My video production company, 8112 Studios, just won an MTV Music Video Award (Australia) for best dance music video. We were hired to edit the “Ian Carey Project ‘Get Shaky’ “
May more exciting announcements coming! I know I say that a lot, but I guess it has been an exciting year!
I posted this for all the gear-heads like me out there. This test has been a long time coming.
My production company, 8112 Studios, was hired to cover the Fashion for Paws event at the Italian Embassy in Washington DC this past weekend. It was a fun event full of human and four-legged runway fashion all in honor of raising money for the Humane Society. Check out the video below!
The Neon Museum in North Las Vegas, NV
I had a photoshoot with the British trio “Dirty Vegas” for their new marketing material a couple of weeks back in Las Vegas. I had the pleasure of shooting at the amazing Neon Museum (aka. the Neon Graveyard) in Las Vegas.
Check out the video below for the behind-the-scenes fun. I haven’t had too much time to edit photos, but I will get around to it this week. Hope everyone had a great weekend!
The Dirty Vegas myspace page: www.myspace.com/dirtyvegas
Strobist is a fantastic blog that showcases tips on how to take photos using speedlight flashes (aka. on-camera flashes you normally place on your hotshoe).
“This website is about one thing: Learning how to use off-camera flash with your dSLR to take your photos to the next level. Or the next ten levels.” - Strobist.blogspot.com
Strobist put together a great blog and posted a video by Paul Duncan that do an amazing job explaining the basics of shooting with off-camera speedlight flashes. For those of you shooting on a budget or just want to shoot with an off-camera flash without lugging around huge lighting systems like I do, this is something you want to pay attention to.
Check it out below:
The souce of the original article: CLICK HERE
A fun animation about running and healthy lifestyle. It was made for Nike.
Mmmmm. I love waffles.
Using the actual Lamborghini Countach from the original 1981 Cannonball Run movie, we created a poster to promote the Celebration Exotic Car Festival, an over the top car show created to raise money for the charity Make-A-Wish. The finished poster will be sold to the public and 100% of the profits will go to charity. Stay tuned!
Note: We bought a replica 55 mph sign and post, we did not vandalize an existing sign. Just thought it would be worth mentioning 
You can pick one up for yourself (without our nifty spray paint job of course) here: http://www.stopsignsandmore.com/
Link to the charity car show: www.CelebrationExoticCars.com
Of course I got a photo with it 
The opening scene in the original Cannonball Run movie was the inspiration for the photo:
Below are some photos from the March 20-21, 2009 Knight Rider Festival in Las Vegas (Fremont Street). I had a chance to stop by for awhile to say hello to some of the people involved in my new movie/tv car photo series.
3 generations of Knight Rider KITTs
Rows of KITT replicas.
Interior photo of an original 1st season screen-used vehicle.
A KARR replica made by www.willitmakeit.com
People take photos with various KITT replicas.
Video created by a film student. Kind of reminds me of an ikea brochure.
“School assignment to reinterpret the
fairytale Little red ridning hood.
Inspired by Röyksopps Remind me.”
The original Röyksopp music video “Remind Me” (above)
Time lapse video. Pretty neat. Would have liked to have seen more of the mechanicals going into the car though.
Douglas Sonders Photography and 8112 Studios (my video company) have purchased a new mobile production vehicle / party wagon. Will be converting it to a mobile production facility and general party bus (LCD’s, mobile 3g wifi internet, editing bays). We also plan on wrapping it with a new design scheme on the outside. Has a 7,000 watt generator, sleeps 6, kitchenette, satellite tv, and the side of the bus is motorized and extends outward when stationary for larger lounge area. Lots of work to do. I’m excited!
The Think Tank Photo Airport Security 2.0 camera bag may not be cheap ($369) but it is by far the best travel camera bag I have found. It is primarily a big roller bag, BUT it is made to be just small enough to be allowed on a plane as a carry-on in the US. It has carrying handles on the top, side, and bottom of the bag for easily putting it in and out of overhead storage bins on airplanes.
Also, on those occasions you encounter a set of stairs in a hurry, the bag has backpack straps that come out of a pouch in seconds, but definitely dont think it is a good bag to walk around with on your back for hours. “There are circumstances, such as stairs and gravel, when a roller does not work. That’s precisely why we include “emergency” shoulder straps. Although the roller is not intended to be used regularly as a backpack, the straps are there just in case. They are removable, allowing you to store them in the main compartment.” (ThinkTank website).
I also love the pocket organizer on the front of the bag. I keep my pens, memory card pouch, and misc. parts in there (the photo above is from the ThinkTank website, not a shot of my bag).
A peek inside my primary camera bag...
Internal Dimensions:
13” W x 7-8” D x 21” H
33 x 18-20 x 53 cm
External Dimensions:
14” W x 9” D x 22” H
35.5 x 23 x 56 cm
Weight:
12 – 14 lbs/5.4 – 6.4 kgs
(weight varies on accessories used)
Buy it for $369 plus shipping from Adorama: CLICK HERE
When I graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with an advertising photography degree in 2004, I couldn’t have predicted that I would be flying around the U.S. (and sometimes world) several times a WEEK with all of my primary camera gear handling photoshoots and video productions. It has been a wild ride so far and educational to say the least. I hardly shoot out of my own studios anymore, 90% of my work is on-location, most of which is out of my home markets of DC/NYC/LA.
