Argentic Vision: Embracing Analog in a Digital World

Charred Beauty

2011-12-10T13:07:00.001-08:00

Even though we're lucky to have pretty consistently amazing weather here in Southern California, we do have our share of natural disasters to contend with every now and then. Aside from the occasional earthquake, this particular geographical location is also susceptible to some pretty devastating brush fires.
Back in 2008 there was a horrific brush fire which caused great devastation in and around the Malibu area. Unfortunately there was widespread property damage as well as a significant charring of certain areas of the natural landscape. Several months after the fires, I went to the Malibu Bluffs park which is located right along Pacific Coast Highway exactly where it intersects with Malibu Canyon Road. I had actually taken my film camera and film to go shooting another part of the city but as I was stopped at the intersection I noticed that the trees which were in the path of the fire were charred on one side but left completely untouched on the other.
I took some close-up shots of the charred tree trunk because the pattern that had been left behind as a result of the fire looked so beautiful to me. More than anything the photos are symbolic of the fact that not only is there beauty all around us all the time, but that we can even find the beauty in the world after a devastating event such as a massive brush fire. We, just like nature, have the ability to renew and recover and rebuild, perhaps in a way that is better and stronger (and more beautiful) than before...

Simply Ericeira

2011-12-09T08:33:00.001-08:00

Simply Ericeira
Originally uploaded by ArgenticVision
Orange & Turquoise together - one of my favorite color combinations.

This photo was captured during a recent trip to Ericeira, Portugal.

Via Flickr:
Captured in Ericeira, Portugal

Four Corners with a Twist

2011-12-08T12:32:00.001-08:00

Four Corners with a Twist
Originally uploaded by ArgenticVision
Walking in a big city requires putting one foot in front of the other while closely observing the ground beneath your feet to steer clear of breaks in the pavement, puddles, uneven pavement and of course, the remnants of Fido's daily walk :)

In NYC, I find myself constantly looking up in every direction all around me to check out the fantastic views of the skyscrapers towering high above the rest of the city's buildings.

Here's a photo taken during my recent trip to NYC. Depicted here are the tops of four separate skyscrapers which are located within close proximity to one another. The building to the far left is the Chrysler Building, which I happen to be obsessed with!!

Via Flickr:
Photos captured in New York City

24hr CyberMonday Sale on Etsy: 25% off with coupon

2011-11-28T06:18:00.001-08:00

Check out our store on Etsy and choose from a selection of embellished stationery, framed prints (digital and darkroom), or mat only prints (digital and darkroom).

Use our coupon code CYBER1128 at checkout for a 25% discount off of all merchandise (coupon code expires 11/29 at midnight PT).

Feel free to share the coupon code with your family and frends! Click on any of the images below to go right to our Etsy site or visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArgenticVision

New Store Item: Paris by Night Journal, $23.99

2011-11-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

(Paris by Night journal, front cover)

What do you do when you love a work of art so much that you don't want to be separated from it for even a moment? I've received so much feedback about my photograph of the City of Lights sparkling at night that I've made it possible for you to take it with you all the time by featuring it prominently as the cover design of this journal.

Each journal measures 5.5" x 8.5" and comes with 40 lined pages for you to fill with your ideas, thoughts, travel notes, song lyrics, love poems and anything else which strikes your fancy.
Get some for yourself or buy in bulk to present to your loved ones as stocking stuffers!

(below left: inside front cover; below right: sample lined page)

New Store Item: Color Photo Journal (Lisbon architecture), $23.99

2011-11-10T23:43:00.000-08:00

(Journal, front cover)

Writing just became a lot more fun. Grab this colorful journal when you feel inspired to jot down your thoughts, recipes, doodles, inspirations and anything else that comes to mind.

The cover photo depicts an architectural element of a train station in Lisbon, Portugal juxtaposed against the bright blue sky; bottom front cover displays the text:"Little Notes, Big Ideas." Each journal measures 5.5" x 8.5" and comes with 40 pages of lined paper.
Treat yourself or give them as gifts to connoisseurs of style in your circle.

