Monday, February 14, 2011

The Stronghold, Purveyors of Fine Denim




Most of the people, places and things I come across are found on prolific adventures. One of my favorite places to visit is Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice Beach, California. There are all sorts of gems and eclectic things in this little coastal town of California that there is always something new to see and experience with each visit. The Stronghold Building is one of those places of admiration that exudes and preserves a bit of history. First off, the building is of brick and dated from the early 1900’s. There is so much character there that The Stronghold denim parlor really helps blend the history and “vintage-ness” of the building by revealing what true denim is. The place looks and feels incredibly authentic with decor: brick, paisley rugs bordered with hardwood panels, period furniture and antiques. The personality is brought out by the denim company’s expertise of original and true hand dyed and tailored denim jeans which was started in the late 1800’s. Adding to the fine denim, is a variety of additional working wear, shirts, oiled raincoats, leather belts suspenders and boots that accent the fine craftsmanship with a touch of ruggedness. When a place such as The Stronghold and their personal, vibrating with energy of vintage coolness and fine relaxed denim clothing, I could not hesitate for an opportunity to do some photography, I did just that:


William Sack, gm



Lastly, my dream is to do a period shoot of their clothing along with their fine list of customers and friends.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

The Venerable Bill Bracey




[ven-er-uh-buhl] - adjective

commanding respect because of great age or impressive dignity; worthy of veneration or reverence, as because of high office or noble character

impressive or interesting because of age, antique appearance, etc

I was introduced to Bill Bracey by a good friend and had the opportunity to share a couple of meals with him at Ruby's in Corona Del Mar. After getting to know Bill, it dawned on me how great of a photographic subject he would be as well as become an addition to my portfolio of "distringueshed" images. I approached Bill with the concept of doing a photography shoot with him as the subject in a studio and explained the intention of doing such an exercise, he agreed to a sitting.

After prepping the studio with backdrop, camera gear, lighting and other photo paraphernalia, I added another component to the experience by interviewing Bill. I wanted to get to know him better, so that I could reveal his personality through a photographic image. Bill's background is quite extraordinary and worth detailing:

*  Stationed in Germany by the U.S. military and served 195 days of combat.
*  Employed by a prestigious elevator company and worked in sales offices 
    through out Europe. 
*  Married the love of his life, adopted one daughter and had one son. They  
    were together over 50 years.
*  Was an avid skier in the Swiss and Austrian Alps.
*  An ongoing supporter and contributor to the cancer research and recovery
    program @ HOAG Hospital in Newport Beach, California.
*  Has impeccable attention to detail.

Below are a few of the images of Bill that reveal how "venerable" he is. Simple and stright forward, and subtle. A great way to honor such an individual and their life: