Vero Photography

With Guns Drawn

2011-05-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

After some success with my first still life, I decided to try it again. This time instead of tools, I shot guns (epic pun). When my grandfather passed away, he left his collection of guns to my cousin and me. I gotta say, it's quite an arsenal. Historical guns ranging from an 1887 Springfield bolt action to a German 1943 Walther P38 my grandfather brought back from the War. If there is a zombie apocalypse anytime soon, you know where I'll be.

M4 Bayonet used on my grandfather's M1 Carbine

1894 Winchester Repeater

On a totally different topic, I have been working on a project for my anthropology class about the 1906 Ultras. I have blogged about them before, but if you missed it, they are the supporter group for the San Jose Earthquakes. They are loud and proud, rain or shine.

Tools Of The Trade

2011-05-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

Over the last two months or so I have had the pleasure of working at Leftspace Studios. It is an incredible rental studio in San Francisco that provides a workspace for some really amazing photographers. It's awesome to have photographers that I really admire working in the room next to me. It's a constant source of inspiration.

This week I really wanted to try something different. I have seen a lot of great still life photographers come through the studio, so I thought I'd try my hand at it. I've never really done a still life, but I'm pretty happy with the result. I acquired some of my grandfather's old tools and I think that they fit perfectly with my narrative. Enjoy.

Here are two color variations.

Anti-Hero

2011-03-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

Since my last post, I've continued to work on my lighting style. I have been struggling with the narrative, but the technique is improving every time I try a new set up. Check it out.

When I first began to conceptualize my project, my dear friend Jack turner was the first person that came to mind. Jack is the epitome of class. GQ through and through. He was fortunate enough to let me photograph him this week. The pictures came out exactly as I had envisioned.

I photographed Jack at BlueSky studios. A fantastic rental space in the Dogpatch neighborhood of SF. This is "The Grid". It is a series of panels and robotics connected to Profoto D4 power packs. The best part is, you control the entire thing via iPad. Awesome technology. Check out the videos and walk through at BlueSky's Grid site.

Here are some other lighting tests I was working on, featuring two colleagues of mine.

Devin Begley. His site HERE

David Bush. His site HERE.

My first attempt at a composite, ever. I have a LONG way to go.

I Watch the Watchmen

2011-03-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

So I'm starting to think about what I kind of project I want to do for my thesis. I want to do something that is going to push my lighting skills. I've always admired the lighting in movies adapted from comics. Here are my first attempts at mimicking this look.

Lighting On Location

2010-12-12T22:59:00.000-08:00

I don't really have much to say. So please enjoy what I've been working on.

A Long Time Ago...

2010-10-31T00:13:00.000-07:00

I wish that I was better at updating my blog. I should be doing it every week as opposed to doing it once every couple of months. But I'm busy and distracted. What do you want from me??

A lot has been going on since my last update. Went to Italy and the East Coast. Started a new job. A new semester began. It's been crazy, but I've been learning a lot and I'm loving every minute of it. So here is some of the stuff I've been working on. Enjoy.

I was going to start with stuff from the summer time and work my way back up to the present, but I really wanted to start off with this shot for some reason. My friend Alex and I working with some strobes up at Brook Knoll School.

Alright. Travel back to Italy. Near the end of our trip, Urbino held the Festa Dello Studente. A three day festival dedicated to the students at Urbino University. It's a great way for everyone to wrap up the end of the year and let lose. I mean, a huge party sponsored by the city? What is better than that? The photos below are of a band called Nidi D'Arac. They are from Puglia. That chick was SHREDDING that violin. Pretty great show.

A month ago I got the opportunity to work for a company that every (male) photographer dreams of working for. I got to shoot an assignment for Playboy. I'm not going to go into details about the exact assignment, but I'll describe it like this. Cyber Girl of the Year and The Gamer Next Door, Jo Garcia. Zombies. Pub crawl. Major, MAJOR win.

I've been working as an onset photographer for the latin drama, Hacienda Heights. It's been a really interesting experience. This industry is one that I knew nothing about. Here is a little sneak peak.

