Monday, January 23, 2012

Flat file archives: polaroids and paper journals, Part 1.


While I like the modern advantages of having a smartphone that can serve as the one-stop shop for media production and global communication, I feel privileged to have been raised in the era of creative visualization, the decisive moment, film processing, the darkroom, 4x6 prints, handwritten journals, polaroids and snail mail. I have kept two decades of journals and images in safe keeping.

From time to time, I open the flat files or cabinets and flip through the pages of days past and draw certain images closer to my eye somehow enabling me to smell the reality of that moment more vividly because the click of the camera shutter and the advance of the film roll meant that my eye, index finger and thumb were in synchronicity at that moment and I knew I got it without question. Or maybe I didn't...

When you work as a professional photo assistant on global commercial campaigns, especially with celebrities allowing you only a fraction of their attention-- mistakes and excuses are not accepted as fortunes are earned and lost in an instant. Cut throat pressure takes on a whole new meaning on the road and on set.

But on the other side, if are the best at what you do, you are given access to an incredible world of sights and opportunities. When the job is done and the film is in the can, you feel invincible as even the superstars want to take a picture with you. Here are just a few of those snapshots...

Theo Stanley, Pedro Almodovar and I shot by Bruce Weber.

Snoop Dog

At other times, they enjoy an autograph with a personal note to encourage you to stay true to your dreams...  and say thanks.


polaroids shot by Jonathan Mannion

Friday, November 13, 2009

Road tripping con Lucas & Tico Angel







November 4, 2009 - Game 6- Lucas & I break the curse in Providence en route to the Vineyard:
Yankees Win/

This post is about my son & I-- Papi and Papito-- on a road trip while mami is on location styling and profiling...

It is a photo journal entry (digi style)-- > I hope you enjoy the imagery.

lmr2

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Short Doc Sin Ti closes 2009 Providence Latin American Film Festival

I don't think I mentioned it yet... but I made a short film a few years back about my cuban family living in the USA and in Cuba.

Well, just two weeks ago I lived a dream. My film was chosen to close out the documentary segment of the Providence Latin American Film Festival in Providence, RI at Brown University, my alma mater. After the screening I participated in a panel discussion with academics and film makers.


Wednesday, January 7, 2009

ART ANGEL GABRIEL


Have you ever been censored? I mean, have you ever had someone cover a piece of your artwork as it hangs in a gallery show or museum?

My friend Angel just did. We both wondered what that meant exactly and why was it covered in the first place. The piece was specifically chosen for the show but at some unannounced moment a screen was placed over the painting and remained there for a significant period of time-- days and it may still be covered.

Angel Q is a painter and tattoo artist, mural painter and visual coordinator working with juveniles in correctional facilities. We've know each other almost 15 years. Check out his website. I took all the photographs of his artwork as well as his portraits.


http://www.artangelgabriel.com