(bottom left: inside front cover; bottom right: lined page)

New Framed Paris by Night Photograph

2011-10-28T15:46:00.001-07:00

New 11x14 Digital Print: Louvre Reflection

2011-09-21T08:31:00.001-07:00

Louvre Reflection 11x14
Originally uploaded by ArgenticVision

Just added to the Argentic Vision store, this photograph exemplifies the juxtaposition between classic and modern. Photo depicts the Louvre pavilion reflected in the glass pyramid which marks the main entrance to the Louvre museum in Paris.
Great to purchase for yourself or give as a gift for the Paris and/or architecture connoisseur in your circle.
https://www.wepay.com/shop/argenticvision

Musee d'Orsay Boxed Sets (Gold & Silver)

2011-09-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Each card depicts an original B&W photograph of the interior clock of the Musee d'Orsay in Paris. The big hand, number dials and peripheral facets of the clock have been embellished with fine glitter powder. Each card is blank on the inside and comes with a plain cotton A7 envelope (4 cards & 4 envelopes in the set). Each boxed set is presented in a clear sturdy plastic box and wrapped on the outside with a coordinating color bow. Keep and use for yourself or give as a gift to the Paris lover in your circle.

The gold and vintage silver sets are featured below with links to purchase as well as larger images of each set. To see more unique products, visit the ArgenticVision gift shop.

Musee d'Orsay Boxed Set of 4 (Gold Embellishments)

Musee d'Orsay Boxed Set of 4 (Vintage Silver Embellishments)

CARDS+PRINTS for sale

2011-09-13T14:09:00.001-07:00

CARDS+PRINTS for sale, a set on Flickr.

Art doesn't have to be expensive. Especially these days with so many people struggling financially, art may seem like a frivolous expense.The truth is, however, that art uplifts the soul and elevates the spirit and it connects us to one another.
I've designed my own line of stationery, which I'm excited to share with you. Also, I've started to make certain prints available for sale as digital prints which are matted to either 8x10 or 11x14 finished sizes.
Check out my store and please share your thoughts with me.
Thank you!
-Lili

Chicago: A city that pleases the senses via art & architecture and much more

2011-04-23T21:15:00.001-07:00

I'm visiting Chicago this week and have found myself inspired by the city's artistic and architectural beauty. As far as the eye can see, and in every direction, there are seemingly endless sources of inspiration in the way of cool, hip, and thought-provoking public art for all to enjoy. The architecture is absolutely phenomenal, comprised of styles that are so rich and visually stunning not to mention diverse.
Since I shoot on film, I won't be able to share the images taken with my film camera until I've had a chance to process my negatives however thanks to the availability of my Blackberry camera, I can share some images I've taken from my trip with you below (images have been captured on a black & white setting and have NOT been digitally altered). Enjoy!

Additional images from my Chicago portfolio can be viewed here.

Video: B&W Fine Art Images of Paris

2011-02-16T20:42:00.000-08:00

Going Postal: A fine art photo collage

2011-02-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

I shot a series of images which were hung in the offices of a high profile L.A. area investment firm with a Mailroom theme. Below are some of the images from that assignment which have been arranged in the form of a photo collage:

Limited Edition Valentine's Day Card-On Sale Now!

2011-02-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

In honor of Valentine's Day (February 14th) I've designed a limited edition greeting card featuring one of my most popular black & white fine art photographic images which was shot in Venice, Italy. The image depicts two gondoliers on the Grand Canal as shot from the balustrade of the famous Rialto Bridge.

Whether you're celebrating the love of a spouse, significant other, or a cherished friend or family member, this card will surely be a hit with the recipient. Each card is 5x7 and comes with a red A7 envelope. The image on the front is bordered by the word "LOVE" in five languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. On the inside of the card is a simple heart inscribed with the "Happy Valentine's Day" greeting and is surrounded by the five translations of the world LOVE, each in a different stylized font. The individual cards retail for $3.95 each (plus tax in CA).

Since February is also Heart Health Month , it's important to honor the continuing fight against heart disease, therefore a portion of the proceeds from all card sales will be donated to the American Heart Association.