Random picture of Devin at Brian and Dan's birthday party.

These next few are shots from my location lighting class. We've been working with Profoto 7b kits ranging from one bare bulb to three light set-ups. Awesome packs. Can't wait to continue to learn how to utilize their awesomeness.

Kenny Chiu

David Bush

Devin Begley

From cameras with love - SB

Moving On

2010-06-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well, after four years I'm finally moving out of my house in San Francisco. Had some great times, but it's time for bigger and better things. I'm also leaving for Italy in a couple of days, so I thought that I'd do one last update before I left. Here you go.

I was hanging out at a friends house on Monday and there just happened to be a three alarm fire right down the street. We just happened to have all of our photo gear, so we grabbed it and ran over. To be perfectly honest, I've been growing more and more distant with my like for journalism. But I gotta say, this kind of spot news is pretty exhilarating. Check out the story and more photos here at Palo Alto Online.

A couple of weeks ago I did some work for my good friends, Kelly and Monica, over at Indie Mart Workshop. What the hell is workshop you ask? It's only the finest do it yourself workshop in all of SF. So says SF Weekly's "Best of San Francisco", and so says me. If I had to sum it up in my own words, it's arts and crafts...with beer. Here are key words off of their events calendar: Screen printing for newbies, glass jar terrariums, Heavy metal aerobics, rock and roll sewing, and finally, Sunday hangover mixology: mastering the bloody mary. Sounds like a damn good time to me. They have their third annual street fair coming up NEXT week on the sixth. The cities best local vendors will be selling all sorts of swag ranging from retro t-shirts to presidential buttons. Check out their website here, Workshop SF. Here is a taste of what you are sure to find at the street fair!

Lately I've been playing with light painting a little bit. Good times.

And finally, my first attempt with a lens baby. Tricky little bugger.

That's all for now. Next time you hear from me I'll be in beautiful Italia. Ci vediamo.

And as always...From cameras with love.

-Scott

What I've Been Up To...

2010-04-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

So I haven't been updating my blog with any consistency of late. My bad. School is in full swing, and I'm getting ready to go back to Urbino. Here are some things I've been working on. I'll start with the most recent stuff and move backwards.

Last Saturday I got to shoot the San Jose Earthquakes game with the lovely Dani Vernon for The Bay Soccer blog. Soccer is known as the beautiful game, and I can't dispute that. But for most of the game, the most exciting stuff was happening behind goalie, Joe Cannon...

The Quakes Ultras (more formally known as the 1906 Ultras). For those that don't know what an Ultra is, it is synonymous with soccer hooligans. These aren't your everyday casual sports fans. This group of fans knows that their team is the best in the world. Period. If you want to tell them differently, I hope you enjoy the taste of your own blood. The Ultras were chanting full force watching the Quakes roll over the New England Revolution 2-0. Check out some of their chants and other pictures here on their site. I can only dream of having this kind of support for the Sharks. A large group of 1906 were at one Sharks game I was at. I think it goes without saying that that was one of the most rocking nights in the Tank all season.

The view from the press box after the game at Buck Shaw stadium at Santa Clara University. Shooting professional sports is fun. Damn fun. I hope I get another chance at it. Next time I'll hopefully be set up with the proper gear. And maybe, JUST maybe, someday I'll be sitting behind the glass at The Tank shooting the Sharkies.

This guy is the best part about the house I live in. My grandfather hunted this guy down when I was a baby. It's pretty cool having something that reminds me of my childhood, and him, hanging in my house. Playing around with a spot light grid and a strip light.

This is Gabrielle. One of my oldest and closest friends. Our friendship is not your typical friendship. We often go months without talking. But when we get together, it's as if we call each other everyday. She agreed to help me out with an assignment for class.

Deciding on wardrobe.

The setup.

Here is a shot from the series.

My one and only attempt at product/still life photography. I wanted to shoot something representing my lifestyle. I have a long way to go to perfect this kind of photography. But hey, practice makes perfect.

I don't think I want to add any context to this photo.

