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
Last night, at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando, Florida was a coming out of a music strong hold for me.
Tori Amos was performing and I was comissioned to photograph her for a couple a really cool publications.
My wonderful wife has always liked Tori Amos and has spoken of her to me often. Me, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with even trying to listen to her music. Mostly based on a tune or two from years ago that was very obscure to my liking.
On the way to the show, my wife loaded the CD player in the car with one of her early CD's so I would become familiar with her music and style. I was quite impressed with her more 'main stream' music and love the quality of her piano playing. The production on the album was first rate and she even used "REAL" violins when recording the CD.
So, not knowing what I was in for, waiting in the photo pit to photograph the first song of her Hard Rock Live performance... I was extremely impressed with her beauty, her voice, her style, her stage presence, her band, everything.
So, in reality... I was a closed minded prude thinking she was at best, 'weird.'
WRONG!!!! yes... I was WRONG!!!
I wish to thank my wonderful wife for opening my eyes and ears to what was really there.
I hope you enjoy the photographs as much as I enjoyed the whole evening.
Dane Cook... Who the HELL is he? Well, that is what I kept asking...
I had NO idea of who this guy was or even what he did!
He's a Comedian? Really? How long has he been around? REALLY?
Well this guy must have some popularity. This guy packed, and I mean PACKED the Amway Arena in Orlando last Wednesday night.
It was like a Rock Concert. The lights went low and the crowd started screaming like The Rolling Stones were coming out.
Please enjoy the pictures...
All images © 2007 Michael van Gelder
I did want to share with you a couple of Jennfer Lopez and Marc Anthony.
Let me tell you first...I am not a fan of Jennifer Lopez or Marc Anthony. But they put on one HELL of a SHOW!!!
No, it's not a KISS concert by any means... But the dancing and the songs (although they all sounded the same to me) were very well rehearsed and the sound quality was great.
For a woman that is pregnant, she is in fantastic shape. She was able to keep up with every single dance step and she performed flawlessly.
Yes, she was extremely impressive.
Enjoy the sneak peaks...
I've been slammed busy with all kinds of post production. But I have seemed to squeeze out a few pictures from the ZZ-Top show at The Hard Rock Live in Orlando Florida last Wednesday night.
I usually get things posted a bit quicker, but I have been dealing with some CrAzY ScHeDuLiNg lately. And tonight is not any different.
None the less, ZZ-TOP is on top of it. Dead Spot On. Their performance on Wednesday was completely awseome. I kept turning around to see the audience jumping , dancing, singing, screaming....you name it!
The staging was a bit of old country and new technology. Their blues style and heavy metal guitar sound is a signature sound no one will ever be able to copy. They played every classic song they had. Billy's story telling was interesting and comical.
If you get the chance to see them on tour...
Grab your Cheap Sunglasses and GO!!!
So, enjoy the pics...
All images Copyright 2006-2007 Michael van Gelder - All Rights Reserved.
Cody, the guitarist of Mourning Yesterday contacted me through Starr Guitars, L.L.C. owner and luthier, Kip Elder.
We setup to do a private shoot in Winter Park, Florida. It was quite fun and these guys seem to get along quite well. They seem to be very much in tune with their goals and were talking about their music and their schedules inbetween takes. That shows me that they are quite serious of their path and I look forward to seeing them hit the road and rock every stage they set foot on.
Here are a couple of pics of todays photo shoot.
All images Copyright 2006-2007 Michael van Gelder - All Rights Reserved.
Well it has been a little bit of "Heaven & Hell" for me boys and girls.
There is a really evil person out there trying their best to make me miserable. Not going to happen.
Fuck 'em… I'm happier than I have ever been. I'm healthier, Stronger and a whole lot wiser. So… Fuck 'em
Ever hear the acronym that stands for:
Can't Understand Normal Thinking?
Well, that IS what this person is.
So, on to the FUN stuff… Life is too short to worry about selfish people.
Queensryche!
Great band, Great guys! Musicians from the 80's that are still kicking total ass. Remember Operation Mind Crime & Empire? Their performance tore the Amway Arena to shreds. Geoff Tate can still hit the notes effortlessly.
Here are some pics.
Queensryche
Geoff Tate
Michael Wilton
Heaven and Hell
Wow, I'm surprised these guys are still touring. I'm 41 and can't do it anymore. Ronnie James Dio, the 4'9" front man came out in full Rock n Roll fashion. Singing his brains out like years earlier, without missing a note. Vinnie Appice, an extremely HARD hitting drummer pounded his way though the songs as if fighting a war. Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi looked great, sound great and played through the hits with perfection.
Enjoy the pictures!
Ronnie James Dio
Tony Iommi
Vinnie Appice
Geezer Butler
Best Wishes and NEVER EVER let someone else effect your life.
Michael van Gelder
Photographer
All images Copyright 2006-2007 Michael van Gelder - All Rights Reserved.
What goes SOOOO well with guitars? Beautiful women!
Kip Elder, Owner of Starr Guitars, L.L.C. approached me a few months back about doing a promotional campaign for his custom guitar shop. While I'm an avid guitar player myself and have enjoyed playing in many bands and have had the opp to play with some incredible musicians over the years... I said, "YES!"
