My Day With The Heisman

Congrats to Sam Bradford for winning the Heisman Trophy. The Heisman Trophy was modeled after New York University player, Ed Smith in 1934. Frank Eliscu was the sculptor given the task and modeled a clay prototype that was ultimately produced in bronze. This year marks the 74th year for the award that was originally conceived by members of the Downtown Athletic Club.

Several years ago, I was given an amazing assignment to photograph Barry Sanders' Heisman Trophy. I flew to Kansas City to his parents home and was unsure of how I would photograph the award. Of my top memories of the day, was a senior portrait of Barry on the wall in their living room, complete with a vintage fro and tux with ruffles. Classic! (I regret that I didn't get a snap of that). His parents were very kind and showed me where they kept the trophy. It was on a small bookshelf with a few other trophies and the setting didn't make for too dramatic of an image. I asked if it was alright to move the Heisman outside for the photo and the Sanders just told me to take it to a park near the house. It was a funny feeling carry the Heisman out of their home, but it made for a much better photo for my client. I clearly remember laughing to myself, thinking how strange it was that I was driving around Kansas City with Barry Sanders' Heisman. There was no Facebook or Twitter back then, but it would have made for a very funny update, "Tim is driving around in a rental car with Barry Sanders' Heisman". I found an area nearby with a field and decided to shoot the Trophy there in the grass. Low angle, 40mm on Hasselblad.

I am always amazed and thankful for the wonderful places being a photographer has taken me and every year at Heisman time, the memory puts a smile on my face. I also had the opportunity to work with Barry and shoot a portrait of him at the Silverdome. The president of the team came down to check on us as we set up on the field for a portrait. "Do you need the lights on?" he asked. "Sure" I responded, figuring a few lights would come on. He radioed a call and within a few minutes the entire Silverdome was fully lit as if it was game time. Not sure what it cost to light an entire stadium but I'm sure it wasn't in the budget.

A tight shot from the shoot ran as a full page ad in USA Today and a wide image, with the stadium lights, later made the cover of Beckett. Did I mention that I love my job!

Easton Hockey

A few month back I spent the day shooting Henrik Zetterberg, Dany Heatley, Marian Gaborik, Ryan Getzlaf, Erik Johnson and Johnathan Toews for the 2009 Easton Campaign. Working with talented art director Mario Garcia, we shot a variety of images to showcase Easton's SE16 products. The images are currently living on the Easton website http://www.eastonhockey.com/SE16/#/english/ and in their new catalog.

Oakley Ads- Europe

These are some images that I shot in Barcelona for Oakley. Barcelona is one of my favorite places to travel, so it was a bonus that we got to shoot the project there. The ads included images of Supermodel, Esther Cañadas, along with snowboard guru Eero Ettala, and MotoGP riders Sete Gibernau and Nicky Hayden. We shot Nicky in California. Here are some of the images of the shoot and how they were used. Always a thrill for a photographer to see their images BIG in public venues.


Bus wrap on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, a Helsinki train station and the streets of Copenhagen.


Ads in Brussels, Paris buses and bus shelters in Amsterdam


Shooting Nicky Hayden in Orange County, California, 4x5 images on lightbox.

Sole Junkie Book

I've been working on another great book project with designer Michael Long of Transit Creative and Steven Cedre, aka Sole Junkie. Steven is an incredible artist that has been hitting it big with his custom painted kicks. His clients have requested the likes of Steven Tyler, Tito Puente, Roberto Clemente, Superman or even portraits of themselves to be on these wearable works of art. Here are a few snaps from the project. The book is due out in a few weeks. If you are interested in ordering a copy, please email the studio or drop us a line at 619-543-9959. Be sure to check out Steven at http://www.solejunkiecustoms.com/ After all, Christmas is just around the corner and now you know what to get that person that "already has everything".

PHOTO PLUS, NYC - More 20x24 Polaroids!

I was back in New York for the photo expo and took the 20x24 Polaroid to Javits to shoot. It was a great trip and I was able to record another 17 artists for my "Behind Photographs" project. Life Magazine legends, Henry Groskinsky and John Dominis came in along with Danny Clinch, Lauren Greenfield, Gary Knight, Lois Greenfield, John Iacono, Howard Schatz, Bob McNeely and several more. (Don't want of give it all away yet!) I could have never done it without the continued efforts of John Reuter and Jen Trausch from 20x24 Holdings LLC. Thanks for helping to bring this project to life. If you would like to shoot with this camera, you can rent one from John Reuter in New York or Tracy Storer in San Francisco. Expensive, but worth every penny. But watch out, it is addicting, you have been warned!

We had a small room to shoot in, about 12x12. Let's just say it was cozy by the time we got the camera, lights and background in place and if you miss the toxic smell of Polaroid, I got enough for myself and every other photographer in the country over the three days.

You can check out a video of the shoot at http://photobusinessforum.blogspot.com/2008/10/spotlight-tim-mantoanis-polaroid.html Special thanks to John Harrington for coming in and documenting a bit of the shoot.