It was was WAAAAAAAAAAAY too beautiful in San Francisco this day. So after a tasty lunch at Rosamunde in the Mission, we (and by we I mean Dani) climbed trees.

Another one of my oldest and closest friends. Let me start off by saying, I hate this guy. Why? Because he is so damn good at everything. He is an amazing: musician, singer, actor, photographer, artist, licensed massager (apparently the word "masseuse" is only used for women), drink maker and magician. And the worst part of all of this? He is as humble as they come. A real son of a bitch right? In all seriousness, if you like fantastic portraiture, check out his site.

Taking a history of photography class has given me a much greater appreciation for the mundane. The old masters took something dull, and made it something great. I guess their greatness was some inspiration for this photo.

Another close friend works here. We visited him at work to see a movie he and a group of my buddies made. If you can't figure out where I was based on this, you seriously need to culture yourself.

I had a good friend visit allllllllllllll the way from Sicily in February. She was also nice enough to help me with a class assignment.

My house has the most random window in the hallway. I don't know why it's there, I don't know what it's for. But Jesus Christ, it makes for some of the most beautiful window light I have ever seen.

Finally, Panda. He helped me out with a fresnel lighting assignment. Inspiration taken from this.

That's all for now folks. I have to throw in one last picture. Three Generations of Burry Men by Dani Vernon 2010

P.S.

go sharks.

ADDITION

A group of us went to the Golden Gate Fields horse track to see the national weiner dog races. It was the most adorably awesome thing I have ever seen. And the mascot from my favorite fast food joint was there. Great day.

This little guy ran so fast, he ran right out of his numbered bib.

Also managed to make it all the way to the finish line.

You had a long day. Take a load off, dog.

Sometimes things just fall into place. It was funny waking up to this the next morning.

Alright, this really is all for now. From cameras with love...

Form and Narrative: 320oz To Freedom

2010-02-15T00:03:00.000-08:00

My first assignment for my Nature of Photography was to take a picture that conveys form and narrative. I found this when I was walking around Church and Duboce. I saw a couple of police cars outside of the Church MUNI station so I went to check it out. At the top of the stairs there was a puddle of blood. Then another...and another....and another, and so on. I followed the blood trail, Hansel and Gretel style. Finally cam upon this. There was something about the dark irony that I found amusing.

What would you put on your cheeseburger if you had never had one before. My friend Tiziana is visiting from Italy, so we went to Burgermeister. I dont know how, but she managed to put every condiment available on that thing.

Best. Shirt. Ever.

The only reason why I like this picture is because of its "Where's Waldo" feel to it. If you look closely, there is a silhouette of a guy with a camera. I have no idea how he got there.

My assignment for my lighting class was to do some photos in different lighting situations. Here is the ballad of LB, and his 320oz to freedom. Ironically, we shot this at my old school where we spent many-a-night drinking our futures away. Good times.

The BIrth of Family

2010-01-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

I spent the last couple of days in Mt Shasta and McCloud California celebrating the life of my Great Uncle Kelly who passed away on Saturday. These two turn of the century Northern California towns were founded to be a center for the logging industry in California . McCloud is the birthplace of my family, the Calzoni family. Every Calzoni and Memeo had their linage begin here. My great grandparents found themselves here before the beginning of the 1900's after leaving their home in Iera, Italy. They set out to live the American dream, and make a better life for their families. They ended up nestled under one of the most beautiful mountains in the country.

This is where it all started. My great grandfather, Giacomo Calzoni. This tombstone has a rather interesting story. There are three names on it, Giacomo, his brother Luigi...and THEIR wife, Maria. That's right, two brothers that shared the same woman. Originally, Luigi was married to Maria. While married, they had my great Uncle Kelly. In 1918 Luigi died of the flu. Soon after his death, my great grandfather Giacomo married his brothers wife and had my grandfather, Pietro Calzoni. Giacomo died tragically in the lumber mill (where the ENTIRE family worked). He was crushed to death by a lumber carrier. Pete and Kelly were both in Europe fighting in the War. Working the mill was physical, and it was all the Calzoni family knew. You wouldn't believe the amount of great uncles I had that would reach out to shake my hand missing fingers lost working in the mill.

