Three Days in Ireland
TravelCommentWe have just spent three days on this beautiful island. I'm still blown away by the unique landscape we found there and all the great and moody places we have seen. We have been on the island for pretty much exactly 72 hours and in review I can say that we made the best out of it. I have collected a lot of amazing shots and got an output which I had not expected at first. The "Connemara" area has been so amazing, this place was an inspiration and motivation and just a lot of fun to explore. I could have spent days there and not be bored. It has this crazy combination of green fields, forests, mountains, lakes, sheep and of course the coast which is truly unique and unlike anywhere else I guess. I really fell in love with this place.
Now pleas enjoy the shots! This is what you can get in only 2 days of exploring the countryside of Ireland. Just imagine how much you can get when you stay there for some days or weeks. We will definitely come back to explore more of the "Emerald Isle".
DEATH OF FORESTHILL
TravelCommentSocial media is a pretty powerful tool.
Whether your intentions are to creep on your next date or to find the next hot photo spot, too much of a good thing is sometimes a bad thing. That’s exactly what happened to the highest bridge in California. Foresthill Bridge in Auburn, CA recently became a mecca for Instagramers from all over. The beauty of this bridge was that you used to be able to climb to the top and get some surreal shots looking into the horizon with a 750ft drop into the valley.
But as fast as the word got out about the views, the authorities responded that much quicker with their own actions. It wasn't until the last month that they fenced off the access point with barbered wire, grease, and metal bars, a bit over the top if you ask me. As I made my way through to the bottom of the bridge, I couldn't help but wonder would this have happened if social media didn't open its big mouth? Maybe so, but it’s events like this that push the envelope of creativity and force people to a find new solutions to an old problem.
Unfortunately my day ended there, but as I was leaving the area I saw two people walking across the catwalk of the bridge. So maybe there is hope after all..
REDWOOD HUNT
TravelCommentHaven't really gotten a chance to go out and shoot for a while. Partly because I've been completely swamped with projects; and to top it off, my wedding is in less than two months so you can just imagine the amount of stress that follows it. So yea, I guess you can say I have been a bit uninspired and lacking motivation as of late but after a while, it gets built and balled up inside and I just need to go out and explore some. There's really nothing like getting outside of these four walls and bingeing on some fresh air.
Karl and I headed out to the Redwoods Regional Park based off of one single photo that he found through searches. I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into, all I know is that I just wanted to blow the dust off my camera and get to firing. We ended up on some trail, for what seemed to be forever, climbing up basically the entire way, looking for this one particular spot on the Madrone Trail but after reaching the end of it; nothing. I was totally whooped but I must say, I was able to get some cool shots along the way. So even though we failed to find what we came to see, we made the most of it and was able to knock out some dope shots. As tired and sweaty as you may be through out the hike, and those many times you were that close to giving up; don't. As soon as you sit down in your car and look back at some of the shots you got, you immediately tell yourself it was worth it.
Tsukiji Fish Market
Travel, Urban, LifestyleComment“東京、築地市場。初めてここを訪れたのは2015年6月上旬のことでした。土曜日の朝の9時過ぎ、混雑して熱気にあふれたその場所で、ストリート・フォトグラファーのように撮りまくりました。
この場所も、もう来年には新しく豊洲に移転することが決まっているんですね。なので、もしここを訪れたいと思っているなら急いだ方がいいです。「記録しておきたい」そんな風に思える場所ですよ。”
It was the first time I went Tsukiji Fish Market in early June 2015. It's a large wholesale market for fish in central Tokyo. About 9AM on Saturday, really crowded when I was there. Things coming and going. I was trying to photograph working people and tourist as a street photographer. It was a really fun experience.
If you are planning to come here, you should hurry. The Tsukiji Fish Market is scheduled move to a new site in Toyosu in 2016. It's supposed to be clean and neat. I mean old and dirty is better for capturing documentary photograph.
-Takashi Yasui
INTO THE WOODS
TravelCommentEver get done shooting and realize the place you were just at could be in a movie?
That was the feeling I got after we got done shooting Muir Woods. We walked into a misty fog filled forest where the light rays were beaming through the trees overhead. Everything looked like it was taken right out of Disney's Into the Woods.
The morning didn't start out the best, it was raining and nothing spectacular was catching our eye. As we made our way through the forest, the rain started to clear out and the sun beamed through; this is when things started getting interesting. Until this day, I've never been able to catch good light rays, but once the sun burst through the tree tops it just took things to another level. The tourist and families a around us were even trying to get in on the action. They were scurrying along trying to get to the front of everyone to get the best shot. We continued aimlessly into the woods and it was almost like Mother Nature knew we were getting bored, so she brought in some fog to mix things up.
