Change of Address

Hey Gang:

Thanks to all that are following my posts and keeping up with my Blog. I will be moving my Blog to www.mantoaniblog.com in order to keep the design in sync with my website. Please drop in and resign up to follow me since "following" me on blogger does not transfer over.

Thanks for your support.

Tim

Behind Photographs Opens at Brooks Gallery 27

Here are a few pics from the opening at Brooks Institute. I was able to hang over 80 images from my project. Since the show will be up for two months, I plan on swapping out some of the images at the first of September. This will give me the opportunity to share all of the images to date. Special thanks to everyone that came to the opening and to Brooks for hosting a great evening.

Behind Photographs - Brooks Institute

I've been in Santa Barbara the past few days hanging prints for a show at Brooks Institute's Gallery 27. This is a partial show of my Behind Photographs Project. There are 40+ 20x24 Polaroids in the show and 40+ 11x14 prints. It is great to be back in Santa Barbara and very fulfilling to have this show at Brooks. Hard to believe it has been 18 years since I graduated! The opening is tomorrow night 8/6/09 from 5-8, please drop in if you are in town.

Jens Voigt - Out of the Tour

I was bummed to get several youtube links to Jens falling in the race today. I photographed him last year just prior to the tour start in Southern California. I wish him a "speedy" recovery, that was one nasty spill.

It also looks like Carlos Sastre is starting to turn it on. Last year's winner was in studio a few months ago after testing in San Diego's wind tunnel. I was shooting some ads and took the opportunity to get a frame of Carlos on 20x24 Polaroid.

Should be an interesting next few days as they head to the hills.

Remembering Julius "One Shot" Shulman

Today I got news that Julius Shulman passed away at 98. While I was saddend by the news, I also found myself smiling. Julius LIVED life. It was an honor to have the opportunity to make a portrait of him at his home in Los Angeles not long ago, one of the most memorable days of my photographic career.

I called Mr. Shulman about my Behind Photographs Project and he agreed to sit for me as long as I came to his home studio to make the portrait. Marshall Williams, Luis Garcia and I made the drive to LA that day with my 20x24 Wisner Camera. When we arrived, we found ourselves setting up a backdrop in his office/studio. He lived in a mid century home, that he had designed by architect Raphael Soriano in 1947, it was a wonderful home with lots of windows, beautiful light spilled into office.

As we began to set up, Mr. Shulman stopped me. "Don't make a production out of this, I don't have a lot of time," he said. I tried to explain the project to him over the phone, but I don't think he understood that I was bringing a 20x24 camera to his home. I quickly went to the car and told Luis that we needed to get the camera up. I knew that once he saw that camera, he would give us the time we needed to make the picture. When he first glanced at the camera, he said, "Look at that box, that is beautiful." So we finished lighting the set, found a print for him to hold (He wanted to hold a photo of a Chinese Junk he shot on vacation), sat Mr. Shulman in a chair and shot an exposure. We processed the image in my 20x24 Polaroid processor which we set up in his garage where we had built a small black tent to cover it. His garage also had a full wall of windows and we did our best to keep light from entering the film holder. When I pulled the Polaroid, there was a large blue light leak that crept into the top of the frame. I took the image back to Mr. Shulman in his office and he loved it. "It is perfect, I love the light leak, it's all about me 'letting in the light'."



So that was it and we began to pack the car. I asked Mr. Shulman to sign the bottom of the print and write about his image, Case Study Home #22. He told me that each time he made a picture, he only took one frame. He explained there was no reason to shoot more. You wait until the frame is perfect and then, and only then, do you make the picture. He wrote," My Portrait: a photographer's responsibility to capture "my essence"! A pleasing reward to respond to my personal procedure - I am called by my good friend, Benedikt Taschen: "One Shot Shulman." This "scene" was also a one shot endeavor!



Many people that live long lives do not always live full lives. Julius Shulman did both.

