Some photographs from a photo session with Hovik Tonoyan and friends.
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Photo Session For A Young Poet Hovik Tonoyan
“The Dirty Diamond” concert at El Cid
This was another great concert by The Dirty Diamond. The music was awesome, the place, El Cid, has its own mysterious ambiance and was right for the evening and the music. The dominating energy was light and kind, almost intimate. Sam and the guys as always were happy to be in their natural element.
From the photography stand point, the lighting was not enough since I was not using any flash but that too has its own charm and mystery. The stage was well lit but the rest of the floor was dark. This allowed for some interesting photographs. I always like the photo that speaks to me and often it is not the most pretty or crisp. I hope you enjoy them until next time. And please leave a feedback. I’d like to read them since it is another form of communication. Thanks.
From a notebook (random page)
This is a random entry from some notebook. The context appears as it was written down to where the lines end and start.
October 29, 2007 6:29pm
In silence we find voice
In darkness we see the light
In war we find the peace; in peace there is always a war going on
In pleasure there is pain; in pain there is pleasure… if no sleep
no wake… JOY is when you love all this and then some.
…in silence we find voice…
Please don’t ask me where I’m going. I don’t know, I don’t know.
- “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.”
John 1:1-5
The above: it does not suggest that light killed dark, but rather by pushing each other they keep the balance.
Today I feel a little philosophical or nonsensical, depending what mood you’re in 
The natural state of our being was and still is seen as something to be improved upon. Now the improvements have successfully replaced our natural state; so much so, that it is not even seen any longer.
We look for it all our lives not being able to understand what we are looking for. We read other’s ideas as to what it is we are looking for and how to find it. All this is the result of not seeing that we’ve never lost anything, but it is as easy as it is difficult. It is as right as it is wrong. For IS to be IS NOT must be…let’s leave it at just “BE”
“When man has become a second-hand human being, the expression of sensuality is his freedom, the love is pleasure and desire.” J.K.
In silence we find voice
In darkness we see the light
In war we find the peace; in peace there is always a war going on
In pleasure there is pain; in pain there is pleasure… if no sleep
no wake… JOY is when you love all this and then some.
…in silence we find voice…
Nazo and Marine
The photographer with whom I was working at this wedding is an old time wedding photographer out of North Hollywood, who is still very busy and well loved. Once in a while I get a chance to work with him. He also is the guy who gave me my first opportunity to go and photograph a wedding with him. He is the formal photographer.
I on the other hand just look around as an opportunist to capture a glance or better yet a story. Sometimes I can’t resist taking few shots from his staged scenes and those are some of the best photos I have. Staging, posing and lighting are art forms too. To me one of the best art forms to practice is the art of conversation and human interaction. The quality of my photographs is directly tied to the level of trust I establish with my hosts or subjects. To me the wedding or any other photo assignment should be a chance to make friends, well at least 2. To me that’s very rewarding. I also understand that I cannot sustain myself and my family solely on spiritual rewards. I have to bring in the money and I will, but I will not bring in the money if I let it be my sole driving force. I can’t rely too much on it because it goes up and down a lot 
- It was raining heavily when I arrived at Nazo’s house. Nazo is the groom. I introduced myself to Nazo and his family and friends. I had arrived good 30 minutes early so I could get familiar with the shooting conditions such as lighting and surroundings. Once I arrived I could feel that it was going to be a good wedding with lots of good shots. Since it was raining heavily that day, photographing the newlyweds in the park in that rain was out of question and I kept thinking of alternatives. I had to adapt to the situation which meant instead of seeing the rain as an obstacle I had to see it as an opportunity for variations.
The people came across as very friendly and open to my style of photography although I could tell it was unusual for them to see this guy randomly shooting pictures without asking them to pose or be ready. However Marine and Nazo (the bride and the groom) were open to the idea and felt comfortable with me. I tried to watch the level of excitement and not let it get the best of me (it usually does) and besides being calm and serene help my subjects to relax and let their guard down and just enjoy the event. I also make sure I smile and thank my subject right after I take his or her photograph.
Every time I shoot an Armenian wedding I have to admit I am a bit nervous especially at the reception when the alcohol flows and the spirits are high. Not everyone likes to be photographed and Armenians are not afraid to let you know. The problem is not in letting me know but how they let me know This is a huge challenge for the candid photographer. Good people skills is a prerequisite for this type of job. In the Armenian community, the concept of candid photography is a very new one. In fact many people are not even familiar with the concept, or worse they think that it’s the same as paparazzi photography. Of course it is not paparazzi or hidden photography. It is simply capturing what catches the photographer’s eye as beautiful and worthy of preserving as a document or a piece of art. For me the only photographic way to reveal things as they truly happen is to take candid shots. Candids are images that hold a small story inside of them. I’d like to document the event with my unique vision. The photos here are random for now but the complete package will be a story line with a beginning a middle and a conclusion. Enjoy and please give me your feedback and comments.