So, Kip, Ken Hountz (co-owner of Starr Guitars, L.L.C.) and I started putting together (a first of many) photo sessions and advertisement ideas to kick the campaign off.
We shot ideas around of, calanders, centerfolds for guitar magazines and ads in local and national magazines.
The guitars built by Starr Guitars are quite versital in design and indentity. So we decided to go with some female models that would help boost the image of the guitars.
I scouted around to find 3 wonderful models.
Lyn Sky was refered to me by old friend Jim Robinson. (Thanks Buddy) She is a very beautiful blonde bomb shell with a Rock-n-Roll attitude that came with a wardrobe that put the guitars in the right place! 
Tara Lightfoot came to me over 'myspace.com' as a another great choice. Being a musician herself, really added alot to the use and placement of the guitars while photographing her. She has a real eclectic and timeless beauty about her. A cuteness that is quite playfull and fun.
Next, we have a new model to the scene... Ginet Bilancio.
Ginet came to me almost a year ago about putting a portfolio together. PJ Murray, drummer for the Rock Band "Vision Quest", recommended me to her. She has a background in dance and has a very magnetic beauty. Stunning eyes and fabulous skin. It was hard to believe that she had never modeled before. She was wonderful to photograph. I hope to do more session work with her in the future.
All 3 of the models worked together so well. We had a great time dispite the extremely long hours.
My wife, Angella and I arrived at the studio to set up for the photo shoot around 10:00 am to get the lighting ready. Angella, my extremely talented and wonderful wife, helped with setup, wardrobe, posing and came up with some fantastic ideas. The models started arriving around 1:00pm and we finally finished around 7:00pm. A very, VERY long day.
We all had a blast doing this shoot. We had the best models for this session. The models gave the guitars even more personality than they already had.
Picture after picture looked great. It's going to be a very tough time trying to pick out the best pics for the campaign out of the 1400+ pics that were taken.
Enjoy the pictures.
I want to thank Kip Elder and Ken Hountz of Starr Guiars for the opportunity and for being such great hosts.
And of course, Thanks to Lyn, Tara and Ginet, for their talent, beauty and professionalism. All images Copyright 2006-2007 Michael van Gelder - All Rights Reserved.
Best wishes and much success to everyone.
Michael van Gelder
Photographer
Here are some of my favorite pics...
Droid
Evanescence
KORN
All images Copyright 2006-2007 Michael van Gelder - All Rights Reserved.
All images Copyright 2006-2007 Michael van Gelder - All Rights Reserved.
I just returned from photographing Steve Harvey and opening act Redbone at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center in Orlando, Florida.
Very VERY funny to say the least. A sold out show!!!
Enjoy the pics...
Redbone
Michael van Gelder
Photographer
All images Copyright 2006-2007 Michael van Gelder - All Rights Reserved.
Well, I just got back from photographing Beyonce for The Orlando Florida Guide at The Amway Arena.
I will not be able to post ANY pictures due to license and copyright laws. So, please do not ask.
A picture is posted at:
www.orlandofloridaguide.com
So check them out...
Best wishes to everyone,
Michael van Gelder
Photographer
Well, my wife, Angella and I, celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary on the 4th of July. Hey, if you're going to do fireworks, what better way than the 4th of July? She is without a doubt my soul mate. We have not been apart since the day we met. She keeps the smile on my face.
A few weeks before we were looking at some art work and came across Paul Stanley's work. We seemed to always work our way back to his art. Angella and I, both being art students in school, really appreciate his style and technique. His use of color is marvelous. If you get the chance… take a look. I think there is something there for everyone.
So we made arrangements with the gallery and Paul Stanley to meet on the 6th of July. We picked out the matting and the framing for the piece we wanted. We also requested that we receive the last one, number 100 of 100. This is to symbolize our marriage and friendship to each other.
"The last of the best, No others shall come after."
Dinner was at The Cheese Cake Factory at Millennia Mall in Orlando. Herb Encrusted Salmon, Hibachi Steak, Summer Rolls among other items were on our table for our enjoyment. What a spread that was, very filling to say the least.
Then it was time to get to the gallery for Paul to do his thing. As we walked up to the gallery, there were KISS fans already waiting in line to get a glimpse of Paul and his art. Paul said, "Hello everyone…" to the waiting crowd outside and walked straight to the back of the gallery. Angella and I waited by the wine bar inside the gallery while Paul got ready and looked at the original art Paul had brought with him.
After about ten minutes, Paul came out and started discussing his painting with us. He held it up and told us everything about it. We talked about our marriages and children, a little bit about his tour that I photographed at the Hard Rock Live. It was great as usual. He is such an attentive individual. He then picked up a piece of black card stock paper and started writing on it with a silver sharpie. He was dedicating the work of art to us as a couple. How cool is that!
A few minutes later the gallery allowed a few people in from outside rotating about 15 people every 15 minutes until everyone got a viewing of his art work and decide whether or not they wanted to purchase one.
Tonight was not a Rock-n-Roll event.
It was all about the art.
His art.
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