordes. A very good promotions guy. He is working with Susan Laing of Night Life Promotions. They are having a Swim Suit Contestant Competition with $200,000 in Prizes!!!

I will be giving the semi-finalists a 1/2 hour photoshoot, on-location in their UjENA Swim Suit for use in their personal portfolios. This is a $250.00 value for the Semi-Finalists.

So... if you would like to enter... please check out this link.

Best wishes and good luck to all that enter,

Michael van Gelder
Photographer

Weddings, weddings, & more weddings...

Well, I had a pretty busy weekend with a fantastic couple on thier wedding day.
It was Valentine's Day. What a perfect day. clear blue skies and no rain to speak of at all. This day also happened to be the anniversary of my first date with my wife.

The event was fantastic with the venue and the catering crew. It was simple affair with about 80 or so friends and family in attendance. The food was beyond par. lots of laughter and fun. The children were having a ball playing in the botanical gardens.

I'm sure the couple are enjoying thier honeymoon in Italy for the next 10 days.
I wish them well and can't wait to deliver the images to them when they return!

2008 12 Hours of Sebring pictures for sale!

February, 11, 2009

I have posted pictures of last years (2008) 12 Hours of Sebring LeMans Race.
Take a look and orde some prints. Everything from 4"x6" prints to Large canvas prints.

Great for autographs!

Enjoy!

Michael van Gelder
Photographer

Slammin' busy, among other things...

February 11, 2007
Alrighty then. Let's get started on what has been going on and where I am headed.
First of all, I've been very busy doing some really nice photo gigs with people getting married. Love is great.
Last January I was asked to cover the All Star Country Acoustic Jam that benefited the Ronald McDonald House. A fantastic organization. There were all kids of country artsits there. Not to mention that it PACKED The Hard Rock Live in Orlando to the roof. Local artist, Jim van Fleet opened up the show. Fantastic performer I must say.
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to photograph The Eagles at the Amway Arena. It was the largest grossing concert there. They were giving an award forthis wonderful achievement. It was an EXTREMLEY busy, rush-rush, run here, run there kind of evening. Backstage I only had 30 seconds to get a shot of them holding their awards and the realy cool Orlando Magic nasketball jerseys that had each of the band members name on them before they hit the stage.
Then, BOOM...From backstage, I'm off and running towards the sound board with 45 lbs. of camera gear and a monopod to photograph the show. UGH!
I have a few more things in the works along with more weddings, car shows and concerts along with the 2009 Florida Music Festival in May.
So, keep a look out on my website for new pics and galleries and let me know what you think!

Best wishes and Much Success to everyone,
Michael van Gelder
Photographer

An afternoon with Paul Stanley...

November 17, 2008

Well, where do I start? First of all, my wonderful wife had a birthday on Saturday.  And my Daughter was in for the weekend and Paul Stanley had another showing of his art at Wentworth Galleries Sunday afternoon.

So, like last year, we made arrangements to see him, talk, catch up on things, and have him have an inspirational talk with my daughter who is struggling to become who she is and become a viable entity in this world of ours.

Once we arrived, I saw Al Soluri, Paul's personal and KISS' official photographer. A real Gentleman I might add. We worked together, but separately on Paul Stanley's solo "Live to Win" tour on 2006. We caught up on things about what he is doing and how things are going on his end of the world. Talked a bit about the camera's, lighting accessories and the really cool Custom Bracket he was using for his camera rig and why he designed it the way he did. This guy is one of my favorite concert photographers. A really, REALLY cool guy. He seems to be really interested in conversation and no bullshit stuff. I hope to see him on the next tour. We exchanged e-mail addresses and promised to keep in touch. If you ever get the chance to meet this guy… be sure to say hi and give him 'thumbs up' on his work.

Paul came over a few minutes later and said hello and went to the back to get ready for the slew of people purchasing his art. My wife, daughter Rachael and I waited until most everyone left and hung out with Paul for about an hour. My wife and daughter get so nervous around him. It's so cute. So Paul gave Angella really big hugs and ask if that made her feel better? So he gave her one big squeeze and she started to relax a bit. Then Rachael got her hug, one of many.

We discussed his art work, one in particular, "Karma". My wife loves this piece. He described his reason for painting it and where the original hangs over his Son's bed. It gives off an inner light of hope to what you do in this world and what you can achieve and get back in return. It is a real honest piece of art.

Rachael wanted to know where the inspiration came from and why he chooses the colors he uses for each painting. Paul explained that he does not paint in Black and Grays… The world is full of color. He points to a painting called "SCREAM," (a very vibrant piece showing a face screaming with a broken heart in the middle.) and said I painted that when I was miserable.

We also talked about how people short change themselves on their abilities to get things done in life because of so called obstacles or not believing in themselves. My daughter is in the transition of trying to find her 'self', like so many of us have done at LEAST once in our lives. Paul told her not to worry about what others are thinking about or criticizing. Do what you like and make it work for YOU. Not others. If Paul would not have done this, he would not be where he is today. His house was built by critics. There are people out there that enjoy what they do and there are people out there that enjoy what these people do and will pay for their efforts.
I always thought of it this way, if you always do what you like to do and get paid for it… are you really working? So work Smart... not hard.

Yes people, we need to pay our bills. We need to eat. But artists, actors and yes, even musicians take on odd jobs to cover these needs to fulfill their lives with the things they enjoy doing.

I'm a photographer. I love my "job". But I was once a musician and have worked in delicatessens, warehouses…etc… But when someone asked me what do I was doing for a living? I answered, I am a musician. Some people shrugged it off as a passing phase. But I was not looking for approval from anyone.  They could only see that I drove a car, lived in a house, and was able to pay for my own food. So perception becomes reality rather quickly.

Paul was nice enough to dedicate a small painting to my daughter that he put together right there on a black piece of paper in silver ink. It was a rendition of his "Forever Flowers" painting with "Love Always" and his signature. He then handed it to her and told her to "Go PAINT!" Meaning… do what you need to do for you.

We also discussed a couple personal issues about me and my health and he gave me some added support to see as many doctors as possible to get things fixed or at least controlled. He is so sincere and kind and seems extremely interested in what your life is all about. 

Now I know Paul is a 'shopper' and I always have adored his choice in watches. I like them too. Last year he had the new Oakley Minute Maker with diamonds on the dial. Nice timepiece. But this year he was wearing a time piece from Italy that was stunning. Diamond incrusted (to his specifications) with a beautiful leather band. He told me that Eric Singer is the watch buff of them all and knows so much about timepieces. So, I'll make sure the next time I see Eric I'll be sure to talk 'time'.

So before, we took off to catch up with Craig Chaquico in downtown Orlando and my bestest buddy Randy, I had to get a picture of Al Soluri and I just for me. Al has always been so nice to me. A genuinely kind soul.

 
 So, if you like art, take a look at Paul Stanley's paintings. You might find something you would enjoy looking at in your own home for years to come. You can find his pieces at the Wentworth Galleries website. If you have questions about the pieces, call the gallery and ask to speak to a rep that can explain the pieces to you from Paul's perspective.
I wish everyone a large amount of happiness and success, on their own terms.

Regards,
Michael van Gelder
Photographer