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.