July Rangefinder Magazine Article on Behind Photographs

Be sure to check out the 8 page story in the new issue of Rangefinder Magazine. They have done a wonderful feature on my Behind Photographs Project. Special thanks to Bill Hurter for the support. You can view the article as a PDF on their website http://www.rangefindermag.com/storage/articles/RF0709_Mantoani_Brownstein.pdf

Steve "Air" McNair

New 2009 NFL Rookie Portfolio up on www.mantoani.com

I just posted a new gallery of 2009 Rookie images on my site. These portraits, shot on a white backdrop, were from one of the 4 sets we shot each player on that day. August is just around the corner and I am ready for some football! Here is a quick preview of the images.

"ULTRA" Mark Murphy Mini Zine in Progress

I had a fun shoot this week with Mark Murphy for a new project entitled "ULTRA". We shot a large collection of Japanese toys from the original "Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot" and "Ultraman". I can't believe the creativity and imagination that went into these characters. It took me back to my childhood and we were laughing all day. I love my job.

If you want a flashback check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0RgWnkQ0_s

If you are going to Comic Con this year, stop by booth 4833 to take a peek. This photography will be featured along side of the amazing artwork of Joel Nakamura.

APA - An Evening With Tim Mantoani

APASD has asked me to present a lecture this month at my studio. The event is on June 25th, doors open at 6:30. Studio: 3615-B India St. San Diego, CA 92103. 619-543-9959. Special thanks to APASD, Chrome and George's Camera Exchange for sponsoring.

I will be showing a variety of work and be discussing the process and inspiration behind my Behind Photographs Project. I'm currently in Boston and NY shooting more photographers for this project. More to come. Hope to see you next week.

The Lighthouse Cookbook - Recipes from Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast

I spent the weekend at a book signing on the Oregon Coast at The Heceta Head Lighthouse B&B. I discovered this unique and charming location on assignment for RCI Endless Vacation Magazine a few years back. It was one of our stops on a whale watching story that took us from Canon Beach to Florence. The B&B is not only known for its charm, but the incredible seven course breakfast prepared with recipes from Michelle and Carol Korgan. I not only fell in love with the magic of Heceta's beauty, but the food as well. Michelle and I discussed the possibility of working on a cookbook together and after several trips North and even more hours in the kitchen, we are happy to say it is here. If you are interested in purchasing a signed copy, please email us at the studio, Luis@mantoani.com or ring 619-543-9959. Price is $28 + shipping.



For more information on booking a stay at the Heceta Head Lighthouse B&B, visit http://hecetalighthouse.com. There are only 6 rooms so book your trip in advance. You will love it!



The white building on the right side of this image is the B&B. Heceta, is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world due to this amazing vista on highway 101.





Yep, I shoot food too!

Sofisticati

I was asked by a new online magazine, Sofisticati to be a part of their inaugural issue. They first became familiar with my work at my LA show for MOPLA. Take a moment to check it out, there are several other photographers featured in the issue and some very nice work. http://www.sofisticati.com/features/15-tim-mantoani

Triathlete Magazine Swimsuit Issue 2009

Check out the newstand for the new issue of Triathlete Magazine. We shot the entire feature in Arizona. Special thanks to our host, The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa.

San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine

I'm featured in San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine this month. Special thanks to the amazing Phyllis Van Doren for this opportunity. Phyllis was one of the first editors in San Diego to give me an assignment when I moved to town in 1991.

NFL Photo Shoot : The Last of My 55 Polaroid (Almost)

Matt Stafford

I had a shoot with a bunch of NFL Rookies last week and took the opportunity to shoot some Polaroid 55 images with an old Linhoff 4x5 camera. Sad to say, I am down to the end of my stock pile. It is sad to think that soon I will soon never be able to shoot this film again.

Mark Sanchez

Michael Crabtree

Jason Smith

Andre Brown

Competitor Magazine

Here is the latest issue of Competitor Magazine. We shot the cover of Taylor Phinney and Craig Alexander in my studio when they were in town for the annual Competitor Endurance Awards. Two amazing athletes and two great guys in front of the lens.

LOST SLUG

I came upon this sign while dropping off Lucas at school. Keep an eye out and please.... watch your feet!

EA ACTIVE NOW IN STORES

A few months back in San Francisco, I shot the box art for a new Wii fitness game from EA Sports, Active. The game looks very fun and I am looking forward to giving it a try on our Wii at home. Check out the Active site at http://www.easportsactive.com for info on the game and how it works.

