Author: editor

editor
Photography

The Road to Taliesin West

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The Road to Taliesin West

It was an honor to have had the privilege recently to join a group of exceptionally talented photographers led by architectural photographer Andrew Pielage and the team at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to photograph Taliesin West, a UNESCO World Heritage site, over three days of intensive architectural photography workshops.

This dash cam video was filmed while driving along the road leading from Frank Lloyd Wright onto the road up to the main compound of Taliesin West, which is located on more than 500 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Taliesin West was winter home and studio of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and is undoubtedly a sacred space in too many ways to describe, especially if you’ve never visited before.

Photography

“Indigenous Inhabitants” by Tom Van Sant

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In 1968, artist Tom Van Sant created a series of 39 panels he called “Indigenous Inhabitants” that captured Orange County, California’s regional wildlife (some which are extinct now).

The panels were cast in concrete using a technique called Intaglios – Italian for incised carving.

Several of VanSant’s intaglios, including this bird of prey, can be found incorporated into the walls of the headquarters building of the Irvine Company, located in Newport Center, Newport Beach, California.

Tom Van Sant’s work, which can be found throughout Fashion Island and Newport Center, was commissioned by Architects William Pereira and Welton Becket.

Photography

Godspeed, Ken Block.

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The first time I met motorsports legend, DC Shoes and Hoonigan founder Ken Block was in the pits at the ARX Rallycross at Circuit of the Americas on July 14, 2018. I took this photograph of Ken as he studied his performance statistics driving his Ford Focus RS RX while between practice sessions.

Honestly, I didn’t know who Ken Block was when I snapped this picture, but this photo definitely changed the trajectory of my interest and passion for motorsports, car culture and especially automotive photography.

After getting home later that day, I googled Ken’s name just to learn who he was, and to put context into this picture.

This photo introduced me to Ken’s amazing successes on and off the track, the automotive photography of Larry Chen, and in the spirit of the “butterfly effect,” led into many subsequent opportunities for me to meet and photograph some of the most amazing automobiles and car craft personalities.

In addition to being one of the most amazing drivers and competitors I’ve ever met, Ken Block had an infectious laugh, exuded an overwhelming competitively positive attitude, and was generous with his time with the fans every time I saw him at SEMA or at the track, or watched his unbelievable rally team successes, Gymkhana videos, Hoonigan endeavors, and so much more.

All the condolences to his family, friends, millions of fans, and business associates. He’ll be missed but not forgotten.

Godspeed, Ken Block.

Photography

What soccer legend Pelé taught me about Marketing…

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During the 1994 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles, I had the privilege of spending a few days with Brazilian soccer legend Pelé as we travelled around Los Angeles with Mastercard, presenting scholarships grants to support local soccer programs.

At every stop, Pelé was greeted by throngs (many hundreds+) of adoring fans who could barely contain themselves just being in the presence of this legendary athlete. I still remember it as my “on stage with the Beatles” moment.

After a few appearances, I asked him how he managed to stay engaged with such a high level of ebullience during the never-ending screaming fans trying desperately to get his attention and an autograph.

Pelé told me that even though it was an everyday occurrence to him, he knew it was a once in a lifetime experience for his fans and their forever memory, even if it was just from the stage.

Pelé shared that he knew how important it was to make each of those moments count for his fans.

And, that’s the lesson he taught me… every interaction with our customers and prospects may be an “everyday” and largely forgotten occurrence to each of us, it can be – and often is – a forever memory to those we serve – so make every interaction with a customer – no matter how happy or not the customer is – count as an opportunity to connect with your fans.

P.S., That’s a much younger me on stage with #Pelé and two recipients of the generous grants from #Mastercard and the 1994 World Cup mascot at Southern California’s Glendale Galleria – a #WorldCup memory and #marketing lesson I’ll never forget!

Photography

Salem the Mountain Lion 2004 – 2022

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Salem, we’ll miss seeing you – and taking your picture…

If you never met Salem, here’s what her caretakers @thelivingdesert wrote… “Salem was born on April 14, 2004. She was found as an orphaned cub by Oregon Fish and Wildlife and came to The Living Desert on June 16, 2004. Salem was known and loved by so many. From her playful nature with guests and love of toddlers at the window, disdain for people wearing baseball caps, and fondness for her clifftop perch, Salem was one of a kind. And to know her was to love her.”

#mountainlion#puma#cougar#thelivingdesert#salemthemountainlion