Ill be doing more posts on travel gear / gadgets and services that make life easier on the road for traveling creatives. Stay tuned!
The view from my room at MGM Signatures
Happy weekend to everyone. Im in sunny Las Vegas handling some photoshoots for a few days. I am usually in Sin City every couple of months for at least a few days at a time. Every time I come, there is a drastic change in the skyline due to the all of the new construction (especially the mutli-billion dollar City Center project). Although, there is a problem… its a ghost town out here. I just read an article on ABC News online stating that of the 15 emptiest cities in the US, Vegas tops the list (http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/Story?id=6914381&page=1).
“It’s a mess,” says Vegas developer Laurence Hallier. “Right now, things are just frozen. Everybody’s scared.”
On a positive note, hotel rooms/luxury suites are super cheap! Although, Vegas just isn’t as fun without the usual hordes of partying gambling “sinners.” I look forward things to turning back around!
UPDATE: I checked out of the MGM and moved into the Red Rock Casino and Spa to watch a buddy in a blackjack tournament for a couple nights. What a great place. Just down the road from one of my favorite shooting locations in Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon, the Casino is luxurious and modern and away from the normal drunken frat party chaos of the Vegas Strip. The rooms are modern and clean, there is an IMAX theater on property (saw Watchmen finally), and a spa. I plan on staying there more often. Check it out: www.redrocklasvegas.com
The Carbon Motors team was in DC this week showcasing their police car prototype of the future on Capitol Hill. Check out their website: CarbonMotors.com
The event information from their site:
“With the kind and gracious support of U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), the Carbon E7 will be returning to the U.S. Capitol this week. The world’s first purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle will be on the grounds of the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C. this Wed 18 March 2009 at the corner of Delaware and C Street NE between 1pm – 4pm!
As we like to say, we are looking forward to showing our legislators what 10,000 new American jobs looks like dressed up in red, white, and blue…….and 300 fuel-efficient horsepower!
Thursday (19 March 2009) we will be at the U.S. House of Representatives from 9:30am – 3:30pm (corner of New Jersey Avenue and C Street)!”
Video footage was captured with the Canon 5D Mark 2 and the Canon G9. We were given a full police escort to the US Capitol. I got to snap photos and video from the back seat of a U.S. Capitol Police cruiser.
Getting a photo with the Carbon Motors team in front of the Capitol
You may remember the photos I did for them in the past (see below):
Goodies from C.P.S.
Canon recently “revamped” their special service/repair/loaner program for their “professional” customers. I have been a CPS member for years now, but had to re-apply when they announced the new program. To qualify, you have to prove that your work is published and you have to own a certain amount of Canon’s professional-level camera bodies and lenses. Below is a description of the new C.P.S. membership levels and their benefits. I opted for the “Gold” level membership for now (don’t plan on destroying too many lenses this year), but I can always upgrade to “Platinum.” After paying my membership fee, Canon sent me a cool welcome package including: new membership card, CPS rush repair forms and pre-filled mailing labels, extra lens and camera body caps, extra camera body eyecups, a 2009 planner, equipment brochures, a sweet new CPS camera strap, and even a hard cover book filled with photography captured using their current professional-level lenses and cameras. Thanks for the goodies Canon!
CPS Program Descriptions
“Canon U.S.A. has revamped its Canon Professional Services (CPS) program. The changes we have made provide the full-time professional photographer, depending on membership level, valuable benefits and services. We have updated the application process and moved it solely on-line to make it easier for full-time professional photographers to become members. The new program offers three levels of membership – Silver, Gold and Platinum – to qualifying members, with each level receiving better and more extensive benefits. This new CPS program is designed to provide the appropriate level of service for each professional demographic and support members with faster service, loan equipment, and a range of other benefits as listed in the membership section.”
Canon’s CPS website: http://canonusa.com/cps/
Due to the shuttle launch being rescheduled, I was able to go and see it while on other shoots in Florida. If I knew I could have seen the launch, I would have brought my Canon 400mm IS with a x2 attachment from home. All I had was my Canon 70-200 2.8L IS with a x1.4 attachment, which I normally have in my primary camera bag. Oh well! I want to go see another launch with the proper lens equipment next time. I hear there is another one in May.
What a beautiful launch! It was my first time seeing the shuttle go up and I hear it may be the last night launch for the space shuttle ever. Glad I could be there while history was being made.
As a kid I was a HUGE Knight Rider fan. I dreamed about driving my own black Trans Am around the country and solving crimes with the family German Shepherd as my sidekick. I will be going to the Knight Rider festival this weekend (March 20-21) in Vegas and getting some portraits of owners and their tv/movie cars for a personal photo series I am working on. Let me know if you will be there!
From the event website (http://www.knightriderfestival.com/):
“Welcome to Knight Rider Festival… “World’s Greatest Celebration of Knight Rider!”