This is the house of Kelly Calzoni. He spent his whole life there. I remember spending many summers and winters at this house.

One of my favorite cars of all time. An International Scout II. One of the original SUVs from the mid 1970's. Uncle Kelly never locked the car. In fact, he left the keys in it. When I opened the door yesterday, there they were, sitting in the spot that they had always been.

Uncle Kelly is the toughest man I have ever known. At the age of 90, not only did he climb an apple tree in his backyard, he fell out of it. This is something that would surely kill someone of that age. Not uncle Kelly. He got up, dusted himself off and went to go chop some wood. He shoveled the snow off of his driveway and walkway everyday until the day he died. And every time my family pulled up to his house, he would be sitting in this plastic chair waiting for us. Here is to Uncle Kelly. Wherever you may be, I hope you are with my grandfather reliving your best days.

Snowman's hill. A hill my cousin and I would spend hours sledding down. A pretty sad amount of snow on it for mid-Janurary.

The house my mother was born in. At one point, almost all of the family lived on the same street.

The house of Pia and Steve Memeo. My great Aunt and Uncle.

Every winter when I was growing up the Calzoni and Memeo families would converge here, the back of Pia and Steves house for Russta. A family reunion that brought people from all over the state. Uncle Steve owned a dairy and was a master sausage maker. We would spend hours sitting around huge outdoor fire pits roasting his handmade sausages. Sometimes when the snow got too much to bear, we would drag the fire pits into the garage and finish roasting in there. I didn't come from the smartest Italian family.

The family business

The hospital where my mother was born.

The cathloc church in downtown McCloud where my grandfather and grandmother were married in 1941.

And if you're not catholic, the presbyterian church is only steps away.

The soda fountain where my mom would enjoy a Coke as a kid

The Milky Way. A candy shop Aunt Pia owned back in the day.

Only in McCould would you find a lifted, four wheel drive 1961 Impala.

Cousin

With the passing of Uncle Kelly, the greatest generation of the Calzoni family is all but gone. I am now starting to realize that my, and my cousin's generation is the first truly American generation. We no longer have ties to the old country. The traditions and stories are starting to fade, and the ties we have with our Italian ancestry are merely memories and photographs. The Calzoni name only exists in two sons of second cousins. But this does not mean that the family is dead. Not by a long shot. I am the benefactor of the life my family chose to pursue. It is my obligation to start new traditions. To carry on the name of the Calzoni family. I am obliged to do so,

Sharks Infestation Road Trip 11-21-2009

2009-11-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

I was part of a group of 50 Sharks fans that chartered a bus and took it from San Jose to Anaheim to see the Sharks play the Ducks. An incredible experience.

Academy of Science

2009-10-24T23:02:00.001-07:00

Scryer Recording Session

2009-10-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Highway One

2009-09-11T17:48:00.001-07:00

Bumbershoot 2009

2009-09-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

Innsbruck, Austria 8-10-2009

2009-08-10T06:38:00.001-07:00

Berlin, Germany.

Heidelberg, Germany.

Train between Venice, Italy and Munich, Germany.

Northern Italy.

Train between Milan and Venice, Italy.

Urbino, Italy.

Urbino 7-20-2009

2009-07-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Photos from Valle Nuova, an Agriturismo in Fermignano. Very beautiful. If you're ever in Le Marche, check this place out!

Ferrari Enzo. Urbino, Italy.

Clips from Il Resto del Carlino

2009-07-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

Here are the clips from the local paper I had some photos published in.

Sharing a page with the great Dennis Chamberlin.

Urbino 7-15-2009

2009-07-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

Sunset from our balcony. Urbino, Italy.

Urbino, Italy.

Melone. Urbino, Italy.

Urbino 7-13-2009

2009-07-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

View from the Fortress. Urbino, Italy.

Urbino, Italy.

Kites at the Fortress. Urbino, Italy.

The sky above Urbino. Urbino, Italy.