For orders, please contact me via email: info[at] argenticvision[dot]com OR via phone 805-769-8034.

For detailed views of the front and inside of the card as well as the accompanying envelope, please see below:

Above: Front of card; double-click to enlarge

Above: Inside of card

Above: Each card comes with Red A7 envelope

"Art Auction to "Free All 3":Event in SF tonight

2011-01-29T15:20:00.001-08:00

If you're in the SF area tonight, stop by SOMArts Cultural Center at 7pm to enjoy an evening of art, philanthropy, and music to support a great cause meant to raise funds for the legal defense of the 3 U.S. hikers held in Iran since 2009. Sarah Shourd (who will be present at the event) has been freed on bail but Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer remain in captivity.

Afternoon on the docks of the Seine

2010-05-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Every time I look at this image I'm transported back to the moment when I shot it. I'm able to enjoy reliving the peace and tranquility I felt when I composed the shot. On this particular afternoon I had just finished doing some shooting around the area of Notre Dame and decided to go down to the docks to take a break to just hang out and relax. The natural light and shadows were so beautiful I had to take out my camera to shoot a few frames - the icing on the cake was that the boat in the foreground came cruising by so I included it too.

View from the Underground

2010-05-18T16:05:00.001-07:00

I shot this image in London while changing trains on the Jubilee line on my way to spend an afternoon shooting in the immediate vicinity of the Palace of Westminster. The station has such an ultra-cool and modern look due to its industrial design aesthetic, which is a great contrast to the Gothic architecture of the Palace and Abbey of Westminster. The station has a distinct look and feel that sets it apart from any of the other stations in the Tube system. I couldn't resist taking my camera out of my bag and snapping a few frames while I was standing on the escalator before reaching the platform to catch the next train.

Day Trip to Bruges: Quiet Contemplation & Spiritual Reflection

2010-05-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

Whenever I'm in Europe, I always try to take a side trip to a nearby country, even if it's just for the day. It's so easy to do given the numerous high speed train lines that connect the various major cities and besides, I love train travel. During a recent visit to Paris, I decided I to take a day trip to Bruges, Belgium, which is just a few hours away. The train ride was beautiful and scenic and in no time at all I arrived in Bruges and started to wander around to explore, discover, etc.
For a Spring day, it became quite sunny and hot by the mid-afternoon so I decided to get some relief by ducking into a church (St. Magdalena/Magdalenakerk) which seemed to be significantly shaded by some extremely tall and beautiful trees. In stark contrast to the flurry of activity on its grounds and even on the doorstep leading inside, the interior of the church was so quiet and peaceful. In fact, it was so quiet that I tried to tread extra quietly so as to minimize the potential of disturbing anyone inside.
As I walked around, I enjoyed the beautiful architecture and the way that the stained glass windows cast such a beautiful glow on everything inside. In the foyer of the church there was a reflecting pool, which apparently is usually adorned with some type of art display created by some of the local artists. On this day, the reflecting pool was perfect in its simplicity, free from any obstruction. Given that I'm such a sucker for interesting images of reflections, I composed this shot. For a moment I thought about not doing it because I was afraid that the sound of my shutter would be too loud, but I'm glad I did.

Nighttime Explorations: Paris after Dark

2010-05-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

One of the master photographers whose work I admire and draw great inspiration from is Brassai. He produced a great range of work during his lifetime but the thing he is most widely known for is his night photography of Paris. Apparently he was a night owl and from sunset to dawn he roamed the streets of Paris (during the 1930's) with his camera capturing on black and white film those aspects of Paris which he loved, admired and felt amused by, etc.
In fact one of my prized possessions is the Pantheon edition of "Paris by Night" which contains full-page images taken by Brassai, each one having been printed in heliogravure using Brassai's original plates.
When I'm in Paris, I love to spend every moment exploring and experiencing the city on foot accompanied only by my camera, and this is true especially at night because of the beautiful contrast that you can capture on black and white film from the lights all around the city.
I like to shoot what I find visually interesting, or quirky, etc., in fact the composition often changes depending on my mood, my surroundings, and so on. Although I'm not conscious of it, I think that deep down inside me, when I'm shooting, every now and then I try to evoke inspiration from the masters whom I admire.
On the particular night I shot this image, I think I was aided by the spirit of Brassai, or at least I would like to think so. That's one of the beautiful things about Paris: whether in the 1930's or now, the city has so much charm and character that the passage of time hardly matters at all, especially when viewing a black and white image.