We ended the day with sunset at Mt. Tam, which wasn’t the fog filled rolling hills that we’ve hoped for. But I think today was all about mixing it up
Sixty Seven Mustang
Travel, LifestyleCommentWith a 1967 Ford Mustang at my disposal, how could I not take advantage of the situation! Recently took a road trip with some friends up to Fryman Canyon Park. I've never been before and was excited to see what kind of shots I could get with one of my friends Alysia during our trip up. I've shot her previously before but her hair was bright purple, now that its a little more natural I wanted to shoot her again and see what results i could get. Things got a little nerve wrecking at first because we couldn't seem to find a good location to shoot and as you can tell by some of the photos, time wasn't on our side. But finally we just drove as high as possible until there were little people around to get in our way. Once we got there we just shot away and i'm glad it took so long because the lighting ended up being amazing. Nothing like a mixture of twilight, golden hour, and a little artificial light from the head lights to create some great shadows and reflections. This is my first blog entry attempt for Might Killers so I thought this might be a good one to test the waters with. Hopefully more to come.... -Nolis
WALL STREET
TravelCommentAs we neared our halfway point into our long loop-trail hike at the bottom of Bryce Canyon, we decided to take a quick break. We were right at the entrance access to Wall Street, which we were told was closed by the Park Rangers due to the season, or falling rocks, or something danger, really I don't remember what exactly the reason was for it being closed but that just stuck in my head and for some reason, I didn't really have any inclination to check it out. We were all running off little to no sleep, dead ass tired from the hike, and realizing that there was only 1-2 hours left of sunlight with about 3+ more miles to hike really got me discouraged. Karl, however, wasted no time. He decided he wanted to go off and check Wall Street out while the rest of us just sat back and took a break and even got ran up on by a little chipmunk for my clif bar.. bastard.
after a good lengthy while, Karl was still not back and we were all getting a bit antsy cause we wanted to make it back up to the top to catch sunset. so we finally just said fuck it, and went looking for Karl (I know you're probably thinking, why didn't you just text or call.. well, because no service.) We caught Karl on the way out and he was just going on and on about how dope it was so of course, we shoulda just went with him in the first place haha. it was honestly the dopest spot of our entire hike and I'm glad we hit it up, despite the fact that it was closed. it actually worked out, because it was a short cut back up to the top where we caught sunset. rad. hi-five Karl.
StoreComment
Mt. Tamalpais: the REAL gem of the Bay.
Travel3 CommentsI begin to crave it, being above the clouds and the feeling of walking in a dream. It has become an addiction and one that I'm profoundly satisfied with. This is my place. This is where I find my peace.
Overshadowed by the more widely known and mainstream tourist locations in the Bay Area like the Golden Gate Bridge, Mt. Tamalpais sits at 2400 feet and hovers above the northwestern coastline of the San Francisco Bay. With everything in sight. Hence my addiction.
One of my favorite things is having the opportunity of playing tour guide and bringing people up to Mt. Tam for the first time. As we begin to creep above the cloud line; their reaction is priceless. Every time. On this day, it was my long time Instagram buddy Dexter who had come to visit and had yet to meet in person after corresponding via social media for the past two years. Naturally, I wanted to show him my favorite place as he's from New York and doesn't get to see this kind of nature....ever. In the same moment that I was deciding the logistics of the trip, I received a text message from my good friend Alex Tavani telling me that a group of photographers were going up to Mt. Tam and that I should meet up with them. Perfect.
There are few things better than experiencing this place with a group of people who have two common interests: friendship and photography. And this is where the fun begins....
MT. Inspiration
TravelCommentHow do you find inspiration?
Lately, I've been hit with a shooters block. Questioning everything from the angles of the shot, all the way down to the final edit. I'm sure that I'm not the only one feeling this way. Sooner or later everyone will be faced with something similar. So the question now is, "How do we get through this?
I try to force myself to take at least one overnight trip each month to just get out and shoot. My goal isn't to shoot for Instagram worthy material, but rather to reevaluate my passion for exploring. After these trips, I always seem to remember how I felt during that time, but never what I saw.