These are just few of the photos that caught my eye as interesting.
Hang In There
It can be discouraging when competing with the big fish, but if you have the passion you’ll make a stand and stand out on your own. Patience is what one needs at times like this. Also, being humble and having a respect towards the others goes a long way as well. By all means, I am not the best or the most well-known, heck no one has even heard of me as a photographer but that’s fine. That’s something I have to earn with respect, hard work, creativity and quality in my product. In fact I am not intentionally trying to gain or earn respect. That’s not what I do. What I do is to make photographs and while in the actual process of making them I am the best there is. No doubt in my mind. I am in the zone tapping into that endless source of light and power and creative energy. I am creating and I am living in what is. There is nothing more noble and powerful than creation. Anything born from this peaceful concentration has a meaning you just have to be open to receive it. Well, again I can’t help but be humbled by the great talent that is out there, but humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all.
The other day someone posted on a FaceBook a beautiful quote by legendary martial artist Bruce Lee. Incidentally it was my favorite quote (which I have taped in my office where I can see it) and it gave me a new reserve of strength and resolve to continue the course.
“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way round or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.
Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.” – Bruce Lee
Thank you my friends for being there.
I gathered some flowers from the back yard and was on my way to give them to my wife Jasmen when she saw me and snapped this photo. It quickly became a favorite.
Peaceful Experience
Listening to Miles Davis – Flamenco Sketches and discovered the gallery of my very first photo shoot. Very inspired. Then I look through the photos. I remember each shot and how I felt at that very moment. This was a truly inspired session where I felt and believed it was how Henry Bresson must have felt when taking his now famous photos. It was Gospel concert at one of the neighborhood churches in Los Angeles. I was invited by one of the good people I know and work with. Jasmen and I went. I will never forget that experience. It was powerfully charged atmosphere. It was filled with everyday people with faith and love for life, but most importantly I felt a deep connection with humanity and with myself most importantly. I saw people casting evil aside with hugs and smiles. I saw some shouting away the goodness they felt at that moment, sharing it with anyone who’s open to receive. There were some swaying as if trees in harmony with the wind. I saw some silently crying some with and some without tears. I saw young people standing by, storing memories to be remembered some later time far far away as if yesterday. It was a night to remember. Here are the photos from that night. And now “So What” by Miles Davis from the “Kind of Blue” album.
Leonard and Noneshi
Mr. and Mrs. Andersons. It was a tremendous honor to photograph your wedding. You guys are a beautiful couple and good people. Jasmen and I feel honored to have been trusted with such a responsible task. We enjoyed it very much. You guys were great to work with. I wish all my wedding hosts were as open, friendly and soulful as you were. We had an experience we’ll never forget. Jasmen and I had many wonderful moments and we hope we were able to capture them in our photographs so you can cherish them for ever. Presently, I’ll post few previews. Enjoy.
In this photo Leonard and Noneshi. These guys were real. I liked them for their ability to be expressive and free and it shows in many of their photographs. I like this one. This is sort of raw with a touch of blur to give it a movement of sorts.
This defines my style.
I like this photo. The look on her face says a lot. It's beautiful and resolute.
Here are some more photos from your wonderful wedding. I am very happy that I was able to meet your expectations. This means a lot to me. Thanks and enjoy.
It is interesting to witness the cultural differences that make us interesting. For me personally, it has been a blessing to learn about the history, traditions and culture of the African-American folks.
I like what this photo represents; a fleeting moment frozen in time. Always young always in love.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you guys.
Noneshi and Leonard. Photographing your wedding has brought nothing but positive things for us. Thank you again for letting us share these memorable moments.
Sam Babayan (The Dirty Diamonds) Recording Session
Brother Sam, I thank you, Orbel and the very nice guy whose name escapes me now (I believe Matt). You guys gave me an opportunity to be part of your lives by inviting me to the world of music being created and en Joyed. It was a great opportunity to be part of you guys by capturing the moments from your work, pray and play. That was one of the most beautiful piece of music I’ve heard. Seeing you play with the guitar and create those sounds is mind blowing experience. I wish I could stay longer but I had to let you guys work the night away and for me to return home. Musicians need silence too, maybe even more That was most fun. Anyhow, as part of the ever flowing and ever changing, the good experiences too must move on, perhaps to make place for more to come.
Qucik Lighting
I decided to experiment with Nikon creative lighting. I’m looking for a quick way to create portraiture that will more or less simulate a studio type of lighting. So far these are done with only one SB 800 speedlight. The second one would really add a much needed dimension.
Crows Sheltering From Rain
It is still drizzling out and I see these 3 crows patiently waiting for the rain to subside. The were still except once in a while they would rise up on their feet and shake the heavy rain from their weathers and would sit back down. The sun obscured by the clouds waits patiently too.
by Edmond Keshishyan
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