And congratulations to Johnny Iacono (pictured here) for this Lucie Award this year for Achievement In Sports. Thanks for helping to pave the way for the rest of us! I know V.J. Lovero is looking down on you with a big smile John.

Another Hard Sunday for The 49ers!

Got to watch a bit of football this weekend and even catch a little of the 49er game. Hard to believe the Giants kept Frank Gore to 11 yards on 11 touches. Yikes! I got smoked in my fantasy football league by the last place team who managed to shut me down 100 to 113 thanks to some amazing plays put up by Steven Jackson and LenDale White. I think I am now in the basement and like the 49ers hope for better next Sunday.

Life Rolls On

I made the mecca to Hollywood's Kodak Theater on Sunday for a gala charity event to help raise funds for the Life Rolls On Foundation. If you are unaware of Jesse Billauer's story, visist the foundations website at www.liferollson.org for some inspiration and a reality check. The foundation is raising funds for spinal cord research and to better those disadvantaged by unfortunate accidents. It was great to see not only a few Hollywood stars like Jenna Fischer (The Office), Dominic Purcell (Prison Break) and Nikki Hilton show up to give support, but the highlight for the crowd was the opportunity to visit with 9 - time world champion Kelly Slater, along with Rob Machado and Brandon Boyd of Incubus. A special thanks to Josh and Jessie Billauer for letting me be a part of the Life Rolls On family.

If you are an Incubus fan, check out Bradon Boyd's latest art book, From The Murks of the Sultry Abyss. I worked on this project with the very talented Mark Murphy to record Brandon's artwork for the book. 

Inside Analog Photo

Here is the link to a radio interview with Scott Sheppard on Inside Analog Photo. Scott interviewed me for Rangefinder Magazine's radio show last month and was kind enough to invite me for another show about my "Behind Photographs" project where I am shooting portraits of photographers on 20x24 Polaroid. I will be back in New York shooting again during Photo Plus and will be back with an update. Thanks for reading.

http://www.insideanalogphoto.com/

Remembering Paul Newman

I had the fortunate opportunity to work with Paul several times over the past few years, covering his team at Champ Car races, The Indy 500 and following him through Baja when he raced the 1000 back in 2004. He was generous and passionate.  Whether it was watching one of his drivers take the track or himself behind the wheel, he was a competitor at heart and he liked to win. I think it is safe to say, as far as an amazing life, he has taken the checkered flag.

More 20x24 Tales from NYC

On my last trip to New York I was able to get in another day at the 20x24 Polaroid studio. I have added these images to the Behind Photographs, folio II, on my site www.mantoani.com. These include the amazing work of Harry Benson, Jim Salzano, Chester Higgins Jr, Art Brewer and David Doubilet. Please stop by and check them out. I have now documented 87 photographers for this project and will be in New York again for Photo Plus to shoot more. Again, my sincere thanks to all that photographers that have been so willing to share their time and images with me.

One of the highlights of the shoot was hearing Harry Benson tell his story about The Beatles "Pillow Fight" image, taken in Paris in 1964. Harry was set to go to Africa while working for a newpaper when he got the call. He didn't want to go shoot "a band", he wanted to go to Africa. The Beatles were just starting to get some press and he was told, "You ARE going to Paris".

One night the George V, one of the guys mentioned a pillow fight they had in the hotel room as few night prior. However, there was another photographer in the room, so Harry didn't say a thing. However, I couple of nights later, they were at the hotel late and their manager, Brian Epstein came in with a message to say they were #1 in American and that The Ed Sullivan Show wanted them to come to the US. That is when Harry asked about doing the pillow fight. Lennon said it was a very stupid idea and that was the end of the conversion, until he snuck away and moments later banged Paul in the back of the head with a pillow..... "And that is how it all began".

This evening lead to Harry coming to the US with The Beatles and yet another of his famous shots of them getting off the plane, but that is another story!

NFL ROOKIES 2008

Another season of football is just around the corner. Here are some pics from this years NFL Rookie Premier I snapped some of the images using an old Polaroid. Look for our photos on 2008 Upper Deck products. For more athlete images please visit our website at www.mantoani.com. 

Brian Brohm
Chad Henne
DeSean Jackson
Jake Long
Eddie Royal
Kevin O'Connell
Matt Forte
Matt Ryan
Darren McFadden

Bryan Clay, "world's greatest athlete"

Congrats to Bryan Clay for bringing the gold home to the USA. Bryan won the decathlon, the first American since 1996. It is believed that when King Gustav V of Sweden presented awards at the 1912 Olympic Games of Stockholm, he proclaimed to the decathlon winner at the time, an American Indian named Jim Thorpe, as the world's top athlete. "You sir, are the world's greatest athlete." Since that time, the winner has earned the title, "world's greatest athlete". 10 events over two days.......I have to agree!
This shot of Bryan was taken in our San Diego studio. For more athlete portraits, visit www.mantoani.com.