Double Vision

2010-05-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Shadows are amongst my favorite compositions. I’m not sure exactly why I find them so appealing but in certain instances, I find them irresistible. Of course, not all shadows interest me enough to want to photograph them but the ones that do stand out in my mind long after I’ve captured them on film.

The photograph you see here was shot in London-I was walking through the Kensington area and happened to glance up for a moment which is when I noticed the shadow of the street lamp falling on the building. At that moment I couldn’t walk away without shooting a few frames.

Abre la puerta (Open the door)

2010-05-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

I shot this image in Barcelona as I was walking along Gran Via one afternoon. In composing this image, I focused in on the door knocker since I found it to be so unique and visually interesting. I'm sure you're asking yourself if it's just a decorative element or if it's actually a fully functional door knocker...I wondered the same thing and after trying it found out that it works perfectly :)

Argentic Adventures in Europe: A Slideshow

2010-05-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Persian Pride

2010-05-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

I was born in Tehran, Iran, and lived there with my family until I was roughly 6 yrs old before the situation dramatically and violently changed (politically) in the country causing us to have to leave due to the imminent danger and risks posed to our lives by the circumstances.

Europe became our home away from home until we finally chose to settle in New York City during the height of the hostage crisis of the 1980's. Looking back, I'm pretty proud of myself for being able to survive in a New York City public school at a time when I received tremendous heat on a daily basis from my young American peers for being Iranian. I think the experience shaped certain aspects of my personality in many ways.

Growing up, I became a rebellious teenager trying to do everything in my power to distance myself from my culture, the Persian diaspora community here in the US, etc. In fact, I spent many years pretending to be from a completely non-Iranian culture (i.e., Italian) when asked where I was from, simply to avoid the American societal stigma toward Iranians. I really just wanted to be a cool American teenager like all of the kids I went to school with and so those years were full of constant conflict between the culture and values of my parents with those of my newly adopted country.

I'm an adult now (and an American citizen) and some 30 years have gone by without having set foot on Iranian soil, literally since the day my family left. I've become older and wiser and have done a better job of reconciling the two cultures, picking and choosing what I like best about each one and incorporating those qualities into my own personal aesthetic. I've traveled the world and I've built a pretty amazing life for myself but the one thing that I find myself really yearning for is to be able to connect with my true heritage by visiting the land where I was born. It's taken me a long time to get to this point given the diametrically opposite point of view I held as a teenager, but I'm intensely proud of being Persian, from Iran, whatever you want to call it.

The Persian culture is so diverse in its history, its richness and its beauty. Persian people are some of the warmest, most loving and hospitable people you will ever encounter. At the same time, they are strong, resilient, artistic, creative, intelligent, hard-working, tenacious-they are survivors. To be Persian is to have nothing at all to do with the headlines and stories you see on the evening news or in the media-what you see there is something entirely un-Persian.

I don't know when I'll be able to visit Iran again such that I can be free and completely unencumbered by the politics, dogma, and radical fanaticism which are imposed daily upon the population by the cruel and evil government. My greatest wish (on my personal bucket list) is to visit the site of the ruins of Persepolis before I die, to capture it on film with my camera, to put my own artistic stamp on this place which symbolizes the greatness and strength of the Persian Empire, not to mention the artistic and architectural genius of the Persian culture.

Up until now, the closest I've been able to get to Persepolis is Paris. The Musee du Louvre houses an incredible amount of art, artifacts and architecture from the Persian Empire spanning several periods. Having had a chance to see the Persian art and architecture at the Louvre has only whetted my appetite for the opportunity to see the real thing. I've already waited 30 years; I hope I don't have to wait another 30 years but I'm willing to wait as long as necessary. My experience has taught me that things come full circle in life and so I'm clinging to my belief that one day I will have my chance to carry out my wish.