Times Square Billboard

Here is a snap of my shots on the new Madden 10 game box in New York!

Life Rolls On - Jesse Billauer

Every year I shoot images for a few non profits. This week, I was working again with the amazing people at Life Rolls On. Life Rolls On was founded by Jessie Billauer. In 1996, on the verge of becoming a professional surfer, Jesse Billauer suffered a spinal cord injury while surfing. While physically rendered a quadriplegic, Jesse’s spirit was not broken, and the phrase “Life Rolls On” was born. A few years later, the love of the ocean was too much for Jesse to bear. With the help of friends and professional surfer Rob Machado, Jesse found himself back in the ocean, surfing again! Within just a few years these efforts would be showcased in the motion picture, Step Into Liquid (and later Highwater in 2009)

Life Rolls On became the official charity of the US Open of Surfing in 2002, which culminates each year with a disabled surfing exhibition in front of 100,000+ spectators. Since 2002, LRO has delivered a powerful message to over 600,000 people, that life does indeed, Roll On!

Over the years, these efforts have been recognized by Good Morning America, Dateline NBC, TLC’s While You Were Out, Nonprofit Times, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Orange County Register, San Diego Union Tribune, Ability Magazine, Surfer Magazine, Surfing Magazine, Transworld Surf, Riverside Press, E! Entertainment, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, FUEL TV, MTV and dozens more.

Life Rolls On's They Will Surf Again program has made a profound impact on the lives of thousands of people with disabilities, along with the volunteers who help make dreams possible.

EA SPORTS: Madden 10 Cover - Behind The Scenes

It is amazing for people that don't work in this industry to see what it takes to pull off a production like shooting the cover of Madden 10. Someone asked me if I worked with anyone else on this shoot. When I answered, they were shocked to hear that about 30 people contributed to make the photo shoot happen.

We had an amazing crew, Uncle Mark Hofmann, who is literally my uncle. If you are looking for a great producer, look no more http://www.markhofmannproductions.com. In no time flat, he found us a location, had the production team lined up and made everyone feel like, even the forecast for rain, was under control. Alicia Addis, who did the catering and is also part of the Hofmann Production Duo. Bobby Flay watch out, she put a twist on your chicken and it was the bomb! Luis Garcia, Alisal and Jeff Wiant who moved a ton of gear from San Diego to LA on more than one occasion. Your days starts before everyone else and ends long after. Your hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Dominic and the lighting crew from Screaming Broccoli (great grip service) www.screamingbroccoli.net. Susan Seligman, stylist with a smile. Judy our runner who was all over LA picking up FedEx boxes of footballs, uniforms, props and cameras. Two "Stand-Ins" for the talent to help with the lighting set-up and our test images. Sandy who made sure the talent arrived safe and on time. The Limo and motorhome drivers. The helping hands at our location, The Home Depot Center (electricians, grounds crew and facilities). The EA crew, Larry, Larre, Mike, Anthony...thanks for trusting us to do "our thing". The equipment managers of the Cardinals and Steelers, thank you for getting the uniforms to us. The NFL folks who helped us with patches, pylons and official Superbowl balls. Mark K from Popgun Design and his retouching crew. And of course, Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu. I have shot a bunch of athletes over the years and can honestly say they both are class acts and a pleasure to work with. Thanks for running the same plays over and over and over and giving us your time with a smile.

So a huge "THANKS" to everyone involved, it was truly a team effort and I couldn't have done it without you!


Troy and the EA crew look over some of Mike Young's Superbowl images for inspiration.


Troy taking a dive for the cameras.


Larry takes his mark on the set while we dial in the final changes to the lighting and exposure.

Tim test drives the helmet for our Troy "Stand In" while the chin straps are adjusted.


Standing in for one of the photos that will be used as art in the game.


Tim and Larry review a few images.


Larry running a few plays at Larry B from EA. We wanted to simulate the lighting of an NFL game and give the images some "pop". The set was lit with a couple of Xenons for edge lights and a large bounce flat to sneak some light under the helmets.



Troy standing in for some portraits