Don't get me wrong. It's dope as fuck to see and shoot the base of a waterfall from 5 feet away, but the feeling of being that close was even crazier. The power of the wind created by the crashing of the falls made it that much more intense; however, my roshes weren't doing too well in the grip department on the slippery moss covered rocks. It was pretty sketchy, but definitely worth almost dying. I felt alive and energetic after getting the shot, and it reminded me that nature inspires me to post on Instagram, not the likes or followers.
Too often today, I see people going out to shoot just to get recognition. Thats cool, and I'm not going to knock that, but are you shooting because that moment inspired you, or because the latest trend on the explore page said that was what you needed to shoot?
So now tell me, what really inspirers you?
Coastal Wasteland
TravelCommentDon't ever listen to those people who question why you bring your camera. You never know when you'll get that perfect opportunity for some awesome shots.
On this trip to Cape Kiwanda, I was suppose to model for my friend Bryan but the weather was not in his favor, so I took this opportunity to get some photos. Luckily, I brought my camera along and Silas was down to go explore around. We hiked up the huge sand hill and made our way towards the coastal point. On the way, I was really digging how the rock and sand looked with all the moisture from the rain. I decided to turn this adventure into more of a story and have Silas be the main character. This is how I turned this coastal range into a wasteland. Enjoy.
Secrets of the Northwest
TravelCommentI made the move to the Pacific Northwest about 5 months ago and it has been, hands down, one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. I lived in Los Angeles before this and San Francisco before that, and I can tell you, the Northwest is a very special place.
Recently, I was told about a bridge that was somewhat hidden. I was only told a few things about this place so finding it was a bit challenging. After an hour or so of Google searches and map panning, I had found what I hoped was the spot. I linked up with my friends Nick, David and Makena to check it out.
When we first arrived, we headed down towards the river in an attempt to walk the bank hoping we could get to the bridge. We quickly realized we were on the wrong path. As we walked back to where we parked we asked someone who was camping if he knew where this bridge was. Luckily, he knew exactly what we were looking for and lined out some directions in the dirt. We headed back to the area we parked because apparently thats where this trailhead was. We followed the directions local camper gave us and in about 30-45 minutes of hiking we had arrived at the location. A suspension bridge going across a river surrounded by beautiful rock. We took a moment to soak it all in, walking back and forth on the bridge as it swayed from side to side. The hike in was nice, the trees were green and the flowers were blooming. It's moments like these when I truly realize how incredible my new home is.
Tour of Heaven
TravelComment
So this is heaven? I can definitely get used to this. Had to have been one of the most surreal places I had ever been to, some of the most surreal views I had ever witnessed. You know that feeling when you stare out the airplane window, and you're just gliding above a huge fluffy blanket of clouds? And before you know it, the view sucks, or you're inside of the clouds, or it's clear, and you never had the chance to really just soak it in. Partly because you're in a congested plane, with a piece of glass pressed against your forehead, the experience really just sucks if you really think about it.. but this... this was breathtaking. We sat up there for a couple of hours and waited for sunset. It was crazy watching the fog take over and surround us completely and trap us at the top. The sweeping views of fluffy white clouds just floating around was probably one of the most relaxing things I had ever seen. I wish I could just wake up to it every morning...
Sunrise at Crater Lake, Oregon
TravelComment
Exhaustion was beginning to set in as I pulled up to the gas station just outside of Grants Pass, Oregon. The clock had struck 10pm and I was dreaming about getting back to my room and a bed to crash on. After having just finished photographing a wedding 20 minutes earlier and driving 9 hours from San Francisco the previous day, the last thing on my mind was another photoshoot. Until my phone rang.
"Are you in Oregon" said my good buddy Bryan in a text.
"Yeah, just got done shooting a wedding in Grants Pass" I responded.
"You should meet Alex and I at Crater Lake" He said. "we'll be there in an hour".
And in that moment, I knew that I wasn't going to bed, I wasn't going to get the rest I desired. But that what was about to happen next would likely be one of the most incredible experiences I had had to date.
And it was.
StoreComment
Treasures of Treasure Island
Travel2 Comments
I believe that one of the greatest things photography and Instagram has done is the ability to bring us all together. Photography has been around forever, Instagram hasn't. And if you have been into photography before Instagram, then you would know that getting together with other photographers rarely ever happened. Everyone either shot on their own; or had a group of friends to shoot with, but never was it so casual to just hit someone up out of the blue and say, "yo. I'm in town this week, lets link." I think because of Instagram, it's broken down that wall and allowed us all to share with the world, and it's amazing. What used to be weird and awkward (and typically ended up being ignored) for some stranger to hit you and ask to link, is now an opportunity. An opportunity to collaborate ideas, share stories, gain experience and learn, to teach, to build relationships, meet new friends, the list goes on. It's been such a dope experience to see all of this change and happen in my time, and to experience and really take advantage of it.