Whether now or in the future, whether through words or through images, I strive to make it abundantly clear that I'm Persian and I'm proud.

Reflection Within a Reflection

2010-05-06T19:58:00.001-07:00

Shot in Venice, Italy. Buildings on opposite side of Grand Canal reflecting in a mirror in a store window display.

Entre Ombre et Lumiere

2010-05-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

I love so many things about Paris, in particular, Le Marais (3eme & 4eme arrondissements), one of my favorite parts of the entire city. As you stroll along the crooked streets you might be able to sense what Old Paris may have been like since many buildings in this area were not modified by Napoleon's great civil planner, Baron Hausmann.
A historic district, part of the charm of this area is due to the diverse mix of cultures, architecture, etc.
I was intrigued by the shadow cast by one building upon another just across the way one sunny spring morning while I was walking down the street, so that's what you see depicted in this image.

Passage Souterrain

2010-05-04T16:24:00.001-07:00

Night shot taken in Paris at the bouche de metro just off of Rue de Rivoli, near Jardin des Tuileries.

You Can't Rush Perfection

2010-04-28T09:39:00.001-07:00

La Sagrada Familia, the famous cathedral in Barcelona, is considered to be Antonio Gaudi's masterpiece. He spent over 40 years of his life working on this massive project, dedicating the last 15 years of his life exclusively to it. Apparently when he was asked about the lengthy construction timetable he replied, "My client is not in a hurry." Considering the fact that the project started in 1883 with current estimates indicating a scheduled completion date of sometime in 2026, the circumstances support Gaudi's sentiment that it's really not possible to rush perfection.
During my visit to Barcelona last Spring, I had set out specifically to shoot La Sagrada Familia. On the day I shot this image, I tried to mask the scaffolding and construction equipment as best as I could by using a wider angle and incorporating the trees and shadows into the composition in order to achieve a more balanced and artistic image.

The Louvre: From Impregnable Fortress to Palace & Museum

2010-04-26T13:32:00.001-07:00

The Louvre is one of the most well known and important museums in the world but long before it attained such a status, it was a fortress built to protect the King and the inhabitants of Paris. The modern-day Louvre traces its architectural origins to the 12th century and was built by King Philippe Auguste. The medieval fortress included a thick cylindrical dungeon surrounded by towered walls.
Over the course of the centuries since it was first constructed, the Louvre has been transformed by events of French history as well as by the architects and decorators who have left their mark on it.
One of the things I like about this depiction of the Pavilion Denon is that it appears to be reminiscent of a haunted house. Who knows...perhaps it was influenced by the ghosts of the dungeon captives who are rumored to inhabit the Louvre, a belief which is held by some Parisians to this very day.

I Like What I See In Your Rear View

2010-04-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

During my visit to Paris last year I had made it a point to make time to shoot the sculpture at the Palais Royale-Musee du Louvre Metro station, known as Le Kiosque des Noctambules (created by the artist Jean-Michel Othoniel). The entire bouche de metro is enveloped by two huge crown-shaped sculptures made of aluminum and colored glass. While it’s a bit odd-looking it’s incredibly cool at the very same time.

When I finally got there I encountered huge masses of people gathered around to watch a group of street performers. I made numerous attempts to maneuver around the crowd for quite some time in the hopes of getting a clear shot of the sculpture but it became pretty obvious that it just wasn’t going to happen.

As I walked away from the crowd to head across the street for a coffee break, I had to pass by a row of scooters and motor bikes which were parked along the curb. I caught a glimpse of part of the sculpture reflecting in the rear view mirror of one of the parked scooters and I decided to take the shot so that’s what you see in this image.

Aside from being a fun experience it was a learning lesson too because it taught me that there is more than one way to get the shot you want, you just have to be creative, patient and persistent. As it turns out, this is one of my favorite images and each time I look at it, I remember the circumstances that led me to be able to capture it.