7 For All Mankind Opens Flagship SoHo Boutique and Gallery with Mantoani Exhibit

New York, New York - Last week marked the grand opening of the flagship boutique and gallery for 7 For All Mankind. My 'Behind Photographs' project was selected to be the first exhibit at this location. The opening for their first NYC location was kicked off with a VIP cocktail Soiree hosted by Vogue and Grey Goose. NYC nightlife aficionado DJ Paul Sevigny was at the turntable for the packed house. The work will be up for the next 30 days at 394 West Broadway. Special thanks to the amazing crew at 7FAM and Vogue for putting on such a great event, Chrome Photo Lab in San Diego and ZBE Chromira for the amazing prints.








Check out the pics and scoop at:
www.papermag.com/blogs/2008/08/about_last_night_seven_for_all.php
www.nymag.com/nightlife/partylines/2008/08/15/

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

WOW! The opening ceremonies in Beijing were amazing. Here is a portrait that we were hired to shoot for the USA Olympic Softball Team. We have had the fortunate opportunity to work with these amazing ladies a several times over the years. Let's see them bring home the gold again.

Raider Nation: Keep An Eye Out!

We were hired by the very talented folks at Swirl in San Francisco to work on the current advertising campaign for the Oakland Raiders. The campaign revolves around real season ticket holders with the tag line, "THERE'S A LITTLE RAIDER IN ALL OF US." We shot a wide range of fans including kids, a minister, a fireman, a Stanford doctor, a flight attendant and a teacher, just to name a few. I've heard that the billboards are up in Northern California. Here is a sample of one billboard and the ticket folder with my image of Jamarcus Russell.

Team CSC: Tour de France

I am sending my best wishes to the Team CSC Saxo Bank riders for this years tour. I had a great shoot with a few of the team members, Fabian Cancella, Stuart O'Grady, Andy and Frank Schleck, Carlos Sastre, Jens Voigt and Bjarne Riis for Speedplay. Here are a few of the ads that are out there running in the cycling pubs. Hope to get the chance to photograph them again soon in yellow!

Amanda Beard: Triathlete Swimsuit Issue 2008

The 2008 Triathlete Magazine Swimsuit Issue has hit the newstand. This year we were in Kona with Olympic Gold Medalist, Amanda Beard, along with Koya Webb, Karena Dawn, Lewis Elliot and Dave Low. Kona proved be be an amazing location. We were hosted by the Sheraton Keauhou.

Behind Photographs : Overview

Douglas Kirkland

The past few years in history have marked an amazing change in the world of photography. We have seen the passing of such industry icons as Richard Avedon and Arnold Newman. Photographers that not only documented a generation, but helped define it.


Bill Eppridge

These image makers worked in large and medium formats, in darkrooms and with silver based film. They were true photographic craftsmen, artists and visionaries. With the introduction of digital capture, the web and advancements in computer hardware and software, the craft has changed and photographers around the globe, have a new world of image making at their fingertips. This change marks the end of one era and the beginning of a new, as corporations, like Kodak and Polaroid, fight to survive with the times.


Al Wertheimer

Behind Photographs began as the personal quest of photographer Tim Mantoani to document the living legends of photography. "We have come to a point in history where we are losing both photographic recording mediums and iconic photographers," Mantoani comments. "While many people are familiar with iconic photographs, the general public has no idea of who created them. Behind Photographs became a means to do that, the photographer and their photograph in one image."


Barbara Bordnick

Using a soon to be extinct photographic medium, 20x24 Polaroid, Mantoani is using the handful of these giant view cameras that exist to document his project. Each instant photograph is 20x24 images in size and cost $75 per exposure. Mantoani explains, " I chose the format for two reasons. First, in just a couple of years, Polaroid film will no longer exist. It seems appropriate to celebrate a process that we will soon no longer be able to enjoy.


Arthur Elgort

Second, to me, this is THE ultimate view camera. If you are going to call the greatest living photographers and ask to make a photo of them and you are shooting 35mm digital, they may not take your call. But if you say you are shooting 20x24 Polaroid, they know you are serious about it."


Amy Arbus

Tim Mantoani's desire to record photographer's came shortly after the death of his photographic mentor and good friend, Dean Collins. Dean was an icon in the world of photographic education and passed away at the age of 53 due to complications from cancer. "Dean and I shared an amazing bond, especially the past few years of his life. I had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer when I was 30, just a short time before Dean was diagnosed," Mantoani comments. "It came out of the blue for both of us and made me realize how precious each moment we have is. Dean was such a visionary and made me understand the power of 'now'."


Carl Fischer

In December of 2006, Tim Mantoani began his project in San Francisco by photographing photographers Jim Marshall and Michael Zagaris. Over the past 14 months, he has documented 55 photographers working in California and New York and has even purchased a 20x24 Wisner camera with a Polaroid system so he can travel to photographers. He plans on shooting into early 2009 when film for his project will no longer be available.


Charles Moore


Deanne Fitzmaurice


Jean Pagliuso


Elliott Landy


Fabrizio Ferri


Jay Maisel