I am producing an event specifically for KITT owners and fans of Knight Rider Television show. Knight Rider Festival is an open event which charges nothing yet offers much. For a more complete overview, please visit our schedule page.
My mission is to recognize the KITT car owners and how they support the TV series both past and present.
Knight Rider Festival’s Theme is very simple.
KITT Car owners will be raising proceeds for the Children’s Miracle Network, a nationally recognized charity which assists children and their families. Yes, “one man can make a difference.” Children are our future…protect our future and help those who need your support.
All proceeds will go directly to the Children’s Miracle Network.. Many of our sponsors have donated time and product to support the event. The proceeds will go to the children. It is rather remarkable to have such a supportive group joining together for one cause. “Thank you.”
Please join the thousands of fans and friends as they gather to celebrate Knight Rider and its legacy.
International media will be present to observe this historical event produced by Paul Casey Productions, Las Vegas, Nevada.”
Here is the video from the Young & The Guest List photoshoot I posted about a few days ago. Gabriel Scindian did a great job with the photos!
Photographed with my 8112 Studios (Video Production) business partner, Nicholas Cambata
Seems everyone could use a little positive inspiration in this social and economic climate.
Washington Life Magazine has named myself and one of my 8112 Studios business partners, Nicholas Cambata, two of their selects 2009 “Young & The Guest List.” What a huge honor!
“Young Power Players Show Substance and Style are in Vogue
Nicholas Cambata (left) and Douglas Sonders
The creative team behind 8112 Studios, Cambata and Sonders handle everything from celebrity portraiture and music videos to TV shows and documentaries.They once filmed the Dalai Lama in India and shot the latest CD cover for the multi-platinum rock band 3 Doors Down. Cambata has been working with Lifesaver Systems to create a program to bring clean water to developing nations, while Sonders mentors for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America.”
Check out the March 2009 issue of Washington Life Magazine on newstands now.
Photography: Gabriel Scindian (a good buddy and very talented, he shot the article using the 5D Mark 2 : www.gabrielscindian.com
Hair: Jesse Harbaugh (also very talented)
Winston and I are busy on the road this month
Hey everyone. Apologies for not posting updates the last few days, BUT, some great things in store. Just purchased a sweet new special production vehicle (will post photos and video soon, you will not be disappointed). Also, some unseen work is about to be published and I will certainly share behind the scenes footage/lighting setups/creative development. I even have a new book cover photo coming soon. Stay tuned this week!
In the meantime, enjoy this random cute boxer puppy video.
I had a photoshoot in New York with former New York Yankee Bernie Williams a few months back. The shoot actually took place in and around my studio in the Bronx and Yankee Stadium days before they started to tear it down.
My photograph on the cover. Click the image to order his album.
Bernie had decided to spend his post-baseball time writing and performing music. They used one of my shots on the cover of his new album “Moving Forward.”
You can pick up the album HERE.
Enjoy a 10 minute youtube video that shows every “turbo boost” that took place during the original Knight Rider series. The ending is the best part. Classic…
Regular readers of my blog may recall me posting some photos from this shoot awhile back. This is the amazing Carbon Motors E7, the first purpose-built police car. Did I mention it was American-made? I have had additional images retouched and posted them for your review. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
(CarbonMotors.com Website)
| OEM | Carbon Motors Corporation |
| Vehicle Platform Codename | E7 |
| Brand | Carbon Motors™ |
| Nameplate | To Be Determined |
| Assembly Location | Under Negotiations |
| Price | Comparable to Retail Passenger Car Outfitted with Law Enforcement Equipment. Detailed pricing will be announced in a few months. |
| POWERTRAIN / CHASSIS | |
| Engine | Forced Induction 3.0 Diesel |
| Recommended Fuel | Ultra-low sulfur (ULS) Diesel or BioDiesel |
| Driveline | Rear-Wheel-Drive |
| Horsepower | 300 bhp |
| Torque | 420 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Front Brakes | 14″ Vented Discs, ABS |
| Rear Brakes | 13″ Vented Discs, ABS |
| Wheels | 18 x 8″ Steel |
| Tires | 245/50R18 |
| Front Suspension | Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link, coil springs, self-leveling shocks, anti-roll bar |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Wheelbase | 122.0″ |
| Front Track | 66.9″ |
| Rear Track | 66.9″ |
| Overall Length | 200.0″ |
| Overall Width | 78.0″ |
| Overall Height | 64.2″ |
| Ground Clearance | 7.0″ |
| Curb Weight | 4000 lbs |
| Weight Distribution (front/rear) | 50% / 50% |
| Front Headroom | 40.0″ |
| Rear Headroom | 38.5″ |
| Front Legroom | 45.0″ |
| Cargo Volume | 20.0 cu ft |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.0 gallons |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| 0 – 60 mph | 6.5 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 14.5 seconds @ 98.0 mph |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
| Braking 60 – 0 mph | 125 feet |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.85 g |
| Combined City/Hwy Fuel Economy | 28 – 30 mpg |
RSS - Posts