Scrabble a la Francaise

2010-04-22T10:13:00.001-07:00

There are many interesting and quite beautiful metro stations all throughout Paris and none more so than the Concorde metro stop (Metro Line 12). While you're standing there hanging out just waiting for the train to pull into the station, it's doubtful that too much thought is given to the seemingly endless alphabet soup that appears on the tiled walls of this station.
In fact, a lot of thought did go into this design which was the conception of the artist Francoise Schein. The text on the walls is actually that of the Declaration of Human Rights from the French Revolution of 1789, a juxtaposition that is very apropos considering that Place de la Concorde is the very location where King Louis XVI was beheaded in 1793 during the French Revolution.

Pigeons care about time management too!

2010-04-21T12:18:00.001-07:00

This sculpture is located right outside Gare St. Lazare (train station) in Paris. I remember wanting to venture to that part of town just to shoot this sculpture which is the creation of Armand Pierre Fernandez titled "L'heure de tous". When you get up close to it, it's hard not to notice the significant amount of urea from the birds which is all around the sculpture itself as well as on its base. I was trying a few different angles to get a clear shot of the sculpture as well as of Gare St. Lazare in the back and at that moment a pigeon flew into the shot (center foreground).

Enjoy the Fun in Acquiring Different Perspectives While Traveling the World

2010-04-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted here in a while mainly because in the past few months I've been concentrating exclusively on my core business, which has nothing at all to do with photography.

As the current busy season in my industry prepares to wind down slightly, I'm developing some thoughts and ideas related to my photography and increasing its visibility and presence online. While going through my images, I found myself continuously going back to one in particular, which I shot in Venice in the Spring of 2009 so I thought I'd share it here:

Many people who've seen this image up close have had a positive emotional reaction to it and it is one of my favorites too because it represents a familiar Venetian scene of gondolas on the Grand Canal, but it's presented through a different perspective.

I think when one travels, as well as in life, it's important to keep our perspective open and to challenge our view of what "is" because when we do so there's always an opportunity to learn something new and that's always a good thing.

Repair the World - Do Not Destroy It

2009-06-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

I shot this image during an accidental encounter with a Middle East rally while visiting London in the summer of 2008. The man holding the sign was the only symbol of peace amidst the chaotic scene I witnessed that day. Since I captured this image I haven't known how to use it, but I think the time has come for me to share it as its message has never been more relevant than it is now.
As an Iranian by birth who has spent most of her life in the West after having to flee Iran just before the 1979 revolution, it is with great personal interest that I follow the events unfolding in my native country. I am hoping for peace and freedom for the Iranian people as well as all human beings who are suffering from oppression and tyranny in our world. I'm posting this photograph in dedication to them and in so doing perhaps I can give a voice to those who no longer have one, or whose voice has been silenced.

My photo exhibit: (Groupshow) Universal Art Gallery, Venice from June 13-July 12 2009

2009-06-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

I'm one of 13 photographers being featured in a groupshow at Universal Art Gallery in Venice, CA. The opening reception was this past Saturday, June 13th and the exhibit will run until July 12, 2009. The evening of the opening was a great experience full of awesome art and it was quite well attended by invited guests as well as locals from the Venice/Marina del Rey/Santa Monica area.
I have 12 works on display (hand-made archival silver gelatin B&W fiber prints) featuring images of Barcelona, London, Paris and Venice, which were shot over the course of the past three years (2007 to 2009).
I had a great time talking to guests, customers as well as the other artists. who were exhibiting. The range of talent in the show is extremely diverse and all of the photographers are awesome, both in terms of their photographic skill as well as the fact that they are just amazingly nice and gracious people.
If you are in the area and have a chance to stop by, I would encourage you to do so as there is likely to be something to suit every taste/photographic aesthetic, etc.
Enjoy!

Pat on the back from VeryVoo.com! Thanks, Guys!

