The client needed a photo in 24 hours. The building wasn’t done yet and they needed to send a photo to a publication. It would eventually be used as the cover shot for an architectural magazine. The facility was littered with construction debris, tools and workers. The perimeter of the building was closed off by a chain link fence, taking away the best vantage point. I made my way around a ton of concrete pavers to find this little spot, I actually pushed the entire fence line back about a foot to get enough room to capture the entry way of the building. I wanted people to know what it was going to look like as they walked into the venue. Greeted by this incredible glass curtain. I had no time to edit the photo, so this photo is straight out of the camera, using an extremely dark filter to create a dramatic frame. This photo, although not perfect, is still one of my favorite and most published photos of all time. Knowing you don’t have time to edit, makes you really think and be creative.

I’ve been a huge fan of Jamie Foxx for over 20 years – as a stand up comedian, as an actor and as a musician. What he has been able to accomplish is rather remarkable. Getting a chance to meet him was insane.

Title: The Kids
This is a video we produced for the American Cancer Society.
We focused on the kids and how vulnerable they and their families are when cancer strikes.
Produced by: Black Ops Studio
Producer / Director: Duane Fernandez
DP / editing: Wes Kane

A few weeks prior to this event I came up with an idea to do a trailer for our next art show. No posters, no postcards – just a raw look into the artist’s mind and life. Most people go to art shows and never know what the artist is like, what their voice sounds like or what they look like. It’s a shame, because that is almost more important than the forms they paint or capture – understanding the creator makes the work that much more powerful. At least it does for me.
We shot about 30 minutes worth of footage. Thanks to Jason Burks.
My trusty Assistant Editor Rebecca and I cut and deleted and trashed and added and subtracted and a few hours later we arrived at something we both agreed on was “perfect”.
I love this piece.
And I hope you all do as well.

I was wrapping up the Bruce Springsteen project and pulling off the last stencil when I stumbled upon this photo opp. I like working on stencils of this scale. It’s fun. I’m usually cutting super large stencils and I found working on these ultra small pieces require a stupid amount of concentrating.
A lot of work goes into such a small piece. It’s cool.

So I just got back to the studio from the Slipknot concert..
Um. WOW.
I’ve been fortunate to have photographed a handful of amazing “rock” bands in the last year = Papa Roach, Seether, Staind, AC/DC, Metallica, NIN… BUT NONE of them have ANYTHING on Slipknot. Definitely one of the craziest things I have ever seen. Being situated between eagerly awaiting fans, held back by a 4 foot tall barricade, and the stage made for a tense situation. (Was that an Oxford comma?) There was about 6 feet between the stage and the wall of humans. (Chanting “6-6-6-Slipknot” By the way.) It was intermission and the fans couldn’t wait for the red curtain to drop. Honestly, I couldn’t either. It was a total rush. I didn’t know what to expect. Crowd surfers were being dropped over the barricade inches away from me. People were throwing clothes, shoes, coins, beer towards the stage. I held my position an inch away from the center mic and waited. The lights went out and everyone went insane. At that moment I thought I should grab a flick. I turned, dropped my shutter, cranked up my ISO and took one photo to hopefully document my very first Slipknot show – seen above.

All I can say is that they were incredible. I was totally surprised by my experience and I’m so grateful for it. I’d recommend all of you venture out, break out of your norm and see them perform. Because they truly did. Passion is a crazy thing. I’m always surprised when I stumble over it.