Jack and Gino. Urbino, Italy.

Jack Turner. Urbino, Italy.

Pauline studying. Urbino, Italy.

Jack and Anthony. Urbino, Italy.

The sunset. Urbino, Italy.

Urbino 7-7-2009

2009-07-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

This is what God's voice looks like. Urbino, Italy.

Statue of Raffaello. Urbino, Italy.

Urbino, Italy.

Il Duomo. Urbino, Italy.

Urbino, Italy.

Ramp of the Ducal Palace. Urbino, Italy.

Three wheeled Ape. Urbino, Italy.

Jack Turner. Urbino, Italy.

European Travels

2009-07-05T05:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a small taste of what I have been doing in Europe over the last week. Pretty amazing experience so far. I know it will only get better.

St Patrick's Cathedral. Dublin, Ireland.

Dublin, Ireland.

Guinness Storehouse. Dublin, Ireland.

Dublin, Ireland.

Trinity College. Dublin, Ireland.

Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Smallest car ever. Next to my bicycle. Amsterdam, Neatherlands

Very effective anti-theft system. Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Near Vondel Park. Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Beautiful organ. Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Canal boat. Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Urbino, Italy.

Polizia. Urbino, Italy.

Wedding party. Urbino, Italy.

Lord Mayor of Urbino.

Alfa Romeo. Urbino, Italy.

Arsonists Get All The Girls

2009-06-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.myspace.com/agatg

Final Days of College

2009-05-25T22:45:00.001-07:00

A Week at SF State

2009-05-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

(This was not at State)

N.E.R.D and Natasha Bedingfield

2009-04-16T01:34:00.000-07:00

A Sunset In The Sunset

2009-04-14T00:31:00.000-07:00

Scryer (Kyle) Show

2009-04-11T22:27:00.001-07:00

SFSU Softball

2009-04-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

The Light's Getting Bright

2009-03-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you need to step back, take a breath and start again.

Scryer

2009-03-23T00:20:00.000-07:00

Check these guys out. http://www.myspace.com/scryersc

Piano Man

2009-03-15T22:36:00.001-07:00

Burlesque

2009-03-13T03:13:00.001-07:00

Way Away

2009-03-08T18:19:00.001-07:00

Sharks vs Wild

2009-03-06T01:08:00.001-08:00

City High On A Hill

2009-03-01T16:45:00.001-08:00

Santa Cruz Shooting

2009-02-28T12:44:00.001-08:00

Here are some clips. Sorry for the inconsistencies in the colors.

Too Many Sky Pics

2009-02-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

Sharks Vs Thrashers

2009-02-21T17:50:00.001-08:00

Went to the game today. Unfortunately I only had a 24-70mm. WAY too short. Oh well, here you go.

Branches

2009-02-19T15:02:00.000-08:00

Abandoned School

2009-02-18T17:26:00.000-08:00

Abandoned school at SFSU. I was only able to be there for a few minutes. Cant wait to go back.

Random Pic

2009-02-17T17:45:00.001-08:00

On Campus Altercation

2009-02-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

The first photo was stolen and used without my permission

Chinese New Year Parade

2009-02-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

OBAMARAMA!!!

2009-01-20T11:01:00.001-08:00

What a day this has been. I hope you all watched history this morning. If you didn't, you better have a good excuse. Don't let us down BO.

Sharks v Wings

2009-01-17T16:13:00.000-08:00

(Took that pic from my buds over at hfboards.com)

The the Sharks are going to host the red wings tonight. Ill be there. The Sharks D is going to be the thinnest its been all season with the latest string of injuries. I havent been at the Tank for a loss in a REALLY long time. I fear tonight might break that streak = (

Iphone has been lost

2009-01-17T00:46:00.001-08:00

What a horrible thing to happen. You shall be missed my friend. You shall be missed.

My first blog!

2009-01-14T19:46:00.000-08:00

So I've finally caved in and started a blog. Why you ask? Well, I like to take photos, and I like to talk about the Sharks. So why not combine that into one! So here we go then. Here are some photos from my recent trip to LA. Enjoy.