2009-06-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

I feel as though I've become one with my laptop as I've barely left its side today, and it mine (my lap, that is) :-) I'm completely wiped and ready to shut it down but not before I share my excitement about logging in to the coolest new collaborative website, VeryVoo, and noticing that the photobook which I had recently created consisting of the latest images from my trip to Europe, is the "Best of the Best" feature on their photobook gallery page!
So cool and so Voo! It's a lot of fun - basically you start an album with a theme and invite people via email and they can add to it too - I think the max number of contributors is 20 people but you can adjust as you wish once you create a log-in, etc. Check it out and have fun collaborating! In addition to collaborative albums, you can also do creative writing collaborations, etc. Much more fun if you check it out yourself and explore the possibilities.

Donations of Artwork to support Charitable Causes....

2009-05-28T05:20:00.001-07:00

Having an artistic ability and invariably the means to create something artistic is a very rewarding experience on many levels. The individual creative journey varies but it is an intense and almost meditative process. The act of creativity is spiritually rewarding.

Once an artist finds a market for their artwork such that they start to generate sales, of course, that is rewarding on a whole other level, which is pretty self-explanatory.

In my opinion, the act of donating artwork to worthy causes as fund-raising tools, is also quite rewarding. Many charities rely on successful silent auctions as part of their fund-raising efforts. In such a scenario, the rewarding aspect for an artist is multi-faceted: you are inherently rewarded vis a vis your sense of social responsibility knowing you are doing something to help a worthy cause; in addition, the silent auction itself can serve as a channel through which to market your name, artwork, etc.

Most recently I donated a print to a very worthy cause, Rockin' Against Cancer. One of my friends, a very talented photographer, is one of the key organizers of this cause as a direct result of a recent glioma diagnosis (brain cancer) received by her close family member. The mission of this organization is to raise funds for glioma research as well as to support families of those who are afflicted, etc.

This past Sunday May 24th there was a concert benefit held (in Colorado) which was hugely successful in terms of the community response, silent auction success and press coverage.

Click to learn more about Rockin' Against Cancer
Click to learn how you can help
Click to read about the Rockin' Against Cancer Press Coverage

Back in the US after Shooting Europe....

2009-05-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from a wonderful trip to Europe. I visited several cities and had a chance to do quite a bit of shooting so I will be sharing some of the images from the recent trip on this blog over the course of the coming weeks.

Also, a quick plug for an awesome camera shop, ProCamera in Thousand Oaks. I was so busy prior to my scheduled departure that I didn't have a chance to take my camera equipment in for a good cleaning until literally the Friday afternoon just before my trip (I was leaving early on Tuesday). I've gone to this camera shop before and they've always been wonderful but in light of the pressing schedule, they managed to provide their usual exemplary service in an expedited fashion without charging me the equivalent of highway robbery prices. I'll add them to my list of favorite photography resources (Los Angeles/SoCal)...if you happen to be in the area and need your camera repaired, cleaned, etc., stop in and ask for Wayne.

In the interim, I've posted a few images...I will upload more images from my recent trip as often as possible.

Saying Goodbye to an Icon: American Film Photographer, Helen Levitt, Passes Away

2009-03-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

From Crosstown: Photographs by Helen Levitt, Courtesy powerHouse Books
http://www.npr.org/programs/atc/features/2002/jan/levitt/020117.levitt.html

On my blog (in the right hand margin) I keep a short list of some of the great photographers of the past whose work inspires me...whether it's their humanity or their art, or both, some essence of their spirit serves as fuel for my own soul and intuition as I continue to develop my own craft and my own art.
Today I add to that list the name of Helen Levitt - an American photographer who captured the innocence of urban American street life in the 1930's and 1940's. Her art came into being before the advent of the television which caused us to retreat into our homes. She captured everyday life as it happened and focused mainly on the innocence and beauty of children at play, or just children being children.
The quiet greatness of this woman is important not only to those who follow photography, but it is important to all women. I can only speak for myself but I am inspired by such great women to stand up and be counted and to continue to strive for my own rightful place in the world both because of and in spite of my gender.
This is for all great women, past, present, and future, and in the memory of a great woman whose life achievements and whose body of work we celebrate today.