This past Monday, Nikk and I had the opportunity to be reached out and to shoot with young gunner Antonio Jaggie, a.k.a. @KOSTENNN. Such a chill, talented and humble dude. Not really sure the extent of what I can say about the whole project and filming so I will just leave all of that part out till it actually happens. It was Kosten's first time out in San Francisco so it was dope to show him around the spots. Some definitely a lot harder to get to than others.. Having to military crawl through a 2' by 3' hole was not what I had expected but we did it anyways. Our first stop was Treasure Island, of course. Some of the dopest views are right on this island, however, definitely been over saturated in the past few years but the challenge to shoot this original location in a new creative perspective was fun.
Next stop... Mount Tamalpais.
Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon
TravelCommentThis must have been my most favorite day out of the whole duration of our trip in the South West. We woke up early and caught the sunrise looking over Monument Valley. I must say, it was certainly a view that one could not easily forget. After watching the sunrise, we hurried to check-out and drove down the road where the infamous running scene of Forest Gump was taken. Once we got the shots we hoped for, we then rushed over to Antelope Canyon where we explored the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons to end our day.
Backyard Adventures
TravelCommentMany people often overlook their own backyard when out searching for new spots to explore.
We're fortunate to be in Northern California, and the bay area especially because so many different types of landscape surround us. To the east we have the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and to the south we have beaches all along Highway 1. This scenic drive is one of my favorite because there are so many different areas where you can stop.
The weather in the beginning of the day didn't start out the best, but as the day went on the fog and overcast cleared out and the skies ended up being perfect. We made our way from Pacifica and headed towards Davenport right out side of Half Moon Bay. Along the way, we made a bunch of random stops and detours just because one of us might of saw something worthwhile in the distance. One of our final destinations brought us to these concrete arches right on the beach. In order to get down to the arches you had to hike down a sketchy trail that essentially dropped straight down the side of the cliff. We eventually made it down and spent a good half hour trying to climb the rope to the top of the arch. Once we finally admitted defeat we decided that Shark Fin Cove might be a better location for sunset.
Wee got to Shark Fin and saw a bunch of other explorers leaving the same area. I didn't get a chance to stop and get everyone's name but I think we all had the same mindset of trying to get to the location to catch sunset. It's awesome seeing other people out sharing the same passion for exploring. The sunset wasn't as epic as I hoped it would be, but that's all part of exploring. Someone times you get lucky and the weather clears up for a perfect day, and other times the sunset just turns out shitty. But the people you explore with and the unknown of how the day will turn out are what push me to constantly go out and explore. Putting together a group of people to go out is dope, but finding people who are down to take detours and stop randomly is even better. Not everyone is down to make random strops and prolong the journey, but when you do find those down you might stumble across something you could of easily missed.
The Last Cave
Travel1 CommentI guess I should introduce myself first....My name is Connor Surdi and I am a photographer from Seattle, WA. This photo trip was a bit difficult to say the least....I left to hike Pilchuck around 2AM. But - as soon as I was about .6 miles away from the trailhead, the road was blocked with fallen trees and bushes. So I had to find a cool place to go to and some place that was easy to get to by sunrise....And the Big Four Ice Caves was about 40 minutes down the road! So - I ended up driving there and walking in the dark with a terrible spotlight until I reached the caves...Or shall I say, Cave..Since the other 3 have already melted away. I fell asleep and set an alarm for the sunrise but...I was so cozied up in my sleeping bag, I woke up, saw the sunrise, made a mental photo of it and then just went back to sleep. Do I regret it? Yes, it was a beautiful orange hue with fluffy clouds. I'll just go back another day, no problem! As soon as I woke up again a few hours later, Skye and I just walked around the caves and even went in for a few minutes. This cave is melting quick and it's not safe at all to go inside of it but......I got some cool photos out of it and I'm still alive so I can call that a mission success. After shooting inside the cave and outside with the smoke grenades, we walked over to the little waterfall area and just enjoyed the sun beating down on us while we tried to warm up from the icy cave earlier. I thought it would be a good idea to try and climb up onto the big rock and take a photo of me...But man I didn't realize how difficult that would be! Nearly killed myself but hey, I have a cool photo so it was worth it. After we walked around that area..It was time to go home. My second trip to the Ice caves was definitely worth it! Until next time.