Some links about Helen Levitt below:

* NPR (Helen Levitt's Indelible Eye) - features an audio clip of an interview of Helen Levitt
http://www.npr.org/programs/atc/features/2002/jan/levitt/020117.levitt.html

* New York Times - Art & Design section posted 30 March 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/arts/design/30levitt.html?hpw

* Lens Culture (features audio interview and slideshow of Helen Levitt's images)
http://www.lensculture.com/levitt.html

Medium Format Experiment Yields Ethereal Results...

2009-03-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

I usually shoot on 35mm film but I had always wanted to experiment with medium format photography as well. I picked up a little Holga one day and took it out to do some test shooting locally in Santa Monica. I happened to be in the vicinity of Santa Monica college and was looking for a place where I could shoot with relative peace and concentration yet somewhere which would be a source of inspiration at the same time. I stumbled upon Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery. I had to think about it a little bit since it wouldn't have been my natural first choice as a shooting location but the more I thought about it I realized that it was the perfect location....quiet, a place where I could be pensive and tap into my intuition, yet be surrounded by plenty of other-worldly inspiration. I didn't spend much time there mainly out of a sense of respect...there were others in the cemetery and I didn't want to spend too much time walking around with my camera shooting epitaphs, mausoleums, etc. I think another photographer would definitely understand but I don't know if the average non-photographer would be quite so nonchalant about it...I do love the medium format camera, however, and as I post this I am realizing that I should probably experiment with it a bit more. Just a few images from that day are included below...

(images copyright of Lili Rahmati; http://www.argenticvision.com/)

Vienna: City of Imperial Elegance with a Modern Twist

2009-03-28T01:30:00.000-07:00

Vienna is a city that traces its origins to settlements by the Celtic tribes in approximately 500 BC. Throughout the ages this important European capital has been transformed into a dominant center of art, commerce, and culture. One of the cleanest cities in Europe and also one of the most hip and modern at the same time, Vienna is an exciting place to witness the juxtaposition of classic and modern. Gothic, Rococo and Baroque structures are often facing modern and contemporary edifices, not only in the center of the city but all throughout. I'm excited to share some examples with you below...

(all images copyright of Lili Rahmati; http://www.argenticvision.com/)

Nighttime in Paris - Seductive Reflections...

2009-03-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

Paris is truly beautiful in every season. There is a natural visual splendor about this most wondrous European capital that transcends time, space, weather, etc. The city holds a unique charm during the daytime but it has a particularly seductive power after dark. The Seine plays a major role in giving this city an air of mystique beginning at sunset and continuing into the night. The elegance of this famed city of lights is enhanced further by way of the positioning of reflecting pools near many of its magnificent architectural sights. The resulting luminous glow reflecting in the water leaves the observer with an unforgettable memory. I am fortunate to have captured such memories on film...in sharing the resulting images I hope that I can impart my good fortune with others. Enjoy!

(all images copyright of Lili Rahmati; http://www.argenticvision.com/)

Celebrating the Year 2568: Naw Ruz (Persian New Year)

2009-03-17T02:32:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the 2568th anniversary of the Persian New Year I am posting a video which I created comprised of images I shot while visiting Musee du Louvre, Ancient Near East section, Ancient Iran & Mesopotamian Art.

I was born on Iranian soil and left at a young age - in my heart I wish for the day that I can return, as an adult and as a photographer, to capture the magic and mysteries of this rich and ancient land on film and share them with whomever may be interested.
Until that day comes, the section of the Louvre which houses the arts, artifacts, and architectural art history of the Great Persian Empire, is the closest I can get to the magnificent splendor that Iran has to offer.
To all Iranians, in Iran and in the diaspora communities around the world, I send my most sincere wishes for a healthy and Happy New Year. As we say in Farsi: "Eid-e-Shoma Mobarak".

For more of my photography, please visit: www.argenticvision.com

(images on this blog are copyright of Lili Rahmati)

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Medium Format Experiment Yields Ethereal Results...

Vienna: City of Imperial Elegance with a Modern Twist

Nighttime in Paris - Seductive Reflections...

Celebrating the Year 2568: Naw Ruz (Persian New Year)

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